As a boy, I loved America. It was a time of innocence; we were the good guys. We rescued nations from the iron heal of tyranny. We had never lost a war; we were the nation every other nation envied, the one place on Earth that was an island of refuge for the downtrodden. To travel abroad anywhere, people envied our place in the world as “an American.” Later in life, in Southeast Asia, small boys would come up to me and say, “Hey Joe, you American, No. 1,” always in hope, of course, for some type of handout or a brief recognition. We were “the good guys,” the defenders of the weak, the impoverished, anyone who needed help. However naïve such sentiments were—and they were naïve—at the time it made one swell with a bit of pride to be an American.
Vietnam and its aftermath obliterated much of that sentiment, briefly regained with the first Gulf War after the Reagan presidency had rebuilt America’s armed forces. It was a good time to be in uniform with patriotism once more popular in the American psyche. It produced songs such as Lee Greenwood’s “Proud to be an American,” which radio stations played unashamedly. It didn’t last as the defense budget cratered with the fall of the Soviet Union and “the end of history,” according to one historian. A pilot awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for valor during the Gulf War during a morning awards ceremony received his pink slip that afternoon. The Air Force had dumped all their reserve officers serving on active duty. Similar cuts hit all the services as 40 percent of the military was cut during the Clinton presidency.
The 9/11 attacks briefly pulled Americans together and revitalized a dispirited military, but it didn’t last long. Within a week of the attack, extreme leftists began the narrative parroting our enemies that “America had it coming” for its sins. The defense secretary advised the president that a “light footprint” could dislodge and defeat Afghanistan-based terrorists without a major commitment, leading to an under-resourced mission that bled us for 20 years without eliminating the terrorist threat, now resurging. An invasion of Iraq based upon forced intelligence declaring the existence of nonexistent weapons of mass destruction undermined American confidence in military counterterrorist operations against organizations with global reach. Civilian support of Americans in uniform returned to indifference, also replaying anti-military attitudes displayed against Vietnam veterans, albeit on a lesser scale.
The precipitous withdrawal and abandonment of military achievements in Iraq led to a regional disaster as the Islamic State was permitted to seize power and initiated a horror show of mass rape and a bloodbath that stained American honor. No nation governed by wise leaders will ever place their fate into the hands of America again.
If you haven’t noticed, China, Russia and Iran are increasingly belligerent. This week, Russia amassed 100,000 troops on the Ukrainian border, threatening invasion. China routinely intrudes into Taiwan’s air defense zone. Last week China flew a massed formation of 25 warplanes into Taiwan’s airspace. China has seized territory of nations bordering the South China Sea; operates a massive concentration-camp/slave-labor system; and imprisons pro-democracy dissidents in Hong Kong while ignoring treaties, international law, and American/global protests. Iran blatantly refuses to abide by the nuclear agreement negotiated by Obama and now demands “reparations” for sanctions imposed during the Trump presidency. Biden’s secretary of state is reportedly giving that demand serious consideration. Strategic military analysts are now taking seriously the threat of a China invasion of Taiwan coupled with a simultaneous North Korean attack on South Korea. We don’t have the military force in Asia to handle even one such crisis, let alone two. Admirals now openly warn that we are likely to lose any major regional conflict with China.
At home we’re tearing each other apart! The greatest threat we face is not external aggression but extreme polarization and the collapse of rule of law. Without rule of law and guaranteed due process, impartial due process, we will cease to be a Republic, more akin to dictatorships where trials are for show. The national press has become a mouthpiece to excuse lynch-mob violence in our cities.
Fact-based evidence impartially gathered and presented to an impartial jury is the guarantor of a just legal system, not perfect but a system of checks and balances. That’s under severe test as mobs demand pre-determined verdicts based upon the race of defendants. Police are routinely vilified and pre-judged guilty irrespective of facts or circumstances.
Students are being indoctrinated to judge their peers on the basis of race under the guise of “ethnic studies courses” derived from Critical Race Theory, a discredited academic venture that incorporates Marxist philosophy’s class warfare, substituted with racial grievances to pit us one against the other. Whatever happened to being nonjudgmental and valuing character over superficial differences? (Race is superficial.) The threat posed by social disintegration is far more dangerous to the survival of the republic than looming military threats. Our enemies watch with glee: We are a country in peril. Δ
Al Fonzi had a 35-year military career, serving in both the Vietnam and Iraq wars. Respond with a letter to the editor emailed to letters@newtimesslo.com.
This article appears in Apr 22 – May 2, 2021.
Al Fonzi is correct.
