Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny.

Thomas Jefferson

Thanks to the miracle of modern technology, the American people have access to an amount of information never before seen in history. The Internet and 24-hour news networks have succeeded in reaching every citizen should that citizen choose to listen and learn.

For the third time, I stand on foreign soil and look home for comfort. What I have seen does not comfort me. The Marine Corps has institutional Core Values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Unlike many Marines, I did not learn these values in the Corps. I learned them from my father, both sitting on the front pew of his church listening to him preach and at his dinner table.

Of all the lessons he has taught me, one stuck with me more than any other. I use it in every decision I make in every aspect of my life. I have quoted it to my subordinates and leaders alike. This simple quote can guide a man through the darkest of times and the best of times. “Son, the reason why America has become a great nation, blessed by God, is because throughout history, good men have known where to draw the line.”

This simple quote has led me down the road I now follow. I have been taught and fully believe that there are no areas of gray. There are only areas of black and white, right and wrong. When areas of gray are accepted by a nation, the moral integrity of that nation is compromised.

As I sit here in the desert on the other side of the world, I am watching my country tear itself apart. I am watching from a distance as my daughter’s future is being squandered. As I sit here and wonder why the country I love is losing its way, I can’t help but realize that good men are no longer drawing the line.

We have allowed this to happen; it is our fault. It’s my fault, my brother’s fault, my father’s fault and my countrymen’s fault. Blaming politicians, government officials and special interest groups is not honorable; it is cowardly.

When a baby crawls into the living room and knocks a drink off the coffee table onto the carpet, do you blame the baby? Do you scream at the baby and punish it? Or do you blame yourself for not keeping your eyes on the child?

We have failed to watch our leaders as time and time again they have crossed that line. We ignored them while they have eroded the rights given to us by our creator. Benjamin Franklin stated that any society that would give up a little liberty for a little security deserves neither and will lose both. People can quote the words of old men and to many, that is all they are, words. But these were the men of our nation that drew the first line and set in motion this thing we have.

I have to wonder why men from over 200 years ago have more insight into freedom than people that have been free for over 200 years. Like those patriots of our birth, I will not depend on a government to guard my freedoms. That is not their job; it is mine. I will not depend on any person other than myself to feed, clothe, shelter and protect my family. As taught to me by my father, I will worship my God, I will defend my country, I will love and provide for my family, I will vote, I will keep my rifle, and I will stand ready to protect all of it at all cost.

Sgt Daniel Evers