I read about this on the web -
A Grand Prairie (Texas) teen, Ruben Jauregui, overcame his language barrier to rise to top of his class. Knowing only Spanish wasn't the only obstacle he faced when he left Mexico five years ago to start a new life in Texas. Jaurequi also had to put up with Latino classmates who ridiculed him for wanting to speak English.
"Classmates", who ridiculed him for wanting to speak English. What the hell is that about!
English needs to be legislated as our national language. As President Theodore Roosevelt once said, "We have one language here, and that is the English language, and we intend to see that the [assimilation] crucible turns our people out as Americans."
The growing Latino population doesn't bother me so much as the constant push for America to speak and print everything in Spanish. While knowing two (or more) languages is a good thing, English SHOULD BE our national language. It should be expected to gain true "citizenship".
I plan to write my Senators and Congressmen and complain, and try to compel them to get some kind of legislation started to make English our nationally official language.
I would encourage all of you to do the same!
Dan
Monday, January 26, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Man killed in home invasion
That title was the headline to a morning news report I read. The report described what was known at the time, that three men entered the home in search of money. They shot the husband in the head, and the wife was forced to the ground. While a vague suspect vehicle description was listed, little more was known at the time of the report.
My point...and rant...this morning is this - freedom and gun ownership.
While I have gone on before about the 2nd amendment, I want to include the following....
(Taken from the Declaration of Independence) -- "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." (bolds added by me)
Also discussed before, is the fact that 9-1-1, and law enforcement, are reactionary, assuming one can even make the call. So, at what point can one assure their own LIFE, LIBERTY, and the PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS?
The 2nd amendment isn't just about our ability to fight a threat to our nation, it's about our personal ability to protect ourselves and to save our own life, protect our own liberty, and keep alive our ability to pursue happiness. Self protection, or that our of loved ones, is a natural right. Who could expect anyone to be against our right to protect ourselves from harm?
There are those, liberal anti-gun types, who WOULD want to remove from us, the ability to protect ourselves, and in stead, have us rely on only law enforcement to do it. The listed example I opened with, illustrates the failure of such reliance. (No fault of law enforcement. They didn't get the call until after the fact....which is my point here.)
Now, with the new President, will come the appointments to his various cabinet positions. I can tell you that many of those we will soon see in high appointments, are anti-gunners, who want to see the abolishment of the 2nd amendment. No matter what President Obama said in his run-up to our highest elected office, his past actions, and his associations, would strongly suggest a new onslaught of anti-gun and anti-2nd amendment activity.
I am a former street Cop and Detective. I am a war Veteran. I am a dad and husband. And I am a NRA member. I am asking each of you, as part of what we all need to do to protect our rights (so we can at least have a chance to protect ourselves from the likes of those three in today's headlines), to join the National Rifle Association. The NRA is our strongest voice in our Capital, for the protection of our 2nd amendment rights. I am providing a link for your use. Please, review what the NRA does, and join the NRA. https://membership.nrahq.org/forms/signup.asp
As I have written before, I am not proposing that everyone have and/or carry a gun. But everyone should want to retain the right to do so. It IS our right, under the 2nd amendment, to do so. This isn't about hunting. It IS about personal freedom and personal protection. It IS about LIFE, LIBERTY, and the PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS.
Dan
Join the NRA! https://membership.nrahq.org/forms/signup.asp
My point...and rant...this morning is this - freedom and gun ownership.
While I have gone on before about the 2nd amendment, I want to include the following....
(Taken from the Declaration of Independence) -- "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." (bolds added by me)
Also discussed before, is the fact that 9-1-1, and law enforcement, are reactionary, assuming one can even make the call. So, at what point can one assure their own LIFE, LIBERTY, and the PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS?
The 2nd amendment isn't just about our ability to fight a threat to our nation, it's about our personal ability to protect ourselves and to save our own life, protect our own liberty, and keep alive our ability to pursue happiness. Self protection, or that our of loved ones, is a natural right. Who could expect anyone to be against our right to protect ourselves from harm?