I too grew up loving America, and was proud of the progress being made to achieve the American dream for all citizens, but lately we have been going backwards. The GOP is hell bent on reversing gains in civil rights, and considers democracy itself a threat. Their leaders openly espouse eugenics, Anglo-Saxon values, or whatever the latest euphemism is for this ugly philosophy that inspired genocide not that long ago. There was a functioning middle class, and hope for this country when business and government supported their communities with education, health care and infrastructure, but now there is a pervading selfishness that ignorant, intentionally misinformed people put there individual “freedom” ahead of my rights to live without fear of being shot in a supermarket or contracting a deadly disease from science deniers.
Mr. Felton’s claim that the GOP is attempting to reverse “progress in civil rights” seems without foundation. How about an example for all of us? It seems the GOP supports school vouchers, limited government, protection of free speech and the balance of the Bill of Rights, individual responsibility and limited regulation and taxation. Those appear to be the “rights” the majority of us care about. If the concern is about the new Georgia voting laws; note that they are more liberal than those of most states in the US, (certainly more than those of Delaware or Colorado) and provide requirements for voter ID, a requirement supported by more than 70% of the Black community.
Second, the claim that the GOP’s leaders openly espouse eugenics is also without foundation; actually “fanciful.” That party is famous for its support of reasonable limitations on abortion, which seems the closest actual aspect of our society engaged in “eugenics.” (Note that the Democrats appear to support expanded abortion.)
And “Anglo Saxon” values treated individuals on the basis of merit, rather than tribe or family; one of the few value sets which can enable multi racial communities to live in peace together. (For background, it’s worth looking at the consequence of primogeniture in elevating the individual above the tribe or family.)
Because I cannot resist, as “science deniers” the progressives assert that a person can select his gender. This quickly marks them as “anti-science.” The belief that “climate change” will make the planet uninhabitable in a short period pretty much completes the evidence that the progressives are the party of “anti-science.”
I understand your fear of being shot in a supermarket (or at home studying, or in bed). But the foundation for that statistic comes from the massive number of Black on Black homicides in the US; a statistic carefully ignored by BLM and the “progressive” media.
Wasn’t it the same Al Fonzi that not too long ago (when Donald Trump was president) touted that all was well? Racism had been eliminated, the military had “been completely rebuilt” and the nation was enjoying “the greatest economy in the history of the world.” Now, just three months after Mr. Trump left office and it’s all doom and gloom and hell in a hand basket. Go figure.
Al, you are correct. Mr. Felton drank the Kool-aid long ago and his fear of freedom will probably cost him it, unfortunately it may cost you yours and mine because he will vote and he will post in rags like the new times. He should learn to properly operate a firearm that he can conceal and carry to the supermarket with him to use in his own defense and in the defense of innocent others. But NO, he would rather whine in a local newspaper how law abiding gun owners should have their freedom taken away, because OF COURSE everybody knows psycho gun wielding mentally ill idiots won’t pass a background check when they lawfully purchase a firearm off of their fentanyl dealer, steal it from a person’s home…whatever. America is the best and will continue as such, no apologies to anyone as none are necessary.
Is it me, or does Col. Fonzi’s current editorial wander all over the place with right wing platitudes as his stepping stones? I didn’t see any solutions to the peril of our Republic.
All liberals have their heads way up their asses
I noticed the mention of Critical Race Theory near the end of this Commentary.
How well do you understand critical race theory?
It’s origins and use today?
There is an excellent article in the current [march 2021] issue of Imprimis from Hillsdale College.
I highly recommend reading the article
[found here: https://imprimis.hillsdale.edu/]
and learning more about this theory, it’s use and potential impact.
I was not aware of this theory or what is happening because of it’s popularity. It goes far beyond the earlier training sessions for sexual harassment or racism that I knew were being forced on individual by their employers.
I believe this theory needs to be understood and exposed until it loses all credibility and is discarded.
Keith Campbell has an anal fixation. Somebody tell him there is a cure for that.
Anal fixation is covered in Bidencare and costs will be offset by Joe Biden’s Anal infrastructure plan. 2 maybe 3 trillion dollars invested in anal infrastructure will stop climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and allow electric cars to operate safely so children can attend Earth day celebrations. Also increased spending on anal infrastructure will facilitate LGBTQ#$@&% studies, which can contribute to the forthcoming multi-special marriage movement. Anal infrastructure spending increases will allow you to finally marry that homosexual infant transgender squirrel that you have been “living in sin” with for decades. INCLUSION in an anal infrastructure omnibus bill is the cure for a nation locked in a pandemic, surely. The cure is here Gordon! And it’s hashtag is #America-GO ANAL!
