As we approach the end of 2004, I can't help but recall some of the significant events that occurred throughout the year. I remember being saddened by the loss of one of America's greatest presidents Ronald Wilson Reagan on June 5, 2004. I was awed by the public's response of love and high regard and respect for a man that put America's interest first and not his political career. This American President was honored and loved by the American people and respected by his enemies as was evident by Mikhail Gorbachev who traveled to America to pay tribute to Ronald Reagan.
I also recall the sacrifice of American Soldiers who continue to fight the good fight of liberty and justice for all. Our young men and women who in their God given strength the world continues to know the ring of Freedom as they pay the price of our liberties even with their blood. Our land is a sacred land that guarantees Freedom to all and is a beacon of hope to all those foreign lands whose people are kept in chains. Let us never forget that it is our Soldiers that pay the price for the liberties we Americans enjoy. For our freedom is not free, but bought with the blood and sacrifice of the brave. Let us remember our Soldiers in our daily prayers throughout this coming year for dangers still exist that would try to dim the light that Freedom brings.
I also remember the 2004 campaign for the Presidency of the United States. I remember that famous quote by Senator John Kerry as he took the podium at the Democratic National Convention as he saluted and said “Reporting for Duty” and the anger John Kerry's words incurred with the swift boat veterans for truth. I recall that passionate speech that was to me the highlight of the Democratic National Convention as Barack Obama called for leaders of all political parties to put America first. His words have stayed with me as Mr. Obama called for Americans to unite for the betterment of the country in which we live.
This brings me to the reason that I am writing today and I hope every American who holds a political office will rise to this great call as we put the well being of America first in all our decisions. One of the most stirring speeches this year was that of Senator Zell Miller who voiced his heart felt view of what America needed to continue to be strong and free for the years to come. It is this message that I want the readers to take with them and to write their politicians to uphold. It was truth from the lips of a man whose Democratic roots are deep with the pride of past Democratic and Republican leaders who put the welfare of their country above partisan politics and special interests. It is this cry from Zell Miller's lips that I want all Americans to hear. It is a cry for unity in our Congress and in the House of Representatives to rise above their partisan politics and special interests and do what they were elected to do and put what's best for America and its people first.
It is never popular to stand alone for what is right and there is always a price to be paid. But let the brave take that stand and lean on providence once more, to guide and empower and lead our nations leaders to that place of unity, where partisan politics take second place to doing what's right for America and it people. In just 12 hours from this writing a new year will begin. Our nation still faces many hardships and challenging obstacles and I pray that the American people will rise to their duty and voice their desires to those they have elected to represent them to put America first and not partisan politics. For we are still a nation whose government is of the people, by the people, for the people. God Bless America. |
