Deaf of the Dead

"As a leader, you must find ways in which those you are seeking to lead gain trust in you as well as gaining trust in the rest of their team members. People often refer to the sense of trust created among platoon mates in the military - a trust so iron-clad that each soldier knows that another is guarding his or her back, and each would probably risk taking a bullet to save another's life. In fact, many who study psychology of war remark that an interesting transformation occurs in platoons. At some point, the soldiers in a platoon say they are fighting for the life and safety of the soldiers around them, not for the cause that the war revolves around." -Leadership: The Outward Bound Way, 2007


In regards to a misrepresentation of the National Anthem by choosing to, in its stead, sing This Land is Your Land, I believe it is fair to say that the situation presents many of us with a certain uneasiness. This is due to the obvious political differences twain each party and perhaps that is why the Party over parties is never gonna end: everyone is hooked on the competition between ideas and ideals.

Capitalist!
Communist!
Pacifist!
Socialist!
e. All of the Above!

There ARE a variety of opiates for the masses.
Check.

I, however, do understand why it is important not to offend those who have fought for us. Those who sacrificed their lives that we may even publish our thoughts in places like, for example, this column. Those who have come back to define "Freedom"!

The guns were fired that we may reach this understanding: Old Glory, though tattered and withered, continued to wave that witnesses would live to see her stark presence and understand the cost. Never forget that.

Never forget those who have died that you may live to appreciate any damn kind of music you wish. Never forget those who paid the price that you may criticize the interpretations, thoughts, and feelings your fellow countrymen.

Our National Anthem is sacred. It represents where we came from and where we are as a nation today. Those who served and died will be quick to show you how much blood has been shed to make those stripes and they would justify everything by declaring this long-lived-lukewarm argument over money, semantics, culture, rights, and beliefs is absolutely ridiculous.

Live and Let Live: God Damn It!
Yet never forget!

POW
MIA

If we are ever going to respect the sacrifice the Dead made, we must always appreciate the little things and always share them with others because Life was made for Love. You see, Someone Somewhere LOVES Somebody Somewhere, and get this, they died Today that we may argue over stupid shit. Imagine that.

Hell, my country denied me the right, I deserve, to serve her and here I am finding myself standing up for the fallen while the left and the right keep beating on a dead horse.

"Straighten up! Fly Right."
Correctly Direct.
Point Blank.

I mean seriously, If this is a Democracy, why are the Hard-Knocks always sent off to fight the "good" fight while the Good Old Poys live the tradition of staying home to read the news, jump between the country club and fancy suits, live in comfort and convenience, and all the while wiggle their toes? Bluntly, the above is ninety-nine percent of how I feel and to add in the remaining one percent would be too dreadful for your heart.

Be Honest.

The Best Party is when everyone gets along and shares what they have. Get this: I have two deceased Grandfathers who served in the 2nd World War. I remember what they gave me.

Sir!