There are those, liberal anti-gun types, who WOULD want to remove from us, the ability to protect ourselves, and in stead, have us rely on only law enforcement to do it. The listed example I opened with, illustrates the failure of such reliance. (No fault of law enforcement. They didn't get the call until after the fact....which is my point here.)
Now, with the new President, will come the appointments to his various cabinet positions. I can tell you that many of those we will soon see in high appointments, are anti-gunners, who want to see the abolishment of the 2nd amendment. No matter what President Obama said in his run-up to our highest elected office, his past actions, and his associations, would strongly suggest a new onslaught of anti-gun and anti-2nd amendment activity.
I am a former street Cop and Detective. I am a war Veteran. I am a dad and husband. And I am a NRA member. I am asking each of you, as part of what we all need to do to protect our rights (so we can at least have a chance to protect ourselves from the likes of those three in today's headlines), to join the National Rifle Association. The NRA is our strongest voice in our Capital, for the protection of our 2nd amendment rights. I am providing a link for your use. Please, review what the NRA does, and join the NRA. https://membership.nrahq.org/forms/signup.asp
As I have written before, I am not proposing that everyone have and/or carry a gun. But everyone should want to retain the right to do so. It IS our right, under the 2nd amendment, to do so. This isn't about hunting. It IS about personal freedom and personal protection. It IS about LIFE, LIBERTY, and the PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS.
Dan
Join the NRA! https://membership.nrahq.org/forms/signup.asp
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Welcome President Bush
An Open Letter to President and Mrs. Bush ~
Welcome Home President & Mrs. Bush!
With that, THANK YOU for your service to our nation. We can not imagine the strain and challenges you faced, well beyond those aired on the national news. No other President, since Roosevelt, has faced such extreme dangers to our nation, and had the responsibility to face them and act on them.
While there are those who would be the back-seat critics to your years as our President, they sat in safety and without that mandated responsibility for the safety of all of us. You took what was dealt to you Mr. President, and with all my soul, I believe you did all anyone could to protect us. For my family and me, I say thank you.
May God Bless you and Mrs. Bush, as you return to Texas, and into your Dallas home. May you find peace, good neighbors, and a growingly thankful nation.
Dan B.
A north Dallas area neighbor!
Welcome Home President & Mrs. Bush!
With that, THANK YOU for your service to our nation. We can not imagine the strain and challenges you faced, well beyond those aired on the national news. No other President, since Roosevelt, has faced such extreme dangers to our nation, and had the responsibility to face them and act on them.
While there are those who would be the back-seat critics to your years as our President, they sat in safety and without that mandated responsibility for the safety of all of us. You took what was dealt to you Mr. President, and with all my soul, I believe you did all anyone could to protect us. For my family and me, I say thank you.
May God Bless you and Mrs. Bush, as you return to Texas, and into your Dallas home. May you find peace, good neighbors, and a growingly thankful nation.
Dan B.
A north Dallas area neighbor!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Christmas past
Christmas. For 80 plus % of Americans, it is a very special time of year. It is the time we set aside for the celebration of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Oh yes, the commercialization sure seems to take center stage, but He is still the reason for the season.
Each year though, I tend to recall a Christmas time in 1969. It is one that I still have some regret over.
Allow this disclaimer - I am not, nor ever was, a War Hero. But, I was a soldier, stationed in Vietnam, with the 101st Airborne Division. I was a field soldier...a Grunt...Ground Pounder... Stump Jumper...and Infantryman. I was a Squad Leader and we were working the lowlands that December. Those lowlands were near the base of the mountains, and we worked from the rice paddies to the foothills, looking for Charlie and the NVA.
I hadn't planned being anywhere but "out in the bush" for the Holidays. My R&R (Rest & Relaxation) wasn't to be until around March. But, something came up and Tokyo became available for a R&R destination over Christmas. At first, I turned it down, as did everyone else in the squad. Tokyo really wasn't that desirable for R&R and most of us wanted Australia or Thailand.
