Today is a very special day. It is the day we have set aside to remember all who have served our nation. Those who have sworn to "protect and defend" no matter the cost. It is the day to honor the men and women who have and still do wear the uniform of our military.
I am proud to be a veteran. I am proud to have served my country. I am prouder still of my brothers and sisters who have stood beside me and those who have gone before me and those generations that have followed in the very same footsteps.
As a veteran I believe I have earned the right to extend my thanks and appreciation to honor yet another group of veterans. They are family members. Wives, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and children who, in their own way, are veterans.
They don't march in any parade today. They simply stand and watch with pride as we do. They are not heralded as heroes by the many who speak today. They simply turn their eyes to us filled with love. Yet, in their own way they too are veterans. They endure a different type of hardship when we serve and when we deploy.
They may not be in harms way but they exhibit a courage everyday we are gone. As a veteran I can attest that each day we know what faces us. Those of us who have been in combat know how we are. Our family members can only hope we are okay. They don't know but they continue to go on as if they have no doubt everything is alright.
Those of us who have been in combat freely admit we face down a certain fear when we hear explosions or engage in a firefight or head into a place we may not walk away from. Our other "veterans" live with the fear of not knowing everyday. They hold their heads high and proud as they exclaim their loved one(s) is serving this country in uniform.
But they can be no prouder than those of us who have and do wear the uniform are of them. They are our rock and our reason for serving. They are the fabric that holds us together. While they cannot imagine hardships we endure, we cannot imagine the hardships our being gone has brought to them. Yet, like us, they carry on.
It has been this way since the very beginning of our great country. And it is certainly that way today.
My fellow soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines I salute you and say thank you and tell you it is an honor to serve with you. To thank those who preceded me and those who have come after.
To those "other veterans" I thank you and stand tall as I salute you for your sacrifice and your strength that makes it possible for us to do the job we do everyday.
To my brothers and sisters in arms past and present: Thank you I am proud to have served with you.
To my "other veterans:" Thank you I am proud that you have helped me to serve.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
On America's Doorstep
It seems the eyes of the American news media and politicians are either focused on Europe and the looming financial crisis there or some 3,000 miles away from there where American troops are in harms way.
Yet, on our doorstep are events that could shape the future of the Americas. That is to say North America, Central America and South America.
The election cycle has begun in Mexico and while in Nicaragua and Guatemala elections came to a climax yesterday. Yet, no one seems predict the impact they will have on the United States. I thought it might be interesting to once again revisit history.
Yesterday a former army general involved in Guatemala's brutal civil war has won the nation's presidential elections on a promise to win a new war in the tiny Central American nation: this time against drug-traffickers.
Otto Pérez Molina, who campaigned on a promise to bring an "iron fist" against rising crime won the presidency with 54 percent of the vote. The retired general is the first former military leader elected president in Guatemala since the end of a 36-year civil war in 1996, a conflict that included more than two decades of military rule. Some 200,000 Guatemalans died in fighting between leftist guerrillas and the military.
Guatemala's per-capita homicide rate is twice that of Mexico's, and among the highest in the world. In the last year, Guatemala has twice ordered military surges to quell spikes of violence blamed on Mexican cartels.
President-elect Perez denied there was an attempt at genocide during the civil war. Or that villages were decimated by firestorms. Yet, past events in the war may prove a problem for the new president-elect. Mr. Pérez is under investigation in his own country for war-related crimes, and a Spanish judge investigating a genocide case has also heard allegations that he was involved in the torture of a villager in the 1980s. As president, he would have immunity from prosecution in Guatemala.
At the time of this writing the State Department had not made any comment regarding the election results. Perhaps if they watch and study other Central American nations they may see a trend occurring.
Our closest southern neighbor, Mexico, is gearing up for its July, 2012 presidential election. In a country where an estimated 50,000 have died as a result of their drug war. A leading presidential candidate of Mexico's ruling party said last Wednesday he would break with government policy and withdraw the army from the fight against drug gangs if he wins the election in 2012.
Santiago Creel, a former interior minister belonging to the conservative National Action Party (PAN) is considered a front runner in his party.
If he is elected the question that comes to my mind is how much will it cost the United States if the cartels roam the streets of Mexico at will?
A little over 2,600 miles to our south or almost the distance from Washington, D.C. to San Francisco, Daniel Ortega of Sandinista fame appears to have won his country's presidency again by a wide margin.
