A Patriotic Post

I've been feeling extra patriotic lately. I started listening to 1776 (by david mccullough) when driving to and from Denver last week, and have been listening to it as I quilt at night. And I've been reading The 5000 Year Leap (by Cleon Skouson) when I have the time. America is such a miracle! and I feel over-whelmed at how lucky we are to have so many liberties and freedom.

I read this article last night and my heart felt lifted. If you have been feeling heavy hearted lately you should read it too: secret combinations

JFK

I watched Thirteen Days Sunday night and really liked it. Today I read a review for the movie which suggests that the story told in the movie is American folklore, and the depiction of Kennedy and his men as "fine fellows" saving the day is sort of an untrue legend.

So much of the pride that I have for America is infused with my love for good men who did the right thing at the right time, even though it was hard. I still sometimes have a fantasy notion that people are generally good and righteous, and that their number one motivator is helping others, especially in a crisis where human lives are involved. But the more I read about politics and war the more I realize that people are, more times than not, motivated by profit and power. It bewilders me. Mostly because I don't think I know, or am friends with, anyone who is like that.

But it obviously happens a lot. Which leads me to think that it's easy path to follow. I wonder if anyone I know, if given the chance, would be a corrupt leader, or if I would be!

I don't know much about JFK (I should read more about him and his administration), or what his primary motiviators were, but I would like to think he was how this movie portrayed him - a fine fellow. He sparked in me a hope that there are some good men out there who are making good decisions, believe in God, and try to do what is right. I need that spark of hope, because sometimes I feel so over-whelmed with this corrupted planet.