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We must all protect our heritage!

Yesterday I wrote a blog - The rambling views of an anti-American moron! - but I think I made a mistake. Instead of complaining about Chris Satullo and calling him an anti-American moron, I should have done what I was trained to do as a journalist - edited it for him!

And so here is the article that SHOULD have appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The potential for a not so glorious Fourth

By Chris Satullo - edited by Simon Conway.

If we are not careful, then 12 months from now we will be putting the fireworks in storage, canceling the parade and tucking the soaring speeches in a drawer for another time.

If we are not careful, then next year America will not deserve to celebrate her birthday. Next year the Fourth of July will be a day of quiet; a day of reflection and a day when we ask ourselves "how could we have been so stupid?"

You see if we are not careful, then by this time next year America will have been suffering under the yoke of socialism for six months - and will know that she has to survive another three and a half years of it before we attempt to come back to the vision of our Founders.

If we are not careful, then we will have indeed put a socialist in the White House. We would have failed to pay attention. We would have settled for false promises of "hope" and "change". And we would have spit on the memory of those who did that brave, brave thing in Philadelphia some 232 years ago.

Just as so many of us have sat back quietly as these socialists literally spat on returning war heroes from Vietnam and just as we have sat back quietly and accepted both the literal and metaphoric spitting on our troops currently in harms way.

The America those men founded should never pay people not to work.

The America they founded should never stop free enterprise

The America they founded would never have even threatened to tax "windfall profits" because such a concept would have been so alien to them.

The America they founded would have always allowed the resources that are so plentiful here, to be used by American companies with American innovation. This would always have been allowed long before we placed our very security in the hands of foreign Governments. And the America they founded would never have put itself in charge of any private company.

The Americans of that generation were never a people with their hands held out to Government saying "give me". No - those Americans would always have said to Government "get out of my way".

If we are not careful, then by next Fourth of July we will have some version of Government controlled healthcare. Will we sit quietly while they take an imperfect system and turn it into the DMV? If we do then we will only have ourselves to blame and again, we should perhaps not be celebrating this birthday next year.

I come from the country that invented universal health care. It doesn't work! In the United Kingdom one in eight patients wait more than a year for hospital treatment. The British government just recently set a new goal, to keep wait times to less than 18 weeks. That, by the way, is four months. In Canada almost a million citizens, - a million citizens - are waiting for necessary surgery and more than a million Canadians can't find a regular doctor. You think our healthcare is so bad, let me show you the healthcare system up in Canada that everybody wants us to have. In a small town in Norwood, Ontario, they have a drawing every week. Somebody who lives in Norwood Ontario wins! Somebody wins the right to go see the town's doctor. Congratulations. You are a winner in the Canadian healthcare system.

As for us - in 1900 a rich person lived to 60. The poor person died at 45. 15 years separation. Today the life expectancy of an affluent person in America, a rich person, 78 years old. Poor person, somebody who lives in the gutter in America, 74. A four-year difference. Yes, the rich have advanced and they have benefited, but the poor have advanced and benefited even more, and that is what makes America great. Right now in the United States we spend roughly $2 trillion on healthcare. We spend more than any other country in the world per capita averaging $4,631 per person. We are talking TAX DOLLARS - not what we spend as individuals. That's more than Switzerland, Germany, Canada and any other country in the world. And let's look at Heart disease. We haven't conquered it but we're beating it. Death by heart disease has fallen 67% in the last 50 years.

This is just part of our right to the pursuit of happiness, but if we stay quiet and let them do this in our name, then what right do we have to celebrate next year's Fourth of July? How will we be honoring those brave men of 232 years ago?

Right now we are looking for a leader, but since when did America start waiting around for a leader? We're pioneers. All the way from the pilgrims to today - we're pioneers. We were people that took chances. We were people that took risks. We were people that did the unthinkable and we still are. But every step of the way the government is in there and the media is in there telling you that you're not. Well, you are. You are a pioneer. You are the leader of your family. You are the leader we've been looking for. The media is focusing on everything that's wrong with America. So let me tell you another of the things that are right with America because we still lead the world in the principles that matter most, the rules of law, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from an oppressive government, although that one's slipping by the wayside rapidly. And if you sit silently by while "change" and "hope" are elected, then you will be as guilty as those who wish to bring socialism to our land. The land of the free. The home of the brave.

We cannot claim not to have known. The best amongst us are raising the alarm right now. Heroes in uniform; judges in robes and yes - many of "we the people" are trying to oppose a potential administration that will say anything and do anything for one reason and one reason alone - power! And they have the media on their side too, but the answers are in plain sight. Will we heed them or will we be too busy with the rest of our lives that we allow this insidious regime to enter power in this great land?

