Veteran’s Day…much attention is paid to those in military service on this day to honor and thank them for their service. What many feel and what this day means to so many veterans and their families most likely cannot be put into words…
Two of my brothers served time in the military. I am thankful that they were able to serve our country during times of “peace” and that they did not have to see combat. A close family member, whom we considered “our grandfather”, served in the Korean war (and possibly WWII). He passed away in 2004. Beyond the tragedies of the war he witnessed during his service, and his war injuries, he was able to live a long, fulfilling life. There are many families who have veterans in their family who served during time of war, and they revere and honor those family members, not only for their service to our country, but because they go on to positively impact their home communities in a variety of ways.
But there is a flip side to service in the military, during times of war. Many veterans have mountains to climb when they return from service in a war zone...for some the mountains become insurmountable. So I have on my heart and mind, not only those serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world, or waiting on bases to be deployed, not only those who have given their lives for "democracy", not only those who been able to find a path in civilian life, after returning from war and have gone on to live fulfilling lives, but, also, those who struggle with "the demons of war" long after they return. Some of these "soldiers" are a significant number of the homeless in our country. It breaks my heart to think how they got from where they were to where they are today.
I listened to a broadcast on the Diane Rehm’s show (NPR.org), today, discussing the current situations many veterans face: I encourage you to check out this link:
http://wamu.org/programs/dr/ Where will we go beyond Veteran’s Day to address the needs of these men and women?? Personally, my outlook is that because those serving in the military are government employees, it is the responsibility of the government to go above and beyond to meet their needs in a timely manner, which means NOW…not many, many months later. What others, as individuals and non-profit agencies, are able to do to reach out to veterans in their communities, I think is commendable. I imagine it is a difficult outreach (and at the same time a deeply moving) in which to be involved.
Here are some additional links to read more from and about veterans.
http://www.veteransforamerica.org/
http://www.mysanantonio.com/military/33484094.html
The 'Here and Now' broadcast today was also interesting and informative. Link is to the left.
My most extensive exposure to war and those serving in war has been through movies-from "Saving Private Ryan" to "Windtalkers" to "Jarhead"-and most recently, my attempt to read Anthony Swofford’s book, Jarhead. The movies depict war as graphically horrific and traumatic during the experience, but soldiers do what they have to do to obey orders, complete their mission, and somehow come home alive, if not in one piece. Reading Jarhead has been difficult for me, too, due to it’s shocking content (reminds me of when I read A Million Little Pieces), though I have yet to hear that Swofford was fictionalizing his story. I have not yet finished this book and have to lay it down from time to time. My hope is to eventually write a spokenword piece for veterans of war. I have more research to do, though, before I’m able to write a piece that accurately describes their experience.
Earlier this year I heard Barack and Michelle Obama’s speak out on their support of extended benefits to returning veterans. Their comments definitely sparked my attention after all the coverage on Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the current condition of The Department of Veteran’s Affairs. This link basically outlines what Obama says he supports regarding benefits for veterans and those in military service: http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/michaelgottwald/gGgYCg
Whether the next administration is able to reduce the bureaucratic paper nightmare and provide the services to Veterans in a quick, efficient manner remains to be seen. Even though I have had little personal contact with war veterans, I am aware of the difficulties many face in “transitioning” back to civilian life after active duty in a war zone, and am shaken and saddened by what they endure not only in service, but life after war.
Psalm 91, has often been a personal comfort of mine, whenever a friend would take on what I knew to be a potentially dangerous task/assignment …
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of the night, not the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near to you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you make the Most High your dwelling-even the Lord, who is my refuge-then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
So many have died in so many wars…stunning numbers…and each person’s death impacted their families, friends, co-worker, etc. The ripple effect of war may be neverending. Why some men/women are killed, and others live, is hard to fathom...people can attribute many things…fate, prayer, luck, the heroics of another fallen comrade… There are many reasons, and the answers to “Why? may be difficult or impossible to sort out. But for those in service who live, and for the families and friends of those who have given their lives or are currently serving in the military, we can, at least, commit to supporting them, in whatever ways we can not only on Veterans Day, but the days beyond, as they daily face vexing challenges, struggles, and decisions, inside and outside the warzone.
Honestly I am speaking mostly to myself in this post, as a reminder, because it is so easy to just go on about life here in America, when I do not have immediate family or close friends currently in Iraq or Afghanistan, and not truly take in the sacrifices those who do and are make each and every day. Recently a daughter of my long time friend, Chelle, signed up for service, completed boot camp and is currently stationed in Texas. My heart sunk when I first heard she was considering military service, because I feared not only for her life, but for her life beyond possible deployment to war in the middle east. Knowing that she could be deployed within the next year and knowing that she will be working in the medical field, brings the war and it's impact on daily life closer to home. Figuring out how I can support her, and others in service, has now become a more pertinent issue for me personally. I guess, in some ways, that is a good thing.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
A Matter of Perspective
We are witnesses of triumph and tragedy this first week in November. What is seen as triumph and what is seen as tragedy is not always agreed upon by all. Sometimes it is obvious, such as a beloved co-worker's home that burned to the ground late this week, and the sister of another co-worker that lost her battle with cancer earlier in the week. Sometimes the conclusion is not as obvious and becomes a matter of one's perspective. This historic election was certainly that. Triumph or tragedy?
