Merry Christmas President Trump and A Happy New Year
PC: Danica Eylenstein
Mohammad Galub is the Afghan villager who saved the life of Navy SEAL, Marcus Luttrell, after a notorious fight with the Taliban. Since then, Luttrell has received a Purple Heart and the Navy Cross. However, Mark Walhberg, who played Luttrell in “Lone Survivor,” claims that Galub is the true hero.
Without Galub’s actions and protection, Luttrell never would’ve left Afghan soil. However in the years that followed, while Luttrell’s new life was characterized by fame, Galub’s was plagued with fear. He was immediately placed on the Taliban’s kill list for protecting their enemy, which eventually forced him to flee his native country.
After he rescued Luttrell, Galub relatively peaceful life was never the same. He’d completely sacrificed familiarity for a soldier who could barely pronounce his name.
Yet when Galub’s actions were questioned, his response remained steadfast: he affirmed that he saved Luttrell not based on religion or the country he fought for, but simply because he was a human being.
And isn’t that enough?
It’s Christmas and because it’s my favorite time of year, I like to expedite the season. For me, this holiday begins pretty much on Nov. 1, meaning ski season is right around the corner and Christmas songs can begin to play. But this year, ski season isn’t the only thing I’ve been thinking about.
As 2018 draws to a close, it’s easy to remember all the oh-so-wonderful events that unfolded. In fact, there’ve been nearly as many mass shootings as days in 2018 and probably even more presidential tweets. In Oct., Cesar Sayoc mailed 14 bombs to influential leaders and activists, further stirring the boiling political pot.
Most recently, the Democrats gained control of the House, which provided another platform for Donald Trump to spew rude remarks, a myriad of which were actually targeted at the GOP. But what’s so saddening to me—with every new headline, Americans seem to have forgotten what can unite us.
To love regardless, seems so simple, yet is obviously one of the most difficult things one can do.
2018 has definitely seen its share of hate. On top of not having the most stellar role model, the events that have taken place this year give Americans every right to wallow. But it’s Christmas. And at least at Christmas, let’s focus on love and the One who is love.
So I say, Merry Christmas President Trump and a Happy New Year!
Because at the end of the day, we shouldn’t love someone based on who they are or what they’ve said, but simply because they’re a human being.
Isn’t that enough?
Juliet Bromme is a freshman studying graphic design.