The Discerning Texan
All that is necessary for evil to triumph, is for good men to do nothing.
-- Edmund Burke
-- Edmund Burke
Sunday, August 21, 2005
American Heroes: Then and Now
Wonderful essay in today's American Thinker by Bob Weir, a former NYC detective now living in Houston. Weir's essay (a portion of which is quoted below) talks about the how America has always found its heroes, and about how that is getting much more difficult today.
The part of the essay that really resonated with me was Weir's comparison of the way that America's government and press supported our country's war efforts during "the greatest generation", contrasted with the shameful way that today's post-modern elitist media support our enemies instead of those who are trying to protect our country and its citizens:
I’m not old enough to remember the mood of the country during World War 2, but America’s sentiments can be readily understood by viewing any of the movies made during the war against the Axis powers in Europe. Even during the 50’s, a decade after the troops were back home, the films continued to portray the greatness of our country and its fight for freedom around the world. It was a time of John Wayne, James Stewart, and Betty Grable; major stars whose patriotism was self-evident in the roles they played and the additional time they spent supporting the troops. It was a time when men shed their blood fighting on the battlefield and women backed them up with their sweat and tears in defense plants from coast to coast. It was a time when families prayed together and prominently displayed flags in front of their homes to show their love of country and their support of the men in uniform. Legendary comedian, Bob Hope was entertaining the troops at military bases around the world, accompanied by other major Hollywood celebrities. It was a time in our history when we knew the good guys from the bad guys. It was the time of heroes.
Where are the heroes of today? Since the turbulent 60’s with its anti-American rhetoric and its drug induced revolution against propriety, we have witnessed an erosion of values that has sought to turn religion into a prohibited practice and patriotism into a foolish philosophy only engaged in by fascists. In 1941, when our naval bases at Pearl Harbor were attacked, it was a wakeup call for America, and the sleeping giant became a well oiled, thundering machine that produced airplanes, tanks, and bombs that would be used to settle the score.
In 2001, when innocent civilians were massacred during the 9/11 attack, President Bush said:
“The people that brought down these buildings will hear from us.”
It was a time when leadership was needed. It was a time for speaking clearly and acting decisively. Once again, it was a time when America needed heroes. Out of the fire, smoke, and ashes of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, a new resolve was born in our country. It was a determination that we, as a nation, will not be cowed into submission by the homicidal lunacy of fanatical terrorists. While other countries have groveled at the feet of the lethal but shadowy international cartel of thugs, America, led by a man of substance, has refused to capitulate. George W. Bush recognizes that we’re engaged in a life and death struggle for the survival of western civilization. Ms. Sheehan’s protestations notwithstanding, the troops on the field of battle recognize it too. The United States of America, that shining beacon of freedom in a hostile world, has always found its heroes in times of need.
The part of the essay that really resonated with me was Weir's comparison of the way that America's government and press supported our country's war efforts during "the greatest generation", contrasted with the shameful way that today's post-modern elitist media support our enemies instead of those who are trying to protect our country and its citizens:
I’m not old enough to remember the mood of the country during World War 2, but America’s sentiments can be readily understood by viewing any of the movies made during the war against the Axis powers in Europe. Even during the 50’s, a decade after the troops were back home, the films continued to portray the greatness of our country and its fight for freedom around the world. It was a time of John Wayne, James Stewart, and Betty Grable; major stars whose patriotism was self-evident in the roles they played and the additional time they spent supporting the troops. It was a time when men shed their blood fighting on the battlefield and women backed them up with their sweat and tears in defense plants from coast to coast. It was a time when families prayed together and prominently displayed flags in front of their homes to show their love of country and their support of the men in uniform. Legendary comedian, Bob Hope was entertaining the troops at military bases around the world, accompanied by other major Hollywood celebrities. It was a time in our history when we knew the good guys from the bad guys. It was the time of heroes.
Where are the heroes of today? Since the turbulent 60’s with its anti-American rhetoric and its drug induced revolution against propriety, we have witnessed an erosion of values that has sought to turn religion into a prohibited practice and patriotism into a foolish philosophy only engaged in by fascists. In 1941, when our naval bases at Pearl Harbor were attacked, it was a wakeup call for America, and the sleeping giant became a well oiled, thundering machine that produced airplanes, tanks, and bombs that would be used to settle the score.
In 2001, when innocent civilians were massacred during the 9/11 attack, President Bush said:
“The people that brought down these buildings will hear from us.”
It was a time when leadership was needed. It was a time for speaking clearly and acting decisively. Once again, it was a time when America needed heroes. Out of the fire, smoke, and ashes of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, a new resolve was born in our country. It was a determination that we, as a nation, will not be cowed into submission by the homicidal lunacy of fanatical terrorists. While other countries have groveled at the feet of the lethal but shadowy international cartel of thugs, America, led by a man of substance, has refused to capitulate. George W. Bush recognizes that we’re engaged in a life and death struggle for the survival of western civilization. Ms. Sheehan’s protestations notwithstanding, the troops on the field of battle recognize it too. The United States of America, that shining beacon of freedom in a hostile world, has always found its heroes in times of need.
