One question …. what is our world coming to … or what is my world coming to.
Many people have watched the current administrations in the US and remarked “guess you got out of America at the right time!” which seems largely true. Sadly, my vote in the past presidential election seems to have proven a minority vote, much to the chagrin of many of my friends and family. But as you check the date, listen to friends and family in Europe, and see some of the principles of the American system being eroded or negated, I must wonder where we went wrong?
I spent 1.5 decades in the USAF and working closely with State Department and other federal entities in regions around the globe; several times in harm’s way. Like so many of my brothers and sisters in government service, I had two redeeming attributes…I was confident in my abilities to adapt and prevail to any situation, and I was an American: the most powerful and just government on the face of the Earth! And I did prevail, with the help of many dedicated, professional, and loving friends I could rely on, as they could rely on me.
I retired…richly deserved, I might add. I earned a peaceful existence with my wife, watching my daughters grow, face and overcome personal and professional obstacles. My primary existence was to take care of my wonderful wife, who after decades supporting me in the United States, moved to our wonderful existence with her family here in Terceira. I, as you have witnessed, have been critical of both the U.S. and the Portuguese systems of governmental bureaucracy, traditions, and lifestle adaptations required. But always, in spite of all required adjustments, relied on that level of confidence that carried me through decades of worldwide professional and personal challenges…I am an American, a member of the most powerful and just government in the world.
But to quote a favorite line from an Inspector Clouseau movie … not anymore!
Depending on the date and time of which newscast or late evening talk show, the current administration is accepting foreign government influences, waffling in self-denial, or adding to the instability which my military and politcal brethern and sisters struggled and sacrificed to stabilize.
Am I still a proud American? You damn betcha. Do I wish things were different? You damn bethcha. Do I wish I personally could do something to stabilize a world where the USA is a valued member? You damn betcha. Do I coulnt the days until some semblance of our past triumphs and problems could return to where mankind is helping mankind … you damn betcha. Will I live to see it…not too sure:(
My wives and I (both my first wife and my current wife) worked to raise daughters who would thrive as members of American and global society. We raised them to appreciate that the USA is one element of a global species and could be contributing to the welfare of mankind…regardless of race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation!
I sit in my quiet (sunny…for the moment!) breakfast nook hoping that the world my daughters will live in will materialize into what we raised them to value and hope for. But in their immediate absence, and as more news of US American “challenges” to the constitution I was willing to sacrfice to defend, I battle depression. I actually visited our nearby church yesterday, Matriz da Praia, to register my thoughts with God….please help us perservere! (No cmoore, there were no sparks or lightening:))
God Bless the USA!!!
