"rb608" wrote in message
...
On Dec 23, 10:22 am, "Mark H. Bowen" wrote:
Nice sentiments, but a bit too simplistic and ethnocentric, IMMHO. He
posits
that the only reason he is free is the sacrifice soldiers past and
present.
He does not cover the democratic principles and institutions that drive
our
great nation and protect us as Americans.

Can't do YouTube here at work; but I'll comment on your comment.

The sacrifice of our military in times of war and peace alike is
undeniable; but when we celebrate those contributions to our freedom
as its only protection, it does a great disservice to everyone else
who puts their lives, families, or careers on the line for this
nation's freedom.

Journalists and whistleblowers who dare attack the status quo or
expose corruption; attornies who protect the rights and freedoms of we
the people against unjust laws or government actions; ordinary people
who organize, march, and protest to ensure that our freedoms aren't
conquered by our very own government or its institutions. These
people protect and defend our freedoms every bit as much as the
soldier, often in similar peril to their lives.

It can and probably will be argued that the sacrifice of the soldiers
makes possible the freedom of the activist or the lawyer; but I
disagree that either takes precedence. If social, political, and
judical activists cannot guarantee our freedoms through Constitutional
means, the role of the military in preserving our geographic borders
is meaningless to the freedom of the people within.

I used to like Baxter Black's NPR commentaries, and his "down home"
wisdom isn't without it's charm and validity; but if I'm looking for a
lecture on what makes this country great, his opinion means less to me
than, say, a community organizer or public defender.

Joe F.

Agreed.

Op