Reflecting on Our Purpose
I sit in silence, thinking about the bright flame that fuels my purpose. The noise from pundits and spin fades away. I focus on the high price we’ve paid for our American legacy of freedom and liberty. We must protect, defend, and preserve that legacy for future generations. Our duty ends when we are laid to rest.
The Power of Freedom and Liberty
Freedom and liberty are like love and faith. They are magical treasures that show up in our relationships with one another. The more we share them, the stronger they become. President Biden understands this well. At the Democratic National Convention, he reminded us:
Folks, we just have to remember who we are. We are the United States of America, and there is nothing — nothing — beyond our capacity if we do it together, so let’s get it done.
The Arlington Attack
The Arlington Attack, like the Central Park Wilding thirty-five years ago, is more than a terrible assault on a woman. It’s an attack on everything we cherish about our community. When the flag is given to a grieving family, it’s on behalf of “a grateful nation.” That means all of us. Everyone born on American soil and those who came here for a better future. In that solemn moment, only transcendent values matter. Our motto, “E Pluribus Unum,” comes to mind. It means “Out of Many, One” and it’s how we got the Constitution. It endures for a reason.
Unity and Strength
Our enemies fear our unified spirit. The power of our example scares them more than our power itself. They try to break our spirit, but we know better. We’ve seen these tactics before.
A Personal Story
One of my uncles is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. He was a naval officer in WWII. Along with his brothers, he served in the Pacific. The eldest was a naval pilot shot down over the Philippines and captured. He spent most of the war as a POW in Corregidor. The youngest lied about his age to join his brothers. They all made it home, got married, raised families, and lived long lives. They stuck together until the end. My uncle was in his 80s when he passed away.
Arlington National Cemetery
Funerals at Arlington National Cemetery are very detailed. Families gather in private rooms before the graveside service. I saw many WWII-era veterans there. They didn’t know my uncle but came to honor him. They attended every WWII-era funeral at Arlington. One veteran told me about his time as a POW. I compared it to a TV show, and he got very upset. He said, “We survived because we looked out for each other! THE GUYS WHO ONLY LOOKED OUT FOR THEMSELVES DIDN’T MAKE IT!” Lesson learned. I’ve never watched any Survivor-style shows since.
The Democratic National Convention
I watched every night of the convention, and it was spectacular. The production, speeches, and visuals were excellent. But what stood out was the spirit. It was everywhere. People were thrilled to be on the same team, pulling in the same direction. It felt like a spell had been broken. Folks chanted “U-S-A” with enthusiasm. It was like standing in Niagara Falls.
Back to Arlington
Suddenly, I’m back at Arlington where a woman serving our nation is assaulted. The staff at Arlington National Cemetery support families of the fallen. It takes special people to do this work. Reflecting on that makes me grateful for their support. It also makes me very sad.
Demanding Action
The Arlington Attack demands action. There must be consequences. Lay hands on people serving this nation, and don’t expect to pull that hand back intact. One solution is for Mr. “You’re FIRED!” to identify and fire the culprits. One phone call would solve the problem.
Trump’s Responsibility
The question now is, “Can Donald Trump control his campaign or not?” If he can’t run his campaign, how will he run the country? His failure to act proves he is unfit for command. If he is unfit, there’s no point in interviewing him or having a debate. His enabling this conduct disqualifies him from serious consideration.
Game Over
TILT. Game over.
I can already hear the pundits talking about “A New Challenge for Harris!” Oh, spare me. The corporate media needs to find something else to generate ad revenue. If that bothers them, they can take it up with the guy who hires thugs. We’re busy getting stuff done (GSD). Why would a seasoned prosecutor allow herself to be coerced into becoming an accomplice after the fact? This is serious business. When mistakes are made, people die, and the living are left to pick up the pieces. The trauma lasts a lifetime.
The World is Watching
The whole world is watching how this is handled. Allowing the Arlington Attack to go unanswered sends a false message to our adversaries. It suggests you CAN lay hands on Americans and keep your hands. That invites attacks from those who don’t know what they’re dealing with. Leaders must make it clear that attacking those who serve us will NEVER go unanswered. The consequence must be clear and immediate.
A Call to Action
Unless and until Donald Trump identifies and fires the culprits responsible for the Arlington Attack, the Vice President should refuse to dignify him with her presence in any public forum out of respect for the men and women who serve this nation. How he responds is his choice. However, if he wants to have the debate, he must take charge of his team. If he can’t or won’t do that, then Donald Trump has disqualified himself from consideration for the position.
