Smoke billows rolled
As planes shattered glass
Concrete and steel
The trees and the grass 

An enemy attack
On the Land of the Free
How could this happen
How could this be 

Our hearts gripped with fear
In sheer disbelief
Unbearable sorrow
One hardly could speak 

As evil sought triumph
Through catastrophic strife
Towers fell and buildings crumbled
Tragically ending innocent lives 

We cried out to God
Fell down on our knees
Hugged our families, friends, and strangers
Helping anyone in need 

It was a day where we placed
All our differences aside
We were Americans facing tragedy
With courage, tears, and battle-cries 

We remember 9-11
Those who paid the highest price
Those who bravely tackled evil
Those whose courage rescued lives 

Unfathomable terror
Unfolded before our eyes
A day where heroes would die
And warriors… would rise. 

We remember 9-11
Our lives forever changed
Those whose heartbeats too soon ended
Shall not have died in vain 

Though evil fought for victory
The death of freedom was their prize
Americans will not bow to terrorists
And Our Freedom… Will… Survive

We remember 9-11
Yet our hearts, our hopes our dreams
Remain alive
Now hear our cry
AMERICA, LET FREEDOM RING 

We remember you, the sons and daughters, the fathers and mothers, the sisters and brothers, the aunts and uncles, the cousins, nieces, and nephews, the neighbors and strangers… the rich and the poor, the young and the old, the weak and the strong… 

We remember you, the firemen, the policemen, the paramedics, nurses and doctors… the pilots, and passengers, the flight attendants, and co-workers… the citizens of New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania… and all those whose lives were forever changed because of the atrocities thrust upon this nation by a group of terrorists hell-bent on destroying our freedom and democracy, and our American way of life… 

We remember you, our men and women in uniform, in the United States Marine Corps, the Navy, the Army, the Air Force and the Coast Guard… 

For those who gave their all and for those continuing the fight for freedom to keep our Country safe… May GOD BLESS YOU and may GOD BLESS AMERICA!

So why is it that if I didn’t vote for Barack Obama to be in the White House, it’s because I must be a racist?  Are you kidding me?  What about – I didn’t agree with his policy of hope and change or his stance on abortion?  What if I don’t support health care reform and want government to be less involved in telling me where and when to spend my hard earned money?  How about maybe I’m a bit concerned that he has ties to an unrepentant terrorist, grew up with associations and beliefs in Socialism and Marxism or sat in a church for 20 years under the leadership of someone who hates white people and America?  No, the reason I might not have voted for him had nothing to do with race… 

This past year I have watched this “darling of the media” time and time again receive, what I call, a “GET OUT OF JAIL FREE” card. It boggles my mind to see how many “questionable” situations, affiliations, experiences, and policies go “unchecked” because of that flashy smile and that professional teleprompter delivery. Oh, he is a good orator for sure, but speaking well does not mean leadership… looking the part does not mean you are equipped for the job.  I mean, I could dress up like a surgeon and walk into a hospital, but that doesn’t mean I’m qualified to operate on anyone.

By the way, did you know Obama would not even qualify to be his own Secret Service because of his affiliation with terrorists, and several other reasons? – some are listed below. He would NOT qualify for the Secret Service, the very people who put their life on the line for him, but he was elected to be the President of the United States and Commander In Chief of our Military? Unbelievable!! Why does this man receive a “GET OUT OF JAIL FREE” card every time? The media is fully capable of investigating any and all of the “questionable” attributes, yet they continue to give him a free pass. For instance: 

1. Affiliation with known unrepentant terrorist – Ayers
2. Member of Rev. Wright’s congregation for 20 years – A man who spouts hate for America and is a racist
3. Associations with Acorn – questionable voter registration fraud and scandal    
4. Won’t release his school records, medical records, or birth certificate – no explanation
5. Says he was born in Hawaii – Yet his own Grandmother says he was born in Kenya and she was there at his birth
6. Says he’s a Christian – Yet covers up Christian symbols at Georgetown University and does nothing publicly for the National Day of Prayer
7. Bows to Saudi King – Yet only nods to Queen Elizabeth                             
8. Gives “Brotherly Handshake” to Chavez
9. Appears on Leno – Makes fun of the handicapped
10. Air Force One Photo Op – NYC terrified that it’s another 9-11
11. Releases Top Secret CIA Documents – Causes a media frenzy with condemnation of enhanced techniques for interrogation of terrorists/prisoners -(since when is Top Secret NOT TOP SECRET?!!)
12. Flies to New York City for a date with Michelle – On taxpayers’ dollars!
13. Says America is no longer a Christian nation – Not bothered by that statement
14. During a Televised Press Conference says Officer Crowley acted stupidly -Siding with Gates as being racist – - offers no apology when truth is told but invites Crowley and Gates for a beer at the White House and still offers no public apology for his degradation of Crowley 

The presidency is not a popularity contest. It is not about who looks better on the cover of a magazine, makes an appearance on a famous late night talk show or who can be a slick orator and charm the audience. The presidency is the highest elected office attainable in the United States of America… It is the office of the Leader of the Free World… It is to be revered, respected, and upheld to the highest standards.  Our president should be a person of honor, a fearless leader of the people, a passionate and rational person. Our president should be a reflection of our Nation, of We The People, of our Freedom, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness….

