WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AMERICAN?

Before I begin this entry I find it important to explain to those reading where I come from, and a bit of my past. As I have stated before I grew up with my mother and step-father, both of whom were hard working and spirited. I grew up understanding the values of hard work, diligence and a sense of duty. Both my mother and my father have been and always will be the most influential people in my life. I spoke with my father recently, at length, about the current political landscape and the incoming presidential elect. It goes without saying that he and I do not see eye to eye when it comes to most of our political ideologies. While we could both agree that this country needs change, we had different beliefs on what change was necessary.

I have stated before that I have become disillusioned by the current political landscape and have actually begun to consider myself an Independent rather than a Republican.

So what change do I believe is necessary for America to succeed for the future?

First, there needs to be a major overhaul in the ideas of what it means to be an American. I pose this question to all of you reading this ... Define America? Many will say things like 'home of the free', 'land of opportunity and hope' and so on. You would all be correct. America is all of these things, but let me ask a different question ... What does it mean to be an American? Many, if not all of you, will struggle to answer this question, as I did. This question is not as easy to answer as it may seem. You cannot define the look of Americans, because we come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. You cannot define the sectarian beliefs of Americans, as many of us do not share the same belief system as to whom we pray to.

Americans are the shaggy dogs of the world. We are loyal to our beliefs and principles, whatever those beliefs may be. We are fierce when provoked by attack, don't believe me ask Japan and Germany. We are protective of those who cannot protect themselves, Kosovo and Bosnia. We are just and fair. These are the things that I think Americans are, and should be. For years we, as Americans, have lost our identities. We have to reclaim who we are as a nation before we can begin to set forth on a new direction for the future.

When we finally reclaim our identities as Americans, we can finally set forth into a new era. When we finally see that the character of a man is more important than the color, ideology or religious beliefs of a man. When we can worship from our own pews without being judged. When we can take care of our own homeless and destitute. When we can finally see that this nation is big enough and strong enough for any view imaginable, without fear of admonishment from others. Then and only then can we hope for true change.

I truly hope that change is on the horizon. I hope that we can change the direction of this country to reclaim who we once were as a nation. I hope that people finally understand that there is no more room at the inn for those who cannot conform to the principles above. This is my plan for 'change'. It will cost you nothing. No new taxes. No economic bailout to rely upon. All that this would cost is time and effort from every American, and in a time where the economy is unstable and the world is fraught with conflict, time and effort are the few things that every American can afford, in the name of 'change'.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARINES ...

For most of you, November 10th is just another day. For the special few who have worn the uniform of the United States Marine Corps, we remember this day every year, for it is the anniversary of the initial founding of the United States Marines. Every year battalions and regiments the world over will celebrate this day. The festivities are more than just a 'party', it is a time of reflection for the traditions on which the Marine Corps was built. It is a time to share stories and pass down these traditions to the younger generation of Marines so that our legacy will continue.

For 233 years the United States Marines have been the vanguard for this nation. It's missions have carried them all over the world and into battles long since forgotten about. From the Spanish-American War to the Vietnam Conflict, Marines have been the 'tip' of the spear of America's fighting forces. Marines were the first to land at Guadalcanal in World War II and in Pusan, North Korea, claiming victory in some of the bloodiest land battles ever in US history. The Marine Corps will ever be remembered by the raising of the American flag upon Mount Suribachi after the battle of Iwo Jima. Former Secretary of the Navy James Forestall, shortly after seeing a photo of the flag raising said, "The raising of that flag means a Marine Corps for the next five hundred years."

More than six decades later the Marine Corps continues to answer the call of this great nation. Currently more than 75,000 Marines find themselves in the trenches of Iraq and Afghanistan, engaged in the War on Terrorism. They continue to fight for the fundamental rights that are guaranteed to every American. They ask for no thanks or congratulations. They serve this nation so that you do not have to. So today, a most special day to every Marine, past, present and future, find the nearest Marine that you know and thank him for his service, even more so, let them know that you understand the importance of this day by wishing him a Happy Birthday.

THE DAWN OF A NEW DAY...

On this morning, there are liberals and far-leftists still dancing in the streets, celebrating the election of Sen. Barack Obama as the next president. I will claim that this is historic in the sense that he is the first black man to win the presidency. I will argue however, that I do not belive that this is what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had in mind when he dreamed of this day. Dr. King proudly proclaimed that we judge the content of a man before we judge the color of a man. Regardless of what people may say, there were a lot of individuals that voted for John McCain because he was the white candidate, and on the other side, many people voted for Barack Obama because he was the black candidate.

This race was not won on pure experience or standings concerning political beliefs, or who was more qualified to run this country. Exit polls conducted by Zogby and the AP in both Ohio and Pennsylvania proved this point. Among those who were polled 60% believed John McCain was the more experienced candidate. 69% believed that John McCain had the better foreign policies and was more qualified as a leader. With that information now on hand, I have to ask the question, did people vote for Obama, or did they vote against the Republican Party? I tend to believe that it was the latter.

I cannot change the outcome of this election. I cast my vote and my voice was heard. With that, what is next for America? I think the following problems need to be addressed. With the economy in an unstable, up and down cycle, Obama and his cabinet need to address relief to middle income families and small business owners throughout the US. That means a definitive tax break, not a tax increase. We need a continued focus on international security. The current situation in the Mid-East needs specific attention. The War on Terror must remain our most immediate focus. If this is placed to the wayside, like it has been during other Democratic presidents in the past, we will continue to see the escalation of nuclear arsenals in Iran, more sectarian violence in Afghanistan and Iraq and continued problems with the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. Diplomacy may have its place in places like the UN and European Council, but it has no place on the battleground.

I do hope that there is change. I do not like war. Having been in two separate conflicts in my eight years in the Marine Corps, I can say without a doubt, that it was not an experience that I would like to repeat, but I would if my country called. I do not particularly like higher taxes, especially if those higher taxes pay for what I, and many people like me, consider unnecessary and corrupted programs like welfare and Planned Parenthood. These programs may have good intentions, but they need to be regulated better.

In the next four years Barack Obama has to put into place a lot of campaign promises. Promises that were unrealistic goals. Now he has to stand by them, and begin to take action. Failure to deliver will only reinforce what many have said allready, that Barack Obama was never ready for this position and never will be.

Jordan Fleck