Ortega had yet to acknowledge a victory Monday, though he had already received congratulations from his leftist allies, Cuban President Raul Castro and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who has given the Ortega government more than $500 million a year in donations and discounted oil.
Ortega's opponents fear that if he wins with a clear majority, he would be able to change the constitution to legitimize the Supreme Court ruling and pave the way to becoming president for life.
Ortega led the Sandinista movement that overthrew dictator Anastasio Somoza in 1979, and withstood a concerted effort by the U.S. government, which viewed him as a Soviet-backed threat, to oust him through a rebel force called the Contras.
Again, our State Department has been mute on this.
I am not an expert on international affairs but I can't help but wonder how these events , so close to home,
will impact the Unites States, our security, our foreign relations and our economy. Maybe our government will do what it does best, fire anyone who states an opinion based on the obvious like it did last week when army Maj. Gen. Peter Fuller, deputy commander of NATO's effort to train Afghan forces was relieved of his command for criticizing Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
In last Thursday's remarks, Fuller was incredulous that Karzai, in a recent interview with the Pakistani press, had indicated that Afghanistan would come to Pakistan's aid if the U.S. ever attacked.
“Why don’t you just poke me in the eye with a needle!" Fuller said. "You’ve got to be kidding me … I’m sorry, we just gave you $11.6 billion and now you’re telling me, ‘I don’t really care’?"
Our country was founded by rebels and men who weren't afraid to speak out and damn the consequences. Today I suppose we are expected to be politically correct.
Well damn the political correctness, give me leaders who lead and are respected for being blunt and honest and have integrity. Give me leaders who aren't wearing blinders and can see our neighbors to the south represent just as much of a risk to our way of life as the terrorists.
The big question now is where do we find such an animal?
Yet, on our doorstep are events that could shape the future of the Americas. That is to say North America, Central America and South America.
The election cycle has begun in Mexico and while in Nicaragua and Guatemala elections came to a climax yesterday. Yet, no one seems predict the impact they will have on the United States. I thought it might be interesting to once again revisit history.
Yesterday a former army general involved in Guatemala's brutal civil war has won the nation's presidential elections on a promise to win a new war in the tiny Central American nation: this time against drug-traffickers.
Otto Pérez Molina, who campaigned on a promise to bring an "iron fist" against rising crime won the presidency with 54 percent of the vote. The retired general is the first former military leader elected president in Guatemala since the end of a 36-year civil war in 1996, a conflict that included more than two decades of military rule. Some 200,000 Guatemalans died in fighting between leftist guerrillas and the military.
Guatemala's per-capita homicide rate is twice that of Mexico's, and among the highest in the world. In the last year, Guatemala has twice ordered military surges to quell spikes of violence blamed on Mexican cartels.
President-elect Perez denied there was an attempt at genocide during the civil war. Or that villages were decimated by firestorms. Yet, past events in the war may prove a problem for the new president-elect. Mr. Pérez is under investigation in his own country for war-related crimes, and a Spanish judge investigating a genocide case has also heard allegations that he was involved in the torture of a villager in the 1980s. As president, he would have immunity from prosecution in Guatemala.
At the time of this writing the State Department had not made any comment regarding the election results. Perhaps if they watch and study other Central American nations they may see a trend occurring.
Our closest southern neighbor, Mexico, is gearing up for its July, 2012 presidential election. In a country where an estimated 50,000 have died as a result of their drug war. A leading presidential candidate of Mexico's ruling party said last Wednesday he would break with government policy and withdraw the army from the fight against drug gangs if he wins the election in 2012.
Santiago Creel, a former interior minister belonging to the conservative National Action Party (PAN) is considered a front runner in his party.
If he is elected the question that comes to my mind is how much will it cost the United States if the cartels roam the streets of Mexico at will?
A little over 2,600 miles to our south or almost the distance from Washington, D.C. to San Francisco, Daniel Ortega of Sandinista fame appears to have won his country's presidency again by a wide margin.
Ortega had yet to acknowledge a victory Monday, though he had already received congratulations from his leftist allies, Cuban President Raul Castro and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who has given the Ortega government more than $500 million a year in donations and discounted oil.
Ortega's opponents fear that if he wins with a clear majority, he would be able to change the constitution to legitimize the Supreme Court ruling and pave the way to becoming president for life.
