Let us go back to the bygone days of postwar America (that would be WWII, if you must ask) and look at how America was then. These were times when little boys played war in the streets, the economy was good, and movies were made that inspired both the American spirit and the American Patriot in all of us. We had heroes such as John Wayne and pin-ups such as Vera Lynn. Everything looked rosy and we built upon the good times that were sure to last forever. Yes, I once looked back and thought that is how America should be again...in all of her glory.

This very morning...at 7:45 a.m. CST...as I sprung from my bed for my morning, I realized that all of these things I wanted to again have in our country, we already have. Once I had the notion that military service should be compulsory for all Americans, even women now that they've fought for the right. But what purpose would that serve? We have one of the largest "peacetime" forces in history. Not only is our military one of the largest, best trained in the world, it is not compulsory. So that makes us the largest volunteer military in the world. Quite a feat, I tell you...for these people must be patriots to put themselves in harm's way knowing the risk. I salute them for their willingness to protect and further our democracy.

What of my description in the first paragraph of boys playing soldier? Of the economy? Of movies that inspire the American spirit? Of the great Hollywood heroes and their dames? To be honest with you, I described that from my own memory. Since I wasn't born until 1973 perhaps the question would arise of what I'd know of postwar America. I drew them from my own memory as a boy, thinking back to my old neighborhood when I played war in the streets. I thought of movies I had seen as a child that had inspired me to want to be a better American: movies such as RED DAWN and the like.