If you believe everything they tell you then right now our economy is in the toilet. That's simply not true when compared to the rest of the world. California has the same GDP as the entire country of France. Illinois has the same GDP as the entire country of Mexico. New York has the entire GDP of Brazil. Florida, the same as South Korea. Texas, the entire GDP of Canada. Michigan, the GDP of Argentina. Missouri, the GDP of Poland. The projected GDP of the U.S. in 2007 is just shy of the next four biggest economies on planet Earth combined: Japan, Germany, China, and Great Britain, combined. Considering the size of USA Inc, you think maybe we should hire someone who knows a little something about business to be our President?

But if you do not heed these warnings then next year I will be saying to you:

Put out no flags.

Sing no patriotic hymns.

We will deserve no Fourth in 2009.

Instead we will be atoning in quiet and humility for allowing our nation to be taken over by those who seek to change its very reasons for existence. Those who want to remove god from our society. Those who wish to punish success and reward failure.

May we wake up in time to prevent all they are telling us they will do to our great nation.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!! Words I am proud to say in 2008 and words I hope to be able to say in 2009.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please give me a call if you have questions about the Central Florida real estate market. You can reach me on 407 876 8200. Also visit my web site at www.simonconway.net or www.move2orlando.net

Posted by Simon Conway on 07/03/2008 03:58 PM

Comments (53)

fourth of july, america, god bless america, simon conway selling homes in orlando and windermere

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53 Comments on We must all protect our heritage!

JUL

2008

Simon,

Hear, hear-we must protect our freedom! We as a country must wake up before it is too late. Incredible post. Happy Birthday America!

Steven Simmons & Marti Schmidt, Realtors, Prudential GHP, beautiful Ocean Shores, WA

Simon I say HELL ya to what you wrote. So many of our fellow americans have forgot what it means to stand and fight. Like you said too many people are saying why me and help me. F that. God or whoever gave you a body and mind use it and make something of yourself. People say Im sorry to hear you are a realtor right now. I said F that I have had the best year yet in my 4 year career. I think our Founding Fathers would be ashamed if they saw America today. Sure this will piss some people off, but I have seen all specturums and lived both ends. A society that caters to those that cannot and refuse to make something of themselves will parish. You should not be penalized for working hard and becoming educated or have to share a great deal of your wealth because of it. It's part of the reason people work hard. And yes Simon universal healthcare is the worse idea ever.

WOO-HOO

WOW

CAN WE HAVE MORE OF THAT?

ARE WE AFRAID OF STEPPING ON SOME TOES THAT NEED TO BE STEPPED ON SO MAYBE THEY WILL WAKE UP?

For you as a new citizen, I want to make sure to figure out a way to stand in front of you, salute you, and say thank you for coming home and saying the things that should have been said a long time ago. I would love to shake your hand and hug your neck.

That was some kick butt stuff, Simon! You Rock!!!!! Happy Birthday to the greatest land on earth...

Simon,

We want to get in line to shake your hand also! You are "the man!" You have the guts to say what so many are too scared to utter. Bless you.

Steven Simmons & Marti Schmidt

Thank you for the kind comments. I believe these are really serious issues and if we don't stand up for our country then frankly, who will?

Very well written Simon. I'm proud of you.

Wow - leave it to the new kid on the block, citizenshipwise, to give such a terrific lesson!

Simon- What a great post from a new Citizen of these great United States! I am posting my 4th of July post tomorrow, it is all ready written and I promise I did not copy you! But I have a lot of the same attributes in my post! Thanks for being brave and standing up when so many will shoot your words down.

So it wasn't the man's message after all that was unpatriotic, but his political leanings? You want this man tarred and feathered over the assertion that a celebration is not warranted, while offering up that you will feel the same way if your guy isn't in office next year? Telling. By the way, please don't invoke our warriors in the name of your ideology because of misguided protests which took place decades ago. Would my father, who left two legs in Vietnam, be spitting in his own face by voting Democratic? This post is as hypocritical as it is absurd.

For the record, I don't disagree with your views on socialized medicine. But you are moving the yardsticks as to what constitutes a patriot versus a traitor, and you know it.

Cheri and Mike - thank you for your kind words.

Katerina - I look forward to your post tomorrow!