Ortega led the Sandinista movement that overthrew dictator Anastasio Somoza in 1979, and withstood a concerted effort by the U.S. government, which viewed him as a Soviet-backed threat, to oust him through a rebel force called the Contras.
Again, our State Department has been mute on this.
I am not an expert on international affairs but I can't help but wonder how these events , so close to home,
will impact the Unites States, our security, our foreign relations and our economy. Maybe our government will do what it does best, fire anyone who states an opinion based on the obvious like it did last week when army Maj. Gen. Peter Fuller, deputy commander of NATO's effort to train Afghan forces was relieved of his command for criticizing Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
In last Thursday's remarks, Fuller was incredulous that Karzai, in a recent interview with the Pakistani press, had indicated that Afghanistan would come to Pakistan's aid if the U.S. ever attacked.
“Why don’t you just poke me in the eye with a needle!" Fuller said. "You’ve got to be kidding me … I’m sorry, we just gave you $11.6 billion and now you’re telling me, ‘I don’t really care’?"
Our country was founded by rebels and men who weren't afraid to speak out and damn the consequences. Today I suppose we are expected to be politically correct.
Well damn the political correctness, give me leaders who lead and are respected for being blunt and honest and have integrity. Give me leaders who aren't wearing blinders and can see our neighbors to the south represent just as much of a risk to our way of life as the terrorists.
The big question now is where do we find such an animal?
Friday, October 28, 2011
How to Reduce the Debt and Fix Congress
As a general rule I haven't elected to print emails I receive. However, during the past week I received one that merits being posted. It makes sense and the author is a highly respected and recognized American. With my thanks to Tim O. here is the idea of Warren Buffett.
Warren Buffett, in a recent interview with CNBC, offers one of the best quotes about the debt ceiling: "I could end the deficit in 5 minutes," he told CNBC. "You just pass a law that says that anytime there is a deficit of more than 3% of GDP, all sitting members of Congress are ineligible for re-election
The 26th amendment (granting the right to vote for 18 year-olds) took only
3 months & 8 days to be ratified! Why? Simple! The people demanded it. That was in 1971...before computers, e-mail, cell phones, etc.
Of the 27 amendments to the Constitution, seven (7) took 1 year or less to become the law of the land...all because of public pressure.
Warren Buffet is asking each addressee to forward this email to a minimum of twenty people on their address list; in turn ask each of those to do likewise.
In three days, most people in The United States of America will have the message. This is one idea that really should be passed around.
*Congressional Reform Act of 2011*
1. No Tenure / No Pension. A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.
2. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security.
All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, and Congress participates with the American people. It may not be used for any other purpose.
3. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.
4. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.
3 months & 8 days to be ratified! Why? Simple! The people demanded it. That was in 1971...before computers, e-mail, cell phones, etc.
Of the 27 amendments to the Constitution, seven (7) took 1 year or less to become the law of the land...all because of public pressure.
Warren Buffet is asking each addressee to forward this email to a minimum of twenty people on their address list; in turn ask each of those to do likewise.
In three days, most people in The United States of America will have the message. This is one idea that really should be passed around.
*Congressional Reform Act of 2011*
1. No Tenure / No Pension. A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.
2. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security.
All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, and Congress participates with the American people. It may not be used for any other purpose.
3. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.
4. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.
5. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.
6. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people.
7. All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective 1/1/12. The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen.
Congressmen made all these contracts for themselves. Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, so ours should serve their term(s), then go home and back to work.
If each person contacts a minimum of twenty people then it will only take three days for most people (in the U.S.) to receive the message. Maybe it is time.
THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS!!!!!
THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS!!!!!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Tolerance Has A Limit
It's been nearly 10 months since I have posted anything to this blog but now the dry spell is over. Many subjects seemed to beg for comment during my absence and I am primed and ready to add my thoughts, observations and not so politically correct comments as todays' events unfold.
On Saturday, Afghan President Hamid Karzai thumbed his nose at the United States and, in my opinion, totally disregarded and disrespected the sacrifice thousands of America's military made for his country. Not to mention helped him rise to the presidency of Afghanistan.
"God forbid, If ever there is a war between Pakistan and America, Afghanistan will side with Pakistan," he said in a television interview.
He will side with the very country who has allowed fighters sanctuary in its mountains after they've committed atrocities in his nation, who has helped to funnel money, weapons and warped radicals to his war torn nation.
