Whatever your opinion, our freedom of speech is our greatest birthright.

I hate to admit it but for most of my adult life I have taken my freedoms for granted. I am certainly grateful for all the rights I enjoy but because it was always there, much like a sunrise or electricity, it was a given. I never doubted, within reason of course my ability to say anything I liked without retribution but didn’t feel the need to exercise that right. I’m not an agitator by nature and life was good so what’s to complain about? Soon there was a wife and children and a career to nurture so your life becomes parades, fireworks and barbecues for the 4th of July. Government, death and taxes were an easy topic that everyone seemed to agree on. It didn’t work-you eventually died and they were too high.

I was a young teenager as Vietnam raged. The evening news showed death and destruction nightly with a backdrop of protestors burning the flag, angering every adult I came in contact with. Returning troops were spat on and cursed; many never able to assimilate back into society. What a difference twenty-years makes. War is still distasteful with soldiers and civilians still dying. Like Vietnam I do not understand the rationale behind it but this batch of troops are revered and honored for their tremendous sacrifice. I am happy for Americas change of heart towards these troops and their families but cannot understand why the earlier generation was so despised.

Over the years I have maintained a neutral position during most political and religious conversations. The exception was close family, especially our children. We wanted to encourage civil discourse and the exchange of differing opinions. I am thankful they are both critical thinkers and listeners, expressing their views thoughtfully. I however was a bit of a coward I suppose. With a livelihood based on sales from a variety of people, I really didn’t want to potentially argue with a paycheck. Smiling and nodding my head to their comments seemed to appease them. Since turning 21 in 1976 and voting in my first Presidential election, I have tried to be open-minded to what both parties said, thinking of myself as a “Liberal Conservative.” That probably makes little sense but I appreciated fiscal responsibility and believed in supporting the underserved. These values allowed me to accept ideals from both sides of the aisle and stay out of increasingly heated disagreements. This stance has become more difficult with each election cycle. Both parties seem to be more focused on protecting their side of the argument that the betterment of the American people. Everyone seems to agree we need to throw all the bums out of Washington, “Just not my bum” is the excuse. The past four years however have pushed me; shoved is really more accurate, off the fence. Everything has become a political statement. If you wear a mask you are controlled by the government and if you don’t, you are only expressing your freedom. What if you have elderly parents at home and don’t want them to die? Why must I assume your responsibility now for my health if a store requires a mask and it infringes on your rights so you refuse? The grocery store has an occupancy rule and requires a mask. I want what they sell so I comply and don’t feel like my freedom is being trampled. And no, I don’t wear a mask unless I have too. The other lightning rod is Statues. My understanding of them is they are erected by the winners. The Confederate side lost. The most important right we have is the right to Vote. So many Americans have died to protect my ability to enjoy all the freedoms I have sadly taken for granted. It may be a birthright but that doesn’t mean I don’t have to make an effort to earn it. I hope it is not too late for us to learn how to compromise in the interest of a common goal. Whether or not that ever happens, truth is, you don’t have a dog in the fight if you do not vote.

I was recently watching a rebroadcast of Ken Burns documentary “The National Parks” “Americas Best Idea” and was reminded how important these spaces are to me and my family. One segment showed the “CCC” Civilian Conservation Corp that was created during the Great Depression. It was designed to offer jobs to the unemployed while at the same time rebuilding the infrastructure of our National Parks. The monies earned were sent home to help their families survive and at the same time building self-esteem in the workers. Ours is a different dynamic now but what could we accomplish as a Nation if we were able to utilize a portion of our unemployed talent to rebuild/refresh/repurpose our parks and communities? Next week we travel to Yellowstone to enjoy our favorite “Idea” and admit wearing a mask at Old Faithful strikes me as odd but I’m sure that geyser has seen worse.

Side note: The kidney stone seemed to dissolve. This happened on the left side too. I can’t imagine it hurting more than its journey through the kidney and ureter but am fine if I never experience that pleasure.