Paul - first and foremost, please make sure your dad knows how grateful I and millions of Americans are, both for his service and his sacrifice. As for this post, perhaps you need to go back to the very top of it. This is an edited version of what I feel he should have written if he felt so strongly that the Fourth should not be celebrated. What he did in his original piece is bash America. What I did when I edited his piece is point to the positives in America while warning of the potential dangers that are right in front of us. Finally, I did not call him a traitor - your words. I called him an anti-American moron.

Simon ~

Congratulations this post is now featured in Silent Majority Group of Active Rain.

Was wondering when that little icon would show up. It's just not a Simon Conway post without it. ;)

Simon ~

Congratulations this post is now featured in Walking By Faith In The Rain! of Active Rain.

Paul - you are becoming a little fixated with me. Scary! For the record, of my last 13 blog entries, three have been featured in Silent Majority.

Simon, Forget radio, forget realestate run for congress.

Funny man Hugh! Not sure I'd want the pay cut! :)

Great thoughts on a great occasion for a GREAT country.

JUL

2008

Excellent post, SImon. Lets hope America makes the right decision - and it starts with each of us making the right decision to vote!

Simon I like this a whole lot better than the other guys version. I like how you point out the positives instead of the negatives. That always seems to get the more liberal among us angry.

Kevin - I know what you mean - but why is that??????

Interestingly the Satullo article just showed up in this mornings Banner Herald.

Simon - you got me. Must be the accent. Kevin - I am not nearly as liberal as you might think, and not particularly angry. I respect Simon's beliefs, as well as all Americans. That includes Mr. Saltullo. Too often it seems partisanship leads us to hold ideology in higher esteem than actual people. My point of contention has nothing to do with the political bent of the author, but with the seeming inability to respect differing opinions. I do not agree with the views expressed by Mr. Saltullo, nor do I agree with everything Simon has to say, but I respect their opinions. No need to lump all people into categories as "conservatives" or "liberal" even though it is far simpler than listening to individual thoughts and views. So much easier to decry a group mindset than to allow for a person being capable of individual thought outside of some collective "liberal" or "conservative" label. I don't fashion myself as either. I won't be penned in by such monikers when my leanings incorporate ideals across all spectrums. We are far too complicated a species for "good guy" or "bad guy" labeling based on spoon fed doctrine. I wish all a festive 4th, regardless of belief system.

Happy Forth of July. Happy Independence Day. Freedom has a price.

Simon, Did you send the "moron" a copy of the edited version? Just wondering what his reaction might be. Very cool how you did that. ;-) NJ

JUL

2008

Paul I did not mention you. My point is that a lot of libs do not like America and what it stands for. And I do not mean what our current President stands for, I mean what America stands for. Point out the positives and they get mad at you because someone in another country is starving. Point out that gas prices went down a bit and we need to stop American corporate greed. Point out that Americans are very self-reliant and Cheney is doing what he can to stop us. All comments that I have rcvd.

There have been years that I have not liked what the current President or Congress was doing. That does not change my love for the USA. Neither of the above are "the country". They are not the reason that the 4th is celebrated.

I believe in this guys right to say what he wants. He does not have to celebrate the 4th. But, he needs to be told that our country and what it stands for, has nothing to do with who is in the White House and what they stand for. That person is temporary while our country is ongoing.

Why should I respect the guys opinion? I hold mine and he holds his. We do not have to respect each other's opinion. Just because someone has an opinion does not mean that everyone else must respect it. Do you respect Hitler's ideas of extermination? It is after all an opinion.

A bit much, Kevin. I don't see this columnist calling for the mass extermination of an entire race of people. There is enough fodder for discussion here without expanding the discourse to such an over the top extreme. Your point is a fair one, but the example cited outlines the tremendous divide in our nation. Until factions stop demonizing those with opposing views, we won't make much headway in solving the problems which plague us. I'm sure you were not trying to equate the views of this columnist to one of the most truly evil men to ever walk the earth, but invoking the name in such a discussion sure doesn't help bridge the gap between those with differing views. Much to my chagrin, I think that many of us would prefer that chasm remain wide. Anyway, I think I finally exhausted myself on the topic. Believe it or not, I generally avoid political discussions because they very rarely lead anywhere productive. Simply everyone attempting to prove that they are right. Human nature, I guess, and I am no exception. I hope you had a happy 4th, and do greatly respect the passion you obviously feel for your country.

Paul ~ You can see clearly through his writing that this man hates America and what she stands for. Liberals call for socialism and cry foul whenever they can about America. Then they say they love America. Quite pathetic to me. But I know you will have an excuse for this kind of behavior.

