Where are we today?

Who could have known the impact of serving with an officer who was not a Gentleman? After returning to Conus in 1969 I just wanted to go and bury my head in the sand and not get involved in any aspect of politics at all. As a returning Vietnam Veteran I found myself in an atmosphere of mistrust and misguided ideals from individuals who had no idea who I was nor what I stood for.

To find myself and all other Veterans being called “Baby Killers” was such an insult to my own personal integrity that I immediately took out my anger on any person who used that word to describe me or any Veteran. This was not a pretty sight I can tell you.  It took me over three years to bury the anger and hurt of being ostracized by the very people we were told we were protecting. But, eventually you go on with your life and raise a family and become a citizen of the US of A again. Then along comes the presidential elections process. I’m setting very complacent in my own little world making a living and enjoying the Pursuit of Happiness. Not a worry in the world (I thought). When all of the sudden I start hearing rumors about some Massachusetts Senator named John Kerry running for President. I knew in my heart that I would have to step up and have my say about the integrity of guy they were speaking about. I was truly a” babe in the woods” when it came to knowing just how far John Kerry would go to discredit me.  The story every one knows, I’m sure, from there to its conclusion.

            My quest is for an answer to why a group of people who call themselves Patriotic citizens feel it is necessary to destroy our country in order to gain the decision making powers in our country. If you have such a unique grasp of what our people need then why not put forth your agenda and let the people decide. Instead you go to great lengths to hide the great strides our country is making every day in a NEW DEMOCRATIC Society in Iraq.. What kind of agenda leads people to hide this progress to further their own agenda at the cost of not telling our people the truth? When we should be applauding our troops instead, we have certain groups who prefer to try and tear down the fabric of what makes our country great. For one reason only, to further their own ambitions. When do we step up to the plate and say enough is enough. When we no longer have a free democratic country? When we no longer have the freedom of speech to say what is on our minds? Or when we finally realize just how poorly our country is being abused by these groups intent on taking control regardless of the damage it causes. I think it is time for all the people who believe in free society step up and let our voices be heard. Stop allowing lies and personal agendas to be spoken without recourse. It's time to start protecting our country not ignoring what we know to be happening.It's time to stop sliding the responsibility on someone elses shoulders and step up and be counted . It can be done .We've seen it in the past. Now it's time to put your duty to the test . Stop all the infighting and protect our country NOW!!!!!         

Contributed by Steve Gardner on July 7, 2006 at 09:57 AM in Coming home, Steve Gardner | Permalink

Comments

Posted by: Anna

Steve, what you guys are doing here is a step in that direction. You are standing up and voicing your opinion and I wholeheartedly agree. I do not understand what makes a person put political aspirations ahead of national security. They're priorities are definitely skewed. I thank God for guys like you "Old Dogs" who will stand up and say it's wrong. I'll do my part too. Enough is enough!

Posted by: Anna | Jul 7, 2006 4:37:30 PM

Posted by: Bill Faith

Great first post, Steve. We'll look forward to more.

Posted by: Bill Faith | Jul 7, 2006 5:38:27 PM

Posted by: Jim Bartimus

Hi Steve. I will never forget what you did to help save us from Skerry. That was my first taste of politics and if wasn't for people like you we might have lost that war. Thank you for being part of US, and know that you are not alone when it comes to people that remember what really happened.
By the way, you just made my day a good one. Serves you right and you deserve it.

Regards,
JB

Posted by: Jim Bartimus | Jul 7, 2006 10:16:50 PM

Posted by: John

Steve- Thank you for daring to speak out during the election, an act of patriotism and bravery equal to your honorable service in Vietnam. The resulting injustices to you and the other Swifties clearly define the depth of the threat to our country today. You have helped defend our country against enemies foreign and domestic, and I salute you for it.
Capt. USN (ret)

Posted by: John | Jul 20, 2006 11:28:28 AM