Events of Wednesday, Thursday and today seem to beg for some editorial comment. The nice thing about writing a blog is the freedom to say what I think and not really give a damn if it's politically correct. I don't look for agreement or approval but simply hope to accomplish two things, to either inspire one to think or to have the reader open a dialogue for discussion.
It seems Wednesday's prime news story, around the world, was acceptance of the resignation of Gen. Stanley McCrystal by President Obama. Or, the firing, by the commander-in-chief, of yet another Special Forces (SF) officer who exhibits a prized trait of individualism.
A part of the criteria every applicant for the Army's Special Forces is judged on is his being an individual. While every SF soldier is expected to follow orders, he is also expected to think for himself. Special Forces troopers are elite, they are the top one percent of the U.S. Army. They are the first to be called when the proverbial shit hits the fan and the first to be singled out when they say what they think if it goes against conventional wisdom.
Gen. McCrystal apologized for the comments that found their way into print earlier in the week. As far as I can determine, none of the remarks were quotes from this warrior but rather from members of his hand-picked staff. Nonetheless, he was in command and rightly takes the responsibility for those under him. He is to be admired. His years of unselfish service to our country are to be honored and, in my opinion, our military is losing one of its finest, most respected leaders.
Several hours after the media was focused on the happenings in our nation's capital, in Omaha, Nebraska one of the best baseball games in the college world series had spectators at Rosenblatt Stadium on their feet and television viewers on the edge of their seats.
Texas Christian University (TCU) and Florida State University (FSU) battled one another in what could be described as the game movies are made from.
The bottom of the eighth inning, TCU was at bat and losing 7 to 3 in an elimination game. In the scenario every baseball player dreams of; bases loaded, full count, one swing of the bat and the ball was going, going, gone for a grand slam to tie the game.
First baseman and TCU junior Matt Curry launched the ball into the center field seats to begin a rally that eventually scored eight runs and won the game 11 to 7.
The next day, Thursday, the news being reported was not so grand in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
William Kruse, 55, a charter boat captain was found by his crew lying on the floor of the wheelhouse. He was dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot to the head.
"They said he was real upset and despondent over the oil spill" Stan Vinson, coroner of Baldwin County, said Captain Kruse's crew related to him.
"He's been a charter boat captain most of his life, but all that had come to screeching halt" in the aftermath of the well blowout on the ocean floor that has spewed untold millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf, spoiling coastlines, killing wildlife, and bringing local businesses across the Gulf coast, including the fishing industry, to their knees.
We can only hope this is not the beginning of a pattern for those so deeply affected by the horrific tragedy BP created.
And yesterday in Washington, D.C. a ceremony was held at the Capitol to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Korean War. It was on this date, June 25, 1950 when North Korean troops crossed the 38th parallel and attacked the Republic of Korea.
Often called "the forgotten war" let us not forget the sacrifices of the service members who courageously fought to defend freedom and safeguard peace and security on the Korean Peninsula.
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