Raise our flag high and fight back

I read with deep sadness the letter from Gerald and Jeanine Bauerle in the July 2 edition of The Press. I was thankful, however, to see such a deeply held conviction and love of our country. I have had much of the same discouragement that they spoke of, myself, and I suspect we hold many of the same political beliefs.

I would like to thank both Gerald and Jeanine for their service to our country and I hope they will truly know how thankful Americans are for that service. I would also like to thank them for expressing their views and love for our nation.

Gerald asked in his letter, "What say you?" about his decision to fly the flag upside down at this time of distress in our nation. Believing as strongly in my convictions as they do in theirs, how could I not respond?

I understand what the Bauerles are saying about our country being in distress, but I can only disagree (emphatically) with the solution they are taking to address the problem.

To fly the flag upside down of course, is a sign of distress. It has long been used as a call for help. But it is more than that; it is saying we can't do anymore. We need HELP!

I don't believe that is where we are as a nation, just yet. Rather, we are at a crossroads where it is a time that Americans are being called to action. It is time for us to become involved in our nation's political arena. We the people are the government! We are the tool that runs it - that makes it work. We have been neglectful of our duties. We should be raising our flags high and saying enough is enough! I do not want to tell my grandkids this nation was lost on my watch.

When we see our national emblem being flown upside down on our Independence Day, do we really believe people are going to say "Amen, Brother! Our country is in distress and we are going to do something about it, we are going to fly ours upside down, too!"

I don't think so. The majority of Americans are going to be saddened by this action, (if not apathetic) and they are going to be reminded of the recent uprisings in California and elsewhere, where illegal immigrants (yes, I said illegal) have been showing total disgust for our national emblem by walking on the flag; flying it upside down below their own nation's flag; ripping it to shreds publicly and showing total disrespect and hate for the nation that they have risked their own lives to come. (Google it; you can find the story.)

Most Americans, who have lived long enough, (that would be me) instead will be reminded of the turmoil of the '60s when the flag was being burned throughout the streets of America in a display of hatred for the country their spoiled selves were raised. Is that really where we want to be aligned?

If others join you, Mr. Bauerle, and we see flag after flag around our nation inverted, is that really what we want our kids and grandkids to see? Are they going to understand our nation is in trouble? If I had turned my flag upside down when my son was little and if he had asked why I did that, and then I had answered "Because we are in distress," I am pretty doggone sure he would have said, "Then why don't you do something?"

I know Americans are at a loss for what to do to correct all that has been attacked. But I firmly believe there is plenty yet to do, and it begins with raising our flag HIGH and yelling, "CHARGE! I am not going to lose the country I love. Not on my watch!"

Yes, sometimes it seems when we call our representatives and senators it falls on deaf ears. It all seems so futile sometimes. But I am confident that this is, in fact, the most effective thing we can do. They listen to our outcry - especially in voting years. Just last week, we saw the Supreme Court make two rulings in favor of the Constitution. It surprised everyone! I believe it was in response to the recent outcry from citizens and the low polling numbers of this president. I believe everyone is sensing the unrest and dissatisfaction that people are feeling for this administration. Even President Obama backtracked (at least verbally) on his immigration policy after seeing these low numbers. We are effective when we raise our voices collectively. We saw Justina Pelletier returned home. Why, finally? Because of public outcry and someone who decided to take charge for that call - former Governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee.

What more can we do? Join a group such as Jay Sekulow's "American Center for Law and Justice," former Senator of Pennsylvania, Rick Santorum's, "Patriot Voices," "Eagle Forum," and the "National Rifle Association." The groups are many that focus on what is happening in our nation, alerting the citizenry as to what is taking place, and letting us know when it is time to place a call or write a letter to our government officials. It has never been easier. These groups even do it for us via email; all we have to do is sign our name. And don't let anyone ever tell you this is not effective. It is! Memorize this number or put it in your cell phone - (202) 224-3121 - the nation's Capitol. Tell our leadership we want Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi home!

Something I would especially like to see citizens do in this week of our national Independence Day is join Anne Graham Lotz in her national urgent call for seven days of prayer. www.annegrahamlotz.com/events/urgent-call-to-prayer/ Everything should begin and end with prayer and collective prayer goes even further. It is another way for unity the Bauerle's wrote about in their letter.

Go see Dinesh D'Souza's new movie "America." Learn why the rhetoric we have been hearing from the left is a false narrative and why it is taking place. Stop to realize it isn't America that is without hope; it is an administration that promised us hope and change but only delivered change. Criticize the administration, not America. This is still the greatest nation in the world, with the best system in the world if her citizens would do their part. See that movie and fall in love with America again. Encourage others to see it, too. Raise your flags high and go to battle one more time for this great nation, before it really is too late.

An excerpt in the book American Sniper written by Chris Kyle (the Bauerles' Navy brother) tells of a moment in the life of Ryan Job who had lost his eyesight on the battlefield as a Navy SEAL. I would like to include it for all to consider. Kyle writes:

"When I think about the patriotism that drives SEALs, I am reminded of Ryan recovering in a hospital in Bethesda, Maryland. There he was, freshly wounded, almost fatally, and blind for life. Many reconstructive surgeries to his face loomed ahead. You know what he asked for? He asked for someone to wheel him to a flag and give him some time.

"He sat in his wheelchair for close to a half-hour saluting as the American flag whipped in the wind.

"That's Ryan: a true patriot."

That's what inspires me! That encourages me! That stirs my passion. Ryan couldn't see the flag, but he could hear it. That was enough. That is respect.

The Bauerles are patriots, too. I can feel it, and sense it in their passionate letter. Mr. Bauerle asked "What say you?"

I say fly that flag HIGH! And yell "charge" as we spring to action for the memory of those like Ryan Job and Chris Kyle. I say, "I am not going down without a fight." I say "Not on my watch!" There is still much work to be done, and it begins with raising our flag high in earnest hope and respect.

Jan Conner is a resident of Athol.