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Monday, September 3, 2007

Honor Our Troops

A Story of Honor and Respect

Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together. After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home. No, he responded. Heading out I asked? No. I'm escorting a soldier home. Going to pick him up? No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq , I'm taking him home to his family. The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier's family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days. I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, Thank you. Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do. Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom. "Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign." Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American. So here's a public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do so we can live the way we do. Red Fridays. Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority." We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing. Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that ... every red-blooded American who supports our men and wo men afar, will wear something red. By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent"majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on. The first thing a sold ier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is. "We need your support and your prayers." Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something red every Friday. IF YOU AGREE -- THEN SEND THIS ON.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Role Model?

Sports stars get paid millions of dollars a year to perform on the field and serve as role models to America's youth. Young children go to sporting events to see their favorite players and meanwhile their parents dish out a substantial amount to make this happen. Within the last day, former MLB star Jose Offerman lost his cool while playing in a minor league game and hit both the catcher and pitcher with his bat, fracturing the pitchers wrist. Are these the kind of people we want our children looking up to? Why are athletes like these who have a disregard for a civil society and who cannot control their anger considered role models? Why are people who work hard for a living, are model citizens and show respect overlooked? The answer is simple. In the materialistic world we live in, we look up to people who have money regardless of how they earned it. People need to realize that we are all equal and no person regardless of how much money he/she makes or how they dress is better than a regular hard working individual.

Our Infrastructure

After learning more about what happened with the bridge in Minnesota and the hundreds of reports that bridges all over the country could be in danger of suffering a similar fate if they are not properly monitored. As a world power we often find ourselves worrying about our own homeland security and the threat of terrorism. But we have failed to realize that we have issues at home that need to be addressed and not pushed aside to make room for some other issue. Issues like this need to be addressed now to prevent another horrific disaster from claiming anymore lives.

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

A Little Story

I received this story in an email and figured I should pass it on:

A farmer had some puppies he needed to sell. He painted a sign advertising the 4 pups. And set about nailing it to a post on the edge of his yard. As he was driving the last nail into the post, he felt a tug on his overalls. He looked down into the eyes of little boy."Mister," he said, "I want to buy one of your puppies.""Well," said the farmer,as he rubbed the sweat off the back of his neck, "These puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal of money."The boy dropped his head for a moment.Then reaching deep into his pocket,he pulled out a handful of changeand held it up to the farmer."I've got thirty-nine cents.Is that enough to take a look?""Sure," said the farmer. And with that he let out a whistle."Here, Dolly!" he called.Out from the doghouse and down the ramp ranDolly followed by four little balls of fur.The little boy pressed his face against the chain link fence. His eyes danced with delight.As the dogs made their way to the fence,the little boy noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse. Slowly another little ball appeared, this one noticeably smaller. Down the ramp it slid. Then in a somewhat awkward manner, the little pup began hobbling toward the others, doing its best to catch up...."I want that one," the little boy said, pointing to the runt. The farmer knelt down at the boy's side and said, "Son, you don't want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would."With that the little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down, and began rolling up one leg of his trousers.In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe.Looking back up at the farmer, he said,"You see sir, I don't run too well myself,and he will need someone who understands."With tears in his eyes, the farmer reached down and picked up the little pup.Holding it carefully handed it to the little boy."How much?" asked the little boy. "No charge," answered the farmer, "There's no charge for love."The world is full of people who need someone who understands.It's National Friendship Week.Show your friends how much you care.Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND.

Thursday, August 2, 2007

Disaster in Minnesota


I would like to extend my complete sympathy to the families of those that were killed in the freeway bridge disaster in Minnesota and my prayer goes out to all those fighting for their lives. It saddens me to see how such a seemingly unpredictable event can bring so much pain to people's lives. Again, I wish a speedy recovery to all survivors and my prayers go out to the families of the victims. We need to remain strong as a country and bring support to those that need it.

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Age is a Virtue

In my opinion, age is a virtue. A youthful person can learn so much by talking and spending time with an elder. The opportunity to learn stories about how life was like decades ago gives you the chance to appreciate what you have and all that you have. Today life is a lot easier in terms of the quality of living and with all the medical breakthroughs. Too many people fail to appreciate what they have and the opportunities that they are given. This world may very well have its ups and downs but it is important that we focus on what we can do to improve it. Learning from our elders how life has changed throughout the years, how inflation has escalated and how the current generation neglects to live life to the fullest. Do yourself a favor, speak to someone from an older generation and learn how to live a better life from what they tell you.

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Causes and Effects

I figured a little education on how global warming is caused and the effects it could have on us would be beneficial to help you begin helping others. Remember, the world is not perfect but doing your part will keep it at its peak. Another interesting note, most new cars today that run on diesel fuel also run on a new fuel called biodiesel which is a byproduct of vegetable oil. Within the next few years, biodiesel should be making its way into gas stations across the country. It reduces environmentally hazardous emissions by up to 80%.