I think we all know that Mr. Al Fonzi is correct in his observations, unfortunately, his musings do not comport with the whacky left narrative of attacking America, diminishing her institutions and enabling the enemy.
Liberals are in a hurry to help America win the ‘Race to the Bottom’.
The so-called left tends to be correct on all the major social issues and controversies. The so-called left was correct about slavery, the Vietnam war, civil rights, Nixon, Iran Contra, Iraq, climate change, marijuana, Donald Trump and the list goes on. Thank God and praise Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed, Krishna and all the other masters Who teach about the power of love and unity among diversity.
The “so called” left is the faction OF slavery. They are CONSTANTLY WRONG on every major controversy and social issue facing our country! The emasculation of America and the desperation felt by the youth in our country is due to lack of leadership and lack of traditional values to cling to in times of trouble. Traditional American values are replaced with racist demagoguery and divisive rhetoric, “transgenderism”, children raised out of wedlock by teenage mothers looking for love through sex instead of looking just for LOVE that is caring, protective, responsible and decent. Young people are being fed a constant diet of “do what you want, what feels good” by the media and the left instead of being shown responsibility and the honor of sacrifice that is TRUE love shown by truly loving family. This dynamic has been perpetuated specifically by the “counter-culture” movement begun in the late 50’s and so on. Well, the chickens have come home to roost. The 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and so on were able to still provide guidance by folks that were “OLD SCHOOL”. Most of those folks are gone now and the aging hippies are our senior citizenry, our supposed “pillars”. And they are lacking in VALUES. They are empty husks with no meat for sustainment and their progeny are directionless. America will rise to new levels of GREATNESS when the policies of the “left” are soundly defeated in our society. That day is coming I assure all of you. GOD BLESS AMERICA!
I disagree. Reinstating slavery will not make the United States greater. Slaughtering innocent men women and children in Vietnam was also a mistake. Ruining the climate is also a mistake. Nixon was a mistake. Iran Contra was a mistake. The Iraq war was a mistake. Sending people to prison for partaking in cannabis is a mistake allowing the Russians to influence our elections is a mistake. Authoritarianism is a mistake. Invoking the name of God to spread hatred and division is a mistake. I find your attitude repulsive.
Borden you lefty…you have your head way up your a……..s
Huff and puff. Blow harder Fonzi.
LIBERAL=RACIST. LIBERAL=SLAVERY. LIBERAL=MORALLY REPUGNANT. LIBERAL=SPIRITUALLY DEVOID. LIBERAL=SELFISH. LIBERAL=FUTILITY. LIBERAL=HATRED OF SELF, CULTURE, COUNTRY AND FREEDOM. LIBERAL=SUBJECTIVISM. REVERSE THE SUBJECTIVIST FALLACY!!!
Racist and political bigotry will never bring you peace or happiness. You’re living in an ego-driven, fear fueled illusion. You reap what you sow. May God have mercy on your soul and grant you the grace to see the error of your ways.
Leftists have no intellectual standing. They only know how to “label” and name call. They cannot quote any specific statistics or give factual evidence of their claims. They appeal to your feelings or ego or use fearmongering to achieve their ends. They will infiltrate science, media and education en masse to indoctrinate young minds and influence low education voters to achieve power. Look for yourself, what do YOU hear? What do YOU see? What do YOU hear coming out of YOUR children’s mouths? READ as much as YOU can! Educate yourself and your family. Lead the new dawn of America. An age without socialist/communist dogma trying to tear our freedoms from us. GOD BLESS AMERICA.
Dude, Donald Trump was actively trying to team up with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to take over the world with an authoritarian regime. Fortunately the crooks, pawns and innocent victims of propaganda weren’t able to prevail in our most recent presidential election Or with their violent attempt to take over the capitol and destroy democracy.
Dude, reinstating slavery will not make America great. Destroying the climate and environment environment will also fail to make America great. Going to war again Vietnam will not help America. Invading Iraq will not help either.
What will make America as great as possible is putting a ceiling on selfishness.
There is nothing greater and nation can do for itself then to make sure all citizens have enough to eat, and have adequate healthcare and quality education. When that is accomplished America will be on a firm path to be as great as could ever be imagined.
All citizens? On whose dime? Whose accomplishments in life must be HIJACKED for those who do nothing but take? Whose EARNINGS must be “redistributed” to those who do not earn? Is it selfish to succeed and take care of your family in a decent manner and save for a rainy day? OR is it selfish do live in squalor and drink and drug yourself into a condition which you no longer can work, be healthy or find somewhere to live? I will teach any man to fish so he may feed himself and his family. I will not GIVE fish to an empty abyss of futility. Either fish or leave the pier. It is not compassionate to extend misery in people through good intention or outright stupidity! Earn your way and I embrace you, demand fairness and I will resist you.
