At least once a week I receive an email with a story or pictures about our young women and men who serve in the Armed Forces. These emails come from many different people. Sometimes I receive the same email several times. I don't mind. Unlike the political cartoons and jokes I receive from my liberal and conservative friends, I believe the agenda behind the Armed Forces emails is that we would not forget.

These people in harm's way are the mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, sisters and brothers, nieces and nephews of those who think what we are doing is right, as well as those who think what we are doing is wrong. They are people like you and me, but they are doing the best they can to endure danger, discomfort, loneliness, and return home in one piece. I believe the purpose of these emails is that in the business of our lives we would not forget them. Being forgotten should not be listed with all the others things they must endure.

The exploitation of our resources; mental, emotional, physical, financial, etc., by corrupt politicians, financiers, media, advertisers etc. makes me weary. The Bible calls this devouring one another. It did not originate in America and none of us are completely innocent. Getting the best deal, taking advantage of someone else's misfortune and tweaking the scales to your advantage are a part of human nature. How can we believe the reasons for rate increases, gas prices, utilities etc. when we see ever increasing profits? Make no mistake those on the receiving end are receiving more and more.

Whatever the motivation for enlisting in the service; love your country, follow the family tradition, provide for your family, get an education, get a job, whatever; it dove tails into a much larger agenda by the power brokers who don't care about collateral damage, until some reporter breaks a revealing story. Interesting how our vocabulary changes to embrace our ever changing circumstances. The Bible calls collateral damage devouring one another.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I am grateful for those in the Armed Forces. I am grateful for those who do their best to protect us, those who do their best to fix our bodies, educate us, inform us, entertain us, and serve us in a myriad of ways.

When I hear the Star Spangled Banner, the Pledge of Allegiance, or America the Beautiful; I am stirred and I am grateful. I am not grateful for the corruption that seeks to suck the life out of me, but for all the tired and weary people who are doing the best they can. I am grateful for those who do not participate in the corruption that surrounds and envelops them. They're honest and fair. They do not take advantage of the 'system,' which in the end is you and me. All they want to do is the best job they can with honesty, integrity and respect. They pump your gas, give you your driver's license, deliver your mail, pick up your garbage, and bag your groceries. They are everywhere, unassuming and content to be unnoticed. I believe this is the silent majority. These are the people who are seldom appreciated, rarely recognized and usually devoured. These are the people who make America great. They really do exist and that is why I salute the flag.