Times often come in one’s own life when our judgments and decisions affect our very own lives. Though it is not easy tonight, yesterday, or tomorrow we still struggle and live everyday hoping for the best of what may approach us. All of my dreams, desires, and aspects of what the United States means have been a reality. These emotions remain the same despite what has happened in the recent past.
What has happened though? This sudden surge of patriotism is not shocking; but it turns my head to look in another direction. Where was this pride in our country prior to this date? Is hatred the source of our delight to be an American? It seems that it takes an act of loathing to bring out the best in some people.
This sudden boom of patriotism seems quite queer in a way. Was America not good enough to celebrate prior to Sept. 11? Flags are sold out at convenience stores, malls, and local establishments. There is a sudden need to hang the red, white, and blue from every nook and cranny of cars, homes, offices and every window available.
This representation of how great America really is swells me with an overwhelming feeling of pride. But I look to the past and the future at the same time as I feel this. Looking back I wonder where these flags and other symbols were hiding, if they were merely skeletons in our closet.
As I peer into the future I can only hope to see these flags brandished that America is here to stay and that our love for our country will never dim and fade away, that we will never give up without a fight.
America has been often referred to as the land of opportunity-an opportunity to raise a family, to start a business, to become a doctor, to allow little children to grow up and hope that they would become cowboys.
Quite frankly, this appears to be hypocrisy spoken through our very lips. Islamic-Americans have suffered nothing but torment since Sept. 11; when will their opportunity arrive? It seems that in trying times we can only stereotype rather than love each other for our own personal qualities as humans.
A wise man once was quoted saying, “History will be kind to us, for we intend to write it.” This is a statement that holds a lot of meaning. The thought of this account though seems to be a bit of a double-edged sword. We must always remember this truth, for what seems right now may sting us in the future.
I often whispered softly to myself there has to be a hero somewhere. This has been proven true through the heroic efforts that America has shown. I hope that this will not die with time.
We have been given a chance to start anew, to start an alternative way of living. This will be a tough road, but we will drive on that road never looking back.