We have buried more than 1,800 men and women who were killed there and wore the uniform of the United States. Add the more than 14,000 who have been wounded and then try to imagine the loss and hardships for all those families.
The billions of dollars our government has poured in this war could have aided every man, woman and child if used in this country. Our economy would not be in shambles and just perhaps, the poverty level wouldn't keep rising.
To honor those who have fallen and those whose lives have been altered forever, my response would be to mobilize every asset and immediately redeploy every troop, every piece of equipment back to the very country that has saved his ass ... the U.S.A. With the message being you'd go to war against us then you are not an ally but an enemy. Survive or perish on your own.
Undoubtedly there will be those who would scream "human rights." Plain and simple .. it is not right to bury a fallen warrior who was fighting to provide freedom for that country's humanity.
Damn being tolerant ... let's be right!
On Saturday, Afghan President Hamid Karzai thumbed his nose at the United States and, in my opinion, totally disregarded and disrespected the sacrifice thousands of America's military made for his country. Not to mention helped him rise to the presidency of Afghanistan.
"God forbid, If ever there is a war between Pakistan and America, Afghanistan will side with Pakistan," he said in a television interview.
He will side with the very country who has allowed fighters sanctuary in its mountains after they've committed atrocities in his nation, who has helped to funnel money, weapons and warped radicals to his war torn nation.
We have buried more than 1,800 men and women who were killed there and wore the uniform of the United States. Add the more than 14,000 who have been wounded and then try to imagine the loss and hardships for all those families.
The billions of dollars our government has poured in this war could have aided every man, woman and child if used in this country. Our economy would not be in shambles and just perhaps, the poverty level wouldn't keep rising.
To honor those who have fallen and those whose lives have been altered forever, my response would be to mobilize every asset and immediately redeploy every troop, every piece of equipment back to the very country that has saved his ass ... the U.S.A. With the message being you'd go to war against us then you are not an ally but an enemy. Survive or perish on your own.
Undoubtedly there will be those who would scream "human rights." Plain and simple .. it is not right to bury a fallen warrior who was fighting to provide freedom for that country's humanity.
Damn being tolerant ... let's be right!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
The Great Humanitarian ???
Once again, in the name of humanitarian action our great nation has deemed it necessary to intervene/interfere in another nation's internal conflict. In less than 24 hours we (the taxpayer) have spent an additional $58 million plus, according to the U.S. Navy's own figures, just on the launching of Tomahawk Cruise missiles. Then there is the cost of our military's deployment.
Granted, it is a United Nations' sanction and action that has been taken against Libya and we are supposed to a leader in that body. All the action has been and continues to be taken in the name of humanitarian assistance. Yet, from all accounts this is, in reality, a civil war. A war between the citizens of Libya and their head of state.
Moammar Gadhafi, the proven power thirsty head of this African country, has vowed to fight to the death to remain in power. His history of retaliation and terrorist tactics are well documented. His tribal mentality is evident in all he does.
However, he is not alone. In Rwanda and the Darfur region of the Sudan the governments have been slaughtering people. Yes, the United Nations passed various actions but none included the military intervention to stop what some called a genocide.
Our military is stretched thin as it is without deploying more men and women and more assets in an action no one is willing to state the obvious ... a regime change. Once more I have to wonder if we haven't learned from the past.
As much as we would like peace and harmony around the globe the reality is that just won't happen. It is an honorable and idealistic thing to want to help people in need. Again, the reality is we, as a country, cannot afford to further the myth that we are the savior of humanity.
What about saving our own people. Our government's spending is legendary and it will take generations to one day maybe see a debt free America. But to pay our bills we cut the very areas that can least afford it. Education, at a time our nation is declining in world wide rankings. Job training programs, when our unemployment is still a major problem. So many needs and so few dollars.
I wonder just how much of the multi-millions that have been spent in the past 24 to 48 hours could have helped to alleviate some of the issues here at home. While I can understand those brave people in Africa for wanting a better life and to be free I can also see the difference between perception and stark reality.
There is a song lyric that goes: "I can't be right for somebody else if I'm not right for me." Eventually, our great country may wake up and discover if it is not right for its own population, how can it be right for another's country.
