September 13, 2017

Heart and Soul

By Tammy Derouin

I enjoyed some post-Labor Day time at Lake Michigan over the weekend. This has to be my favorite time of year. The weather is still nice, even with a slight chill in the air. The water may or may not be warm enough to take on some challenging waves, but the traffic, the activity, has calmed down for the year. The snow fences are showing up and finding a parking place no longer gives you a headache. For me, going to the beach has always been a way to escape the realities of life, at least for a little while.

As I drove home, I noticed that the car ahead of me was from Florida. Reality was right in front of me while the tranquility of the lake was disappearing in my rear-view mirror. Of course, my reality of the anticipated hurricane comes through a distant camera lens and weather reports as I sit safely in my home. I wondered what part of Florida this couple called home. I couldn't imagine the anxiety they must be feeling. Would they have a home upon their return? How well would their family and friends get through the storm? I silently wished them well as the road took us in different directions.

As the United States braces for another natural disaster, I know the goodness of the American people will shine like a beacon in the night. It's what we do. When disaster strikes, we roll up our sleeves and help our fellow man. Politics and agendas disappear as the heart and soul of America radiates with unselfish acts of kindness.

We've seen the American spirit come into action, time and time again, whenever or wherever disaster strikes. Americans have always answered the call when help was needed. All the false, overblown or made up issues such as rampant racism, bigotry and “isms” of every type imaginable, disappear during a true crisis.

Hate has been manufactured and promoted to create a civil divide among Americans so that outside forces can divide and conquer. These outside forces prey upon the uninformed; the youth, which haven't been educated very well in the history of our country or how a republic and capitalism is supposed to work, as well as the individuals who think they are getting all the news from the mainstream media. These outside forces, both foreign and domestic, ignite a spark. A false cause for concern is created. When their rhetoric is not questioned, when facts or proof of their claims are not demanded, or incriminating evidence is withheld and hidden, they sit back and watch their uninformed foot soldiers fan the flame, creating an intended crisis. A crisis breeds opportunities and the Left never lets a crisis go to waste, just ask Rahm Emanuel, the Mayor of Chicago.

However, when a true crisis strikes, the hate groups, which do their best to promote and encourage hate and violence, go into hiding. Not a word, not a chirp comes from them. Why? Because they know that Americans are doing what they do best, helping one another, no questions asked, hate and violence free.

As America prepares for disaster relief, there are no stipulations or conditions for who will be helped. We are one nation under God. Whether a disaster is predicted or it's a complete surprise, Americans rise to the occasion and help their fellow man. With another year passing, another anniversary of the evil which attacked the United States sixteen years ago, it is important to remember that evil never takes a break. Perhaps this should serve as yet another wake-up call. The Left has learned that Americans are always there for each other, during triumph and during a time of crisis. When the real disasters are under control and life attempts to get back to normal, take a closer look at the issues which are being turned into a crisis.

The American spirit still lives. It's what made us great and it's what will make us great once again. We control our future. Do we believe in the American ideals such as freedom and independence or will we bow to the hate groups and watch as a crisis becomes an opportunity for those who wish to control us, to enslave us?

“You never let a serious crisis go to waste. And what I mean by that it's an opportunity to do things you think you could not do before.”

Rahm Emanuel