It is dangerous to “pal” around with our enemies in an effort to look good to the rest of the world. An enemy will say anything to manipulate and get their way. Can you trust their word? Should you trust their word?  Not until they have proven that they are no longer our enemies… doesn’t matter if they are friendly with the man who is the leader of our country… are they indeed still against what our country stands for?  Are they a threat to our freedom? Have they decided to turn from their vow of steal, kill, annihilate, and destroy – simply because we are Americans? If not, then they are still an enemy of the country and should not be trusted, bowed to, or placated by ANY American – elected or not. 

The United States of America is a treasured land of freedom, but I am greatly concerned about where our country is headed.  Government control over the auto industry, banking industry, mortgage industry… and now the threat of health care…  is not the answer.  And if that’s not enough, now the White House is asking people to “snitch” on those that oppose Obama’s health care plan by notifying flag@whitehouse.gov. Is this Nazi Germany?!!  Don’t we still have freedom of speech?!! When did our representatives stop working FOR us and start appeasing this man and his obvious agenda of government control? The bills that get passed without even being read… it’s unlawful, unpatriotic, and frankly, outrageous! 

I am proud and grateful to be an American, so don’t ask me to apologize for that. It is my birthright, my blessing, my honor, privilege, and my God-given gift.  It is not “un-American” to ask questions, disagree or protest policies being forced upon us. So I ask the media – Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, whatever your chosen side of politics may be… don’t be so quick to hand out the “Get Out Of Jail Free” card – investigate, answer the questions raised, and report the news rather than trying to influence public opinion… you just might be overlooking something very BIG. 

Obama promised transparency, but all I’ve seen is secrecy. If there is nothing to hide… then why are those records still being hidden? Concerned Americans want to know and deserve to know…  the truth.

While volunteering for the McCain Campaign last year, I ran across a display of quotes by former President Ronald Reagan… One of them touched my heart so deeply that it inspired me to sit down and start writing a song as a tribute to our men and women in the United States Military.

The quote said… 

“We all share the love of peace, but our sons and daughters must learn two lessons men everywhere and in every time have had to learn:  that the price of freedom is dear, but not nearly as costly as the loss of freedom – and that the advance and continuation of civilization depend on those values for which men have always been willing to die for…” 

While some of our brave men and women in uniform have made it safely back home to their loved ones, others have come home wounded – their lives forever changed.  Yet still, there are those who have gone on to another home – paying the ultimate price for freedom… with their lives… 

May we always remember and NEVER forget… Freedom Isn’t Free. 

FREEDOM ISN’T FREE 

Freedom isn’t free – It takes a sacrifice
The courage to believe – In doing what is right
Protecting all that’s dear – Through the blood, the sweat, the tears
No, freedom isn’t free 

Freedom isn’t free – It takes a sacrifice
The willingness to love – And fight for what is right
Protecting all that’s dear – Should be clear to you and me
That freedom isn’t free 

From the halls of Montezuma – To the shores of Tripoli
We will fight our Country’s battles – In the quest for liberty
Over hill and dale and sky and sea – Freedom’s price is dear
But greater is the cost – To see our freedom lost 

Oh say can you see – By the dawn’s early light
America, America – Is shining bright
And to all those who fought – For the Home of the Brave
We thank you, thank you – For all you gave 

Freedom isn’t free – It takes a sacrifice
A daughter or a son – A husband or a wife
A sister or a brother – A father or a mother
No, freedom isn’t free 

Freedom isn’t free – It takes a sacrifice
A daughter or a son – A husband or a wife
A sister or a brother – A father or a mother
A neighbor or a stranger – To keep us safe from danger
Protecting all that’s dear – Through the blood, the sweat, the tears
No, freedom isn’t free 

Protecting all that’s dear – Through the blood, the sweat, the tears
No, freedom isn’t free 

Protecting all that’s dear – Should be clear to you and me
Through the blood, the sweat, the tears – We will fight for liberty
And with faith in God above – We’ll preserve this Land we love
Though freedom isn’t free 

Make no mistake about it – You wouldn’t want to live without it
But freedom isn’t……….. Free

Copyright -Chele Stanton 2009

FOR ALL THOSE WHO SERVE AND HAVE SERVED
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
THE LAND OF THE FREE AND
THE HOME OF THE BRAVE

WILLINGLY… COURAGEOUSLY… SACRIFICIALLY… 

THANK YOU… THANK YOU…
WE ARE FOREVER GRATEFUL

For those saying that my article implies limiting our FREEDOM OF SPEECH, you couldn’t be more wrong; and you have missed the very reason for such a piece.  Just as this artist has used his FREEDOM OF SPEECH to create (in my opinion) filth, I have used my FREEDOM TO SPEAK out loud to call it for what I believe it is… a total piece of crap… I am exercising MY freedom to say, “This, is unacceptable.” 

