American Duty

I do not write a blog as often as some people think I should.  And when I do, it is usually about what I have been doing; about sentimental feelings; about people and friends and things I think might be of interest to those prone to read my musings concerning what is on my mind.  But this one, I warn, is different.  Oh, it’s about what is on my mind, alright – heavily on my mind.  It has nothing to do with election-year politics or career memories, though.  It has to do with something that is in the news today that just cuts to the core of my heart.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has asked an American company, Apple, to help in their pursuit of information that may be vital to the safety of our country and they have hit a stonewall.  Apple, and the people who are now demonstrating in the streets on the company’s behalf, are stiff-arming our government like a running back in full gallop toward their own goals.  The bottom line is that if you live and operate in the free society of America, then you owe it to all other citizenry to help in any way you can to continue to keep our nation safe.  The argument that someone might lose some stored information in their iPhone is a ridiculous argument at best.  I have nothing in my phone that I would not gladly give up to expose possible information on the two terrorist Farook and Malik and who their potential contacts were.  It is as simple as 1-2-3.  Fourteen people were massacred in San Bernardino on December 2 of last year and twenty-two more were injured.  And yet Apple and these mindless demonstrators think a little phone security is worth more than those lost lives and all the family members that tragic event affected.

These same dissenters will praise our military on Memorial Day and Flag Day and the Fourth of July.  They will honor those young men and women in their second and third decades of life who died protecting our country.  Soldiers who gave their life and breath to shield us from enemies who wish to do our nation harm.  And yet, Apple and the demonstrators never stop to think this just might be their opportunity to do the same.  No, they are worried about petty and selfish information that may be at risk.  And very little risk at that.  One phone.  That is what is being asked to be decoded and cracked.  One phone of an Islamic Radical Terrorist.  Information that may fend off a future attack and safe countless lives on our own soil.

I am disappointed that everyone does not jump at the chance to serve their nation in whatever way they can.  Oh, I’m sure some will disagree with what I’m saying and if you do don’t bother to write me because I’m not going to enter into a back and forth dialogue on the matter.  This is how I feel.  This is where my devotion is.  This is something these people could do to help the country. To stand up for America.

Come on, Apple.  Where’s your heart?

Don Reid      2/24/16