Voices of Patriotism: Richard Kersey

Richard Kersey of Myakka City says being free allows Americans to follow their own ways of life. 

Interviewed by Jay Heater

"What does the word patriot consist of? Does it mean, standing up for what you think is right? I've always felt like that. Does it mean doing things your own way? I have always believed the American way is free thought. Free. But if being a patriot means being in the military, I never was. I signed up for the draft, but they didn't draft me."

"I don't need to be anywhere else. I never have traveled much, because I don't have the desire to go. I like it here. I remember going to Lake Ontario, and I stood there and looked across at Canada. I didn't see anything there I liked better."

"I do believe the biggest majority of people in this country are patriots. But I also feel that some of them don't realize what they've got. It's their freedom. I am more or less free to do what I want every day. It's being in God's country. I'm out in God's creation every day. I don't have to call to get permission to go across the state line.''

"Working on the ranch is a way of life. I remember Dad working the ranch when I was a kid. I hope I will do this the rest of my life."

"I don't worry too much about our way of life, except for maybe a little bit around election time. I just hope my pick knows what he is going to do. I think you just need to get the right men to run it."