Granted, it is a United Nations' sanction and action that has been taken against Libya and we are supposed to a leader in that body. All the action has been and continues to be taken in the name of humanitarian assistance. Yet, from all accounts this is, in reality, a civil war. A war between the citizens of Libya and their head of state.
Moammar Gadhafi, the proven power thirsty head of this African country, has vowed to fight to the death to remain in power. His history of retaliation and terrorist tactics are well documented. His tribal mentality is evident in all he does.
However, he is not alone. In Rwanda and the Darfur region of the Sudan the governments have been slaughtering people. Yes, the United Nations passed various actions but none included the military intervention to stop what some called a genocide.
Our military is stretched thin as it is without deploying more men and women and more assets in an action no one is willing to state the obvious ... a regime change. Once more I have to wonder if we haven't learned from the past.
As much as we would like peace and harmony around the globe the reality is that just won't happen. It is an honorable and idealistic thing to want to help people in need. Again, the reality is we, as a country, cannot afford to further the myth that we are the savior of humanity.
What about saving our own people. Our government's spending is legendary and it will take generations to one day maybe see a debt free America. But to pay our bills we cut the very areas that can least afford it. Education, at a time our nation is declining in world wide rankings. Job training programs, when our unemployment is still a major problem. So many needs and so few dollars.
I wonder just how much of the multi-millions that have been spent in the past 24 to 48 hours could have helped to alleviate some of the issues here at home. While I can understand those brave people in Africa for wanting a better life and to be free I can also see the difference between perception and stark reality.
There is a song lyric that goes: "I can't be right for somebody else if I'm not right for me." Eventually, our great country may wake up and discover if it is not right for its own population, how can it be right for another's country.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Supreme Court Ruling
There are times we all need to set priorities and the past several months have been such a time for me. Unfortunately, I have not placed my blog at the top of my priority list. However, today's ruling by the United States Supreme Court has hit like being blind-sided by a huge truck.
In a vote of 8 to 1 our nation's highest court ruled in favor of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas stating they are protected by the First Amendment when they disrupt and disrespect funerals of members of our military who gave their lives protecting the very Constitution these cowards are hiding behind.
I use the word cowards to describe both the eight members of the court and the so-called church they sided with. For years the members of this alleged Christian church have picketed and protested at solemn military funerals bearing signs that read: "Thank God for dead soldiers" and "Thank God for IEDs."
My military career began in Vietnam and essentially ended in Afghanistan. I've held my friends as they died in my arms and have escorted their bodies to their final resting place. The anger and disgust I feel is beyond description.
I know violence is never an answer to solve a problem but in this case I would be more than willing to make an exception. Perhaps, IF there is a God and IF he or she would see fit to perform a miracle. Maybe that God would line the driveway of this self-righteous, hypocritical group of believers' church with IEDs and they could then thank their god as they went to meet him or her!
In a vote of 8 to 1 our nation's highest court ruled in favor of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas stating they are protected by the First Amendment when they disrupt and disrespect funerals of members of our military who gave their lives protecting the very Constitution these cowards are hiding behind.
I use the word cowards to describe both the eight members of the court and the so-called church they sided with. For years the members of this alleged Christian church have picketed and protested at solemn military funerals bearing signs that read: "Thank God for dead soldiers" and "Thank God for IEDs."
My military career began in Vietnam and essentially ended in Afghanistan. I've held my friends as they died in my arms and have escorted their bodies to their final resting place. The anger and disgust I feel is beyond description.
I know violence is never an answer to solve a problem but in this case I would be more than willing to make an exception. Perhaps, IF there is a God and IF he or she would see fit to perform a miracle. Maybe that God would line the driveway of this self-righteous, hypocritical group of believers' church with IEDs and they could then thank their god as they went to meet him or her!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Hope for Tomorrow
Over the past weeks I, like millions of others around the world, have watched history unfold in the Middle East. Unarmed insurrections in Tunisia and Egypt are toppling decades old suppressive governments.
Yet, those responsible are not militant factions declaring themselves the savior of the people. They are citizens who represent a broad spectrum of the country's populace. They are young and old, men and women, Muslim and Christian, poor and middle class. They share a common hope and dream ... a free and democratic society.
It is as if dictators around the world have been put on notice and some are responding with positive changes and concessions in the hope such a fire will not spread to their countries.
As our world continues to shrink and the internet provides instant communication as never before in history, people around the globe can see for themselves how others live. Thanks in part to the social media like Facebook and Twitter these same people are communicating and bringing about change.