I know, myself, that I was moved to tears starting on Monday evening, after viewing a special by Frontline, The Choice 2008, and the tears came and went over the course of the next two days. As a result of Barack Obama's moving victory and the shocking tragedies that struck many families throughout the world this week, definitely a rainstorm of tears (of overwhelming joy and piercing loss) was shed throughout the world.
I see (along with many others) Obama's clear election win, securing the popular and electoral vote (as a biracial/African American) as the historic event it is. Over the last two decades I have spent numerous time researching the history of African Americans in this country, from the early days of slavery through the early 1970s, particularly the Civil Rights Movement. I know that when Martin Luther King, Jr. was killed, he was just beginning the fight against economic inequalities in this country. Since his and Malcolm X's assassinations, there has not been a powerful, far-reaching leadership of black/African Americans or minorities, in general. That is why I believe the comment "Is he the one?" was brought up again in reference to Barack Obama. I found some anti-Obama rhetoric on-line regarding this remark that suggested people were looking for "a messiah or savior" in Obama. I do not believe that is the case, in a spiritual sense, but I do believe people were hoping for powerful, persuasive leadership to come to black americans for direction and motivational change beyond what occurred in the 1960s.
My personal opinion is without the move of God on people's hearts, this man would not have been elected to serve as president of our country. I realize that some may strongly disagree with this opinion, believing either that Obama had some sort of "mystical" impact on people-a cult-like following of radical socialists and naive idealists "deceived more by what Obama didn't say than by what he did say" or that he won simply because he ran an effective, well-organized, deliberate campaign. But it is too hard for me to believe that he won on his campaigning, ideas, and character alone, because I know that racism in this country is truly alive and well. I have had the unfortunate, eye-opening experience of witnessing it, firsthand, on quite a few occasions mostly since the 1980s. People may now know, for the most part, what is racially politically correct, but that does not mean that the heart of the matter has changed substantially. The amazing thing is that Barack Obama is a man born from the union of a caucasian american and an african, and despite the fact that some Americans, at times, continue to frown on and disapprove of interacial, and interreligious relationships, he was somehow able to connect with voters, all across our nation. I do not view Obama as a savior (political or spiritual), but I do believe his election and position, as President of the United States, will make a powerful positive impact on many people who see themselves as disenfranchised. I believe that he has not only the voters of America to thank, but the Creator of the Universe.
I encourage you to view the Frontline program, if you can find the time. After watching this documentary, I was reminded of why I hold great respect for both McCain and Obama. Frontline provided historical background and a non-partisan view on both men. I know the election is over, but here's the link if you are interested: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/choice2008/
In the last 4-5 days I have heard much naysaying, and yes, there is reason for concern about our world in many aspects. Everyone seems to have their own passionate agenda. And we can all run around pursuing our own "issues" with much abandon, blaming others for what we can and can't accomplish, possibly spinning our wheels or rhetoric, or we can heed this truth..."if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (I Chronicles 7:14). I was truly humbled by what happened on election day, and compelled to seek God's face diligently, not only for what change may come out of and to Washington D.C., but to our own lives and how we, personally, can impact those around us daily.
Now to the original reason I wanted to post my opinions this evening. Positive viewing experiences!!! I hear many complain about the erosion of TV viewing, and, yes, there may be much to complain about! But we all have a choice to watch (or not watch) what is on...be it network TV, cable, or DVD/movies, etc. In fact there are many interesting and positive TV programs out there. One of my favorites is Extreme Makeover: Home Edition! This program is awesome and a testament to making a positive difference in people's lives. We are all responsible to do more than just sit on our butts in front of the TV or computer. (Possibly if you are complaining about the lack of quality programming, you need to invest your time elsewhere...for example the world around you.) I have to say that Obama's election has placed in me a conviction to do more to make a difference in the world around me! Not to mention guys like Ty Pennington and all the people who come out to help build homes for deserving families/families faced with unusual challenges or committed to making a difference in their community/world! I encourage you to check out a little history on Ty on Wikipedia and to check out the show, if you haven't already.
Here are the links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ty_Pennington
http://abc.go.com/primetime/xtremehome/index?pn=index
Also I watched a cool show this evening on PBS. It was a documentary on penguins in Africa. I had watched the March of the Penguins earlier this year. It was incredibly informative and stunning! The PBS documentary tonight - Wild! Penguin Invasion
When penguins takeover a popular South African beach resort, laughter, fun and conflict ensue - was more light hearted and actually pretty funny. One part, showed the impact (again) that everyday people can have when coming together to address a potential tragedy. (I tried to find a link to the show, but was unsuccessful.)