On that day though, I sat there, getting my gear ready for another evening patrol and night-time ambush set-up. I started thinking about the Christmases at home, in my youth, and how our family aways looked forward to Christmas, the dinners, the friends, church, and the gifts. It was a special time for our family, much like the rest of America.
As I thought more about it, I thought about how Christmases would be for my family, should I get my butt killed over Christmas in Vietnam. The more I thought about it, the more concerned I was that it could happen, and how that could effect the Holidays for my folks and siblings from there after. It was a sobering thought, one I didn't want to have come true.
One needs to also understand something about that time, at least for me and I think for many of us. There was a time, when you sorta give in to the idea that you won't go home. Not that you have a death wish, but more of an acceptance of the very real possibility that we lived with each day.
The more I thought about it, the less of a chance I wanted to take of having that fear come true. For me, dying wasn't the issue right then, it was dying during the Christmas Holiday. I just didn't want that to happen. Any other time, I was prepared for, but not Christmas.
I asked the guys again of anyone wanted to take Tokyo for R&R, and there were no takers. So, I let my Lieutenant know that I wanted to take the Tokyo R&R.
From December 23rd, 1969, to January 2nd, 1970, I was in Japan for the Holidays. Yes, I had a good time and saw lots of sights and celebrated the New Year is fine fashion. I was able to call home, and wish the family well while I was there. I bought my mom some real pearls too.
But, I couldn't help but worry about "the guys" back in Vietnam...in the bush...and if any of them were hurt or killed. I drank heavily, just to ease those thoughts.
When I got back to the field, I was relieved to find all the guys well. In fact, there wasn't any real problems during my absence. I had very mixed emotions when I got back. Very happy no one was killed or wounded, but it sunk in to me that I should have been with my guys during Christmas. Christmas was a time to be with family. Those guys were my family, and I should have stayed, no matter what. I felt like I had abandoned them, and I felt guilt for it, as I still do today.
As we enter into this Christmas season, let's remember our families, no matter where they are. My son is flying missions "over there", and he will be with his crew for Christmas. They are his family during that time. We will miss him here, but know that he has is military family over there and will be with them for Christmas. Some people, for what ever reason, can't be with family. Remember them as well. In all other cases, rejoice in the celebration of Christ's birth, and enjoy this special time with your families.
To all our military, everywhere, my thoughts are with you. Thank you for what you do, and enjoy your military family while you are away from home.
I love you son. Thank you for what you do too. Merry Christmas! ~ Dad
Dan
Each year though, I tend to recall a Christmas time in 1969. It is one that I still have some regret over.
Allow this disclaimer - I am not, nor ever was, a War Hero. But, I was a soldier, stationed in Vietnam, with the 101st Airborne Division. I was a field soldier...a Grunt...Ground Pounder... Stump Jumper...and Infantryman. I was a Squad Leader and we were working the lowlands that December. Those lowlands were near the base of the mountains, and we worked from the rice paddies to the foothills, looking for Charlie and the NVA.
I hadn't planned being anywhere but "out in the bush" for the Holidays. My R&R (Rest & Relaxation) wasn't to be until around March. But, something came up and Tokyo became available for a R&R destination over Christmas. At first, I turned it down, as did everyone else in the squad. Tokyo really wasn't that desirable for R&R and most of us wanted Australia or Thailand.
On that day though, I sat there, getting my gear ready for another evening patrol and night-time ambush set-up. I started thinking about the Christmases at home, in my youth, and how our family aways looked forward to Christmas, the dinners, the friends, church, and the gifts. It was a special time for our family, much like the rest of America.
As I thought more about it, I thought about how Christmases would be for my family, should I get my butt killed over Christmas in Vietnam. The more I thought about it, the more concerned I was that it could happen, and how that could effect the Holidays for my folks and siblings from there after. It was a sobering thought, one I didn't want to have come true.
