On the 4^th of July we did what most American’s did: we went to the Country Club and enjoyed a fine BBQ and then while the staff cleaned everything up we cozied up in blankets on the golf course and drank hot toddy’s and hot chocolate while watching our private fireworks spectacular. Even with the glorious fireworks bursting in air right over my head, about half way through the show I started to feel a little sad and by the end I was getting mad.  I love the 4^th of July and I love my country, but because I am a democrat I am constantly being told by the conservative media that I am not patriotic.  It makes me sad to live in a country that is so divided. When I was a kid it didn’t seem to be us vs. them.  People had their differences of opinion but they respected one another.  It is so hateful right now and apparently as a society we only have to be politically correct until we are talking about actual politics and then all bets are off.  

I toured military bases with the USO without pay off and on for a year, but I think we should never have invaded Iraq.  I am not a patriot.

I spent countless hours on the phone, traveled to another state on my dime to go door to door in 100 degrees heat and hosted phone banks at my home every week for months to campaign for a man I believed in to be President of the United States.  My candidate, elected by a majority of Americans somehow has “taken over” and is called a socialist, ergo I am not a patriot.

My Uncle fought at Iwo Jima, another Uncle fought in Vietnam and my Dad served four years in the Marine corps and did such an exemplary job he made Sergeant in four years during peace time.  My nephew was honored at his high school graduation because he is becoming a Marine in September. I am so proud of him wanting to serve his country I could bust.   There are democrats in the military, folks, and bullets do not discriminate.  Try to be in a family with Marine’s and not be patriotic.  I dare you.

Fort Ord (I’m in the middle)

What is so amazing is that Republican’s have even started calling people in their own party unpatriotic.  God forbid you should think outside of the party line.  Are you listening John Roberts?  How did people who dress in the flag and wear straw hats with tea bags hanging off of them get to tell all Republicans what to do anyway? Those with such a blatant disregard for fashion should never be listened to.