What I took away from the Las Vegas Shooting..

First, I would like to say that everyone should continue to pray for the folks who were injured. Many have a long road to go before they are healed.

The thought that one man could do all of that damage is incredible. It could have been even worse, but luckily the crazy guy who did the shooting was stopped permanently.

So I am not going to say anything about gun control! I am not going to say anything about liberals, conservatives, socialist. That is not what I am taking away from this terrible tragedy. I refuse to dwell on the hatred and insanity portion of this story.

I am taking away the fact that for each one of these deranged individuals, there are hundreds of great Americans who continue to be of good moral character, and have the stuff that made this Country GREAT.

I watched a bunch of the video's from the incident. These were "point of view" films from the folks who were in the crowd and were fired upon.

I saw men shielding folks with there bodies, I saw men carrying complete strangers from the exposed area's to get them to safety. I saw men dragging folks to get them out of the shock of what was happening so that they could save themselves.

I read about folks making multiple trips under fire to rescue wounded folks. I read of men stealing trucks and setting up a triage area and then taking multiple trips to get 30 of the wounded to area hospitals.

The stories of heroism will continue in the coming days. These are the folks that I would love to break bread with and have a few beers with.

If I could, I would tell them that they have renewed my faith in my fellow man. That they, in this time of divisive rhetoric, are one nation of strong individuals that given the chance will rise up and put others well being ahead of self.

As I previously stated, I will focus on the positives shown by this horrible, evil incident. I will concentrate on the folks who stood in line for hours to donate blood. I wish our media would not focus so hard on the evil doers, and focus on the great Americans and what we all can do to improve the world we live in.

My view of protesting during the National Anthem!

Veterans Affair - New Orleans

Please realize this is my opinion and my opinion alone.

As a veteran I distinctly understand what has been given by those currently serving and those who came before, back as far as the Washington's men during the Revolutionary War, in order for all Americans to have the rights that are provided all of us by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The blood, sweat, and tears that flowed so that we could all continue to have protected freedom of speech, and peacefully say whatever your heart desires.

This idea started to coalesce for me on Tuesday, as I went to the VA to have blood drawn for my yearly physical next week. The new building in New Orleans is magnificent, and I snapped the pictures that appear in this post. The flag is such an integral part of all veterans DNA that they have carved one into the limestone that lines the atrium.

Flag - New Orleans VA

I previously stated I understand all of our rights. It is certainly the right of the NFL players to protest in any way they chose. It is simply in poor taste how they have chosen to do this protest. They all represent what is good about America. They were able to rise up and play a sport on the highest stage. They all have what 99% of all American's would like. They have FAME and FORTUNE.

With that platform provided to them could they not find a better platform or method to protest? I think they could have. I do not think that they expected the response they have gotten. I read an article today that stated in a poll, 55% of the folks asked said that the players who kneel should be punished. I disagree with punishment. They are exercising a right that they have, however I think it is a poor decision on their part.

So I was setting there waiting for my turn, and I was listening to the older Vietnam Veterans, and the younger guys missing limbs and they all were discussing this issue. They weren't discussing the message that the players were trying to send, that group of young and old veterans were discussing the disrespect that was showed to our country that allowed them the rights. The message that the players are trying to get across is not the message being received by the average guy. The veterans  were saying how the rich, whiny athlete's didn't appreciate the opportunities this country has provided them. That they did not understand what has gone into protecting their rights.

Formal Remembrance Table - New Orleans VA

As I left, I saw the table set for the POW/MIA's. These veteran's died fighting in the belief that we have the greatest country in the world. That these folks would use the flag to protest is not not right at a very basic level.

So I will be standing with my brothers whenever I hear the national anthem, and hope these young men decide to honor the flag, and find a more productive method of protesting. Until that time, I don't think we will be watching the NFL in our house.


If you would like more information regarding the table setting, in my final picture follow this link http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/10/06/the-powmia-table-a-place-setting-for-one-a-table-for-all/comment-page-1/  .



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Veterans Day!

Veterans Day.

As I sit here thinking about what Veterans Day means to me, I start to get goose bumps.  I have served, and I don’t think I did anything special, some people may think differently, and many have sacrificed a lot more than me. But it allows me to have a perspective that some of the best folks in our country and in our world are, or have been members of the US military.

Veterans Day is not a hollow day, made for the greeting card industry. It is not a holiday that was designed to help boost retail sales, and make kids and folks want items that they really don’t need. It is a day that was set aside to honor Veterans, and “show pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service”, President Woodrow Wilson.

So to me it means that we live in the greatest country in the world, and as a family or community we may not all agree all the time with the actions of our politicians. But as a family and a community, we can overcome all obstacles, and the military and our veterans are just the best example of our citizenry who are willing to sacrifice everything they have for the betterment of the world we live in.

So Thank You Veterans! I will in my own private way celebrate and honor your love of country, your patriotism, and your willingness to sacrifice for your belief in God and Country.

God Bless You, and thanks for keeping me and mine safe!