NH State Representative Steven Smith

Our hearts go out to the victims of the Orlando shooting. Sadly, these events bring out the worst in people. Look to leaders and politicians to not focus on mourning and solutions, but rather how to gain some political advantage from it. Groups who believe themselves to be vested in it somehow will use it to promote their causes. Issue advocates will clamor for legislation, using this as an opportunity to gain leverage for their issue. This is all abhorrent behavior. Maybe I am too simple a person to understand the nuances, but let me tell you how I feel.

One of America’s strengths throughout the years is that while we have our differences with each other, we set them aside and unite when attacked or threatened. I don’t care if it was a gay bar, a Latino bar, or (insert your own group) bar. It was an American bar. Americans were attacked, at home, where we live. LGBT, gay, straight, it doesn’t matter. Those people were Americans. Besides the victims who were killed or wounded, there are even more American friends and family traumatized, scarred, and grieving.

We should only be doing two things right now. 1 – Express your support and sympathy for those hurt or killed, and their loved ones. 2 – Show a shoulder to shoulder united front against those who would do us harm, and explain to them that while we may have our differences, when attacked, we are all simply Americans… and we will not stand for it.

I offer my sympathy to those who were victims, and their families.

Rep. Steven Smith

This weekend we celebrate Memorial Day, our most solemn holiday.  Sadly, many people don’t know the significance of Memorial Day, or worse, do and don’t think about it.  This weekend I am free to barbecue.  I am free to travel, even outside the state and country.  I am free to have a yard sale.  I am free to enjoy myself on property that I own.  I am free to criticize the government.  I, a regular citizen with no privileged upbringing or family birthright, am free to be a part of the government.  I have all these freedoms because of the courage and sacrifice of American service people for over 2 and a quarter centuries.  I went to Arlington National Cemetery last year.  The shear scope of how many brave Americans are buried there is overwhelming.  As we enjoy our freedom this holiday weekend, we should remember the cost.  We have our freedom because of those who have served.  We continue to be free because of those who are serving.  We will be free in the years to come, because this very minute, there are brave young people volunteering to put on a uniform and defend our way of life.  If you run into a veteran this weekend, say “Thank You”.  It isn’t much, but there really are no adequate words for the gift that they give us… the gift of freedom.

Tomorrow, many towns will have Memorial Day parades. I always go to my town’s. Please consider doing this. It is a small thing to do, and our veteran’s serve without looking for thanks. They risk their lives so that we can be free to do the things we enjoy, and sometimes pay the ultimate price. The sacrifice is not theirs alone. Most leave behind loved ones who had to suffer the pain of knowing that their loved one was not coming home. Throughout history, over a million Americans have given their lives in defense of freedom. They left behind even more millions of grieving friends and family. When they read the names, and toll the bell, remember that there may be others around experiencing a very personal loss. The very least we can do is take a little time to show that we care, that we noticed, that it mattered, and that we are eternally grateful.