NH Free state project Gun Fire 7-7-08

Peter Macdonald 465 Packersfalls rd Lee NH 03824 603-659-6217

The explosive percussion of rapid fire filled the air yesterday. The memory of sitting on the side of a runway and watching the night sky light up as the planes we launched earlier, bombed North Vietnam. The air filled with the distance sound of the percussion from the explosive ordinance. The memory of a bullet in some isolated Marine base passing with in inches of my head from sniper fire or the mortar round exploding on the out house that I departed seconds earlier. The tracers lighting up the air around me as a Marine Patrol in-counters VC jumping the wire. The sharp explosive crack from the M-16 sobers my head back to reality. All this from my attending a NH free state project picnic yesterday.

I had no idea what the NH Free state project was but I was invited so I went. People should take the time to understand what it is. I met the nicest people from all over the United States moving to NH to help the U.S. Caring people that love this country so much they gave up their homes and home states to make the U.S. better for all. This picnic was a display of Patriotism by American citizens which would make our founding fathers proud. The free staters are people just like you and I that spend their free time to make government work for the people. Many groups with different projects with many disagreements but the unique ability to communicate with out anger. Each person I talked with could express their ideas and took the time to listen to others. My impression of the Free Staters from what the government told us that they were a danger. I now know different. These are average U.S. citizens that care.

The display of gun power at this picnic; I have not seen since leaving the Marine Corps in 74. These are people that like to recreate with guns. I hope by my attending, these Patriots now know that I am a danger to no one. I believe in the peace full citizens right to correct the wrongs in government with out elected officials using the trusted powers for their demented acts of retaliation. The gun fire brought back many memories last night. Senator Obama said it best in his Patriotism article. “We can tuck in our children at night and know that they are fed and clothed and safe from harm”. The display of gun power and my memories along with Obama demonstrated that the 89 percent of the U.S. citizen’s that never served in our military have no idea? I came back to a country that I do not belong. My memory of acts committed as a U.S. Marine, 89 percent of you condemn Veterans for. We are the children that went of to a conflict or war and came back as something you can not accept. The Free States made me proud to be a U.S. citizen because this showed me what Veterans do is not in Vain. The explosive percussion of rapid fire could some day be on U.S. shores if it is not for the Patriotism of Veterans and People Like the Free Staters. God Bless America

Peter Macdonald Sgt USMC Semper Fi

Patriotism the Parade article 7-6-08

Peter Macdonald 465 Packersfalls rd Lee NH 03824pm

Two equal sides to Patriotism told by two different but equal U.S. Citizens. One see Patriotism as something in the gut, the other views it by the history of the Veteran. One sees it as remembering child hood history and memory of historical events witnessed by him with is family. The other see it as putting the country first, before party or personal ambition before anything that all people share the responsibility of freedom. One person gets his message by listening to Veterans, knowing through personal experiences of risking everything to sacrifice for the privilege to be an American. The other by way of his grandfather’s pride in serving-a country where we have the unparalleled freedom to pursue our dreams. One defines Patriotism as A faith In simple dreams, an insistence on small miracles. We can tuck in our children at night and know that they are fed and clothed and safe from harm. We can say and write what we think, without hearing a sudden knock on the door. We can have an idea and start our own businesses without paying a bribe. In American anything is possible. The other see America as a place where two sides can disagree on public issues, argue, fight and still be friends the next moment. A place where any one can express an idea with out fear of retribution from a higher authority. A place where love of liberty and self-reliance still check the excesses of both government and man. One understands that only in America can a half white-black man achieve such success and travel as far as his energy and talents will take him. The other understands we must all be good citizens in public office or in the community. That we should all argue with each other as did Adams and Jefferson (our founding fathers) about politics and policy but remain friends after.

Both these men Obama and McCain have told the true meaning of how they view Patriotism. This is what makes the United States the greatest nation in the world. One see Patriotism from the view of the eighty-nine percent enjoying freedom. The other sacrificed his life for that freedom. Veteran’s can no longer be treated as second class citizens.

I like and admire both of these men. I wish that I could vote for both of these men. Patriotism to me is the sacrifice every person that ever serviced in our military or fought for the United States of American, in politics or uniform. Patriotism is to love a country where you will give everything for people that you do not even know. People that may not even be born yet.

Peter Macdonald Sgt USMC Semper Fi