I have just read Michelle Malkin`s interview/article about musician John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting (”He’s Our Superman - Meet John Ondrasik, a Hollywood patriot”, July 2, 2008).
Very, very true and touching what he says. Excerpts:
Where did his sense of patriotism come from?
“I have no family members who are in the military and not a lot of friends who’ve joined the military. Frankly, to me, it’s just common sense. In our business, we make a living off liberty and freedom of speech. The world my children are going to grow up in, their opportunities, their lives, their safety, are dependent on folks like our soldiers and their families. It’s common sense to me. They provide us with everything that we take for granted a lot in this country. You know, that “Freedom Never Cries” video, I think the message of that video, at least for me, is that look, freedom is not free. There is a price that is paid for freedom, and we have to constantly acknowledge that. If we accept that freedom is free and that it’s no big deal, I think we’re in trouble. And I do think there is some of that mentality pervasive not only in the United States, but in Europe as well.” (…)
“People across the world are seeing films being made about troops that disparage them, and they’re going to think, ‘Hey, if they’re saying that about themselves, it has to be true.’ And I wouldn’t be so bothered about it if there were the counterarguments — you know, films basically showing the good side. You don’t see that, and it’s frustrating. I think it’s to our detriment. And I think we pay a price for that … I think people do take our troops for granted. They take our freedom for granted. I don’t think we have the clarity we need as a country going forward.”
Speaking as an American entertainer, Ondrasik talked about his duty to express gratitude for his country and those who defend it: “It is our job, our obligation. We can’t pick up a gun, can’t drive a tank or fly an aircraft, but I can write a song, and I can speak up, and I think it’s important for people to do that.”
And now you have to watch the “Freedom never cries” video, although it might reduce you to tears. At least, that is what it did to me.
And you know what? I have a flag like the one in the video. But I would never give it away.