Perhaps, we here in the greatest experiment in democracy in the history of the world need to remind our own government that dual standards are not the example of freedom.
Many times I have written about learning from history. Remember the Philippines, Panama, Iran and the Shah? Just to name a few repressive governments where our nation supported and supplied security assistance. The need for massive nonviolent actions in the support of freedom and democracy to other nations of the world may be no greater than here.
Like a beacon from an airport our country shines in the darkness. But there are two types of beacons. A civilian airport's beacon is one solid beam of light while a military airport is distinguished by a beacon that is split into two beams of light. I am proud that the United States serves as a beacon for freedom to the world. But, we must shine as single beam of light not saying one thing and acting in another.
Let us as a nation truly support those who desire the freedoms we may have come to take for granted.
Yet, those responsible are not militant factions declaring themselves the savior of the people. They are citizens who represent a broad spectrum of the country's populace. They are young and old, men and women, Muslim and Christian, poor and middle class. They share a common hope and dream ... a free and democratic society.
It is as if dictators around the world have been put on notice and some are responding with positive changes and concessions in the hope such a fire will not spread to their countries.
As our world continues to shrink and the internet provides instant communication as never before in history, people around the globe can see for themselves how others live. Thanks in part to the social media like Facebook and Twitter these same people are communicating and bringing about change.
Perhaps, we here in the greatest experiment in democracy in the history of the world need to remind our own government that dual standards are not the example of freedom.
Many times I have written about learning from history. Remember the Philippines, Panama, Iran and the Shah? Just to name a few repressive governments where our nation supported and supplied security assistance. The need for massive nonviolent actions in the support of freedom and democracy to other nations of the world may be no greater than here.
Like a beacon from an airport our country shines in the darkness. But there are two types of beacons. A civilian airport's beacon is one solid beam of light while a military airport is distinguished by a beacon that is split into two beams of light. I am proud that the United States serves as a beacon for freedom to the world. But, we must shine as single beam of light not saying one thing and acting in another.
Let us as a nation truly support those who desire the freedoms we may have come to take for granted.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
God Sent Me - A Short Posting
One of the seemingly stock stories on TV news features is that of a local veteran attending college. And, in fact this is a common occurrence just as the fact of our active duty personnel piling up college credits when and where they can.
Not long ago a Special Forces trooper was attending some college courses between assignments. He had completed missions in both Iraq and Afghanistan and was back in the states until his next deployment. In one of the courses he had a professor who was a vowed atheist, a member of the ACLU and Not In Our Name, an organization founded in 2002 to protest the U.S. government's course in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks. (This organization was disbanded in 2008).
One day the professor shocked the class when he came in. He looked to the ceiling and raised his voice for all to hear and flatly stated: "God, if you are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform. I'll give you exactly 15 minutes."
The lecture room fell silent. You could hear a pin drop. Ten minutes went by and the professor proclaimed: "Here I am God. I'm still waiting." It got down to the last couple of minutes when a soldier wearing a green beret got out of his chair, went up to the professor and cold-cocked him, knocking him off the platform.
The soldier went back to his seat and sat there silently. The other students were shocked and stunned and sat there looking on in silence. The professor eventually regained consciousness and was noticeably shaken. He looked at the soldier and asked: "What the hell is the matter with you? Why did you do that?"
The man with the green beret and Special Forces and Ranger tabs on his uniform calmly replied: "God was too busy today protecting America's soldiers who are protecting your right to say stupid shit and act like an asshole. So, He sent me."
Not long ago a Special Forces trooper was attending some college courses between assignments. He had completed missions in both Iraq and Afghanistan and was back in the states until his next deployment. In one of the courses he had a professor who was a vowed atheist, a member of the ACLU and Not In Our Name, an organization founded in 2002 to protest the U.S. government's course in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks. (This organization was disbanded in 2008).
One day the professor shocked the class when he came in. He looked to the ceiling and raised his voice for all to hear and flatly stated: "God, if you are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform. I'll give you exactly 15 minutes."
The lecture room fell silent. You could hear a pin drop. Ten minutes went by and the professor proclaimed: "Here I am God. I'm still waiting." It got down to the last couple of minutes when a soldier wearing a green beret got out of his chair, went up to the professor and cold-cocked him, knocking him off the platform.
