Orrin, I appreciate your courageous statements which, based on my personal experience, are for the most part not understood by society in America today. And this is based on the fact that this nation has lost the original bondage to spiritual truth as the fundamental motivator for doing. Instead we are pushed to the edge of complacency were many don't want to get involved in anything. They feel not being effected by what is happening around them. Some might even get pushed over the edge into apathy and don't really care. We are in danger to step into a dependent society that will loose its future because it has misplaced and forgotten its history. It is dear to my heart to share why I am so proud today to call myself an American. My wife and I came 16 years ago from Germany to “the land of opportunity" and we left the “land of familiar” behind. We believed in the freedom to choose and the free enterprise system, were the individual is rewarded based on his contribution to society. But we had to find out that a problem emerges for many because they have the right to choose. Unfortunately in today’s society it is often the easy way that is promoted and sold to the public. The principles of free enterprise are turned around where the once that act unethically to often get the reward. But it's the principles by which we live that allow that to happen. If we loose our secured status of biblical principles we struggle with insecurity, anger, instability and fear. Humanism moves into our schools and into society. Morality and justice all of a sudden is up to the discretion of men's limitations. Instead our behavior could be changed based on the unlimited recourses received through solid biblical principles. And with it the results will change. I believe it is time to step away from "easy" and move into "possible". I honor the American flag and what it stands for. I am proud to look up to it and get inspired by it. There is no past that has to be hidden or forgotten about. Let's keep it up high with pure motives. As a former foreigner that once came to this country for freedom, I feel that this nation is incredibly blessed. The principles by which it was founded are second to none in his world. They are still alive but overshadowed. We can't allow a separation from its roots to happen. It will end up in the loss of our economic, political and spiritual freedom. Freedom is not free and as you say Orrin, it takes each and everybody of us to secure it. I am thankful to have a chance to be part of making history in a country with a great history. Permanent change will be created from the bottom up and not from the top down. One person at a time. Thanks for giving us the courage to lead for a purpose. "Together we can move maintains". With respect, Herbert S. Wagner