One needs to also understand something about that time, at least for me and I think for many of us. There was a time, when you sorta give in to the idea that you won't go home. Not that you have a death wish, but more of an acceptance of the very real possibility that we lived with each day.
The more I thought about it, the less of a chance I wanted to take of having that fear come true. For me, dying wasn't the issue right then, it was dying during the Christmas Holiday. I just didn't want that to happen. Any other time, I was prepared for, but not Christmas.
I asked the guys again of anyone wanted to take Tokyo for R&R, and there were no takers. So, I let my Lieutenant know that I wanted to take the Tokyo R&R.
From December 23rd, 1969, to January 2nd, 1970, I was in Japan for the Holidays. Yes, I had a good time and saw lots of sights and celebrated the New Year is fine fashion. I was able to call home, and wish the family well while I was there. I bought my mom some real pearls too.
But, I couldn't help but worry about "the guys" back in Vietnam...in the bush...and if any of them were hurt or killed. I drank heavily, just to ease those thoughts.
When I got back to the field, I was relieved to find all the guys well. In fact, there wasn't any real problems during my absence. I had very mixed emotions when I got back. Very happy no one was killed or wounded, but it sunk in to me that I should have been with my guys during Christmas. Christmas was a time to be with family. Those guys were my family, and I should have stayed, no matter what. I felt like I had abandoned them, and I felt guilt for it, as I still do today.
As we enter into this Christmas season, let's remember our families, no matter where they are. My son is flying missions "over there", and he will be with his crew for Christmas. They are his family during that time. We will miss him here, but know that he has is military family over there and will be with them for Christmas. Some people, for what ever reason, can't be with family. Remember them as well. In all other cases, rejoice in the celebration of Christ's birth, and enjoy this special time with your families.
To all our military, everywhere, my thoughts are with you. Thank you for what you do, and enjoy your military family while you are away from home.
I love you son. Thank you for what you do too. Merry Christmas! ~ Dad
Dan
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Red markers
Some days I read something that just sends me right through the roof. Today, it's about red markers on students papers...Red markers or pens being abrasive, harsh, harmful, demeaning, too stressful...Oh please!
America's enemies do not have to fire a shot or plant another bomb. All they need to do is wait out the coming generation to fill the seats of those left by our "greatest generation", and they can walk in and take us over! We are pussyfying America! We are growing so concerned about hurting feelings, that we are steering away from real challenge and success, because it might not be fair to those who can't compete at the top levels, or those who just don't want to work as hard.
Just a side trip here - Add to this, the "government" is now saving private business from failure with BILLIONS of bail-out money (our tax dollars) and will soon be in the "business" of banking, auto making, and so on. The "government", all the way down to the NEA, will PROTECT everyone from failure, or the "stress" of potential failure. Therefore, we won't need to "worry" about doing our best, because the "government" will protect us!
Other nations are getting better. Better at production and research. Better in business. Better in education. Better at many things we used to lead in. Why? It's great the world is getting better, but why better than us? Because we are covering up for failure.
We protect from it, by calling it something else. We are easing the stress and pain of failure, so failure, real failure, is more acceptable. We won't call it failure anymore, so their won't be any failure. The real American spirit is dying. Will our military be our only bastion of strength left in this generation? Or, will the liberals soon set their sights of the military to ease up and be nice?
Liberals in America.....here's a red pen for pussyfying our country. YOU FAIL!
Be strong. Be vigilant. Be American first.
Dan
PS. I apologize to our Forefathers, for letting their new world come to this. May them, and God, forgive us for what we are becoming.
America's enemies do not have to fire a shot or plant another bomb. All they need to do is wait out the coming generation to fill the seats of those left by our "greatest generation", and they can walk in and take us over! We are pussyfying America! We are growing so concerned about hurting feelings, that we are steering away from real challenge and success, because it might not be fair to those who can't compete at the top levels, or those who just don't want to work as hard.
