Those damn Yankees do it again

A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.

                                                                                                                                            — Bob Dylan

A few days ago, three brave young Americans — Spencer Stone, Alek Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler — put themselves in harm’s way when they placed themselves between an armed terrorist and fine citizens going about their business on a high-speed train traveling from Amsterdam to Paris.

These guys didn’t flinch when they went after a man carrying a Kalashnikov assault weapon, a Luger automatic pistol and a box cutter. 

By the way, these courageous fellows were unarmed.

There’s an old saying: “Never bring a knife to a gun fight.” 

And they didn’t even have a knife. 

All they had going for them was their brawn and fists — and it was enough to subdue the attacker.

It is reassuring when people with a sense for the greater good, uncommon valor and the overwhelming desire to protect law abiding citizens from mayhem come forth to save the day

There is a lot to be said about America, and some of it has been nasty, but when we step up, there’s really no stopping us — and I don’t say that with arrogance. 

Just ask the Nazis!

These young men didn’t give a damn about their own personal safety after taking down a Moroccan national who was armed and dangerous

Now, those three big Americans, who were holiday in Europe, have suddenly become heroes because of their decisive and fearless actions.

I know there were other courageous passengers who also attempted to foil the terrorist. This example of bravery is just one reason why terrorism doesn’t stand a chance in a civilized society.

Too bad it takes a nefarious act to bring us all together despite our obvious differences.

I believe these three Samaritans deserve more than a hand shake from the governments of France and the Kingdom of Netherlands.

And that is why President Francois Hollande presented France's highest honor — the Legion d'Honneur medal — to the three Americans and a Briton on Monday. I am proud of these three young men.

I commend the French for paying tribute to these heroes. I have always been grateful to the French for their meticulous care of cemeteries where Americans soldiers rest after giving their the last full measure of devotion to their country and to the rest of the free world. Of course, Americans should always appreciate the French for giving us the Statue of Liberty and allowing the Marquis de Lafayette — a french military officer — to serve in the Continental Army during the American Revolution.

All I can say is "Vive La France" and kudos to those three Yanks who put the kibosh on a possible terrorist attempt, and I am not alluding to that damn baseball team from the Bronx.

After, I am Boston-bred and a diehard Red Sox fan.

A word to the wise

Dear Mr. President,

Your remark concerning the private sector fell into the category of "What were you thinking of, sir."

Mr. President, your comment was a slap in the face to the nearly 15 million Americans who can't find a job in an economy that rivals the Great Depression. And please don't tell me that only nine million Americans are unemployed. The number is far greater than what is being reported in the media.

Despite all the nonsense on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook, Americans are tuned in and are simply disgusted with their nation's so-called leaders.

During one of my classes, seniors and I were discussing the poor economy. One bright student said, "That's all we have ever known." Its remark that I have never forgotten and it is comment that should not sit well with you, sir.

By the way, Mr. President, I am a Democrat who is also an Independent wannabe and dreams of a presidential candidate who can demonstrate common sense and has a clear understanding of the phrase, "We the people."

I am not a Republican and I am not writing this letter to lambaste you. The GOP is doing a grand job of using your miscue as fodder to dominate the news cycles.  This will become one of the GOP's favorite campaign ads using your own words.

President Obama, Maine Street has been disappearing and empty neighborhoods have become a sea of repossessed homes. We are a nation that is now home to the under-employed who live day to day, never mind week to week. We have NOT come out of the recession. I know many fellow Americans who share my sentiment.

We fight wars in the Middle East with the foolish notion of spreading freedom with tanks and bombs. I do commend you on your drone program to destroy Al Qaeda and making that difficult decision of placing our soldiers in harm's way to remove bin Laden, but our involvement in the Middle East to protect oil companies is sucking our economy dry.

Mr. President, the private sector is a shambles. Thanks to greedy CEOs and Wall Street, and the fact that we exploit Asians and Hispanics to produce our goods, Americans are lucky to find jobs as store greeters. Of course, thanks to the enormous expense of attending a reputable university, our sons and daughters can look forward to vying for jobs as underpaid clerks at fledging department stores and gas stations.

Sure, there is plenty of blame to go around. We could begin with the last president and then move right on to corrupt banks and indifferent politicians who forgot that they represent us. I know you were handed the keys to a nation treading water, and it really is the most difficult job in the world. Still, your comment was out of step with what you truly believe.

Sir, I voted for you and I will vote for you again because Mitt Romney is about appealing to me as an abscess tooth. 

President Obama, there are many reasons why I find you appealing as a second-term president, but I am not writing a letter of praise.

But please take a good look around the country and you will see many Americans slipping into poverty.  It doesn't say much about the private sector, does it, sir!

Despite my reservations, and that fact that the GOP's candidate is just another drumbeater for big business, I will vote for you. 

You have my word, but be more careful how you choose yours, sir. Your re-election to a second term depends on it.