Pacifist or patriot?

By Joan Dambach

I would like to respond to the Speak Out comments that criticized the court clerk at City Hall for displaying pictures, cartoons and sayings "bashing" those who oppose the war in Iraq. You see, I am that clerk.

I am also a U.S. veteran and proud to have served my country. I am not going to defend my unwavering support of this great country, my president and the troops who so valiantly put their lives on the line so that we can live in continued safety and an oppressed people in a Third World country can experience that freedom as well, something most of us take for granted. To defend myself against those who criticize me and my belief structure would only put me on their level and under their scrutiny. I believe that God can handle my defense better than I ever could. Time will tell. I think I will leave that in his capable hands.

What the comments failed to mention were the funny cartoons, memorials to 9-11, the Challenger astronauts and other uplifting memorabilia also displayed, some for over two years now. At a time when our national security was threatened and so many lives were lost, I created this display to not only help myself through the grief, but to help all those who came to the Municipal Court office put their grief in perspective and somehow help them to feel better, to heal and provide a little entertainment for those who may have to wait for service. Nobody wants to pay a ticket. At least when they had to come to court or make a payment, I wanted them to leave feeling better than they did when they arrived.

Yes, I will admit there were some pictures "bashing" (as one comment said) non-supporters of our president. You will be happy to know that they have been removed, and I apologize if they were upsetting to anyone. That was not my intention. Actually, everything has been removed. But understand this: Just because one or two people can turn the tide for the politically correct, so can one person sway heads in the other direction. That is what freedom is all about. Shouldn't everyone have that right? Remember, it takes every American working together to make this country great.

There are no gray areas. You either support this country, or you don't by your lack of support. If you sit back and let everyone else do the work, soaking up the luxury of the awesome freedom that is provided for you by the blood and sweat of others and criticize the government at every chance you get, what does that make you?

It's time to dust off our flags, wave them proudly and stand up for the United States instead of trying to tear it apart with dissension from within. United we stand, divided we fall. Which is it?

Joan Dambach is the Cape Girardeau Municipal Court clerk.