From the newsletter of March Forward! We join the military for many different reasons. Some of us want to have access to a college education. Some of us want job training and a steady paycheck. Some of us join to get U.S. citizenship. Some of us need to get out of debt or need to get off a destructive path. Some of us join out of pride, patriotism and a genuine desire to be a part of some greater, collective good. Many of us made the decision early-while still in high school, enticed by recruiters' promises of cash bonuses, adventure and opportunity-while some of us joined after years as a worker, drawn by the military's full health care and housing benefits.
Whatever the reason, we all found ourselves wearing the uniform of the U.S. military. What did we actually join? What is the role of the U.S. military in the world? What does it mean to be a soldier following the dictates of U.S. foreign policy? When we sign ourselves away to the military, what are we being used to do?
In recent years, many of us ended up in Iraq or Afghanistan. We are told that as a soldier in the U.S. military we are defending the interests of the United States. This does have an ounce of truth-but only an ounce. We are defending the interests of a particular class in the United States. It is only a wealthy minority whose interests are being defended in Iraq, Afghanistan and the more than 130 countries where U.S. troops are stationed.
In this election year, America has made history. Throughout the country, people are able to vote early. Millions have decided to take advantage of what never was this easy to do, contribute to the greater community. The question is will the once apathetic, those who felt powerless, or the people who were willing to be labeled as lazy participate.
Might any of these individuals be deterred by the rumors. Absentee ballots and tallies transmitted before the official election date will not count. Ballots are altered by machines or perhaps, inept poll workers. Proper attire must be worn or a constituent will be refused a place at the polls. Could citizens consider the lines are long as an excuse to wait or a reason to forfeit the role they may play in the future of this nation. There is much to ponder.
Ambition is a passion, at once strong and insidious, and is very apt to cheet (sic) a man out of his happiness and his true respectability of character.~ Edward Bates
Bates who went on to become Abraham Lincoln's attorney general was speaking of his personal perspective at a time when he and others including Lincoln were being considered for nomination to the Presidency. We all today might find a measure of wisdom in the thought.
The Christmas tree is often explained as a Christianization of the ancient Pagan idea that the evergreen tree represents a celebration of the renewal of life. In actuality, when the Roman Empire was converted en masse to Christianity, many cultures did not give up their Pagan ideals and traditions and so they were incorporated into the Christmas tradition.
On any given day, in any given way we create a foundation for our lives. What we think, say, do, or feel will be with us throughout our existence. Even if we believe, we are no longer where we were, we evolved, [and we all do] the effects of our actions, our reactions, do not change unless we work extremely hard to transform them. Indeed, no matter how diligently we are in our pursuit, attempting to erase the effects of our deeds, our failure to function, or our rejoinders, these will linger in the hearts and minds of those we associate with.
People presume to know who we are, and what we meant way-back-when. Today they are more certain than ever. Emotions are easily entrenched.
Quick, answer these questions. You are being timed. However, do not feel pressured. Do the best that you can. Our school literally depends on you. Your performance on these examinations will determine whether our district or this facility receives Federal funding. Do not open your test booklet until I tell you to do so. When you are finished, close the pamphlet, put your pencil down, and sit quietly. You may begin.The voyages of Columbus changed life in Europe by . . .
A) introducing new foods and spices to Europe
B) showing Europeans a shorter route to Asia
C) introducing the horse to Spain
D) proving that the Earth was flat
You may enjoy this rumination. The presentation is lengthy, though perhaps enlightening, entertaining, and enjoyable. My own attention span for viewing video can be short. Comedy is not my style. However, there are historical references within this program. Thus, may I present . . .
Robert Newman gets to grips with the wars and politics of the last hundred years - but rather than adhering to the history we were fed at ... school, the places oil centre stage as the cause of all commotion.
This innovative history programme is based around Robert Newman's stand-up act and supported by resourceful archive sequences and stills with satirical impersonations of historical figures from Mayan priests to Archduke Ferdinand.
Quirky details such as a bicycle powered street lamp on the stage brings home the pertinent question of just how we are going to survive when the world's oil supplies are finally exhausted.
Please feel free to share your assessment. Your thoughts may ignite our own. We know petroleum is flammable. Look at the fires raging over Iraq, the Middle East, and all that oil.
As the celebration continues and the cynicism mounts, a delivery was made to me. I thank William S. Burroughs for his Thanksgiving Prayer. I am grateful to bzbb of My Left Wing fame. S/he shared the text and resource with me.
After reading my Thanksgiving story of genocide, some decided that they knew I loathe the holiday; I do not. I do have disdain for humans that knowingly hurt other humans. I am disquieted when I realize that man, woman, or child intentionally commits crimes against nature.
When people speak against "evil" and then act in ways that I think they might deem "sinful" I am confused. While, I personally do not believe in either concept, I wonder why those that do think these constructs are valid behave in ways that could be defined as wicked.
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