Independence Day 2011

The great Socialist playwright George Bernard Shaw once said, ‎"Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it." 

I think I may have once agreed with Mr. Shaw, but lately, I no longer believe there is dread in taking responsibility. I think most Americans want not only to take responsibility, but they also want to put in the work. 

An old friend recently reminded me of real patriotism when he told me a story of his father who had served in 'MacArthur's army and fought at Luzon, New Guinea. He, like a lot of other veterans of that era, never talked much about the war. Those who were able came back from it, went to work, and built this country into the greatest nation in history'. My friend's father 'spent the last months of his tour in a hospital in Tokyo with malaria and hepatitus, and he was never really healthy thereafter -- he lived on will and determination. He was awarded two bronze stars with oak clusters, but he never said what for'.

America will go back to work. Let's just hope that it is sooner rather than later.