Currently Playing Battle Hymn of the Republic By Red Nichols, Jackson, Lynch, Rushton see related

I've been away for too long.  The world has swept me away in a maelstrom and it seems there is little to be done about it.

Speaking of the world, I have some things to get off my chest.

Thoughts On Liberty, Patriotism and War

I am a veteran, born and raised in the midwest.  Did either of those facts dictate that I feel such a strong sense of patriotism?  I don't know.  But I know that long ago I knew in my heart that I was a proud American.  Today, I fly an American flag every day, barring inclement weather.  I do this for a few reasons.

In my opinion, there is no finer or more recognizable symbol of Liberty throughout the world than the flag of the United States of America.  Whether it flies from the White House, my house, on the moon, or at the many embassies our country maintains around the world, the flag stands as an enduring emblem of the importance this country places on those inalienable rights bestowed on us by our Creator.

When displayed properly and reverently, this flag carries with it the implicit promise of Freedom.  By Freedom, I mean the idea that each of us is a unique entity, fully endowed with personal rights to equality and self-determination.  Our society is a collective of individuals bound by a common sense of decency.  We value, nay cherish our right to worship as we choose, to have a say in our governance, to peacably assemble and petition for redress of grievances.  Yea, the absence of these rights would seem unthinkable to the average American.  Still, the world powers are largely incapable and/or disinterested in sharing this sort of inherent power among its many peoples.

Around the world are nations whose people live in abject poverty while their leaders feast on wine and gourmet meals.  Around the world are governments who limit the exposure of their constituents to ideas of basic human dignity; governments endorsing the killing of unborn children and denying access to food and healthcare.  Still others embrace a sort of religion, euphemistically referred to as "the religion of peace."  Euphemistically, because there can be no peace in a religion that denies a right to life to those who disagree, and sends its practitioners to their deaths in the name of a bloodthirsty god.

And yet American men and women so value these very foundations of a functional society that they are willing to go to dangerous parts of the world as ambassadors, emissaries, missionaries and, yes, soldiers.  We work behind the scenes and in the spotlight to secure for the downtrodden and oppressed, that which we take as a matter of course.  We do this because we believe in our country.  We are proud of our system of existence and we are willing to lay down our lives to defend and promote our most cherished beliefs.  This is a better definition of Patriotism than those who claim to exhibit this virtue through questioning our motives or demonstrating dissent.  Inherent in Patriotism must be a sense of pride in your nation.  This is a minimum requirement.  Do not claim to be a patriot and set fire to the flag of my country.  It is an insult to all those who wear our uniforms or carry that flag proudly in service to our country.

So I ask my unseen readers, "What value do you place on freedom?"  What is it worth to you to have the ability to vote, to not live in fear of torture from your government, to freely seek employment to provide for your family, to partake in the joys of bearing children, to worship in the manner you choose without fear of reprisal?  I can tell you that we are at war now, not for oil as some idiots claim or because a brutal and rogue dictator had his finger on a button, but because our way of life is under attack.  We are in a battle for our very existence.  Should we lose this battle of ideology and will, we will surely also lose a sense of ourselves and our country.

I tell you, there are brave soldiers who have placed themselves voluntarily in harm's way to defend a concept that far too few really understand:  Freedom.  It isn't free, and defending it isn't easy, but nothing worth having ever is.  It saddens and disgusts me when this idea is pulled and twisted for political gain.  Our soldiers deserve better, but in a greater sense, so do we and the other members of the global community.  We all deserve better than "allies" who negotiate with rogues to secure favorable economic treatment.  We deserve better than former recipients of our sacrifices spitting on the blood-soaked graves of those that provided them with security.

There are no simple solutions here, and I make no effort here to supply them.  But I urge you to examine what it is that you value; how far are you willing to go in support of your principles?

Currently Watching Tommy Boy By Chris Farley, David Spade, Brian Dennehy, Bo Derek see related

(Shhh, I'm not really watching Tommy Boy, I just like the sound of it.)