You sound so fearful, angry, mean-spirited and hateful. What is it that you need that you don’t have? What is it that you want to do that you feel you don’t have the freedom to do? Is there anything that you and your family members need but do not have?
Why do you judge? Who elected you the care-giver and wealth distributor of all? WHO ARE YOU TO TELL ANYONE ANYTHING? You spout platitudes about how others should feel, do, think and act. Don’t you ever just shut up and mind your OWN business? Can’t you leave others alone? Must you meddle? Apparently so. You are not the decider of how freedom, wealth or happiness is dispersed. YOU will be more at peace when YOU leave others to live as they wish, not admonishing them for not living as you want them to. I love my family, country and most of the world in peace. I just will not stand for tyrants disguised in humble platitudes and warm fuzzy slogans. I actually enjoy debate with you though, rightword. You sharpen the message and clarify its meaning in your disagreement. Thank you.
What is it that you need that you dont have? And why, when I speak of bigots and hateful neighbors, you imagine I am speaking of you. But Ive never once used your name. Yeah, you seem to self-identify with every negative characterization I comment about.
So, tell us, what is it that you need that you dont have? And if you have everything you need, why do you not want to allow others to have what they need? Sounds to me you likely have more than you need and dont care and will not help others who are in need. Having more than you need is essentially taking what is not yours and depriving those who are in need. No society can be well and prosper if that attitude becomes dominant. Thank God that the idea of loving our neighbors and treating others as we would like to be treated has not been completely abandoned near exchange for selfishness and greed.
Teaching children to be selfish, fearful and bigoted may come back to haunt you one day. And it will certainly do nothing good for our community or our nation.
What is it that you would like to do that you feel you do not have the freedom to do?
All these people who talk about losing freedom seem to have the freedom to do everything legal that they can afford to do. The only thing that seems to be curtailing their freedom is their own thoughts and irrational fears they are their own jail keepers. Feel the Love and let yourself be free. And don’t hurt anyone.
All we need to do is follow our heart and not be a slave to our ego. When the mind is quiet the heart speaks and is always correct. When the ego is shouting, the heart stands back. We need not listen to blowhards, misanthropes and propagandists for direction or truth. Our direction comes from our heart. Our courage comes from listening to our heart. Our power comes from surrender. Our freedom comes from not chaining ourselves to old and putrid ideas.
Coming across an injured man on the side of the road, which ones of us will stop and immediately help? Which ones of us would rather pay a few cents to hire someone else to help. And which ones of us would simply walk past and curse the man for having made a decision that led him to be injured?
Let’s not make this discussion all about me, but since you asked:
I’m just living my life, singing my song, hoping to share peace, joy and love with everyone in the world. I feel pretty good about that. I wish you would join me. What have you been doing?
WTF?
What do you need the freedom to do that you’re not able to do? what exactly do you need that you’re not getting in our community? How are you doing? Do you have enough to eat? Do you have a home? Are you receiving adequate healthcare? Do you need a job? Are you able to get enough exercise? What about a creative outlet?
If as president and commander in chief Donald Trump was unable to secure our national election integrity, he failed as a leader. The symbolism of that failure was the January 6 insurrection. Total security failure. Donald Trump was in way over his head. Donald Trump can paint things gold, but he’s been a failure at forging anything in gold that will last the test of time. His shine is thin and will never last.
Keep typing rightturd. You make my case for me. All the things I get in this world, I get them for myself. Food and shelter come from hard work. Healthcare is paid for with cash made through hard work. Work comes through looking for work and being capable of demanding a good wage in return. I and my family do not use insurance for healthcare. We barter and pay cash for services rendered by doctors and dentists that provide quality care at a price negotiated between us without any government assistance. I actually make enough to more than care for my family, I donate money to various charities as well as volunteer locally at shelters and churches. By the way, I don’t “need” freedom dispensed to me to do anything, it was GOD given to me at birth. You seek to have government controls over freedom. Freedom is given by God and protected by patriotic Americans. My freedom to speak freely and worship as I wish is given by God and protected by my freedom to bear arms to defend my rights. American freedom is so unique that people the world over envy and seek to replicate it. People that immigrate here in legal fashion hold dearly the citizenship that they acquire and proudly embrace our culture and revere our Constitution. The democrat party seeks to undermine freedom and replace it with totalitarian communism. The American people rebuke that completely and will cast them upon the ash heap of history.