The Fiscal Cliffs of Normandy

As we celebrate Veteran’s Day, I’m struck by juxtaposing images. Obviously I think of military men and women who’ve been called on to do whatever it takes– often against almost certain injury or even death.

Here’s a little snippet from Ronald Regan’s speech on the 40th anniversary of D-Day and storming the beach at Normandy.

The Rangers looked up and saw the enemy soldiers — the edge of the cliffs shooting down at them with machineguns and throwing grenades. And the American Rangers began to climb. They shot rope ladders over the face of these cliffs and began to pull themselves up. When one Ranger fell, another would take his place. When one rope was cut, a Ranger would grab another and begin his climb again. They climbed, shot back, and held their footing. Soon, one by one, the Rangers pulled themselves over the top, and in seizing the firm land at the top of these cliffs, they began to seize back the continent of Europe. Two hundred and twenty-five came here. After 2 days of fighting, only 90 could still bear arms.

Good times. Not.

Now cut to today’s politicians crossing the streams in their never-ending pissing contest about the “fiscal cliff” and waging war against one another. Democrat against Republican. Conservative against Liberal. Whites versus everyone else. All taking potshots today like the Germans did from the cliffs of Normandy.

I can only hope that a few brave, perhaps lucky, Americans reach the summit and drive the enemies back so we can enjoy our lives free from tyranny and bullies of any kind.