Before Nazis
imprisoned Denmark's King Christian X (d. 1947) for disobeying anti-Jewish legislation, as World War II's horrors marched forward,
the ruler is reported to have immortalized himself with an aura of
courage. One day, as Hitler's
military occupied Denmark, the Danish ruler observed a Nazi flag flying over a public
building. At once, he contacted a German
official, demanding removal of the vile object.
Refusing, of course, to take the flag down, the official was advised by
King Christian that one of his own soldiers would be ordered to remove it. "He will be shot," the angered Nazi
commander warned.
"I think not," the king responded, "for I shall be the
soldier." Immediately, the flag was
removed.
* * * * *
So years have passed, and today I wonder -- would President Obama
demand the same, were an ISIS flag displayed high atop the White House? ISIS, the insignificant "JV" team
he dismissed mere months ago?
Veterans Day will quickly come and go this week, observed by true
Americans who honor a country's greatness, determined in large part by the
sacrifice of those in uniform, past and currently.
Unfortunately, a disturbing number of others who do little more than
occupy the USA with a measure of freedom, thanks to those in uniform who died
and suffered, couldn't care less -- if they even know what Veterans Day
represents, other than its annual appearance as some nebulous government holiday.
Last year, I spoke with a young man poised to join the military as
soon as he could lose a few pounds. When
I started an anti-Obama rant, something almost second nature to me every day
now, he raised an index finger and reminded me that this president is still the
Commander-in-Chief and must be respected while in Office. I guess he's right. Well, at least respect the Office. Beyond that, I see only an empty suit
reposing in Clint Eastwood's empty Obama stage chair (remember that simple, yet
profound act of utter brilliance?).
As the political season erupts in full force and the preciously
rational among us almost beg for somebody, almost anybody not named Hillary or
Bernie as the next president, let's remember why we're even able to live in a
country where -- yes, except for that damned Electoral College -- a vote counts
for something. It's all courtesy of
those who served honorably in the military.
In a nation manipulated all too frequently by phony power-mad bastards
at both political and corporate levels, what a rare and wonderful gem is the
man or woman who believes and engages in the frequently dangerous pursuit of
something true and freedom everlasting.
Denmark's King Christian X apparently understood this concept. King Obama?
Maybe not so much.
