Colorado, USA
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CRAZY MIKE!
congratulations on your recent induction into the ranks of the mBSc!
Texas -- The following is a letter/article to the editor of the TRN penned (as I understand it, literally penned) by Crazy Mike. The Times Record News of Wichita Falls published it as a Guest Editorial on July 4, 2011. I read the article that morning on a friend's FB page from my laptop in a motel room in Utah. It made my day. What a pleasant start to our Independence Day ride! I have CM's permission to share it here. I hope you enjoy it, too.
We are One Nation Under God
by Crazy Mike Rykoff
I would like to start by telling on myself. I am embarrassed — almost ashamed to admit — that my patriotism was pretty much nonexistent for most of my life.
I was too busy complaining about the government, the price of gas, food and clothes — and most people. Trying to raise a family was pretty tough. I know now that it is supposed to be hard! Not much value is if it is easy!
Several years back, while watching my son graduate from boot camp, I heard the base commander say, "Welcome to the world's largest Air Force base and the world's largest air power." It gave me chills and my negative self began to feel a little proud.
I came back home and joined the Red River Harley Davidson HOG chapter. You know — American-made and all that.
This past year I signed up with the Patriot Guard Riders — standing tall with respect for fallen heroes. (If you are not familiar with the Patriot Guard Riders, please look it up on the Internet).
I am going to be 60 in a few weeks and can honestly say my heart is getting softer. I don't know if it is because of my age or because of just what is going on in this country. Either way, I am much more aware of my choices. I know that I am not as smart as I thought — AND not nearly as important.
One thing that I do know is that I can live where I choose, go to my choice of church, drive what kind of car I want and eat at any restaurant.
Sadly, I also know that all of these choices — and my freedom — were paid for by our troops. I owe a great debt to all our armed forces. To those who served and to those who are still serving. You know — the REAL American heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice for my freedom and yours!
Republican or Democrat, rich or poor, whatever your religious beliefs; they are not for free. Because freedom is not free. I hate to admit I used to take all of this for granted.
The next time you are out and about, look around and see who is flying Old Glory. Maybe it will touch your heart as it touches mine. You might even raise the U.S. flag at your business or at your home.
I don't know who these un-American people are who want to take the flag out of the schools and God off the dollar. We are a lot stronger together than divided. How did it ever get this out of control?
So this Fourth of July and every day, let's celebrate freedom in our hearts and raise the U.S. flag with pride. I know every time I see one of our troops, I shake his or her hand and thank them for what they do.
Many years ago in school, I was taught that we have room for one flag, one language and our loyalty is to the American people. Also, we are one nation under God.
If this offends you, please feel free to leave. Canada and Mexico are easy to find. I know MY country is still under God.
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