Where in my article did I say that the artist doesn’t have the right or that we should censor this freedom?  I didn’t.  There is no veil or subliminal intent to rouse people to censor our speech… I am simply saying that I was outraged at the object that was created and couldn’t believe that NOTHING had been said about it as being a disgraceful, disgusting, and deliberate display of hate and ridicule.  Why hadn’t someone said something?  As I said, had the image been made of Obama, there would have been news articles and riots in the streets! – That is not an overstatement… it is the truth. 

My comment about 9-11 was to reinforce in our minds that we have far more important things to worry about than political discord.  The artist’s flippant remark about “no one was maimed, killed, overthrown, etc.” shows his ignorance of the fact that we do have a real enemy, and if we continue to be a “house divided” we will drain our strength in unity to defend ourselves.  Republican or Democrat, black, white, yellow, brown, red… whatever our differences, we are Americans, and we all must work together to keep our freedoms.

I would not advocate ANY ban or censorship on FREEDOM OF SPEECH – I never mentioned taking away that freedom or limiting it in any way… Yes, the artist has the right and freedom of speech to make such an object… and Yes, I have the right and freedom of speech to say what I think about it!  My family has fought for that very right, and I will continue to uphold it and defend it.

Politics can be an ugly subject for many, but what I don’t understand is why people can’t just agree to disagree instead of taking things so personally?  I can respect those who may believe differently from me as long as they understand why and can back up their beliefs with facts.  I’m so tired of this “jump on the bandwagon” mentality or follow the “celebrity leader” junk that has become the political norm for the day.  After all, do celebrities really know the ins and outs of national security, how to effectively rescue hostages, plan an attack on the enemy? 

There’s more to it than just pie in the sky cotton candy dreams and eloquent speech.  There are real lives at stake, including yours and mine.  You would think by the way political parties attack one another that we are fighting the enemy instead of trying to make our country greater and further along the American way.  Why is it that some individuals need to make fun of someone’s opinion that differs from theirs and then make a mockery out of it?  But even more than that, why must people take such stabs at the other side of the political spectrum, making a mockery not only out of the person, but out of the office that person represents? 

Which leads me to the reason for this article:  I came across a picture on the Internet that made my blood boil.  I’m sure there are many photos out there that would do the same, but this one in particular hit me because it was, “all in the name of art and freedom of speech.”  The photo was of an “art sculpture” (and believe me, I use those words lightly) of one of the most recognizable individuals in the entire world.  The object, a urinal; painted in the likeness and image of President George W. Bush, and crafted in such a way so that the bowl of the urinal was his open mouth.  One cannot help but see the visual of what that object implied.  I was outraged that anyone could even think of creating such a degrading, disrespectful, filthy, reprehensible, juvenile, disgusting, offensive, repulsive, grotesque, insulting piece of excrement; let alone proudly display it in public as a “work of art.”  

I hesitated giving any more notice of this most despicable piece of vulgarity, yet as I thought more about it, I became more and more incensed.  Why hasn’t someone said something about this?  Why haven’t more people been appalled over this blatant disgraceful mockery of our former President?  I have to say, if this piece of rubbish had been made in the image of President Barack Obama there would have been numerous stories in the papers, magazines, and newscasts, not just local mind you, but world-wide.  The artist would have immediately been labeled a racist, a hate monger, a threat to society… there would have been riots in the streets and serious hell to pay!  But as of yet, I have not seen one inkling of a story, in the paper or television news, that addresses this object as being an atrocious piece of disrespect. 

Wake up Americans!  This is not acceptable “freedom of speech, art, or creativity.”  This is sheer meanness at the expense of another fellow American; a deliberate display of hate and ridicule. 

In researching for this article, I discovered a statement from the artist in which he says he’s “grateful to live in a country where we can still express our opinions… and that sometimes it is appropriate to be inappropriate.”  He further stated, “No one was maimed, killed, overthrown… in the creating of this art…”  

So pardon my “inappropriate” comment if you will when I say freedom of speech, art or expression in this case was used in such a vulgar, degrading, and reprehensible way, that I think this “artist” is a complete ass!  And, though it would be most “appropriate” to paint HIS face in MY toilet bowl, I would rather leave you with this thought…   

It’s time we Americans stop this infighting among political parties and work together to unite our country as the land of the free and the home of the brave.  I hate war.  I hate that lives are willingly sacrificed and many innocent lives are lost.  I hate the expense, the separation, the hardship on the families, the businesses, the government, so many things… but I realize we live in an imperfect world and we cannot close our eyes to the fact that we have a real enemy, an enemy that will stop at nothing to destroy our way of life simply because we believe differently, and simply because we are Americans (9/11/2001 proved it).  The price of freedom is dear indeed, but not nearly so costly as the very LOSS of that freedom. 

Make no mistake about it… you wouldn’t want to live without it…

UPDATE: A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR can be read here.