Where are all the flags?

As I have driven down the streets of my neighborhood the last few years, American flags have become less and less prevalent. Another has become more and more visible, though: the Blue Star Banner.

For those who don't know, it is a flag that hangs in the window of a family member's home of someone serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

It has caused great introspection on my part. What have I done to remember those who lost their lives on 9-11 and those who have willingly given up theirs in the days and years since?

What have I done to make sure that the men and women serving us in Iraq and Afghanistan don't feel forgotten?

What have I done to lend support to those who have these proudly displayed pieces of cloth hanging in their house?

Sadly, not much.

I did try to bring back as many messages home as possible from Iraq after my time there. I have talked about it on the radio when given the opportunity. I have tried to lend my support to organizations who provide relief to those overseas and here at home.

But it will never be enough. And we can never do enough.

Today, please visit Operation Homefront's website and let those who are left behind know we give a damn. Then stop by Packages From Home's website and make a donation to send a care package overseas.

I got out my step ladder this morning at dawn and now have fifty stars (and a few stripes) hanging from my awning. While doing so, I thanked God that I don't have one star to hang.

No kids died in the making of this Presidential speech...

Whew.

It's finally over. The President spoke to the school kids of America and they all survived becoming brainless socialists.

I sent my kid to school. Not because I wanted her to hear how she should stay in school. Not for her to be inspired by a man who is ubiquitous if she were looking for his inspiration to get an education. But to make sure that she stayed abreast of what is going on in English, Geometry, Spanish and Physics.

What will be much more interesting for her to study than the President's words (which incidentally, Mr. T has been telling kids for years - "Don't be a fool- stay in school!!") is the reaction to the fact that he spoke.

My Democrat friends were whining that Presidents G.H.W. Bush and Reagan had addressed the country's schoolchildren and nobody said a word.

Not true.

There were investigations called for by members of Congress as to how much money was spent allowing Bush Sr. deliver the message to kids to stay off drugs (about as evil as telling them to stay in school, really).

My Republican friends got in a tizzy that the President would use his famed oratory skills to convince our kids to sign over their lives and treasure to the omnipotent state.

Not true.

He used his speech to try to convince kids that they should get an education and work hard.

I just wish he'd listen to his own advice and get an education. History wouldn't be a bad place to start. Maybe he could study the principles our country were built on. And work hard to ensure they aren't wiped away in the span of four years.