I excuse nothing, Nicholas. I don't speak nor apologize for others. I really don't have anything to say to you as you clearly make the point of my last comment. Too wrapped up in your myopian views of the universe to allow for rational discussion. There are simply "good guys" and "bad guys" to your politics. Nothing is more fruitless than debating with a true believer. No more callbacks for me. I really am taking my leave now.

*We now return to our regularly scheduled program of defaming anyone who doesn't think, speak, believe or act like us ...

Paul - I know you weren't talking to me, but I still feel the need to comment. I don't split people up into good and bad guys, but there is a difference between not liking a political point of view (I consistently disagree with Inna and Tchaka on here for example) and respecting their position as one coming from what they genuinely believe is in the best interests of the country. I believe they are wrong, but I understand where they are coming from. What Salutto did was to bash America. That is something else entirely.

Simon, is there anything that is mentioned in the article that you are ok with? As a citizen of this great nation, that is... I fail to see how what he said, which given that it's an oped piece is simpy his opinion, is any less valid or different from Tchaka and myself here voicing our opinions. The only difference that I see is that he has a much wider audience...

I fully respect his right to say what he felt had to say, and i absolutely believe it's coming from the right place, from love of and concern for his nation.

Inna - I completely respect his right to say it, but what he has done is attack America. I don't see any love for this country at all. I see him wanting to downgrade America in the eyes of his audiance to some tinpot dictatorship with no regard for the rule of law. I have never seen you or Tchaka say anything that I regard as anti-American - but I do feel you are misguided :) - sorry couldn't resist the last part, but if it helps I had a huge smile on my face when I typed it.

Simon, the smile suits you:-)

How is this for what you would consider anti-American: I don't believe the founders of this nation would have been ok with us circumventing and rewriting our Constitution to suit some more or less immediate need, whether driven by greed or fear is irrelevant. I don't think they would have been ok with adopting the attitude the Cheri Smith adopts with regard to torture (it's less torture than college hazing, i believe her words were). I don't think they would have been ok with us forsaking our freedoms and those of others because it MAKES US FEEL SAFE. I think justice and honor should ALWAYS be held in higher regard than SAFETY.

I think we are turning into a nation of cowards, morally and intellectually. I think the rest of the world see us as such. I think his editorial was human and heartfelt, and to me, quite painfull (for all the right reasons). I think you are wrong to call him either a moron or anti-American for being disappointed. I think if you read it deeply, you would notice that the narrator's voice cracks more at the state of lethargy and apathy exhibited by the general population than at any specific action by a polititian. We are all being too silent. Too forgiving. Too uncarying. That is our biggest sin, and that does go against what gave birth to this nation.

Where is the freaking rebellion, Simon?

Ok, off to burry my head in the sand before the not so silent majority chops it off.

Screw it, go ahead - have at it:-)

We just see what he said differently Inna, but I do agree with you on the central point - where is the rebellion? The country seems to do best when we have grid lock - Clinton basically did nothing because he couldn't with a Republican majority in Congress. Now we have a Congress that seems more interested in baseball players and making political points than actually getting anything done. But frankly I'd throw them all out. Term limits are a must and the rediculous situation of two year terms in the House has got to change. The seccond those guys get in they start planning how they are going to stay in.

Back to the main theme here I didnt see a love of his country. I saw a desire to kick the administration and he used America as his football. It was extremely anti-American in my mind. I didn't feel any love whatsoever.

And nobody should be attacking you. You have your opinion which is different from mine and many others. Just part of what makes this country great.

Well then, we'll have to just agree to disagree, I guess....

Just want to be clear - it's ok for me to voice my opinion and not be crucified for it, but not Satullo, right? Am I on to someting? Did I win, did i win?

:-)

Paul (Sly) where the heck are you, need back up!!!

lol - nope, not what I said. It's OK for everyone to voice their opinion - what Satullo did was bash America. Big difference.

JUL

2008

The question is, Simon, who gets to decide which is which... ? When exactly does voicing one's opinion turn into America bashing? Who is the judge of that?

Inquiring minds want to know.. (written with the biggest smile on my face) :-)

Socialism is not the answer for what ails us. We just had eight years of the far, religious right. That was a disaster. I'm pretty sure eight years at the far, Socialist left will be just as bad. Bush already put us trillions in the hole. Huge Socialist programs will only make it worse. We can't just spend our way out of the current crisis.

I can't believe Inna just doesn't get it. Bashing America is anti-American. You can say what things needed to be changed, but saying we should hang our heads in shame and don't celebrate the 4th of July is shameful and I can't understand how liberals can't see this. Maybe because they have an agenda? A socialist or communist agenda. Just like Stalin said, we might not defeat you with bullets or bombs but we shall defeat you within.

