Memorial Day Thoughts

While many Americans "celebrate" Memorial Day with BBQs, picnics, cookouts, and parties, I find the day very sad.

It seems many Americans misunderstand the reason for Memorial Day. Some think it is to honor those that serve in the armed forces; actually, that is "Armed Forces Day." Some think that it is to celebrate the valiant efforts of our veterans; in reality, that is done on "Veterans Day."

Memorial Day is supposed to be a day to remember those that died in combat or while serving in the military. It is a day to be grateful for their sacrifices and those their families made. It is a day to stop and think why those sacrifices were made. It is an opportunity to stop and question why those sacrifices were made.

As I grow older and gain ability to discern, I find myself very sad on Memorial Day. The last few wars, from Korea on, are very different from their predecessors. The reasons for going to war have shifted from morality to economics. I cannot help but to question how many lives lost in wars motivated by greed could have been spared and would have benefited our country and our world in so many better ways. My admiration for, and gratitude to, the men and women that lost their lives is not diminished; my sorrow for their loss is heightened by the awareness of senselessness.

We now face the prospect of another prolonged war, this time against Iran. The lies being told are obvious to anyone that wants to use a questioning attitude. Who will benefit from another war? Will it benefit the average citizen in the United States? Not likely, as we will all be made to pay for this war and the restoration thereafter. Will it benefit the citizens of Iran? Not likely; their dead will be but one more reason to hate us. Or will it benefit, mostly, a few wealthy industrialists that peddle their deadly, immoral wares unconcerned with whether the victims are in a far away place or in an elementary school down the street.

I think we must grow impatient with the status quo; we need to question the excuses for more unnecessary death, for more unnecessary destruction. Let us be true patriots and pledge allegiance to the nation, not to the government, certainly not to a government that has sold out to the war lords.

Our fallen deserve our respect, our gratitude, and our truest patriotism.

The future of motorcycles?

I used to ride motorcycles in my youth. That was a blast to do. I have not been on a bike in decades. I just came across this review and I am very excited to see what motorcycles are up to. This would be a sweet ride to have. The price is right, the technology is amazing, and this really looks like the future for motorcycles.

Let's talk about baking a cake....

In three short minutes Beau and his wife show us the power of logic and choice. Enjoy!

Are we looking at the Alabama law all wrong?

The debate over the new wave of anti-abortion state laws has been raging; I even engaged in it on Facebook. But Beau makes a great point in this video. Could we be looking at the Alabama law all wrong? Could it be that a combination of good old free-market supply and demand, with some relatively inexpensive technology may save the day for women that need or want an abortion?

Mammoth Caves & Bully Butterflies : Camping Kentucky

One of my favorite things about the Internet is the ability to travel to places without ever leaving home. I know, it is not the same as being there but, at least, if you don't like the place, you saved a whole bunch of time and money, and you can use those to visit a place you really would enjoy. Here is a place I definitely want to stop by and visit sometime.

This Gasoline Will Destroy Your Car

For several years now, I have avoided using gasoline that contains ethanol. Why? It is bad for engines. Take a look. Besides, there are major economical and ecological factors that make ethanol a bad choice. Among them: increased use of pesticides and fertilizers to increase the yield for corn; these chemicals wash down river and are killing our oceans.

Let's talk about teens, combat vets, and suicide....

Please watch this video and make a decision ... please decide that you are going to do something to help. It can be as simple as spending time with one of your kids or grand kids; listen to them, ask questions, be involved. Perhaps you can volunteer in some capacity for the many organizations that care about preventing suicides amongst the several groups in our society that are most vulnerable to suicides: vets, teens, pre-teens, the elderly, the sick, the poor. Let people know that they matter and that you care.Twenty-two (22!) veterans each day take their life; 168 teens successfully commit suicide each day! We need to talk about it and not hide from it; and we need to take action. Apathy and disdain are not helpful in this crisis.

Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Suicide Text Hotline: 741741

Decide to live in a perfect state ...

Tony Robbins is a great speaker and teacher; he has touched millions of lives with his talks, audio programs and books. I have read and listened to much of what he has produced. This 15-minute video summarizes much of what Tony has taught and shared over the years. I hope you enjoy it and take it to heart. It is up to each and every one of us to make the most important decision ... what is your choice?