Often, when we least expect it, responsibility falls to us. The future is in our hands. Standing beside the rubble of the Pentagon after 9-11, my ability to process that event’s historical significance – 24 years ago – was handicapped by emotion. Where I worked, but was not that day, seven friends died. Ironically, when chips down, we get stronger. Why?
Why, when everything you love and hope on, everything you count on being unbreakable and strong is broken, do we not give up? Why when a hurricane hits, taking everything, do people not quit?
Why, in World War II, when the Japanese destroyed Pearl Harbor, when we had one division and Germany had 60 battle-hardened divisions, did we not stop? What propelled us to go forward, to imagine a world better, even in those dark hours? How did we pivot to replace the Twin Towers?
Go back in history, and think with me about this, because it matters – It does to us personally, to our nation now, and to Maine, where Democrats have governed and destroyed so much of what the People have long held inviolate, our kids, work ethic, safety, prosperity, independence, and lives.
George Washington – five months after the Declaration of Independence was signed – nearly lost the Revolutionary War in November 1776. Our top defense was Manhattan’s Fort Washington. The British overran it, setting up what could have been panic for Washington. He stayed calm.
He wrote simply: “This is a most unfortunate affair and has given me great mortification, as we have lost not only two thousand men that were there, but a good deal of artillery and some of the best arms we had …” Did he flinch? No. In fact, they had to retrieve him from charging the British.
What would happen? Saved by a miraculous retreat, divine intervention, his courage was fortified. Valley Forge, Trenton, Princeton, Yorktown – and then they defeated the world’s largest empire.
What about other unlikely victories in history – examples for all of us – from our own past? While these were domestic and foreign wars, they illustrate American grit in grim times, how to rally.
Like Henry the 5th at Agincourt, Americans – and Mainers – put in a position where they should be demoralized often rally and reverse history, overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds.
On the battlefield, this has been a trait that decided American and world history, as much as affecting state histories, including Maine’s.
Andrew Jackson held off the British in 1815, Lincoln’s conviction held off Lee at Antietam in 1862 (giving Lincoln the confidence to sign the Emancipation Proclamation), Gettysburg in 1863, San Juan Hill in 1898, Belleau Wood in 1918 (WWI), Midway in 1942, Normandy, the Bulge in 1944, Inchon in 1950.
This list goes on, examples of what it means to rally under pressure. What happened in each place was that, despite reasons to quit, give up the larger purpose, forfeit vision and fold, Americans did not. In Maine, iconically, Chamberlain at Little Roundtop, Gettysburg, did not. He was all courage.
Some will say, slow down, worry less, throw in the cards, or do not elevate the ideological battle in Maine – for Maine’s future, either leftist or traditional values, hard work, parental rights, low taxes, less government, safe towns to such a plane. Do not think the battle matters so much.
Is that so? Is it true that we can lose or give up or stand down facing evils like danger to our children, moral depravity, illegality, drug trafficking, criminal abuse, overspending, over-taxation, mandates and disinterest in our children – a complete loss of compass and compassion – and still survive?
Some will say yes, worry less. I am not among them, as I have seen – through the lens of history, global appeasement, national disorientation, and state dominance – what happens when we fold.
Edmund Burke famously observed, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” We cannot be those people, on international, national, or state stages. It is on us.
Standing beside the rubble of the Pentagon on 9-11 on active duty, about to spend months rebuilding the Navy’s Intelligence resources, my mind went to a thousand things. Like our whole nation, I was in shock, but like all of us, I also grew stronger in the wake of that day.
The same sentiment applies to challenges closer to home, today in Maine. When the chips are down, when what should be right is wrong, do not give up. In Maine, the chips are now down, a progressive wave rolling in upon us, and leftist ideology trying to muzzle individual liberties. But there is nothing inevitable about that darkness – The future is literally in our hands.
Robert Charles is a former Assistant Secretary of State under Colin Powell, former Reagan and Bush 41 White House staffer, Maine attorney, ten-year naval intelligence officer (USNR), and 25-year businessman. He wrote “Narcotics and Terrorism” (2003), “Eagles and Evergreens” (North Country Press, 2018), and “Cherish America: Stories of Courage, Character, and Kindness” (Tower Publishing, 2024). He is the National Spokesman for AMAC. Today, he is running to be Maine’s next Governor (please visit BobbyforMaine.com to learn more)!
The question early in the article about why people don’t quit, don’t give up after being attacked and losing a great deal I do believe has much to do with the understanding that is in the title Our Future – In Our Hands Realizing that there is a responsibility to do what is necessary to keep life going the right direction . The Edmund Burke quote is appropriate . The examples of resilience mentioned are all good examples of doing what is right. Some of us obviously share the same ingredients that puts us on course and supplies the courage to continue to have the spirit to make things right. A sense of humor helps,as well as developing a high level of intelligence, and practicing resourcefulness, having faith in God is number one. Practicing the qualities that make for good character, having a sense of purpose in life, living by a code of conduct all combine to build what is needed to provide strength and respect for what is ethical. Victory for truth and Liberty will provide the foundation for all the plans of the future.
We live in the modern times and expect to be happy or at least what we perceive as happiness, it is our right, but life is not meant to be easy, mother nature is cruel and must be if we are to survive, she is not mollycoddling as we expect her to. Those who came before us clawed this country from wilderness with bare hands, endured beyond endurance and our kids grumble, when expected to unload a dishwasher. If we are to reclaim this wonderful one and only country we have to do better at voting time. Do more expect less. and expect the same plus honesty and hard work from those we elect.
Quitting is really not an option as in the end we have to live with the outcome. Most of us are busy with family and work and for the most part choose to ignore politics until we have a crisis. Government’s out of control spending, loss of our shared values and increasing corruption have gotten our attention. The question remains “how do we respond effectively”?
First we need to be much more careful about the selection of our leaders and representatives. It seems we are in a time where many politicians will say or do absolutely anything to get elected. Do your homework. What did this person stand for last year, 5 years ago? What have they accomplished in their last position, in life? Do they share our values? Do they have a demonstrated ability to effectively perform the the duties of the job they seek? Do they have serious management experience and a proven track record or are they a grifter looking for a quick payday?
Second we need to step up and pitch in. Help is needed in so many places right now so we all should be able to find a spot where we can make a difference.
There are very serious threats on the horizon and our collective responses today will impact the direction the bad actors choose. It is far better if we are busy, engaged and aware than if we somehow ignore the problems and end up being caught by surprise.