Blog Update

Hey everyone,

You all are probably wondering why I haven't posted in forever! I have been positing on a new blog, where I continue similiar discussion and a bit of politics. Take a look over at my new blog and let me know what you think.

www. globalworldhistory.blogspot.com

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.