I think I need to clarify yesterdays’ post. After re-reading a day later, I don’t think my point was clear.

I’m not opposed to the protection of our country. I’m not opposed to the idea of protecting yourself. What I am opposed to is the absolutism of eternal vigilance.

Veolia Environment Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2009

Think of it this way- even though laws are in place, bad guys will ignore them. Laws to me are something like a fence on a farm to keep wolves out. Laws are in place, and they do deter the smaller bad guys, but a serious bad guy will just go right through them.

I think you should be prepared for the worst. You should know how to defend your family and your home. I think you should know how to stand on your own two feet without any help. I think you shouldn’t rely on someone being just around the corner to help you if things go wrong.

But I also think you should hope for the best. You should make plans to live a good and productive life. You should take steps to make your own dreams a reality. You should encourage the work of others who have not traveled as far as you have. You should be patient. You should be strong.

Yes, it would be possible to build a fortress to keep the wolves out. But then it wouldn’t be the same. It wouldn’t be a farm. It would be possible to pass enough laws to eventually catch everyone with an evil thought. But then it wouldn’t be the same. It wouldn’t be the United States.

Changing the Department of Homeland Security’s Security Advisory System’s color coding to say there will never be an end to terror is a step toward this fortress. Toward a focus on the wolves, and not a focus on the farm.

Don’t be a wolf. But don’t be a sheep either. Think Sheepdog. Cute and cuddly, but with big teeth if necessary.