Patriotic

I have just been watching an episode of Gene Simmons Family Jewels. Yes I am a fan of KISS. And I like waching this reality show even though in most cases it is obvious that it is heavily scripted,

This particular episode evoked some strong emotions and rather surprised me. I am a patriot. Isn't that interesting?

I was hit by the fact that I love my country. I live in a great country that is part of a great world.

I so often complain about the stupidity and pettiness of politicians that I lose sight of that fact. Politicians seem to be constantly trying to further their own agendas. If that comes at the expense of other agendas or the expense of us "little people", so what? Do they care?

But for today I am going to put politicians and politics out of my mind. I am going to enjoy my country. I am going to be thankful for all the people who have worked to make my country a great one.

I am going to try to put aside my bitterness and pain that is caused because of all the people who have had their lives taken because they loved people like me enough to try to make my country better and safer. Today at least I will try to celebrate their lives and honor their deaths.

Tomorrow I will feel free to criticize those who try their best to ruin my world. I will keep working to make my part of the world better.

But today I will have selective amnesia. Thank you to all those past and present who have given me the freedom to live the way I live. Sorrow and gratitude for those who lost their lives doing so. Today I am nothing but a patriot.