Freedom

As we have traveled around Germany and I have gotten a little refresher course on World History, it would be difficult not to notice the hand America has played in bringing democracy and freedom to Germany. I have been moved by these facts and humbled and honored to be an American citizen. I am not a person who thinks we do everything right or that America has always taken the high road or the right road, but I absolutely to my core believe that America's intentions have largely been noble.

We just have the one rental car here, so I usually take Matt to work at the military base so that I can have the car for other activities throughout the day. And today, we arrived at the base to find Anti-American and Anti-War protestors surrounding the entrance to the base, handing out flyers about the evils of our country.

And I have just one thing to say about that.

You are welcome, German Protestors. You are welcome for the freedom to demonstrate and protest the methods America used to bring freedom to your very nation. I didn't hear you complaining when we helped remove Hitler from power. Or freed you from the grasp of the USSR. Or tore down the Berlin wall. But you are welcome for all of our soldiers who bled and died to bring you the very freedom you use to curse them.

I read a quote from President Kennedy that was something like, "When we stand for freedom in Berlin, we stand for freedom in London, in Paris and New York." I couldn't agree more.

Apparently much of Europe doesn't think Iraquis deserve the same type of freedom they enjoy. Or that it isn't their concern when others are being senselessly tortured by a monstrous leader. But we do. And I am proud that we do. I don't care if they aren't a white nation or a Christian nation. America took out a brutal, vicious dictator and No- it hasn't been pretty or gone smoothly. And yes. It is war. But our intentions were noble and good. And I believe that all people deserve freedom. Even if they don't look like me.

I guess I said more than one thing. Shocking!

p.s. I don't say any of this to discourage anyone from using their right to free speech. (As if my opinion would change that for anyone!) I guess I just wanted to point out the irony of the situation. I encourage anyone to protest or demonstrate whatever they want- but that doesn't mean I can't be irritated by their message! :)