In Iraq, the war is waged. Bombs and bullet soar overhead. Often a missile lands, a mine explodes, and people perish. Daily life in the Persian Gulf life is perilous. I claim to care, and in actuality, I do, deeply. However, a casual observer would never know. I live well with the knowledge that those in Iraq die daily in heart, mind, body, and soul. The contrast between the quality of my life and the life of those in the Middle East haunts me.
I was among the Americans willing to settle for some semblance of support for the troops. I was willing to say bring them home months from now; although it seems to me a time in 2008 is more than a year. Nevertheless, I called my Congressman and said please sign on to the silly Bill, the one setting an absurd and somewhat arbitrary time for bring the soldiers home. However, in each of my conversations with Congressional Aides, I added my truer feelings. I want the funds cut! It seems that now, you do as well.
As we advance in life,
it becomes more and more difficult,
but in fighting the difficulties
the inmost strength of the heart is developed.
~ Vincent Van Gogh
One may have a blazing hearth in one's soul
and yet, no one ever came to sit by it.
Passers-by see only a wisp of smoke from the chimney
and continue on their way.
~ Vincent Van Gogh
You are the artist, the author, and the avenue for infinite inspiration.
Twist the twine. Weave a tapestry.
Please tell us your tales in this, an Open Thread.
"I know in my heart that man is good.
That what is right will always eventually triumph.
And there's purpose and worth to each and every life."
~ Ronald Reagan
""Open your eyes, look within. Are you satisfied with the life you're living?"
~ Bob Marley
Please tell us what you think.
Two very different men, offering similar perspectives.
What is you perception?
How do you envision life, liberty, and human longings?
"A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives."
~ Jackie Robinson
"I'm not concerned with your liking or disliking me . . .
All I ask is that you respect me as a human being."
~ Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson
Also known as Jack Roosevelt Robinson, John Roosevelt Robinson
Born on this day in 1919
"The right of every American to first-class citizenship is the most important issue of our time."
~ Jackie Robinson
"There's not an American in this country free until every one of us is free."
~ Jackie Robinson
Please tell your tales.
Share your stories; offer your statements of fact.
Might you relate to the words of a man that broke the color barrier?
What obstructions were placed in your path?
What were you able to overcome?
In order to attend the January 27, 2007 rally, a family from Florida, not mine, though I wish it were, drove up to Washington District of Columbia. They wanted to be part of the newer "Half Million Man and Woman March." This protest did not focus solely on civil rights at home. It addressed sacrifices and privileges of the people worldwide. Foreign and domestic policy was in question. The American public was requesting a return of the troops. People, individuals, and groups were saying, "Give Peace a Chance!"
A rational army would run away.
~Charles de Secondat, baron de Montesquieu
"A really intelligent man feels what other men only know."
~Charles de Secondat, baron de Montesquieu
Charles de Secondat, baron de Montesquieu
Born on this Day in 1869
Commonly known just as 'Montesquieu,' Charles was a Social Commentator and Thinker of the French Enlightenment.
"The deterioration of every government begins with the decay of the principles on which it was founded."
~Charles de Secondat, baron de Montesquieu
"There is no crueler tyranny than that which is perpetrated under the shield of law and in the name of justice."
~Charles de Secondat, baron de Montesquieu
On this day, a Philosopher and Social Commentator was born.
In his honor, please do as he did; share your thoughts. Make a Statement or more. Tell us what you think.
January 6, the last day of Christmas, comes with its own traditions, rituals, and symbols.
Carolers are going from house to house; in many homes, the Christmas Tree is taken down and in some areas is burnt in a big bonfire.
For the children this is an especially joyous occasion because, associated with taking down the tree goes the "plündern" (raiding) of the tree.
The sweets, chocolate ornaments wrapped in foil or cookies, which have replaced the sugarplums, are the raiders' rewards.
Christmas may not have been your holiday celebration. You may have purposely avoided Chanukah, Kwanza, and Ramadan festivals. Perhaps you prefer it that way.
Rituals may not feel good to you, or at least the ones that most others honor do not warm your heart. They need not. Everyday offers opportunities for sweetness and light, and everything nice.
Please share your secret or public pleasures with us. Giving and receiving can be our greatest rewards.
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