Ol' WDB's Column

18X46
wdbonner@pacbell.net

Some folks may think this column is not Fidonet worthy, but let me remind you that Fidonet was concieved and founded in America, and America is Fidonet's original sponsor. Therefore it is in Fidonet's interest to keep abreast of events and thoughts. Here's mine for this week...

Why is the USA-merica so united? They speak all the languages of the world and form an astonishing mixture of mini civilizations in every city in the land. Some of them are nearly extinct. Some of them agree with everything proposed about anything, others are refractory about everything, and still others are apathetic. Still, the American tragedy turned three hundred million people into a hand over the heart salute to the brave who gave their lives trying to save the 5000+ innocent men, women and children of all ethnic groups murdered by the terrorists at the NYC WTC.

This evening Our President addressed all Americans and put his arm around each of us in his speech, explaining ways we can pull together even tighter to defend our precious freedom and for that matter the freedom of all of the free world. I for one applaud his encouragement to "extend our hands personally" to help each other and our country, and all of our allies. It is the collective effort of all that keeps us free to prosper and worship in whatever faith we choose.

The evil doers that plot and plan our demise failed in their attempt to cause a storm of discontent at our government as intended. No one rushed to accuse the President, his staff, the army, the FBI, or the CIA, that they were doing a lousy job. No one rushed to empty their bank accounts. They all volunteered to donate blood and to give a helping hand. After the first moments of panic, they raised the flag on the smoking ruins, just as was done on Iwo Jima, and put Old Glory up on their homes, on T-shirts, caps and automobiles. They placed flags on buildings and trucks and trains and in every place and on every thing! And on every occasion they started singing our traditional song: "God Bless America!".

Our President has earned our love and respect by bringing all of the freedom loving nations together as one to eradicate the TERRORIST. His staff working with the media brought the charity concert broadcast on many TV channels. The Stars came out and performed with all their heart and souls. Ol' Clint Eastwood, Ol' Willie Nelson, Robert de Niro, Sweet Julia Roberts, Cassius Clay-Mohammad Ali, Jack Nicholson, Bruce Springsteen, Sylvester Rambo Stalone, James Wood, and many others whom no film director or producers could ever bring together at one time.

The spirit of American's freedom was turned up in everyone's solidarity of purpose to defend Freedom throughout the world. What you could hear was the heavy artillery of the American soul. Freedom sounds were being heard in a great crescendo at this charity concert. I don't know how it happened that all this obsessive singing of America didn't sound nationalist, or ostentatious! I guess it is because we Americans "Do it with love in our hearts for all mankind".

What on earth can unite the Americans in such a way? Their land? Their history? Their economic power? Their money? When you find the answer, after humming the songs, there can be only one conclusion:

Only individual freedom and freedom for all can work such miracles!