Mikes Place

By Michael L. Craner

Welcome back to “Mike’s Place.” Regular readers may remember some of my previous columns under this title, and this edition will be rather similar to some of those where I spoke my mind, without regard to anyone’s toes. Reader Beware!

For those looking for “Technically Speaking,” I apologize, but since the events last month, I like many others, have found suddenly that certain things have lost their meaning or importance, at least for the time being.

When I first began my outline for this month‘s column, it started out with an apology. Some time ago I chastised those who forgot how to remove their hats in the presence of the flag, general lack of patriotism, even going so far as to say that I was afraid that when the going got tough, folks would duck out and hide.

I’ve long felt I was a fairly decent observer of the human nature, identifying traits, qualities, and weaknesses. Last month, I began to think I was wrong, but as the weeks slowly passed, I realized that I was closer to the mark than I had first thought. Certainly, I don’t mean that there isn’t anyone out there with any pride for their country! There are a good many true patriots out there; however, as we have begun to discover, there are even more “radicalized patriots.”

A radicalized patriot is one that comes out of the woodwork when something goes awry. These are often identified as the loudest talkers and the swiftest walkers. They heat up quickly, then return to their slumbering abyss just as quickly, expecting others to be fired up by their words, to take over and make the changes.

We have seen many heroes recently. We have seen unity, and caring and compassion. Rescue efforts, relief efforts, and heightened security efforts continue. We have also seen price gouging, devious schemes to take advantage of the patriotic, compassionate, and grief-stricken.

We’ve heard, even chanted and sung “United We Stand,” and that all the terrorists have done is to wake us up, and sign their own death warrants. We boast that their attack failed, yet, nothing could be further from the truth.

Airlines are now suffering, airports are practically empty, the fragile economy has finally cracked under the pressure as investors dump their shares, hoping to get away with at least something. Employers are cutting out more people than ever in hopes of saving their businesses from bankruptcy. For many, not even that will help them now. Innocent Middle-Eastern immigrants and guests have been attacked, both verbally and physically. Little old ladies are shouting in the streets, “Nuke ‘em all, let Allah sort ‘em out!”

These are the results of radicalized patriots who talk the talk then wait to see if anyone is following. These are the results of long repressed emotions, people who for too long have been wrapped up in themselves and ignored the world around them, whether for selfishness, or to protect themselves from seemingly helpless situations.

If we were to stand united, we would BUY stocks, continue to fly as we have in the past. Love and respect our neighbors, even take them in, get to know them better, regardless of the name of their God.

I have great faith in our government and our allies to handle this matter appropriately, and I support them, even if it means putting my uniform back on. I’d do it tomorrow, with no regrets, and I know my family would fly Old Glory for me every day I’m gone.

This war is unlike any we’ve ever faced, and it will last a long time. It is crucial to remain focused on the objective, and not let the passing of time dim the resolve we vowed on September 11th. We must never let our guard down. It is the responsibility of every human being to be alert to their surroundings, to be a part of their communities, not apart from them.

If you ever think, that you don’t make a difference, just remember the story of the child throwing the starfish, that washed in with the tide, back into the ocean. The observer asked how the child could possibly make a difference, with hundreds, maybe thousands dying on the beach. As the child tossed yet another into the sea, he replied, “Made a difference to that one…”

Every effort makes a difference, no matter how small; yet, we should never be satisfied until we’ve given all that we have.

One last note to those who think the US should get out of the UN and NATO. Take a look around; surely you have been touched at the sincerity, support, and concerns of the other nations around the globe at our plight. This is partly due to decades of our own efforts in foreign aid and support. Years of “doing the right thing,” and helping out our neighbors, are coming back to us as we all band together to fight this new war. Just as we must remain united here in the United States, so should we be with the rest of the world. Not just because we should, or because of times like now when we need help, but because that is what God, regardless of the name you call him, wants of us.