Be Grateful for Safety and Peace

There is plenty to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, but don’t forget to give thanks for the country we live in that protects us, provides us with peace and gives us the opportunity to live our lives without fear. The recent attack on South Korea by North Korea highlights the importance of America in the world and the benefits we enjoy by living within its borders.

On Tuesday afternoon in South Korea, the peaceful Yeonpyeong Island was brutally shaken by an “hour-long barrage, which rained about 170 shells” on the island. Four South Koreans were killed and the small population of the island was quickly evacuated. (WSJ 11/24/10)

Huge plumes of smoke rise from Yeonpyeong island in the disputed waters of the Yellow Sea on November 23, 2010. Photo courtesy: AFP and mysinchew.com

President Obama has ordered the aircraft carrier George Washington to move into the area and participate in war games with South Korea as a necessary response to North Korea’s Aggression.

Keep an eye on North Korea, China and Russia as these events unfold and be thankful for the benefits we receive from being citizens of the United States. This aggression highlights the importance of American leadership and our role in the world today.

On the world stage, America continues to be a protector and defender of our allies and of countries who are unable to withstand or survive a major attack or large-scale war. Domestically, America’s strength provides the freedom, safety and peace necessary for our communities to thrive and grow.

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas.

If you go to Russia, Wear a Helmet

Be thankful that you live in America.

An article today in the Wall Street Journal print edition talked about the Russian government’s crackdown on opposition protests. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin gave this straight-forward warning to protestors:

“If you go…you’ll be hit on the head with a club.  That’s all there is to it.” -Vladimir Putin

So there you have it.  If you live in Russia, you were warned.  For those who live in the great US of A, America is once again shown through contrast to be a great country and one of the few in the world where you can freely protest against the government without fearing getting hit on the head.

Be thankful, that’s all there is to it.

This is what happens if you protest in Russia.

American Freedom: Protestors avoid getting bopped on Head