I’m so very saddened to be an American

Life constantly amazes me. For eight long years, my husband and I have been working diligently through "the system" to make sure that our traumatically brain-injured son gets occupational, physical and cognitive therapy.

All of his rehabilitation sources have assured us that he is capable of living on his own and holding a job. However, the job cannot be a multi-faceted one or it confuses him.

Last week, our son was fired from his job. The company refuses to meet with us, as our son's caregivers, to explain its reasons, as it says it is against the law.

Social Security in Virginia tells us that our son is disabled. This was not the case when we lived in North Carolina, however.

The SS office there thought that there was no disability and that we were wasting its time.

We have waffled between so many governmental agencies, because this is what we have to do in order to find any help concerning our son's dilemma.

Well, this time around, I am using an unorthodox approach: I am protesting down at Culpeper Town Square among the illegals.

I am protesting because our president continues to preach that "Americans will not take the menial jobs that illegals will do."

How dare this arrogant and clueless man insult hard-working Americans this way! We have fought tooth and nail to ensure a life of not living off of the government for our son!

Having protested for three days already, I have found that a few folks support my protest; many say that they will pray for my son, and a Caucasian woman has screamed at me from her truck, shouting "Stop bothering the Mexicans and get some brain surgery for your son!"

Another Caucasian fellow has spit at me from his car, while giving me a crude gesture. Most have just passed on by, and believe me, the apathy shows. My husband and I were called "racists" back in October by a Town Council member.

So, nothing really surprises me anymore. This, folks, is your country and your representatives. Do you not feel any passion whatsoever with what is happening within America anymore-

Next week my husband and I are headed to Walter Reed Army Hospital, as well as Bethesda Naval Hospital, with our son. We want to extend our sympathy and our thanks to all of those brave soldiers who have fought in this horrific war in Iraq. Our son needs to realize that there are thousands returning home with traumatic brain injury, only to find out that our system is so very broken and that he is not alone.

And the families of these soldiers need to know exactly what long road lies ahead for them. Just who is going to hire their loved ones in the future with the respect and tolerance that is so needed- At this point, I think we all know the answer to that question.

Until all of our citizens are treated with the the dignity that they so deserve, I will not be flying America's flag. I never, ever thought that I would come to the point that I am so very saddened to be an American.