The Patriot Corner

Think back to how you felt on September 12, 2001. Partisan politics, social, racial and economic backgrounds did not matter. On that day we all knew we were Americans and we had to come together against a common but as yet unknown enemy that was trying to destroy us. During the following days and weeks, many vigils were held, much investigating was done and responsibility for the attacks of 9-11 was laid at the feet of Osama bin Laden and Al Queda. Eventually, military forces were deployed to Afghanistan to begin the War on Terror.

“Great harm has been done to us. We have suffered great loss. And in our grief and anger we have found our mission and our moment. Freedom and fear are at war. The advance of human freedom, the great achievement of our time and the great hope of every time, now depends on us. Our nation, this generation, will lift the dark threat of violence from our people and our future. We will rally the world to this cause by our efforts, by our courage. We will not tire, we will not falter and we wil not fail."  - George W Bush

Only 10 years later, we seem to have forgotten the meaning of these words. We have become bogged down in multiple armed conflicts with no clearly defined goals or strategies, we have sacrificed freedoms in the name of security, and we have entered an era of economic volatility and political divisiveness. In short, we have become a nation divided.

So what can you do? I would suggest that it is time for each of us to make some commitments to our future. First, educate yourself as much as possible. This could be on a multitude of subjects such as the issues of the day, the true history of America (not just the dates) and ways to become more self reliant. Second, share your knowledge with friends and family, we are all passengers on the same ship and we will all float or sink together. Third, get involved in your local community. This can be done in an untold number of ways. Join some local organizations or church groups, become involved in your schools, local politics, whatever interests you. The important thing is to DO SOMETHING. Complaining without taking action is just making noise.

One organization that I would strongly recommend joining is the Parma Patriots. We meet regularly and have begun the process of educating ourselves on a multitude of issues. We also partner with many other organizations around NE Ohio to help us expand our knowledge base. Two of the areas we are currently studying at our regular meetings are the History of Money and the Federalist Papers. We also have an ongoing series of classes involving food preservation that is held at a separate time.

Our regular meetings are held the second and fourth Sunday of every month. Meetings begin at 6 PM and are held at The Hive 5324 State Rd Parma.