Heirs of Liberty Press

Thank You!

Richard Minnick, Contributor / Vietnam Veteran

A letter of gratitude to America's men and women serving actively and inactively to protect America from terrorism.

Oh, excuse me "man-caused disasters" as the Obama administration and Napolitano now label individual "terrorists" whose primary goal is and always has been to instigate the death and destruction of America and its citizens — whether at home or abroad — and to cause widespread disruption and fear in the general population. Hence the word "terror." Once words are uttered they cannot be easily changed or taken back. Freudian slip, or not? You decide.

"The DHS is concerned that right-wing extremists will attempt to recruit and radicalize veterans in order to boost their violent capacities" — why not add our sworn law enforcement officers as well? This statement from our government only underscores its insecurity and ineptness in managing our country. The White House is not a place for on-the-job training. It takes a firm and consistent hand to stand up to adversity and guide us to our continued success as a nation.

As a decorated Vietnam veteran, I take great umbrage against the current administration and its minutest intimation that an American patriot would cause intentional hostile acts of aggression against his own country. Let me remind America, and especially the Obama people, that since the start of the South Asia conflict, more than 4,200 Americans have given their life to defend us all from acts of horrific acts of vengeance ... and an additional 31,000 more servicemen and women have been wounded protecting the United States from real acts of devastation directed against our democracy, as illustrated by the cowardly acts of carnage committed on 9/11.

In contrast, America's "Forgotten War" ... the Vietnam War ... resulted in 58,183 Vietnam deaths and an additional 300,000 wounded. Every man and woman trying to "Do the Right Thing."

Every day our "protectors of freedom" put themselves in harm's way to preserve our freedom to pursue life, liberty, and happiness.

Let us give thanks and say a daily prayer for all of those who protect us from harm and aggression.