What Happened to Common Sense in America?

Why are those patriotic Americans who are outraged by recent anti-American displays being labeled as intolerant, racists, hatemongers, etc.? Could it be that plain old common sense is not as common as it used to be in America? Consider the examples that follow:

• On July 4, 2010, the day America celebrated her Independence, Mexican flags were flown and prayers offered up in Spanish in the city of Hyrum, Utah. While there is nothing wrong with the Mexican flag or the Spanish language, there is something terribly wrong and offensive about the timing of such displays during an Independence Day parade. That showed a terrible lack of common sense.
  
• At Ground Zero in New York City, a mosque is being proposed. Those speaking out with patriotic concerns, and/or with respect for the 9/11 victims and their families are being branded as predjudice, intolerant and racists. Such comments reveal poor judgment, a lack of sensitivity, too much effort to be politically correct, and a terrible lack of common sense.


• Muslim Day has been hosted annually at Six Flags since 2000. This year, the celebration will be held on September 12 -- the 9/11 weekend! According to a report on Fox News, the group setting up the event (ICNA - Islamic Circle of North America) is suspected of contributing financially to the 9/11 attacks, has anti-American sentiment posted on their website, and is known to have contributed financially to Hamas. So, why are those opposing Muslim Day at Six Flags being labeled intolerant? It sounds like their concerns are simply a display of common sense.


• Giving illegal aliens the same benefits as tax paying citizens is ludicrous. This kind of stupidity enrages hardworking Americans. Let's help them file the paperwork to become legal, then let them work for the American dream. Giving free benefits to illegals makes as much sense as paying unemployed people almost as much to stay home, as they would make working for two years. Simple common sense will tell you that unemployment is going to rise under those conditions.

Common sense reminds me that I had no part in selecting my place of birth, but I am proud and blessed to be an American. I thank God for the freedoms that I enjoy and for those who fought for them. While America is hated by some, common sense reminds us that we are a nation that others will risk everything to be part of. Many Haitians and Cubans risked everything, on small boats and homemade rafts just for a chance to live in America. Mexicans cross our borders daily for the chance at a better life. Jamaicans, Guatemalans, Puerto Ricans, and so many others "choose" to live in the USA. In fact, common sense reminds me that my ancestors, like most of your ancestors, "chose" to live here and can be traced back through the lines of Ellis Island.

I am proud to be an American and agree with Aaron Tippin ..."I pledge allegiance to this flag, and if that bothers you, well that's too bad." Common sense tells us that no one is forced to live in the USA and the door of freedom swings both ways.