I’m reminded of the events after the first Gulf War. It seemed like everyone had a flag attached to vehicles or waving from poles on thousands of front doors around the nation. Was this true patriotism or was it just popular? Was it that people around the nation wanted to be true patriots and display their national pride, or was it just cool? What happened since then? Was it too hard to stand firm and praise this great country even when it became unpopular to a liberal audience?
Today the unity we saw seven years ago has been stretched and faded by some that are more loyal to their party lines than the nation they serve. As we draw nearer to the Presidential election, we need to pay close attention to what is being said. One side of the electoral battle line has been touting “change,” yet has failed to say what that change is other than the same rhetoric that we hear during every election. The fact is, people really don’t want change unless it benefits them personally and costs them nothing.
Neither of the candidates has discussed their plans for Homeland Security. Both have expressed positions for the events we face abroad, but what about here at home? Will local Law Enforcement and response agencies get greater resources to do their job? What legislation will be sought to allow greater interactivity between the Law Enforcement and Intelligence Communities? Today many of our folks are working the same double shifts without training opportunities and resources as they were before 9/11. What change will come to help keep our folks safe and alive? Pay attention to what is being said in the campaigns. Without the right leadership, our nation faces tenuous times.
We need to purpose ourselves to be participants of the future of our nation and not passive viewers. Our citizens, Law Enforcement and the Military deserve continuous support. We need to let our legislators know they don’t live on an island and will be held accountable when placing a congressional or senatorial vote contrary to the best interests of our nation. I’m not telling anyone who to vote for – that’s your American right. Many already know where I stand.
Let’s honor those we’ve lost and those who continue to serve amidst hardships by working to get responsible legislation in place, led by someone focused on the nation and not themselves.
The Author:
Anthony M. Davis is the publisher of the Homeland Security Report and the Author of the Bestselling book, “Terrorism and the Maritime Transportation System.”