To the editor:
America, in the last 10 years and even longer, really, has been derided and accused many times, for its "hubris."
These charges come mostly from those on our own political Left, or from the Left in other nations. The definition of "hubris" is "excessive pride or arrogance."
Americans are accused of "imperialism," a concept generated by the propaganda ministers of the Soviet Union, and disseminated by their treasonous apologists in the West.
President Obama, in his "Apology Tour," went prostrating himself before the nations, expressing sincere regret for the greatness that is the United States.
There is another term for arrogance, however, when it has been earned; that term is "self-assurance."
Americans are a generous people; proud, but not egotistical. Statistically, Americans donate more to charity than people of any other nation.
In the last century, America, a shining beacon of freedom in a world of tyranny and poverty, has often sacrificed precious blood to help its friends resist and overthrow the enemies of freedom.
On this Memorial Day weekend, I wish to honor the 405,000 Americans who perished, pulling Europe's fat out of the fire in the First World War. You're welcome.
Another 417,000 died in World War II. Again, you're welcome.
37,000 Americans were killed in the Korean War, defending South Korea from Communist insurgency. Another 58,000 died in Vietnam.
We lost 148 in Operation Desert Storm. In the War on Terror, America has suffered nearly 7,300 combat deaths.
How many have fallen in "classified" operations?
Between Korea and Vietnam, nearly 10,000 POW/MIAs were left behind in enemy hands. It's been rumored that our Soviet "allies" held Americans captive after WWII, as well.
Following the second World War, with the Marshall Plan, "greedy, imperialist" America gave $13 billion of its own treasure, to help rebuild the flattened cities and shattered economies of its friends and enemies alike.
During the Berlin Airlift, generous Americans donated tons of supplies and foodstuffs to help break the Soviet blockade. American schoolchildren filled boxes of supplies and fashioned parachutes out of handkerchiefs to drop small bundles of candy to German children.
America has always been a source of aid and comfort to the world, sending untold tons of emergency supplies, food, medicines and economic aid in times of disaster and great need somehow, nonetheless, to endless derision and animosity.
You're welcome.
Have we supported tyrants? Certainly, but when the world is divided into "spheres of influence," you take your friends where you find them.
During the Cold War, it was somehow fine for our Soviet enemies to exert their influence, but not America.
Today, we find allies against Islamic terrorism in "moderate" Muslim nations, often dominated by tyrants.
American "hubris" is well-earned, paid for many times over by blood, sweat, tears and treasure, expended to benefit a seemingly ungrateful world.
You're welcome, and happy Memorial Day.
Honor the memory of our fallen heroes, America; thank God, thank a veteran and support our military. God bless the USA.
Rob Denham
Chapter Coordinator,
American Patriot Council
Washington/Jefferson/
Hancock Chapter
Weirton
