09/11/2023
From Training Director Ray:
Every year, around this time, the melancholy visits. I get a little tense every september.
I’ll never forget watching the plane fly directly into the tower. I knew at a deep level, my life would be changed forever. I think EVERY American’s life was changed, whether they realize it or not, and I believe we’re all still suffering the far reaching consequences of that cowardly attack on September 11th.
Today, I also feel pride. I’m proud to be an American. I think of those brave men who shouted “let’s Roll’ and saved god knows how many lives, by sacrificing their own. I think of the soldiers who sacrificed their youth, their limbs and their very lives to ‘fight em over there’…”so we don’t have to fight em here’ I think of the fireman and rescue personnel who charged directly into those towers to save lives. And I’m overwhelmed with respect for their sacrifices.
The U.S.A really got, as Toby Keith sings…a big black eye. But we survived. We endured. And we’ve continued the American way of life.
I understand America has problems. Corporate interest and greed control virtually everything: including Healthcare, Housing and Government policies. Policies and practices that are solely serving wall street, not main street. We also have huge problems in the judicial system. Our law enforcement institutions are no longer trusted. We care more about frivolous reality T.V than we do about education. We are fixated on social issues which only distract us from the theft of our very lives.
But, we’re still Americans. We still enjoy freedoms and rights that are quite rare in the world. There is a lot of talk nowadays about inequity. As if inequality is something new. As Americans, we have the luxury of worrying about such things because our stomachs are full, are streets safe and we’re not living in fear of occupying armies.
Some people just don’t get it. America’s promise isn’t equal results. The promise was simply an equal shot at success. It still provides that shot. I, personally, have most of the exact same problems everyone else has. I struggle to provide for my family and have misgivings and regrets….the same as everyone else. But, I’m so thankful to be an American. After all, I live in a country where people are so prosperous they can afford to buy Martial Arts Lessons. There are very few places in the world someone like me can teach Martial Arts, for a living.
I also love dogs. Many of my friends make their living training dogs. Imagine that. Americans are making such a good living they can afford to have someone ‘train’ their pet for them!….only in America.
Don’t forget, You can LOVE your country and still hate your government. The two things are not mutually exclusive. If you don’t agree with something, go ahead and try and change it. No one is going to throw you in jail for disagreeing….not in America..that is. And before you make your voice heard, ask yourself this. When my house is burning down and my upstairs window is being broken into and when terrorists are attacking again….who you gonna call? It certainly isn’t ghostbusters, is it?
Today….. share some respect and empathy for all our first responders. It’s the AMERICAN thing to do.