Israel ~ That is absurd to say we had eight years of the religious right. We have had two years of liberals in Congress and all we have is baseball hearings and blocking drilling in the US and increasing the gas tax when America needs a break. But liberals never saw a tax they couldn't vote for. PERIOD!

Nicholas- We had a Republican house and congress for six years and all we got was trillions in debt and a war we didn't need or want. Bush didn't raise taxes to pay for it, he borrowed it from China.

Nicholas, yep, you got me, - the liberal anti-american ass:-)

Have fun with it. How about an intelligent discussion, you know, no name calling, no labels, just actual normal well-thought-out-discourse. You up for that?

JUL

2008

Inna you have a foul mouth. Nick did not call you a name. You read that in.

Kevin, i prefer the liberal anti-American ass to constant labels of socialis or communist. Suits my quirky personality better, plus, there ain't nothing wrong with a donkey or two:-)

What are you, the newest form of AR police or something... Why don't you worry about what comes out of your mouth... It just might serve you better.

Great job saying what all Normal Americans are thinking. If this socialist piece of democrat does get in, I'm almost ready to leave. The country has been in the crapper for a while now, and if this "candidate" gets in office, we all will have more than universal health care to worry about.

Inna ~ We have had discourse, debates and the other. No name calling but if you are a liberal than you should be proud of it. I don;t get offended when Israel calls me a neocon, a right winger, a religious fanatic, a zealot, a dangerous man, and so forth. I have thick skin. I know what I believe. I know what is an enemy of democracy, and socialism is most definitely is. Especially, the communist manifesto Obama is claiming to fame. Go read his ecominic and social agenda if they haven't change it yet. Now he is changing everything over to the centrist platform, and nobody in the liberal media is calling him a flip flopper. Just one of those many passes.

Israel ~ You are totally correct that Republicans haven't a back bone and caved in on spending with the liberals. The liberals did the same thing to George Sr. when they convinced him to back the new tax hike and then all those commercials saying "No New Taxes". Liberals are quite good at that.

Nicholas- We all know where the big spending is going. Straight to China. They are hoping we blow up every country in The Middle East and borrow all the money from them.

Great BLOG Simon!

I am proud to be an American and I'm proud for what this nation stands for. I give thanks for the military personnel and their families (past and present) that served to defend, protect, and maintain America as the greatest nation on earth. I accept her (America) with all her flaws and political short comings, strategically errors, lack of judgment, over indulging society or what ever other excuses certain factions may decide to use for their hidden agenda to discredit this nation.

When I hear some one say they hate America and what it has become because of the President, or because of the war, or because they support Israel, I feel that person has no sense of true patriotism and has a lack of belonging. I feel that individual wants America to be something it is not; Let's say.. like Europe. I think most of us will agree that Europe is a beautiful continent with many nations rich in history and culture, but what we see now (for the most part) is a socialized group governments that have had a period of peace that has been unprecedented in modern times. What we see is the French coffee shops, the Italian wineries, and the happy go lucky European driving their FIAT to the market. Not involved in any major conflict (with the exception of Britain) because that just would cause problems.

Well, America is a little more proactive. Why? because it can. It has the military might, the economic backing and most importantly, a generation of people that because they were brought up the "American Way" will always do what they feel is right. They still believe in a sense of God, family and country. In my opinion, that's what makes this nation great.

Sorry for the rant, but these topics normally hit a nerve.

JUL

2008

Simon, I agree with NJ Bosely - You should send your version and not just to the original author, but to all newspapers across America. That is some powerful writing you have done and it deserves to be seen by the masses. I'd even bet it could make it into some national magazines - it is that good!

I applaud you for your strength to stand up and shout about what you (and I) wholeheartedly believe in. America is a wonderful country and we need to keep it that way. It would be a disservice to all the dissidents out there to lose our liberties. We need to stand up and protect and leave a better world for ourselves and for future generations. We have fought too hard for all we have to give it all up.

I would love to shake your hand. Congratulations on being an American and Thank You for appreciating it!

JUL

2008

Hi Simon -- powerful sentiment, and just think how many words it takes these days to make a point that people get. Patrick Henry used more than seven words to make his point, but the seven everyone remembers -- "give me liberty or give me death" may have changed the course of history. Thank you a well written post, and God bless you!

AUG

2008

Simon, it has been a month since I first read this post. I have gone back to it a few times and it still gets me. Fanstastic piece of writing. I really hope that you have shared/will share this piece with some newspapers and magazines. I truly believe it is publishable material and deserves/needs to be seen.

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