Brian Williams signs off
Thought for the day
After 28 years in the news business, Brian Williams didn't just say goodbye Thursday night — he also delivered an ominous warning about the state of the nation.
The 62-year-old host of "The 11th Hour With Brian Williams" prefaced his message with, "My biggest worry is for my country."
You know what? So is mine.
After describing himself in a way that used to be commonplace for journalists — "I'm not a liberal or a conservative. I'm an institutionalist. I believe in this place and in my love of country. I yield to no one" — Williams sounded the alarm.
"But the darkness on the edge of town has spread to main roads, on highways and neighborhoods. It's now at the local bar, the bowling alley, at the school board and the grocery store," he said. "Grown men and women who swore an oath to our constitution, elected by their constituents … have decided to join the mob and become something they are not."
"They've decided to burn it all down, with us inside," Williams continued. "That should scare you to no end," he said.
Amen to that. Here are some of my thoughts.
I understand many of you who have signed up for my FreidomReport posts agree with me most of the time. I also know that others don't, but have subscribed out of friendship. Either way, I am truly grateful for your support. That said, let me add something to what Williams said two nights ago.
Democracy isn't easy. It takes work. You can't leave it to others to "fix it" when things aren't going your way (either politically or philosophically). From the time I was in elementary school, I have believed in majority rules and justice for all. No matter how much money you have or where you live, I'd like to think everyone believes in these principles as well.
In my opinion, the divide that exists among us today is how to best nurture and/or protect these two building blocks of democracy. If we can narrow the divide, then the American experiment has a great chance not only to survive, but thrive. But, if we allow the divide to grow larger and deeper, then Williams was right to sound the alarm Thursday night.
As you head into Christmas and the new year, I hope you will take a moment to reflect on your good fortune — and just how great our country can be. Believe it or not, I don't care if you agree or disagree with my politics. What I care deeply about is the promise of America. Clearly, so does Brian Williams. My hope is you do, too.
Enjoy the holidays.
-DF