Friday, July 27, 2007

Michael Vick Charges

The Michael Vick Dogfighting charges are the most gruesome and disturbing charges I have ever seen a professional athlete be accused of. First off, I find it hard to see why such an athlete would fail to realize the negative consequences that could be a result of his actions. Today, people need to use their head instead of making spur of the moment decisions that wind up heavily costing them. A person with so much potential to do good in this world, does the complete opposite. Just baffles me. I cannot get over how money gets to the head of these people. But back to the legal side of the story. If Vick is indeed charged with these allegations of torturing, killing and breeding dogs for such a violent activity, the NFL has to take action and ban him from the sport. This goes beyond the punishment one should receive for steroids or drugs because of the inhumane nature of the allegations. What do you feel should be a just punishment for Vick and do you feel he is guilty?

Thursday, July 26, 2007

The Perfect Politician


This is an issue that many people have trouble discussing. Is there a perfect politician? If, perhaps there could in some way be a perfect politician, which traits and morals should he/she stand by? I think first and foremost that if a politician is going to be considered perfect in any way shape or form he or she must be able to understand and act for the people. A lot of politicians today act based upon what will make them look the best. Our world needs leaders that stand by the motto "I represent the people". Today, many politicians do not even understand the common middle class American. Therefore, they lose touch and favor with the majority of hard working Americans that do not care about oil and diplomatic policies. The average middle class American cares about health insurance, financial stability and education. Many people fail to realize that politics expands beyond the realm of diplomacy and structure to incorporate environmental issues and struggles to bring about peace. We need honest, caring, hardworking politicians that understand who we are and what we need. So I pose this question, what traits does your perfect politician have?

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Proof in the Picture

Before
After

I recently watched an interesting show on the Discovery Channel that compared the effects of global warming we are currently experiencing on earth to what our twin planet Venus, experienced many years ago. Just take a look at the picture of earth and the picture of Venus. Both planets bare an uncanny resemblance huh? No. It was documented that millions of years ago Venus had a similar environment to earth. Lush bodies of water, symbols of life. Over time, the atmosphere of Venus became thinner and weaker due to what scientists like to call global warming. Today, scientists use Venus to predict the effects global warming could have on the earth over time. I do not know about you, but I prefer to keep things the way they are. We need to take action and clean up our ways to assure that we indeed clean up our planet. Those that say we are over-exaggerating the effects of global warming, take a visit to Venus.






Thursday, July 19, 2007

To Achieve Great Things.......

You must be able to withstand and overcome great obstacles. Their are always people that will try to slow you down or go against what you believe in. But if you believe strongly in something, stay true to yourself and remain dedicated. The greatest minds of our generation had to overcome such incredible odds to get their points across. Never give up until you achieve what you set out to accomplish. Remember, respect those that disrespect you, for they need it most.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

What Does The World Need?

This question oftens come up when government leaders and political activists get together. What can be done to decrease the famine going on in some countries? Put an end to terrorism? Find an answer for global warming? The answer is simple to all of those questions. We are taught at a young age in school that there is no I in team and that teamwork is often times the best answer to any problem. The nations of our world need to realize in between fighting one another, that we face an even greater struggle. We create more problems for ourselves by waging war against other countries as we neglect the needs of our own people and the much greater burdens that lay over our heads. If in some way we learn to respect one another, we may be able to see humanity at its greatest form, the human species at its peak. If we continue to fight one another, we are in a greater sense contributing to our own demise. We neglect issues like global warming and world hunger that will ultimately defeat us all if we continue to act stupid and take no action. We take expensive vacations, buy expensive cars and luxuries to make our already high standards of society and living even higher while people from all over the world in third world countries are lucky if they have a home to call their own. We continue to drain our natural resources and pollute the ozone layer in the process. What the world needs more than anything else is people who understand and appreciate it.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Pardon a Wrong Message to America?


The recent Scooter Libby pardon by President Bush has a lot of people wondering. Libby, who lied to a grand jury gets pardoned but people who commit petty crimes receive harsher punishment. The message many get from this is that once again the rich are able to weasel their way out of penalty. If a school teacher with no record from Florida committed this same crime, would he have been pardoned for being a "good guy"? It seems as though many Americans have lost their values over the years. Too many people lack the respect and dedication necessary to achieve anything in this world. As Americans we need to open our eyes and and address the many problems that lay before us.

Monday, July 16, 2007

How We Can Do Our Part

The big question is, what can you do to do your part. Here are my suggestions for you all on how you can do your part:

1. Visit Liveearth.org
There you will find ways you can contribute to the cause and decrease polutants that contribute to global warming.

