"the eagle, full of the boundless spirit of freedom, living above the valleys, strong and powerful in his might, has become the national emblem of a country that offers freedom in word and thought and an opportunity for a full and free expansion into the boundless space of the future." -Maude M. Grant

BJSpencer in another thread said, "Sometimes I just want to cry when I think of what's happening in the government right now." It caused me to reflect on my TOTV ICON. Thank you for that BJ. I use the Crying Eagle as my avatar. It symbolizes the sadness of so many American patriots, hard working men and women of faith, and families who have sacrificed so much. It reflects the pain we feel when government forgets a little speech in Gettysburg reminding them that government is supposed to be "of the people, by the people and for the people".

The bedrooms in the People's house have been "rented" to political benefactors and the biggest campaign contributors. I want to cry.

Politicians have forgotten they were supposed to work "for the people" and work mostly to insure their elegant existence and lifestyle complete with big salaries and top shelf medical coverage for life. I want to cry.

Back room bribes routinely buy votes for pork barrel projects and the redistribution of wealth. I want to cry.

The White House and Congress sends our national treasure, young men and women off to war, then they pontificate endlessly about supporting them while the troops are doing battle in harms way. They do this without concurrent leadership and a conviction to win. I want to cry.

Washington subverts our intelligence and enforcement communities by denying them the tools to get the job done. American lives at home are lost. I want to cry.

God is under attack by secular movements, liberal courts and members of Congress. I want to cry.

Our Constitution is under attack by many including President Obama who is on record as saying, the "US Constitution is flawed and the nation still suffers because of that failure". I want to cry.

Navy Seals apprehend murdering "most wanted" terrorist scum and the Seals are put on trial for punching one and blooding his lip. I want to cry.

Our sovereignty as a nation is eroding in favor of a new world order that intends to tax us, raid our natural resources, as well as our national treasures and is determined to lower our standard of living forever. I want to cry.

The eagle may be crying now, but have faith, after the tears comes anger...it has already begun... anger will lead to action.. action will inspire the return of values, patriotism, democracy and the unbridled freedom from oppression that once made us the greatest, most powerful nation on earth. I want my grand kids and theirs to know America like I did. 2010 has to be the year the eagle stops crying and rises to soar and return to his place in our history. The strong, powerful and courageous eagle will lead us to the resurrection of "our boundless spirit of freedom." I choose to stop crying and fly with the eagle in 2010.....and that folks...is my New Years resolution.....2010.