Live Well Laugh Often Billy & Akaisha Kaderli Lighten Up Love Much

THE ADVENTURER'S GUIDE TO EARLY RETIREMENT A COMMON SENSE APPROACH BILLY AND AKAISHA KADERLI Buy it Now!

DOES AMERICA HAVE THE RIGHT STUFF Or have we grown soft and complacent? Billy Kaderli

Two years after the attack on the World Trade Center, while enjoying breakfast out, I watched the steady stream of young people entering this popular eatery, and pondered, who in this group knew of the sacrifice the WWII generation made to our country. I am not an expert on this subject, but have talked to many who either fought for our freedom, or were in their prime during WWII. Then, rationing was the norm. Not just gasoline, but butter, tires, nylons….food coupons were given out depending on your family size. Women worked long hours in hot factories, while men gave their lives fighting in countries they never dreamed of visiting. All of this, so that we can enjoy the freedoms and lifestyle we have today. Contrasting those times with the present, since most are unaffected by it, I doubt that many people give the War on Terrorism much thought until they watch the evening news (that is, unless they live in New York City). Just as WWII was fought in many countries and locations, so is this War on Terrorism. Calling this WWIII does not depict the nuclear holocaust that was envisioned, (thank God), when my generation was taught to get under their school desks when the sirens sounded. But rather it is a fight against radical extremists, who hide behind religion, and attack innocent people and Western values worldwide. Do we as Americans, have the courage and commitment, the dedication and leadership to see this War to the end? To go wherever in the world it takes us, and for however long it takes? Or will we kowtow to criticism, cut our loses, pull our troops out, entrusting the terrorists not to strike again? This is the question each one of us must answer, and for which we will be held accountable. Just as the WWII generation defined America then, our response will define us as a nation, now and for the future. The answer my friend is NOT “Blowin’ in the Wind” as Bob Dylan once stated, but rather in our resolve to ameliorate our world for the future. Will “my generation” accept the challenge at this moment in history, proving we have “the right stuff”? The whole world is watching.

Billy and Akaisha continue to journal and photograph their world travels.

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