Freedom
For all her faults, America is a beautiful nation.
Washing the BMW on a Saturday morning, soap suds and elbow grease combining in equal parts.
Touring with the wife down a winding country two-lane, orange and yellow leaves swirling in our wake as the tach pivots around the dial.
Ordering a part out of a catalog or over the Internet, knowing it will show up on our doorstep in a few days.
Simple pleasures, enjoyed by so many of us as we drive our cars and live our lives in a land called America. Since September 11th, I have realized anew the incredible privilege I share with 285 million of my brothers and sisters who live free under the protection and provision of the Stars and Stripes.
For all her faults, America is a beautiful nation. We are a peaceful people whose motto could well be “live and let live.” But, as our President has said, we are fierce when stirred to anger. Our enemies are now forcibly learning that fact.
The heroic acts of brave Americans on the ground and in the air on September 11 will forever bear witness that "greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his brother." I’d like to think that the selfless acts of bravery on behalf of others that dark Tuesday represent the true spirit of America.
We are united as never before.
We will not forget.
In the aftermath of the attack and resulting war in which our nation is now engaged, we are once again reminded of a terrible truth: freedom comes with a price. For our President, his advisors and cabinet, and for our Congress, our military, and ourselves as civilians who all now stand in harm’s way, we pray divine protection, wisdom and courage in the uncertain days ahead.
We all have a job to do. President Bush was right when he said that “freedom and fear are at war. The advance of human freedom, the great achievement of our time and the great hope of every time, now depends on us.”
So as we drive our BMWs and go about the daily business of living, we do so with a new awareness that the simple pleasures we enjoy as Americans do not come without cost. But the cowards who would steal our freedom by attacking us in God’s name will not triumph. In our President’s words, “freedom and fear, justice and cruelty, have always been at war, and we know that God is not neutral between them.”
May something as mundane as belonging to a car club remind you of the greater freedom we enjoy as Americans. That freedom, and our nation, is worth defending. -Rick Sparks
So Long, Sixer - Silbersix crosses the finish line.
66
By 6 - A Sixer motors west on Route 66 (Part Three).
Looks That Could Kill - Playing with fire in Munich.
66 By 6 - A Sixer motors west on Route 66 (Part Two).
The Book Of Motoring - Chapter & verse for motorists of every age.
66 By 6 - A Sixer motors west on Route 66 (Part One).
A Bridge Too Far - A look back at BMW's tragic 2002-2005 period.
Back
In the Saddle Again - Let the rescue begin.
Retro
Ad: 1986 635CSi - Trophies do have a certain appeal.
Southern
Comfort In a Six - Late summer, a Sixer, & Southern highways
through time.
Made
In Germany - The legacy of the land of BMW.
Romancing
the Six - Looking for love in all the right places.
Here's
to You, L.A. - Where the sun always shines.
The
Land of Zentrum - A Sixer pilgrimage to BMW's American Mecca.
Splendor
Under the Oaks - Sunday in the park, with friends.
Silver
Anniversary Sixer - The right thing to do.
Old
Flames - The object of my former affection.
Hello,
Sixer - The start of a beautiful friendship.
Retro
Ad: 1975 530i - Father of the Sixer.
Great
Expectations - Will BMW's new 6 Series keep up with the pack?
The
Sixer Preservation Society - Six times around the world is enough.
Or is it?
An Affair To Remember - Defining BMW's essence in 12 all-time great cars.
Baby's New Shoes - Treating the old girl to a new look and feel.
Mini Comes To Kansas City - Less is more for BMW's newest driving machine.
Comments? Questions? Send to [email protected].
