I would like to be able to write about golf and all the great new things going on in the golf community, but unfortunately that is the furthest thing from my mind. The tragedy in New York City, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania has been on the forefront of everyone’s mind including my own. Normally I’d like to write about something new and exciting, but instead I’ve decided to write about something old and exciting: Patriotism. This concept seemed to have been lost in the last decade of economic prosperity. The military has been downsizing deliberately and indelibrately for the last ten years.

Since the tragedy on September 11, America has managed to find that long lost word of Patriotism that others believed was extinct in our country. Along with this word, another word crept its way into everyone’s head though and that word is Fear. In this day and age of US dominance in the world markets and militarily why should we be afraid? Why, because the violence finally hit home. It hit our shores not an Island but the mainland and it didn’t effect the military, it hit moms and dads, sisters and brothers. In some instances this fear has led to hate. Hate for other races, hate for other religions, and hate for things that we don’t understand.

Unfortunately these two words, Fear and Patriotism are is some cases a deadly combination. The rash of attacks on other Americans based solely on their looks, attire, and religion must stop. These are not acts of patriotism; these are criminal acts and must not continue. These to words have also led to many instances of censorship. Movies are being changed, plays are being shutdown, simply because "some people" might find them offensive. This is America, land of the Free, as in free speech, free expression, and most importantly free beer! OK the last one is as tough to find as free golf but on a serious note we must not let these terrible acts affect who we talk to or what we say or what we watch. If this happens we inch ever so closer to the oppressive restricted lives of the people of Iraq and Afghanistan. That is precisely what those terrorist networks want. They want to change our way of life and in a way they have.

So what does this little rant do besides making me feel much better? I hope that it inspires people to stand up for our way of life and our country and to show support and love for our fellow Americans. Since this is a website for golfers, how can we as a golf community show support and help our fellow man? Here is a small list of some Ideas:

1. Don’t stop golfing! This lets our enemies know that they have changed our whole way of life.
2. Show your colors. Flags on golf balls, golf carts, head covers hats, tee shirts, etc. This helps the moral of everyone around.
3. Donate winnings from tournaments to charities to help those most closely effected by the tragedy of September 11.
4. Try to help your fellow man whenever possible. Maybe help your opponent look for his ball rather than kicking it in the trees and making him take a stroke.

These are just a few suggestions for the golf community that we at USGolfer believe will help America come together and stand up against those who think they can come to our house and push us around. God Bless America.