You can't convince me that one has to compromise one's values in order to be entertained! There are many good programs out there. It depends on where you are looking!
I know, myself, that I was moved to tears starting on Monday evening, after viewing a special by Frontline, The Choice 2008, and the tears came and went over the course of the next two days. As a result of Barack Obama's moving victory and the shocking tragedies that struck many families throughout the world this week, definitely a rainstorm of tears (of overwhelming joy and piercing loss) was shed throughout the world.
I see (along with many others) Obama's clear election win, securing the popular and electoral vote (as a biracial/African American) as the historic event it is. Over the last two decades I have spent numerous time researching the history of African Americans in this country, from the early days of slavery through the early 1970s, particularly the Civil Rights Movement. I know that when Martin Luther King, Jr. was killed, he was just beginning the fight against economic inequalities in this country. Since his and Malcolm X's assassinations, there has not been a powerful, far-reaching leadership of black/African Americans or minorities, in general. That is why I believe the comment "Is he the one?" was brought up again in reference to Barack Obama. I found some anti-Obama rhetoric on-line regarding this remark that suggested people were looking for "a messiah or savior" in Obama. I do not believe that is the case, in a spiritual sense, but I do believe people were hoping for powerful, persuasive leadership to come to black americans for direction and motivational change beyond what occurred in the 1960s.
My personal opinion is without the move of God on people's hearts, this man would not have been elected to serve as president of our country. I realize that some may strongly disagree with this opinion, believing either that Obama had some sort of "mystical" impact on people-a cult-like following of radical socialists and naive idealists "deceived more by what Obama didn't say than by what he did say" or that he won simply because he ran an effective, well-organized, deliberate campaign. But it is too hard for me to believe that he won on his campaigning, ideas, and character alone, because I know that racism in this country is truly alive and well. I have had the unfortunate, eye-opening experience of witnessing it, firsthand, on quite a few occasions mostly since the 1980s. People may now know, for the most part, what is racially politically correct, but that does not mean that the heart of the matter has changed substantially. The amazing thing is that Barack Obama is a man born from the union of a caucasian american and an african, and despite the fact that some Americans, at times, continue to frown on and disapprove of interacial, and interreligious relationships, he was somehow able to connect with voters, all across our nation. I do not view Obama as a savior (political or spiritual), but I do believe his election and position, as President of the United States, will make a powerful positive impact on many people who see themselves as disenfranchised. I believe that he has not only the voters of America to thank, but the Creator of the Universe.
I encourage you to view the Frontline program, if you can find the time. After watching this documentary, I was reminded of why I hold great respect for both McCain and Obama. Frontline provided historical background and a non-partisan view on both men. I know the election is over, but here's the link if you are interested: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/choice2008/
In the last 4-5 days I have heard much naysaying, and yes, there is reason for concern about our world in many aspects. Everyone seems to have their own passionate agenda. And we can all run around pursuing our own "issues" with much abandon, blaming others for what we can and can't accomplish, possibly spinning our wheels or rhetoric, or we can heed this truth..."if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (I Chronicles 7:14). I was truly humbled by what happened on election day, and compelled to seek God's face diligently, not only for what change may come out of and to Washington D.C., but to our own lives and how we, personally, can impact those around us daily.
Now to the original reason I wanted to post my opinions this evening. Positive viewing experiences!!! I hear many complain about the erosion of TV viewing, and, yes, there may be much to complain about! But we all have a choice to watch (or not watch) what is on...be it network TV, cable, or DVD/movies, etc. In fact there are many interesting and positive TV programs out there. One of my favorites is Extreme Makeover: Home Edition! This program is awesome and a testament to making a positive difference in people's lives. We are all responsible to do more than just sit on our butts in front of the TV or computer. (Possibly if you are complaining about the lack of quality programming, you need to invest your time elsewhere...for example the world around you.) I have to say that Obama's election has placed in me a conviction to do more to make a difference in the world around me! Not to mention guys like Ty Pennington and all the people who come out to help build homes for deserving families/families faced with unusual challenges or committed to making a difference in their community/world! I encourage you to check out a little history on Ty on Wikipedia and to check out the show, if you haven't already.
Here are the links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ty_Pennington
http://abc.go.com/primetime/xtremehome/index?pn=index
Also I watched a cool show this evening on PBS. It was a documentary on penguins in Africa. I had watched the March of the Penguins earlier this year. It was incredibly informative and stunning! The PBS documentary tonight - Wild! Penguin Invasion
When penguins takeover a popular South African beach resort, laughter, fun and conflict ensue - was more light hearted and actually pretty funny. One part, showed the impact (again) that everyday people can have when coming together to address a potential tragedy. (I tried to find a link to the show, but was unsuccessful.)
You can't convince me that one has to compromise one's values in order to be entertained! There are many good programs out there. It depends on where you are looking!
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