As I edit the manuscript Treason on the Mississippi by Jack Martin, and ponder the hell our great nation has gone through — all the birthing pains, learning to walk, to run, and to soar — I am reminded of so many great men, leaders and grunts alike. As in any chain, we are only as strong as the weakest link. “One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.”

Many great, original quotes in this novel were profound for that era, but they can also be easily applied to us now. Here are a few I would like to share:

• “It is well to remember, some days are better than others, and there is a world of tomorrows.” — Bierce
• “There are all kinds of slavery; not all of them involve physical chains and formal bills of sale.” -— Lot
• “I bore it, for my father’s sake. He told me this was now the white man’s country, and that I should go to his schools and learn his ways, for it was no sense to wish for yesterday to come again. Still, it was years before I understood fully what he meant when he said it would take more courage to live than to die in battle.” — Major Parker
• “Sir, I mean no disrespect; but I would pose this question: if someone cannot resist the pull to treason, how can they be expected to show gratitude for mercy?” — Clay
• “I would answer your question with a question, Captain. If someone has once killed to no purpose, how could they be relied upon not to do so in the future? Well, Captain, if it consoles you, it may come to what you desire. If they surrender, most will live to see their homes again. But if they do not surrender, then I will maintain this siege until every, last one of them starves, if that is what it takes to possess Vicksburg. Someone must want mercy before it can be granted. Let’s hope that Pemberton realizes the hopelessness of his situation.” Grant took a pull on his cigar and grimaced.
• “Alphonso, there’s been cruelty and injustice since the Fall,” said Lot quietly to his cousin and friend. “You can’t solve it all; you can only keep from adding to it.”
• “This whole war is inappropriate, Captain. One can either jeer at the folly of man or go mad with the tragedy of it; I prefer to jeer.” — Bierce
• “Here, here,” chimed in the fidgety Sherman, who was constantly shifting about in his chair, thin fingers drumming incessantly on the table. “I’ve supply difficulties to attend to. Steamer with all kinds of things destined for my corps blew up today, somewhere south of Memphis. Only good thing about the disaster is there were half a dozen newspapermen aboard. I guess we’ll have the news from Hell by breakfast.”
• “‘Treason doth never prosper; what’s the reason? For if treason doth prosper, none dare call it treason!’ There is a great truth hidden in those lines. People who commit treason seldom admit, even to themselves, that they are so doing. They justify it by appeals to “states’ rights,” “the people’s will,” “the greater good,” etc., and know that if they are successful they will be hailed as great men, not traitors. However, it is still treason in my eyes. — Clay

Now consider how political parties and the media are forcing a united country to choose sides yet again — not North and South, but Democrat or Republican. Parties be damned! We are all Americans who want this country to thrive, not survive. We must think of it as our HOME. No one wants druggies, burglars, robbers, rapists, murderers, or terrorists in their homes, nor do we want them in our land. Extreme vetting is necessary. It’s hard enough policing legal citizens, but when you have those here you can’t account for, how can you? Look these words up: nefarious and malevolent. Those who come here and seemingly assimilate into our society with nefarious and malevolent intentions are not our friends. They are here to harm us.

In the same way, the media or celebrities that do not tell the truth (Walter Cronkite has gone to be with Jesus and he was the last true journalist) and assist in blocking, disrespecting, and hindering the president on every turn, is not a loyalist but a traitor. If they despise the USA so much, they can turn in their passports and leave. You are either with us or without us.

All President Trump wants is the best for us, just like President Lincoln did, who was determined to keep the Union, no matter the cost. We must adhere to the Constitution, which was founded in Biblical principles, support President Trump, and stand united against all evil, political and spiritual, around the globe.

We have come a long way for such a young country, endured many wars and hardships, but only together shall we move forward with confidence to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

• Jeanie Loiacono