The soldier went back to his seat and sat there silently. The other students were shocked and stunned and sat there looking on in silence. The professor eventually regained consciousness and was noticeably shaken. He looked at the soldier and asked: "What the hell is the matter with you? Why did you do that?"
The man with the green beret and Special Forces and Ranger tabs on his uniform calmly replied: "God was too busy today protecting America's soldiers who are protecting your right to say stupid shit and act like an asshole. So, He sent me."
Monday, January 10, 2011
Civilized ? ? ?
In the wake of Saturday's events in Tucson, Arizona I can't help but wonder why anyone, anywhere would refer to our culture as "civilized."
To examine this description, the word itself, begs for such a question to be asked. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language defines the word civilized as: "Having a high state of culture and development both social and technological." It also gives another definition which is: "Marked by refinement in taste and manners."
After searching through many resources I was unable to find where to be civilized was to be portrayed as being mean-spirited, nasty, ignorant, self-serving, or just plain stupid. You know ... like Rush Limbaugh. (At least that's this one person's view).
I'm sure that will not endear me to some but I once had a T-shirt with big bold letters, C.S.I. emblazoned across the front and underneath was printed "Can't Stand Idiots."
The killing of six human beings and wounding another 12 people certainly isn't civilized. Some 2,300 miles away and about 12 hours later in Baltimore, Maryland two more people were killed and four more wounded at one location. I'm sure if I took the time to research in depth what occurred in that half day period there would be added instances of acts that defy the definition of civilized.
Among those who were slain in Tucson include a nine year-old girl, three senior citizens in their 70s, a Federal Judge, a Congressional staff member and a United States Congresswoman, who is believed to be the primary target. Across the country one of those gunned down was a police officer.
There has been some conjectures put forth that bitter, malevolent speech is responsible for such actions. In reading the various definitions of civilized I was surprised that I did not find the term "respect" linked anywhere. For to be civilized is also to be respectful. We can agree to disagree but we should not inflame those with whom we disagree.
We enjoy freedom of speech but with that freedom also comes the responsibility to be intelligent to choose our words carefully. I do not mean to be politically correct, I mean to assume the responsibility for maintaining dignity and integrity. Epithets and hate speech serve no purpose other than to agitate those who are seemingly incapable of thinking for themselves.
We all disagree with many thoughts and many people but most of us don't turn to violence. Here again it is a new year. Let's not just make a resolution to help each other but add to that to respect one another.
To examine this description, the word itself, begs for such a question to be asked. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language defines the word civilized as: "Having a high state of culture and development both social and technological." It also gives another definition which is: "Marked by refinement in taste and manners."
After searching through many resources I was unable to find where to be civilized was to be portrayed as being mean-spirited, nasty, ignorant, self-serving, or just plain stupid. You know ... like Rush Limbaugh. (At least that's this one person's view).
I'm sure that will not endear me to some but I once had a T-shirt with big bold letters, C.S.I. emblazoned across the front and underneath was printed "Can't Stand Idiots."
The killing of six human beings and wounding another 12 people certainly isn't civilized. Some 2,300 miles away and about 12 hours later in Baltimore, Maryland two more people were killed and four more wounded at one location. I'm sure if I took the time to research in depth what occurred in that half day period there would be added instances of acts that defy the definition of civilized.
Among those who were slain in Tucson include a nine year-old girl, three senior citizens in their 70s, a Federal Judge, a Congressional staff member and a United States Congresswoman, who is believed to be the primary target. Across the country one of those gunned down was a police officer.
There has been some conjectures put forth that bitter, malevolent speech is responsible for such actions. In reading the various definitions of civilized I was surprised that I did not find the term "respect" linked anywhere. For to be civilized is also to be respectful. We can agree to disagree but we should not inflame those with whom we disagree.
We enjoy freedom of speech but with that freedom also comes the responsibility to be intelligent to choose our words carefully. I do not mean to be politically correct, I mean to assume the responsibility for maintaining dignity and integrity. Epithets and hate speech serve no purpose other than to agitate those who are seemingly incapable of thinking for themselves.
We all disagree with many thoughts and many people but most of us don't turn to violence. Here again it is a new year. Let's not just make a resolution to help each other but add to that to respect one another.
Friday, January 7, 2011
A View of History
In my lifetime I have witnessed more events and more advances than any other generation in history.