Just a side trip here - Add to this, the "government" is now saving private business from failure with BILLIONS of bail-out money (our tax dollars) and will soon be in the "business" of banking, auto making, and so on. The "government", all the way down to the NEA, will PROTECT everyone from failure, or the "stress" of potential failure. Therefore, we won't need to "worry" about doing our best, because the "government" will protect us!
Other nations are getting better. Better at production and research. Better in business. Better in education. Better at many things we used to lead in. Why? It's great the world is getting better, but why better than us? Because we are covering up for failure.
We protect from it, by calling it something else. We are easing the stress and pain of failure, so failure, real failure, is more acceptable. We won't call it failure anymore, so their won't be any failure. The real American spirit is dying. Will our military be our only bastion of strength left in this generation? Or, will the liberals soon set their sights of the military to ease up and be nice?
Liberals in America.....here's a red pen for pussyfying our country. YOU FAIL!
Be strong. Be vigilant. Be American first.
Dan
PS. I apologize to our Forefathers, for letting their new world come to this. May them, and God, forgive us for what we are becoming.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
President Elect Obama and the Flag
Okay...We have a new President coming in January. President Elect Obama is moving at a fast pace to put people into place for his cabinet positions. There looks to be some bi-partisan efforts to put the right people in place, and I hope to see more of it.
What ever we think, whomever we (I) voted for, Barack Obama WILL be our next President come January 2oth, 2009. As such, and as an American....1st....I want to be able to support him and work toward positive changes for the coming years.
However, I am concerned. And, if any of you have Democrat friends, please pass this along so that maybe someone with Obama's inner circle can get this. But I am concerned. Where's our flag?
I just checked the Obama-Biden website and I see where his cute Obama logo is ever present... still. While it was a cool logo, for him, during the campaign, it "looks" to me to be a prominent logo, in place of an American flag. Maybe I'm looking at it wrong, and I am open to that if someone can share where I could be, but I didn't see our Flag displayed, and it makes me feel like Obama is replacing the Flag, with his "O"bama logo, in red-white-blue.
For me, I feel it is time for that logo to go away. The election is over. The campaign is over. The campaign slogans and it's logo....have served their purpose and should be behind us.
I want a united America. I want to unite and support "our" President. But I want to see OUR Flag, not what seems to be a revised flag of some Obama-nation.
America, and the American President, should be proud of our Flag, and be proud to display it.
It should NEVER be replaced by something else.....EVER.
Dan
What ever we think, whomever we (I) voted for, Barack Obama WILL be our next President come January 2oth, 2009. As such, and as an American....1st....I want to be able to support him and work toward positive changes for the coming years.
However, I am concerned. And, if any of you have Democrat friends, please pass this along so that maybe someone with Obama's inner circle can get this. But I am concerned. Where's our flag?
I just checked the Obama-Biden website and I see where his cute Obama logo is ever present... still. While it was a cool logo, for him, during the campaign, it "looks" to me to be a prominent logo, in place of an American flag. Maybe I'm looking at it wrong, and I am open to that if someone can share where I could be, but I didn't see our Flag displayed, and it makes me feel like Obama is replacing the Flag, with his "O"bama logo, in red-white-blue.
For me, I feel it is time for that logo to go away. The election is over. The campaign is over. The campaign slogans and it's logo....have served their purpose and should be behind us.
I want a united America. I want to unite and support "our" President. But I want to see OUR Flag, not what seems to be a revised flag of some Obama-nation.
America, and the American President, should be proud of our Flag, and be proud to display it.
It should NEVER be replaced by something else.....EVER.
Dan
Friday, November 21, 2008
Qatar time
In honor of my son, and his crew, I have added the current time in Qatar, near the bottom of the page. He and his crew are serving in the Mid-east, flying missions in support of other air crews and support roles. Support our troops! We love you Son.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
A time for prayer and support
A time for prayer and support
As of Nov. 4th, 2008, we have a President Elect. His name, is Barack Obama. Our political process has brought this man to our nation's front door, and he is to be the new leader of the United States of America, come January 20th, 2009.
