For the past almost 3 years I've listened to a daily barrage of tomfoolery with regards to President Obama and his agenda for this country. We've heard from Teabaggers, Birthers, Truthers, and some elected officials regarding death panels in the HCR debate. The President has been called marxists, socialist, communists, a terrorist sympathizer, and has been accused of wanting to take away the freedoms of "real Americans". Sometimes, as adults we get so wrapped up in the fight to make this country live up to the ideals and promises that we forget to break it down in it's most basic of terms. But, then out of the mouth of babes....follow me over the jump.
There are Americans out there that are really angry at President Obama and not all of it stems from the color of his skin. Their being incited by the usual suspects. The incitement goes something like:
He's a communist, socialist, marxist, terriorist sympathizer, and generally any other ist that they can describe.
I wish I could ask do you know what a communist/socialist/marxist are and can you be all of them at the same time??? Just asking....
I want my Freedom/Country Back
I wish I could ask them to identify the freedom they are referring because I'm left clueless. If the guys and gals in Iraq and Afghanistan come home will we lose our freedom of speech, will we lose our freedom to disagree, will we lose our freedom of religion, I mean what freedom have we lost or would be losing? Just asking....
Real Healthcare Reform will add trillions to the deficit
I wish I could ask so it's ok to let Americans die? Just one is too many and if the answer is no then what would you do to fix it other than oppose the President? Just asking.....
I don't believe in Gay/Lesbian marriage. It will destroy the fabric of America
I wish I could ask aren't divorce rates at an all time high, aren't children overly medicated for depression, and how will this affect your relationship with your partner?? Just asking....
Will Phillips, the 10 year old out of West Fork, AR (of all places..oops bias is showing...sorry southerners), in 7 minutes put the last year or so in perspective and described for me what Americanism and Freedom in America really means. He is taking a stand and will not recite the Pledge of Allegiance until all Americans have equal rights. Will inspired me this morning to dig a little deeper and work a little harder.
The Examiner
link
The interviewer from The Arkansas Times asked Will what it means to be an American. The answer: "Freedom of speech. The freedom to disagree. That’s what I think pretty much being an American represents."
I hope he is not accused of being "UnAmerican". So, for all of those angry folk out there attending those rally's with the hideous signs, screaming discriminatory and obscene language, and feel that they are fighting for "Freedom", I'd like to ask them to spend 7 minutes listening to Will Phillips. He is my inspiration for today.