A new edition of:  Seven Things I Might Say

I might say that:

1) the best comedic actor of the past 20 years was Chris Farley, but the best ever is probably Jim Carrey.  On second thought, Jon Lithgow probably does far more with far less opportunity.  Certainly less than $20M worth of opportunity.  See Third Rock from the Sun if you have any questions.

2) Of course, we'll never know just what John Belushi could have been capable of.

3) There are maybe 12 words from Tommy Boy that I couldn't recite, anytime, anywhere.  Sonuva!  That's gonna leave a mark.

4)  Steve Martin has tried crossover, and he's done OK.  He and Eddie Murphy are tied for Honorable Mention with the aforementioned Jim Carrey.  First runner up is Tom Hanks, although his comedic resume probably isn't as strong as it should be for this discussion.  Then again, it's my opinion, so leave it.  But Robin Williams has truly defined the art of comedians becoming actors.

5)  Adam Sandler is overrated, but Happy Gilmore isn't.  That scene where he fights Bob Barker might be the best comedy in a decade.  Honestly, who hasn't wanted to take a swipe at Bob sometime?  Remember to have your pets spayed or neutered!

6)  Of course, Jim Carrey does a scene in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective where he imitates some Scandinavian dolphin trainer that is hysterical.

and finally,

7)  Hi, I'm Larry.  This is my brother Daryl, and this is my other brother, Daryl.

Currently Playing Lie to Me By Jonny Lang see related

You know what really gets me?  Officials speaking on condition of anonymity.  It happens all the time and I'm sick of it.  If you have something to say, here's a thought:  Have the guts to put your name and reputation by it.  If you don't want to be associated with something or you're not supposed to be talking, then here's another thought:  Shut up!

I was reading in the paper this morning that Washington, D.C. is going to be receiving the former Montreal/Puerto Rico Expos, according to a city official willing to speak anonymously.  Now, this move has been in the works for some time now.  So it won't be a surprise if and when MLB makes the announcement, but it just chaps me to no end that someone took it upon themselves to spill the beans early.

There was a case a few years ago about a NFL coach who was supposed to take the NY Jets job, but when the announcement leaked early, he got miffed and backed out.  He was roundly criticized for being too sensitive, but I applauded him then (and now) for having convictions. 

Some would say that this doesn't seem like such a big deal, and they're right....when it pertains to something as trivial as sports.  But just try to remember the last time you read about some impending scandal in the government, or even some rumor that just appears and ends up being disproved that wasn't, at least initially, reported on the basis of unnamed sources.  Like, oh I don't know, making allegations that the current CINC didn't complete his Nat'l Guard requirements (after he's released all of his records, unlike others I might mention) even though the evidence was easy to disprove. Done on the word of "confidential sources."

Far too few have principles by which they live today.  Or, if they have principles, they are sorely out of step with the rest of us.

Passage of the Day

How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!

(NIV Romans 10:15)

There are people all over the world working to bring the news of Jesus Christ to those who have ears to hear.  Please take a moment to pray that they have the grace, wisdom, strength, and safety that God provides as they go about His work.

Currently Playing Bring It on By Oasis Praise see related

One thing, as if there were only one, that I have been terribly remiss on lately is spending time in prayer and study.  Oh sure, I still say grace at meal time, and I get in a little reading a couple of times a week.  But I made a covenant with God some time back that I would make an effort to spend time with Him every day.  Woefully, I cannot say that I have been as faithful as He.

I am going to try and do better at this.  My task should be easier because my church is participating in the nationwide kick-off of 40 Days of Purpose.  Fairly intensive study and fellowship compared to my current routine, but I think 8 weeks' study is a good way to let God show me my purpose in this life.  As my pastor has pointed out, there are numerous examples of the spiritual significance of 40 days.  The great flood, most of the prophets' meditation in the wilderness...

If I can get into the routine of blogging each day, I will also be including Bible passages relating to various topics as I obtain them from the inspirio book, "Daily Prayer."

Hope it helps you as it helps me.