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!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
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.
Monday, December 6, 2010
In Between Days
Somewhere, in the back of someone's fridge, is still some turkey left over from the Thanksgiving feast. While that bird is aging, yet another probably looms on the horizon. It's the in between days. Those days when some are still recovering from the last holiday, Thanksgiving, and preparing for the next, Christmas.
But wait ... as they say on the TV commercials ... there is more to come. There is yet another set of in between days. Time to recover again from yet more acts of gluttony and make ready for the really big celebration ... New Year.
I've often wondered how the final days of our calendar year might be interpreted by someone totally unfamiliar with our culture. Perhaps, their final report might read something like this:
During the weeks I spent observing this society I discovered they exhibit many strange behaviors. There seems to be a fascination with a strange looking bird called a turkey. I have seen replicas of this creature wearing such odd items as a pilgrim style hat to buckle shoes. It is even celebrated on a bottle of potent drink. Then, on a designated day the masses bake, fry, smoke and roast and devour this bird.
The very next day hoards of people descend on merchants seemingly stripping them of their wares. This is often referred to as a shopping spree. Although to me it looks more like a battle spree. Or, the mass release of mentally ill people into a small space.
During the in between days, from what they call Thanksgiving until the next celebration, Christmas, is spent rushing from place to place and store to store and hanging lights and decorations in just about every place one can imagine. There must be a significance between a star and some obese human who dresses like a prude version of a old male stripper.
Then there is Christmas when everyone presents everyone else with trinkets and overpriced items, as well as, just plain garish garments. Once again, they devour the ugly bird they call a turkey.
The next two or three or four days are spent recuperating from the amount of food they have ingested and examining the things received a little closer and realizing the debt they have incurred. But, there is no time for introspection. They must get ready for another celebration. It is the feast of the New Year when alcohol flows freely and inhibitions are lost in the old year.
Perhaps the most remarkable day, not the day following the night's debauchery, but the second day after it. Many are still suffering from hangovers and indigestion and wondering how they are going to pay for everything. Yet, in this strange society you hear the question over and over: "Did you have fun?" And, the response is overwhelmingly: "Yes."
And people question me when I ask them ... "How much fun can I have before I'm damned?"
But wait ... as they say on the TV commercials ... there is more to come. There is yet another set of in between days. Time to recover again from yet more acts of gluttony and make ready for the really big celebration ... New Year.
I've often wondered how the final days of our calendar year might be interpreted by someone totally unfamiliar with our culture. Perhaps, their final report might read something like this:
During the weeks I spent observing this society I discovered they exhibit many strange behaviors. There seems to be a fascination with a strange looking bird called a turkey. I have seen replicas of this creature wearing such odd items as a pilgrim style hat to buckle shoes. It is even celebrated on a bottle of potent drink. Then, on a designated day the masses bake, fry, smoke and roast and devour this bird.
The very next day hoards of people descend on merchants seemingly stripping them of their wares. This is often referred to as a shopping spree. Although to me it looks more like a battle spree. Or, the mass release of mentally ill people into a small space.
During the in between days, from what they call Thanksgiving until the next celebration, Christmas, is spent rushing from place to place and store to store and hanging lights and decorations in just about every place one can imagine. There must be a significance between a star and some obese human who dresses like a prude version of a old male stripper.
Then there is Christmas when everyone presents everyone else with trinkets and overpriced items, as well as, just plain garish garments. Once again, they devour the ugly bird they call a turkey.
The next two or three or four days are spent recuperating from the amount of food they have ingested and examining the things received a little closer and realizing the debt they have incurred. But, there is no time for introspection. They must get ready for another celebration. It is the feast of the New Year when alcohol flows freely and inhibitions are lost in the old year.
Perhaps the most remarkable day, not the day following the night's debauchery, but the second day after it. Many are still suffering from hangovers and indigestion and wondering how they are going to pay for everything. Yet, in this strange society you hear the question over and over: "Did you have fun?" And, the response is overwhelmingly: "Yes."
And people question me when I ask them ... "How much fun can I have before I'm damned?"
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