I read the words of other writers. Lately I have read lots of words. Many of the words were written to cause hurt. Why do we do that? I see professional journalists assail the works of other professional journalists, demeaning them professionally and personally. Issues become irrelevant. I ask myself why? Is it because they have little to contribute to the debates of the day?
Any business or media outlet that is built solely upon the destruction of others probably won't last nor should they. There is no limit it seems to the political demagoguery, demonization, and exaggeration some people will go to get their agenda across. The media should be wary about printing or quoting anonymous letters, and only rarely print anonymous articles or attack fellow members of the media. The media should not need to be reminded that they are not part of the story.

What is an agenda anyway? Why do we need to have them? I used to work with a lady in Florida that I believed literally woke up in the morning and decided to make some person's life miserable. Needless to say she herself was perhaps the most miserable person that I knew. She was shifted from job to job. Nobody trusted or respected her. Unless she changes drastically she will die a bitter person. That is totally unnecessary. Because she has no love in her life, she does not really live. How sad.

Chris Weir added to his comments: "We all have a purpose and a calling. Do not run from yours. Do not hide behind fear or politics." Which is exactly the point, I would make. David Weir had an infectious personality, he was a natural born leader and he will be missed. I pray we focus more upon the life of David Weir, rather than his death. Politics really is inconsequential in the scope of things in light of even one life, but like always they are present. We are reminded we are fighting a battle for the hearts and minds of people around the globe, and in our midst are people who want to destroy our way of life and take our very lives. We must all do our part.

Hugo Chavez came to our country and quoting the American author Noam Chomsky delighted

in proclaiming the destruction of America itself. He belittled President George W. Bush. Former President Bill Clinton, Senator Chuck Schumer, Minority leader Nancy Pelosi and Congressman Charles Rangel--as well as many other Democrats made clear with strong statements that Chavez was not welcome in America.

Folks, when it comes down to attacks from the outside aimed against our country by others we need to be unified. We are in the same boat, and it behooves us to stay together. Representative Rangel is right: "George Bush is the President of the United States and represents the entire country. Any demeaning public attack against him is - and should be viewed by Republicans and Democrats, and all Americans - as an attack on all of us." There are simply some things that we must stand united against, and make a bold proclamation in support of, which crosses all political agendas. We are Americans. We rise or fall as a nation.

As I write this column, I am preparing to go stand on the side of the road and wave an American Flag as the funeral procession of David Weir passes by. I know there may be protestors, using the most inflammatory statements to get someone to violate their rights so they may file a lawsuit. Sgt. David Weir gave his life so that people could enjoy that right. I will stand with the Patriot Guard Riders, who do not care what people's political views are, or whether you're a "hawk" or a "dove." They are simply there to show respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities. They also shield the mourning family and friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors. It is unimaginable that this is needed, but I thank God the Patriot Guard is there to give comfort to families and communities. Visit their website at http://www.patriotguard.org/

--J. C. Bowman is a public policy analyst who resides in Cleveland, TN..
He can be reached by email at: flapolicy@hotmail.com. 

Visit his website at: www.policyexperts.net
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