Defend her to the end, at all costs

Feb. 18, was a chilling day in American history. This was the day that Joe Stack flew his plane into a building that housed an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) office. Stack's sinister attack has raised concerns about terrorism, air security, and a growing threat posed by anti-government and anti-tax groups. These are all valid points to consider, but another equally important one to examine seems to have been overlooked by the American people, the media, and the government. The point is that there is a major difference between true anti-government, anti-American sentiments, and the harmless voices of opposition of American citizens.It is well known, thanks to the letter he left behind, that Joe Stack had sincere anti-American, anti-government feelings. His opinions went way past civil disagreement and reached a threatening level that is not normal. America will certainly be in jeopardy if this is how a majority of Americans feel towards their country.

It is safe to say that flag burning and insulting the United States of America fall into the same category as Stack's attack. These, along with acts of domestic terrorism, are not acceptable. Acts of hatred and aggression are not civil ways to express discontent. To put it simply, those who hold such a grudge against America are more than welcome to leave and never return.

What it all boils down to is support for your country, no matter who is in charge or what mistakes your countrymen have made. We have the absolute right to oppose our elected officials and criticize their decisions. We have the right to vote them out of office or even challenge them ourselves in an election. We have the right to information, and the media has the right to be free of coercion. And under our system of government, laws and policies can be changed and improved.

With all of the rights granted to us under the Constitution, how can anyone justify killing or destroying as a reasonable method of expressing your opinion of the United States and its government? Joe Stack's daughter was seriously misguided when she praised her father's actions and described his plot as an act against "injustice." It is one thing to be annoyed with the IRS and have to fork over a bag full of cash to the government, but ramming a plane into a building is a completely different ball game.

As American citizens, we should always support the institutions of government and the principles that guide our country regardless of partisanship and political party bickering. This critical idea goes beyond the example of Joe Stack. This goes for the President in office, the party in control of Congress, and the policies of the United States. Again, providing support for our leaders and our country does not mean we should refrain from criticizing the direction in which the United States is going.

Those who called former President Bush names and hoped for his demise were in the wrong, and those who are looking forward to President Obama's defeat should be ashamed of themselves. If the Democrats or the Republicans control Congress, then they should have the support and good wishes of the American people even if they disagree with the legislation enacted. The ultimate goal we should all strive for is the well being and success of the United States and of the American people.

Speaking from a Republican's point of view, President Obama and the Democratic majority in Congress have my complete, unwavering backing. Even though I disagree with many of the steps the President and the Congress have taken in both domestic and foreign policy, he is my President and they are my members of Congress.

I support our way of life and the institutions that govern this great country and the day when all Americans come to this same conclusion we will be in good shape.