I did not vote for Obama. He was far from what I had hoped we would have residing in the White House the next four years. But, the voters spoke, and the majority called upon Barack Obama to be our President and the nation's Command and Chief.
Now, it is time to put aside all the talk before Nov. 4th. It is time to pray that Obama IS a man of Christian faith. It is time to pray that God help him choose his staff well, and that God will speak to Obama, so that he can lead our nation as well as one man can.
We can not look backward, like the Democrats have done for the past 8 years, and cry over the outcome. We MUST move forward and put forth all our best people and ideas to make the best of this.
Like it or not, Barack Obama IS the President Elect, and WILL be our President on Jan. 20th, 2009. Like it or not, Barack Obama WILL be recognized the world over as the President of the United States of America. Obama will be MY President. I am an America, first and foremost. With that, and accepting that our system is the best the world has today, then I MUST accept him as MY President, and I also must support the Office of the President.
Know this - This does NOT mean that I accept every measure and every decision made by Obama, or any President. I will be watching, writing letters when I feel the need, and be vocal if I feel my country is not being served well by his actions. It is our duty to be ever vigilant in watching over those who are charged with serving our nation's interests.
But today, we need to start with our prayers for this new President to come, and pray for our nation and our troops. As of January 20th, 2009, Barack Obama will be our President. Even before then, we need to join together in healing our nation and be unified as AMERICANS.
Take heart. America is not dead because of this election. Take heart. America is still the strongest nation on earth. I love my country no less today, electing a Democrat or not!
American 1st!
Dan
As of Nov. 4th, 2008, we have a President Elect. His name, is Barack Obama. Our political process has brought this man to our nation's front door, and he is to be the new leader of the United States of America, come January 20th, 2009.
I did not vote for Obama. He was far from what I had hoped we would have residing in the White House the next four years. But, the voters spoke, and the majority called upon Barack Obama to be our President and the nation's Command and Chief.
Now, it is time to put aside all the talk before Nov. 4th. It is time to pray that Obama IS a man of Christian faith. It is time to pray that God help him choose his staff well, and that God will speak to Obama, so that he can lead our nation as well as one man can.
We can not look backward, like the Democrats have done for the past 8 years, and cry over the outcome. We MUST move forward and put forth all our best people and ideas to make the best of this.
Like it or not, Barack Obama IS the President Elect, and WILL be our President on Jan. 20th, 2009. Like it or not, Barack Obama WILL be recognized the world over as the President of the United States of America. Obama will be MY President. I am an America, first and foremost. With that, and accepting that our system is the best the world has today, then I MUST accept him as MY President, and I also must support the Office of the President.
Know this - This does NOT mean that I accept every measure and every decision made by Obama, or any President. I will be watching, writing letters when I feel the need, and be vocal if I feel my country is not being served well by his actions. It is our duty to be ever vigilant in watching over those who are charged with serving our nation's interests.
But today, we need to start with our prayers for this new President to come, and pray for our nation and our troops. As of January 20th, 2009, Barack Obama will be our President. Even before then, we need to join together in healing our nation and be unified as AMERICANS.
Take heart. America is not dead because of this election. Take heart. America is still the strongest nation on earth. I love my country no less today, electing a Democrat or not!
American 1st!
Dan
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Young life lost
These are my thoughts, after a tragic loss of a young teen this week. To the young teen's family, who shall remain unnamed, my deepest sympathy.
A young life lost. Gone forever. This teen will leave behind many people, asking, "Why?" "What could we have done?" "What did we miss?" "Why didn't we see it coming?" Yet, those answers are also gone.
I didn't know the teen. My son did, as well as the others in the same class and in the same activities. My son is angry, and sad. Angry that his friend and classmate didn't say anything. Angry that he left so soon, and didn't have to. It makes no sense, and yet, sense, is what everyone is trying to make of it. What would drive someone so young and talented, to take their own life?
