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Kids:
Hopefully, as we slick back Padron shots with beer chasers while slathering
on another coat of SPF 45 to ward off a nuclear sunburn this weekend, we
remember the sacrifices of our greatest generation and the sons of that generation
who died and continue to die on foreign fields of battle in the defense of democracy
and freedom.
....'and also starring Joe Carnahan in the role of 'Captain Bummer.'
Sorry guys. This is not me preaching or pointing fingers, so please don't think
that. It's just my way of reminding you, me and everybody else.
We've turned what should be a celebration of selfless courage and true Patriotism
(not that flimsy, dilluted 'brand', bearing-no-resemblance-to-the-real-thing bullshit the
Bush administration is fond of intoning as a critical catch-all for Iraq, but pure
Patriotic intent) into a four day, pre-summer kick off party...and there's nothing wrong
with that guys. I'm not advocating wearing red poppies and touring Arlington National
Cemetary this weekend. I am many things but try to refrain from and avoid the pratfalls
of, being a BLATANT hippocrite whenever possible.
We're all gonna to have a good time...and there's absolutely jacks*hit zero wrong with
that.
Let's just not lose the meaning of Memorial Day completely.
If we are to allow a sober thought to cut through the combined cloud of beer-buzz
and bong smoke, let's allow that thought to occur at about 3pm on Monday. This is
known as the "National Moment of Remembrance" a resolution that was passed
in December of 2000, which asks all Americans to: "Voluntarily and informally
observe in their own way a moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from
whatever they are doing for a moment of silence."
Our troops are still over there, separated from their families, struggling
and fighting and dying. Whatever your issues with the war in Iraq, whatever
criticisms and complaints, the fact that our brothers and sisters are
over there and giving their lives in the service of this country, should never be
blunted or made less than by individual belief systems. I've been fairly trenchant in
my loathe and distaste for our present administration and their misguided efforts in
Iraq...and if Hell has an ass, I hope men like Dick Cheney and 'Rummy' Rumsfeld
get stuffed straight up it for all of eternity...That still doesn't change the present.
So at 3pm on monday, if you can, just take the briefest of moments to remember
those that have died and more importantly, a moment of prayer or meditation
or whatever you refer to it as, to send all your love and energy to those still on
the ground in Iraq...A kind of cosmic bid for their continued well-being and
safe return.
I believe that stuff works...from the bottom of my heart.
Okay, as I descend from my soap box, I wish you all a wonderful holiday and
will see each and every one of on the flip side.
My Best,
JC
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