COLUMN: Some things I’d like to see in our country

As great as our country is and as strong as it is, there are a few things I believe will make it even better. Even the best can stand some room for improvement from time to time.

With that in mind, I’d like to see:

•More cooperation between the two major political parties in our country would be a positive. This “I’m against it because you are for it” is getting our country no where. We are in the midst of the worst economic times, many experts believe, in our country with the exception of the Great Depression. Nothing is going to change until we learn to work together and — heaven forbid — compromise on a few issues here and there.

•More assistance for our servicemen and servicewomen once they return home. Just because their job is finished doesn’t mean ours should be in terms of helping them with whatever issue they may face. Veterans issues are probably the area I don’t mind paying taxes for. They have earned the right to receive whatever help and support they need. Whether it’s illness or dealing with the stress that comes with a job I can’t even begin to imagine, we owe it to veterans to be there as a country for them. Just because their tour — or tours — of duty is over does not mean our responsibility as a country is over to them. Everyone likes to talk about supporting veterans, but as a country we are not doing enough. In fact, I doubt we ever could, but we should be doing more.

•I’ve mentioned this before but it certainly bares repeating. If you are going to fly an American flag at your home or business, don’t allow it to become a shredded mess. Show the proper respect for our flag. If it’s raining, don’t put it out. If it has become torn, for goodness sake put up a new one.

•More tolerance of people who are of different cultures and religions than our own is needed in the worst way. I’ve grown weary of the constant rhetoric against Muslims (are all white men condemned because of what Timothy McVeigh did?). And for crying out loud, when did America no longer stand for the land of opportunity? A certain group of politicians have made it their pasttime (and ticket to elected office) to condemn those who come into our country. Are some of those who come here criminals? Yes, but even more who already live here are also on the wrong side of the law. Most simply want a better life for themselves and their families. If you go back, that’s why all of our ancestors initially came here. You do realize that unless you are Native American, you are also descended from immigrants as well.

Personally, I’ve had enough with the fear mongering about the so-called Mosque in New York City. America, at least the way I view it, is stronger than any building. We were NOT defeated on Sept. 11, 2001 so the building is not a symbol of America being conquered. It all goes back to tolerance of others. Everyone has the right to worship as he or she chooses. That’s what makes America stand head and shoulders above all others. We allow — or at least we should — all points of view be it religious or otherwise.

•Finally, how about a little research before we believe something we hear on television or on a so-called unbiased news channel? Don’t be so quick to believe everything you hear — from me or anyone else. Read, read and then read some more. You might be surprised by what you learn.

Chris Bridges is editor of the Barrow Journal, a sister publication of The Banks County News. He can be reached at cbridges@barrowjournal.com.