Until about 2001, I would invite friends from Russia and Europe to visit because I wanted to share my wonderful new homeland. Now I invite them with advance apologies for the indignities they are likely to endure en route from the US government agents. Hopefully, we will all be able to be proud of America again someday soon. Sentimental Value of a Flag – Oleg Volk [It makes me ashamed that this is the case. While I could easily shift blame one way or another I cannot. I hate and despise the TSA and feel them to be nothing more than Jack Booted Thugs preying upon the innocent and law abiding. I was still in high school when the patriot act and the fallout from September 11th destroyed what was left. However it has continued on my watch, and unlike our fearless leader I will accept responsibility instead of shift it. Even if the majority of these issues are directly out of my control. The root cause of this issue goes further back than my generation, however a generation needs to step up and take responsibility. A generation needs to finally put it’s foot down and say enough is enough. I am looking to my generation as we are now creating the youth of tomorrow. Sadly however, I’m afraid that most of my generation still hasn’t seen the light. So here and now, to my future children* I apologize as my father did to me. Continue reading →