Well, as someone whose voting rights got all screwed up in her move from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts but who probably would have voted for Bush... I agree. I did not see his speech last night, but just the short statement he gave last Tuesday evening impressed me greatly.

What impresses me more, however, is the sudden patriotism I see everywhere. In the town where I work, there is a flag on every telephone pole, and hanging outside of almost every house. The local radio station plays "God Bless America" and "O Beautiful for Spacios Skies" and the national anthem each day. Everyone seems to have such pride in our country.

For me, this is a completely new and strange thing. I have come to realize, in this past week, how I have always taken my country for granted- because I didn't know any better. Because I grew up in a country where there was no need for such fervent patriotism.

It saddens me a bit to think that this pride, this love for our country will fade away as the memory of these events does. I think I begin to understand how veterans feel, or others who have lived through serious national conflicts, when younger people have such disregard for our country and our freedom. Having lived through such an awful time, I have a brand new respect for our leaders and those people who have given their lives for our ideals and our freedom.

~Mina