The atomic age, space travel, the computer, lasers, organ transplants and so many others. I can watch an old science fiction movie and see how imaginative gadgets have become reality and even common place.
The other day I read an article about things babies born in 2011 will never know. It is equally as astounding as items I have watched pass by the wayside.
I remember when video tape replaced film, a major step forward for T.V. stations. Now, in this digital age the children born this year will only read about video tape. My generation grew up on books, magazines and newspapers. I hope there will always be books and not just the electronic kind. Yet, the kids born this year may well find stores that sell words written on dead trees will be about as numerous as record stores are today.
Paper maps, watches and wired phones will be relegated to museums. CDs, the Evening News, film cameras and fax machines will be a part of history.
Today many us carry a smart phone. That relatively small device connects us with almost everything imaginable. It can tell us where we are with GPS, allow us to research anything on the internet, take pictures and send them to our friends and yes ... we can even talk with someone, just like on an old-fashioned telephone that actually had wires.
The difference technology has made in our lives is beyond description. We can only imagine what the children of 2011 will witness in their lifetime. Whatever it may be, may it be in peace.
The atomic age, space travel, the computer, lasers, organ transplants and so many others. I can watch an old science fiction movie and see how imaginative gadgets have become reality and even common place.
The other day I read an article about things babies born in 2011 will never know. It is equally as astounding as items I have watched pass by the wayside.
I remember when video tape replaced film, a major step forward for T.V. stations. Now, in this digital age the children born this year will only read about video tape. My generation grew up on books, magazines and newspapers. I hope there will always be books and not just the electronic kind. Yet, the kids born this year may well find stores that sell words written on dead trees will be about as numerous as record stores are today.
Paper maps, watches and wired phones will be relegated to museums. CDs, the Evening News, film cameras and fax machines will be a part of history.
Today many us carry a smart phone. That relatively small device connects us with almost everything imaginable. It can tell us where we are with GPS, allow us to research anything on the internet, take pictures and send them to our friends and yes ... we can even talk with someone, just like on an old-fashioned telephone that actually had wires.
The difference technology has made in our lives is beyond description. We can only imagine what the children of 2011 will witness in their lifetime. Whatever it may be, may it be in peace.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
It's A New Year
To those who follow my blog I do apologize for the past few months which have produced nothing. But, it's a new year and many new thoughts and ideas that I will strive to post at least twice a week. Perhaps not on the same day each week but two times a week.
Many years ago I had a friend who was asked to describe me in three words or less. "That's easy," this individual said and went on to simply state: "A romantic idealist."
Often I have said one person can make a difference. Maybe that encompasses this person's observation. I firmly believe a single individual can make a difference. We may not be like Bill and Melissa Gates who can spend millions of dollars to affect a better world but we can individually brighten someones day.
People volunteer for hundreds of reasons and there are hundreds of organizations that can utilize their skills. As for me, I'm too undisciplined and too selfish to allow my time to be dictated. I prefer to do what I want when I want.
Many of us have seen a need for something and simply remarked something like: "There should be ...," or, "Somebody ought to .... " What is stopping you from addressing that issue ... from doing something? So many things can be done; how about helping a single mom by watching her kids for a few hours while she just has some time to herself and perhaps go to a movie or get her hair done. How about the senior citizen on a limited income and showing up at the house fully equipped to wash his or her car or fix a broken gate.
Vow to make this new year the year that YOU make a difference.
Many years ago I had a friend who was asked to describe me in three words or less. "That's easy," this individual said and went on to simply state: "A romantic idealist."
Often I have said one person can make a difference. Maybe that encompasses this person's observation. I firmly believe a single individual can make a difference. We may not be like Bill and Melissa Gates who can spend millions of dollars to affect a better world but we can individually brighten someones day.
People volunteer for hundreds of reasons and there are hundreds of organizations that can utilize their skills. As for me, I'm too undisciplined and too selfish to allow my time to be dictated. I prefer to do what I want when I want.
Many of us have seen a need for something and simply remarked something like: "There should be ...," or, "Somebody ought to .... " What is stopping you from addressing that issue ... from doing something? So many things can be done; how about helping a single mom by watching her kids for a few hours while she just has some time to herself and perhaps go to a movie or get her hair done. How about the senior citizen on a limited income and showing up at the house fully equipped to wash his or her car or fix a broken gate.
Vow to make this new year the year that YOU make a difference.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)