Teen suicide is not a new phenomenon, and that is terribly sad fact. For someone to be so low in depression or despair, to not see any other option, is, well, a very sad prospect to even think about. To not seek help. To not seek out someone to talk to. To not reach out to a help line. Something, else, but not this. But this is what is in the now, and this is a sadness no one expected, or was prepared for.
This teen left behind a loving, hard working mother, and siblings. This teen left behind caring classmates. This teen, at some moment in that young life, failed to see any other way. Failed to see he had people who cared, if only he had sought them out.
We all touch other people. We all do. In some ways, it is very obvious and overt. In other ways, we touch people with a simple smile or gesture that we may not even know. We are all affected, even in the smallest of ways, by those we meet in our lives. So too are the lasting impressions, good and bad, of those we come into contact with. This one missed the good impressions that were made on others he had touched. Missed too, are the impressions this teen could have made on others along the way. Sadly, he missed seeing there was another way.
The legacy of this teen who left his family and friends, will be in the music that still stirs the air, the smile when he was part of the group, and the love that he one time shared with those he cared about. But that legacy will also be shared with a memory that another teen missed out on what life could have brought to them. Their family and friends will go on to do what they must, without them. Because, in the end, this young life was lost, but the others he left behind must go on, because, life does.
Closing thoughts - The only time its too late to say a kind work, is when someone is gone forever. Don't wait to say to someone how much you care, or to say a kind word, or to just give someone a smile. Be kind. Be a friend. Love someone, more than yourself. It just could be the very thing someone needs that day.
Dan
A young life lost. Gone forever. This teen will leave behind many people, asking, "Why?" "What could we have done?" "What did we miss?" "Why didn't we see it coming?" Yet, those answers are also gone.
I didn't know the teen. My son did, as well as the others in the same class and in the same activities. My son is angry, and sad. Angry that his friend and classmate didn't say anything. Angry that he left so soon, and didn't have to. It makes no sense, and yet, sense, is what everyone is trying to make of it. What would drive someone so young and talented, to take their own life?
Teen suicide is not a new phenomenon, and that is terribly sad fact. For someone to be so low in depression or despair, to not see any other option, is, well, a very sad prospect to even think about. To not seek help. To not seek out someone to talk to. To not reach out to a help line. Something, else, but not this. But this is what is in the now, and this is a sadness no one expected, or was prepared for.
This teen left behind a loving, hard working mother, and siblings. This teen left behind caring classmates. This teen, at some moment in that young life, failed to see any other way. Failed to see he had people who cared, if only he had sought them out.
We all touch other people. We all do. In some ways, it is very obvious and overt. In other ways, we touch people with a simple smile or gesture that we may not even know. We are all affected, even in the smallest of ways, by those we meet in our lives. So too are the lasting impressions, good and bad, of those we come into contact with. This one missed the good impressions that were made on others he had touched. Missed too, are the impressions this teen could have made on others along the way. Sadly, he missed seeing there was another way.
The legacy of this teen who left his family and friends, will be in the music that still stirs the air, the smile when he was part of the group, and the love that he one time shared with those he cared about. But that legacy will also be shared with a memory that another teen missed out on what life could have brought to them. Their family and friends will go on to do what they must, without them. Because, in the end, this young life was lost, but the others he left behind must go on, because, life does.
Closing thoughts - The only time its too late to say a kind work, is when someone is gone forever. Don't wait to say to someone how much you care, or to say a kind word, or to just give someone a smile. Be kind. Be a friend. Love someone, more than yourself. It just could be the very thing someone needs that day.
Dan
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
What's at stake this election
Folks, as Americans, we need to be very careful who we vote for this year. More than ever before, the future direct of this country is at stake.
One one hand, we have a man with very little background. What we do know, is that he has spent more time on the campaign trail, than in his job as Senator.
