Americans need to show courage now
Letter to the Editor,
I saw courage in Afghanistan. I’m asking Americans to show courage now.
I saw subtle acts of courage in combat that easily went unnoticed. One occurred during a complex attack. From half a mile away, I felt the explosion that ripped a breach in the wall. A few Green Berets, soldiers and a Navy SEAL were holding the enemy. As I moved toward the breached wall, I saw soldiers from a different unit in a bunker.
Because I knew there was a gunfight against an unknown number of enemies, I knew we needed soldiers at the breached wall. Therefore, I told the soldiers, “Follow me.” They neither knew me, nor could they see my officer’s rank, but without hesitation they followed me. We arrived shortly after the gunfight ended. The service members who stopped the enemy earned valor awards.
I, however, know the courage of the soldiers who followed me. Their act was subtle and mostly unnoticed because they missed the gunfight, but it took courage to leave the safety of their bunker and move toward an unknown danger.
There are many unknowns in America because of the president and the way billionaires are rapidly changing America. It is reasonable to be confused and conflicted, but do not stay silent. President Trump wants you to stay silent. He twists silence into consent. He also twists politics into an all or nothing contest. It is not.
Agreeing with some of Trump’s actions does not obligate you to be silent about the things you disagree with. Have courage to express your concerns to your politicians. Have courage to interact pleasantly with folks you disagree with politically. Have courage to get out of your comfort zone. These may be subtle acts, but America needs every act of courage now.
Vince Kaster
Millersburg