September 11, 2001
i was donating plasma at the center around the corner from my house. i had just gotten off work, and needed gas money until next week. child support was killing my behind, and i needed the extra dough. i was talking to another regular in the center when i saw the flames coming out of one of the twin towers. at first, i thought a bad pilot and a small plane, nothing more. then the other 747 slammed into the other tower, and a plane hits the pentagon. i knew, in my slowly breaking heart, that today would not be like any other day in my life. as i bled, and ran around looking for my kids, i wondered what would happen next.
i enlisted in the army in 2004. i wish i could tell you it was for patriotism, for GOD and country, but the reason was financial. they offered me a bonus, and i took it. now, as the economy has taken a plunge, and our commander in chief has done all the saber rattling he can do, i'm going active. this is a benefit for me and my family, and i am trained for the task. but today, the seventh anniversary of that day, i'm reminded of why i do what i do. i make no secret of my political affiliation, and i battle the urge to kick these palinatcs and mcCainatics in the rear. but i remember the buildings falling down, the people jumping to certain death rather than burning up, the look of horror on the faces of new yorkers. i remember gas stations hiking gas prices, and lines leading out to the street. i remember driving around looking for my little boys, as scared as any father would be. i never wish that feeling on anyone, regardless of age, race, or political party.
i say all that to say this: i will give my life in defense of you. i will do everything i can to never have you feel the way you did on that day. i love this country as strong as anyone, and i wear the uniform of the military with pride, willing to at any time to defend it to the death. i ask for nothing more that you, the American people, remember what is at stake. do not give in to the pettiness of the other side. we are all Americans, and as Americans, we have a responsibility to ourselves, this world, and those that died on that day. the pig and lipstick will die down, but this election will end on Nov 4. i hope and pray that we don't forget that there are lives at stake. i hope we don't forget the men and women that will, based on who we elect, once again give their lives for this country. but, will it be in vain?