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Published: July 4, 2008
Settling For Mediocrity
Today it will be 232 years since our forefathers declared independence from England and began what we now call America.
However, on this 232nd anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the fibers that made our country strong in many senses seem to be unwinding. The average American today no longer answers President John F. Kennedy's call "to ask what you can do for your country." The average American today is more concerned about self and wealth as opposed to the betterment of the country as a whole. The average American today complains about a problem instead of taking action and fixing it. The average American today in many senses has been built up on the successes of past generations and has settled for the scraps of greatness as opposed to forging their own identity and unique moment in history.
Have we become Average America? Are we stuck in the pits of mediocrity? Have we decided that it is OK to just be the average?
Again, to quote President John F. Kennedy Jr., "We choose to do these things not because they are easy, but because they are Hard."
PEGGY ESSEX-KLAMMER
Lake Placid
Spirit Of The Fourth
The fire of our freedom that we all enjoy and celebrate today will only burn bright if it is continually fed with truth, trust and the spirit of self-sacrifice.
If any one of the three is withheld, freedom's fire will flicker and eventually be extinguished. It is the way of things.
DOUGLAS M. de VLAMING
Largo
Defining Patriotism Patriotism is not something that can be pinned to your lapel, thereby showing the world what a great American you are. Patriotism is not unwavering, unquestioning loyalty to any political party or politician. In fact, it is quite the opposite.
As American citizens, we owe it to ourselves to scrutinize the actions of our elected representatives. They work for us, not the other way around. And we need to know that they work in our best interests, not theirs. Patriotism is not waving the flag and saying the Pledge of Allegiance. It's far less tangible than that.
It's not so much a love of country, but of the people who comprise the country. It's something you hold in your heart, not pin to your coat. It's the courage to stand up and do the right thing regardless of whether it is politically correct or expedient. Because when good men are silent, only evil is heard.
Not all tyranny requires the use of violent force to quell dissent. Sometimes it is far more effective to create an atmosphere of intolerance that brands anyone who will not blindly follow along as a traitor. And any true patriot already knows this.
JOHN NASON
Lake City
Fly Flag Properly
With all of the hubbub going on between our two presidential candidates, I would like to weigh in on my interpretation of patriotism.
Regardless of the lack of laws for enforcement coupled with those who are for self-expression whatever the issue, your patriotism is suspect by my evaluation if your American flag is not flown as follows.
Colors must be flown on the building's right. Our flag's stars are to be viewed on the left of the flag; the strips are on the right. Our colors are to be of equal or larger size than those it is displayed with. And lastly, our national colors are to be flown equal to or higher than any other flag.
Patriots, fly our colors right!
STANLEY GRAY
Tampa
A Time For Sacrifice
As we celebrate Independence Day, I wonder what our revolutionary fathers and mothers would say about America's addiction to foreign oil.
Today, America's independence is under attack. We can dishonor our heritage and accept a declining standard of living or we can stand together and take action. If we were still the "Greatest Generation" there would be no doubt about the response.
The initial defense of America against the escalating gas crisis is to reduce demand. No other action can place downward price pressure.
On July 4, we are proud of the volunteers in the U.S. military who defend our freedom by placing themselves in harm's way. It seems a simple sacrifice for you and I to take a small step to defend America by sharing a ride a few days each week.
JOHN MARKLE
Indian Rocks Beach
Coming Back To Bite Us
I remember the '70s regarding the gas shortages. I worked at an Arco station prior to going in the service. I remember gas prices were around 32 cents a gallon. As I got older, I saw how prices went up and vehicles got bigger. I knew someday it would come back to bite us.
We are in big trouble, and yet no one is willing to give us all a dose of reality. I'm afraid the path our country is on is just the beginning.
BOB BAKER
Clearwater
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