2. Take part in community service. You can help america's youth realize that they are the future and that their decisions will have an impact on future generations.

3. Plant a tree, participate in park services. Trees consume a large portion of the carbon we emit, decreasing air pollution.

4. Bring your own bags to the supermarket. Plastic bags take a lot longer to break down and cause pollution in landfills. Paper bags are recyclable and are easily biodegradable.

- Save oil and/or trees. In the US, about 12 million barrels of oil and 14 million trees go to producing plastic and paper bags each year. Reusing makes cents. Stores like Albertsons and Wild Oats offer a 5-penny discount if you bring your own. Be a role model. Other shoppers'll watch and learn. Make sure plastic bags don't harm sea creatures. They're one of the 12 most commonly found items in coastal cleanups. (courtesy of idealbite.com).

5. Educate others on the effects of global warming and share this information to help them make wiser choices.

Visit this site for more information on the causes and effects of global warming.
http://www.nasa.gov/worldbook/global_warming_worldbook.html

Is a Harsh Reality Our Reality?


I know a lot of people have the "I don't care, I won't be around when it happens" attitude towards global warming. But I ask, how can one have such an outlook. You may not have to suffer the consequences from the worlds mistakes but your children and their children will. If you suffer from ashtma or know someone who does, just imagine how difficult it will be to cope with 110 degree days. How will constant forest fires effect the wildlife in each region? Floods and other devestating weather will be something you will experience first hand rather than watch on tv. You can sit back and say, well there's really nothing I can do. But, really what good will that do? Any little contribution you can make, will make a difference. Not only is it selfish to force our problems on the future of our society, but we will be labeled the blind generation. Too many people fail to appreciate life and depriving our future generation of the right to live is utter hippocracy and selfish.

Want to make a difference? Find out how, go here: http://www.liveearth.org/news.php

Sunday, July 15, 2007

What's Wrong With Today's World?

I pose this question to you all out there. What is wrong with todays world? For one I think it is imperative that if we as human beings can not coexist, our very ability to exist could be threatened in the long haul. We need to put our personal feelings aside and learn that we are all human beings, no better than one another. We share equal skills and abilities and have the opportunity to achieve so much if we work together. Like Jimi Hendrix once said "In order to change the world, you have to get your head together first ". Secondly, let me make it relatively clear that I am a huge sports fan but something is wrong in our world when sports athletes make more in one year than hardworking individuals make in their lifetime. With the poverty rate so high all over the world and these individuals holding out for more money, there is something that needs to be done to correct this imbalance. Lastly, our governments must learn that politics as usual, just doesn't cut it. Instead of focusing on issues like global warming, they argue over who has the power to create nuclear weapons. We need leaders that lead with their hearts and heads not the fists and egos.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

How To Step up

In school we are taught about the men and women that have made a difference in society and the world but yet, we are ourselves are not taught how we too can make a difference. We Americans, live in a country that can achieve so much but are blinded by the advancing technology that consumes our weekly paychecks. As the youth of the country, let alone the world, we need to ask ourselves how we can change the world and make it better. Our country's two main political parties supposedely represent a bit of every American citizen. But where is the American party, a group where the rich are not necessary to have the opportunity to run for office. A party that allows, the average American, the real American, the opportunity to make things right, to step up and make a difference? That party is within all of us, but is pushed aside by the idea that "I am only one person, what can I do?" All it takes is one person to make a difference in the world, if your point is well received you will receive support. As the saying goes, Rome was not built overnight. It takes time to make a difference, to better the lives of not only American citizens but people all over the world. The basic principles of respect, honesty and perserverance can help you achieve the strongest of your goals. Together, our baby steps and small acts of kindness can change the world for the better.

Time To Care

I would like to welcome you all to my blog. You've probably heard of me from Fallensword. My name their is Forglory, the same person that floods the shoutbox with free fsp deals. Let me start by saying, what I do in FS in only an example, a small scale model, of what we need to do in todays world. I cannot stop to tell you the numerous times I have received messages lacking the respect and honor that I deserve. In todays society, with the terror going across the entire world, it is time for those that want to make a difference, to step up. Random acts of kindness, may seem to you as pointless, but they add up and make a difference. Respect is something that everyone, regardless of race or nationality should know. Respect is not something that comes natural to people today, which it should. Today, you cannot turn on the tv without seeing something negative. If all those individuals out there that had the ability to make a difference actually stepped up, would the world be any better? I would bet my bottom dollar that it couldn't be any worse. Todays youth, myself included, need to realize that we have the ability to change the world for the better or for the worse. Our decisions and how we lead our life make that decision for us. If we choose to uphold respect, honor, dignity and perseverance, we can make this world a great place. A little at a time. Please share your opinions on this matter. Thanks.

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