We also know that he had a 20 year association with Reverend Wright, and what I saw from Rev. Wright was nothing short of racist and disturbing rhetoric about how evil America is, so much so, that he declared that "God damn America". For 20 years, Obama has sat in that church, and I am not convinced that just on the few occasions, did such uttering come out. Yet, until his "political" future could be at stake, Obama stayed with that guy.
We also know that he was helped, in the very beginnings of his political life, by William Ayers. Will Ayers was part of the Weather Underground, that was responsible for bombing of government buildings, and the killed of three police officers. He was never convicted, but has said that he helped with the bombings, and he has NEVER claimed regret. In fact, as late as 2001, has said he could consider it again! Yet, Obama has NOT distanced himself from Ayers, and has been involved in social/civic ventures with Ayers.
Maybe its just me, but trust me when I say this - No matter what "worthy" cause might be involved, if such a man were active in that group, I WOULD NOT BE. They could find someone else, and I could surely find another project. Hitler was very instrumental in developing the VW, for people to have cheap transportation. Would that excuse his war crimes if you wanted him on a transportation committee!
Obama has been active in helping ACORN. Now, as it really has been for years, that organization is deeply involved in voter fraud. The FBI is currently investigating ACORN, and it will be interesting to see if they prosecute anyone, but should.
What all this, and many other "associations" tells me, is that Obama has a combination of poor judgement, and strange bedfellows. With that, I am sick at the thought of who he would appoint as Supreme Court Justices and Cabinet members.
While I believe a "President Obama" would be dangerous, that would be compounded to even more dangerous levels by his appointments. And THAT, my friends, is what is at stake!
He didn't stand with his hand over his heart for the Pledge of Allegiance, doesn't want to wear the Flag pin, and until the campaign, has done nothing for our Troops! Sorry,m but to this Veteran, that is just plain UN-American.
What is at stake this year? ....... AMERICA! That is a change we can not afford.
One one hand, we have a man with very little background. What we do know, is that he has spent more time on the campaign trail, than in his job as Senator.
We also know that he had a 20 year association with Reverend Wright, and what I saw from Rev. Wright was nothing short of racist and disturbing rhetoric about how evil America is, so much so, that he declared that "God damn America". For 20 years, Obama has sat in that church, and I am not convinced that just on the few occasions, did such uttering come out. Yet, until his "political" future could be at stake, Obama stayed with that guy.
We also know that he was helped, in the very beginnings of his political life, by William Ayers. Will Ayers was part of the Weather Underground, that was responsible for bombing of government buildings, and the killed of three police officers. He was never convicted, but has said that he helped with the bombings, and he has NEVER claimed regret. In fact, as late as 2001, has said he could consider it again! Yet, Obama has NOT distanced himself from Ayers, and has been involved in social/civic ventures with Ayers.
Maybe its just me, but trust me when I say this - No matter what "worthy" cause might be involved, if such a man were active in that group, I WOULD NOT BE. They could find someone else, and I could surely find another project. Hitler was very instrumental in developing the VW, for people to have cheap transportation. Would that excuse his war crimes if you wanted him on a transportation committee!
Obama has been active in helping ACORN. Now, as it really has been for years, that organization is deeply involved in voter fraud. The FBI is currently investigating ACORN, and it will be interesting to see if they prosecute anyone, but should.
What all this, and many other "associations" tells me, is that Obama has a combination of poor judgement, and strange bedfellows. With that, I am sick at the thought of who he would appoint as Supreme Court Justices and Cabinet members.
While I believe a "President Obama" would be dangerous, that would be compounded to even more dangerous levels by his appointments. And THAT, my friends, is what is at stake!
He didn't stand with his hand over his heart for the Pledge of Allegiance, doesn't want to wear the Flag pin, and until the campaign, has done nothing for our Troops! Sorry,m but to this Veteran, that is just plain UN-American.
What is at stake this year? ....... AMERICA! That is a change we can not afford.
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