THE BROTHERHOOD OF AMERICA

I was in an American Legion meeting the other night where one of the members who lived far, far away was present for a rare and welcome visit.  During the course of the meeting, someone mentioned that there was surely another American Legion Post much closer to where he lives, so why doesn't he move his membership?  

The answer struck me to my core, because here was the answer to the current day American dilemma.  He said, "Because here, in this room, with all of you here, we are a brotherhood unlike I have ever been able to find anywhere else." 

You know... There were Democrats in that room.  And, there were Republicans, Catholics, Baptists, Presbyterians, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Army, whites, blacks, young, old... people from every walk and persuasion of life.  I've never heard a mean or cross word from any member of that Post to any other member of that Post.  That's not to say we don't have our disagreements but... we talk about them, discuss them, and reach common decisions and conclusions to whatever issues we face.  

No one tries to cram his positions down anyone else's throat.  When the meeting is over and things are done, we sit down together and have a beer or two and move on until the next meeting occurs. 

And there, my friends, is the essence of what is missing in America today.  When we take a vote and one or two sides to an argument loses and, it's over.  But, we're still together through thick and thin. 

That's MY AMERICAN OPINION, respectfully submitted.