By Mike Harris / Herald Forum
As I reflect on the experiences of surviving boot camp, I think of how the Marine Corps assembled a group of young men from all races, creeds and colors, melding them into a faithful brotherhood that rose above all differences, and one lasting a lifetime.
Thus, the Marine Corp motto: “Semper Fidelis” meaning “Always faithful.”
My 4-year enlistment in the corps included a 13-month tour in Vietnam with a combat battalion. My unit, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, and my actual expereinces there were featured in the movie “Full Metal Jacket.”
For myself, it’s very hurtful and frustrating to now see our country and fellow Americans at such odds. Differences that have resulted in Americans fighting and killing fellow Americans.
It’s just very sad.
My memory suggests that the last such division in America of this magnitude was the Vietnam War. That division was between the American public and the U.S. governments’ war in Vietnam. By comparison, the division we have today pits American against American.
What can be discouraging is that many of our leaders on both sides seem to be more intent on fighting each other for power, than representing the needs of America.
Arguably the most important attribute, bringing fellow Americans together.
In this regard, a look back at American history is a reminder of what our leaders were thinking and doing at the time.
In my mind Presidents Kennedy and Reagan seem to have had the ability to make people feel safe and good about being an American. The economy was up and down and as it is today, other issues existed. However, both Kennedy and Reagan were examples of how uniting Americans can be accomplished regardless of one’s party affiliation.
Another example of uniting Americans had to do with one of our founding fathers, Patrick Henry. Henry was a gifted orator and major figure in the American Revolution. One of his most notable speeches famously declared, “Give me liberty, or give me death!”
This was intended to fire up and unite all Americans’ fight for independence. And it worked.
Another statement which he made shortly before his death declared: “United we stand, divided we fall.”
This is where we are today. Americans are divided. We know it, and the world knows it. For myself, its not only sad but embarrassing. We’re better than this.
And while we have no real enemies today, we have adversaries who are knocking on the door and peeking through the living room window. Occasionally they ring the doorbell but run away just as we get there.
They’re not going away and will continue to probe for weak spots especially as long as our house is divided.
In my opinion, as a country we need to unite or potentially suffer the consequences of being attacked by someone else. I’m not thinking militarily as much as economically, culturally, technologically and in our ability to influence good works around the world.
We should continue to “walk softly but carry a big stick.” And that stick needs to be 10 times that of our adversaries.
So, what do we do?
We start immediately encouraging our elected representatives to promote the narrative that Americans from all persuasions reach out to shake hands, and say, “we may have different ideas, but we’re Americans first and we look out for each other; I’ve got your back.”
We elect leaders who are committed and demonstrate through their words and actions their promise to bring us together as Americans, not divide us.
We demonstrate to the world, especially our adversaries, that as Americans, we are united.
And to that end, severe consequences should be handed down if any person in the United States advocates or even suggests that Americans should be prepared for violence and expect to fight each other.
That has to stop.
Lastly, I would advocate a national holiday celebrating being an American. I don’t know why, but something like Woodstock comes to mind.
Mike Harris lives on Camano Island.
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