If one were to read only “mainstream” media based on the East Coast, one would think that citizens of the United States were living in a madhouse, overseen by a racist war-monger who was placing the public in danger out of sheer lunacy.

However, based on the reaction Vice President Mike Pence received at Minot Air Force Bases – and the reaction to his messages from President Donald Trump – there is a real chasm between the perspectives of those who serve East Coast media and those who serve the United States of America.

It would seem those willing to put their lives on the line for the country have a higher opinion of the current administration than the well-fed, comfortable media types who are still lamenting the humiliating defeat of their friend and hand-picked presidential candidate in the last national election. Those with actual skin in the game offered thunderous applause on Friday.

This is not an endorsement of President Trump, Vice President Pence or any particular policy or position of either man.

Instead, this is just an effort to point out that plenty of Americans – including our best and bravest – don’t agree with the headlines you run into in national media.

Instead, this is is an effort to point out the vast differences between those who see Trump and the Americans he represents as the source of all malevolence and violence in the world and those who think maybe rogue nuclear nations, terror regimes and nations with not even a concept of civil rights might just be the planet’s problem.

Instead, this is an effort to point out that there is a difference between those back East who feel that folks who enjoy community theater and Friday night football are racist rubes, and others who perhaps look at Palestinian terrorists blowing up school buses and nations like Cuba and Iran torturing and decapitating people just for being gay or for reporting rape to authorities might possibly be more a problem than Hobby Lobby.

Instead, this is an effort to point out that many of you might be tired of being blamed for everything that’s wrong with the world, while tyrants, terrorists and phony public servants who enrich themselves by hating you, your way of life and your families are applauded by rich, self-indulgent celebrities.

This is to encourage you to know that you aren’t out of touch and that there are many Americans who still see America as what it is – a bastion of hope in a world of chaos and elitist control.

How can one tell from right here in Minot? Because the service members at Minot Air Force Base demonstrated their support for the administration on Friday. And because, whatever happens internationally with potential complexity, it is these young men and women who will actually do something about it. No New York Times reporter can say the same. The world looks very different behind the front lines.

That’s what service members at the base showed us once again on Friday.

We are all so proud of these youngsters, their patriotism, their willingness to serve, their understanding of this country as the last, best hope for humanity.

It isn’t often these days that we can look to our youngsters for what’s good and decent in the world. So many are too privileged to know or care. And then there are our service members. What they showed us last week in support of our country should give us all moment to pause and remember the pride we should have, but which so many rich and powerful people have tried to steal from us.

God bless our service members all over the world. Let us learn from them.