Shifting Seasons

Can I sail through the changin' ocean tides?
Can I handle the seasons of my life?

~ Fleetwood Mac

Early this month I began retirement. Leaving the working world was long planned for and anticipated, but there is a feeling of unreality to the event when it finally arrives. It is exciting, though, and quite fun--so far, so good.

It's delicious to wake up and not have to leap out of bed. I can loll for a while, listen to the news, and only get up when my internal coffee meter tells me it's time. There has been a lengthy round of festivities celebrating this new life chapter with family and friends, which has kept my days and nights wonderfully busy. Now there's upcoming travel and special occasions crowding the calendar.

So, I'll be taking a break from posting and hope to resume next month with reports of new adventures and experiences. After all, it's time to make way for a brand-new season.

Our People

Dolly Parton has donated one million dollars to Hurricane Helene relief efforts. Her Dollywood Foundation is matching that amount, for a total of $2,000,000 in hurricane relief. As Dolly said, "these are my people."

And in the spirit of giving that is built into our national DNA, millions of Americans are donating what they can to help their neighbors in need after this overwhelming disaster. When donating, it's best to verify that your money is going to a reputable charity. I'm partial to The Salvation Army (low overhead costs), but most of us have our own favorite charity(s) that can be relied upon to deliver the most relief to disaster victims for the amount that is donated.

Americans don't often sit back and wait for the government agencies to lurch into action following a national disaster or tragedy. We can--and do--take care of our own. This is the USA. The victims of Hurricane Helene are our people, too.

The United States Constitution

Fighting Evil

By the pricking of my thumbs,
Something wicked this way comes.

~ Macbeth, 4:1

Today the Catholic Church observes the feast of archangels, Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. These are biblical figures, all appearing in Holy Scripture. Gabriel is presented as the messenger, Raphael as the healer, and Michael as the defender against evil. 

In my opinion, Michael has the busiest agenda these days. I've often heard news and opinion commentators, local as well as national, describe the USA's current internal and global struggles as "spiritual warfare." I find myself agreeing. We are certainly in the days when the dominating cultural trend is to "call evil good, and good evil" (Isaiah 5:20). 

St. Michael is the patron of the military, police, first responders, Israel and Ukraine, plus all defenders against evil. It's safe to say he's got his hands full these days.

Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle...

Predicting Humor

 "In America, anyone can become president. That's the problem."

~ George Carlin        

The comedian George Carlin (1937-2008) truly was ahead of his time. Reading his sharply relevant quips today can make one wonder if he was a kind of funny Nostradamus, predicting the challenges of our current events decades ago. But I think he was just a very intelligent, perceptive person who could see the freight train--and the ensuing inevitable trainwreck--coming a long way down the tracks.

My favorite routine is his hilarious diatribe on Earth Day and the world's imperviousness to humanity's impact upon it. He actually suggests Earth might use a virus to rid itself of humans! There are other monologues, equally prescient--like the one in which he discusses our "Owners." Even two decades ago, our present situation was obvious to Carlin.

Carlin's standup material contained so many topics that remain keenly relevant today. YouTube is a good source to find his performances. He was one smart cookie. If he was still with us, despite our national troubles, I have no doubt George would still make us laugh.

Constitutionally Unsound

Free speech is my right to say what you don't want to hear.

~ George Orwell

Today is Constitution Day. This might be an appropriate occasion to read that founding document, particularly the First Amendment guaranteeing freedom of speech. This is especially true since we now have political candidates claiming there's "no guarantee to free speech" when it comes to "misinformation" or "hate speech."

Actually, that's exactly what the First Amendment guarantees. The Founders knew we didn't need a law to protect speech we agree with; we need to protect opposing, even offensive, speakers. Look up the case of Skokie, Illinois in 1977. The Supreme Court ruled that the Nazi party did have the right to march peacefully in a largely Jewish community.

Less than a half century later, censorship has crept into every area of public discourse. That in itself is frightening. But who are the shadowy gatekeepers appointed to decide what is "misinformation" or "hate speech"? That question has become truly terrifying. The reality of government agencies, educational institutions, and media outlets curtailing our right to free speech is evidence that our republic is in a very bad way.

The free exercise of religion is also protected in the First Amendment. While it's still permitted, a daily prayer for America may be in order.

 

A Win for the Good

On September 11, 2001, the Vigiano family lost both of their sons--one was a police officer, the other a firefighter. 

Speaking as a parent, it's impossible to comprehend the enormity of this family's grief. Yet anyone who has suffered a great loss knows that life goes on, one way or another, regardless of tragedy or sorrow. The young first responders who died left families behind to face the coming years without them. Several of those orphaned children have stepped onto their fathers' career path, including Joe Vigiano Jr. Joe Vigiano Jr. is a newly graduated NYC police officer.

The Bible tells us that in the end, God wins the war against evil. We may still have a long time to wait for that joyous outcome. But there are ongoing quiet battles being waged in the meantime by uncounted courageous individuals who are fighting to bring light out of darkness. The brave Vigiano family can proudly claim one of those victories.

September 11, 2001 ~ Never Forget

Honoring Grandparents

Tomorrow is Grandparents Day. Since becoming a grandparent myself, I've become more tuned in to this often-overlooked holiday, probably because of the artwork I receive from my grandkids in honor of the occasion.

My own grandparents are models of the previous generations that built our country. All of them were teenaged immigrants, fleeing their impoverished childhoods in Ireland for the promise of a better life in America. A century ago, immigrants needed their checklist in order before entering the USA. From their firsthand accounts, I know that my grandparents were sponsored into the country by relatives already established here, who met them at the dock and served as escorts and witnesses to their identity. They needed to prove a place of residency and a job awaiting them, as well as pass a health exam, before being allowed off Ellis Island or out of any other US port of entry.

Sad to say, that's not quite our current immigration system.

I never met my firefighter grandfather. He died young, in the line of duty at the scene of a fire during the Great Depression. My other grandparents are vivid in my memory, especially my two grandmothers. It seems the older I become, the more I remember them, their inner strength, and the wisdom of their ways.

I can only hope and pray that I may hold a similar sweet spot in the memories of my own grandchildren.

 

Songs for Summer's End

Labor Day weekend is upon us already, the occasion that by long tradition marks the end of summer. That seemed fast, yes? But as long as we're here, I think we should try to relax and enjoy the holiday as we were intended to do.

I thought it would be fun to put together a playlist in honor of Labor Day. It was easier than I expected. Below are my Top Ten Labor Day songs:

1. Chain Gang - Sam Cooke
2. Working in the Coal Mine - Devo (1981)
3. I've Been Working On The Railroad - Johnny Cash
4. 9 to 5 - Dolly Parton
5. Workin' for a Livin' - Huey Lewis & The News
6. Five O'clock World - The Vogues
7. Uptown - The Crystals
8. Drill Ye Tarriers Drill - Tommy Maken & Liam Clancy
9. Work to Do - The Isley Brothers
10. Let's Work - Mick Jagger

No doubt there are plenty more. You could put your own playlist together--but don't work too hard. Then kick back, pop a cold one, and celebrate the hard-working American's designated day off.

Mischief Afoot

 Now let it work. Mischief, thou art afoot. Take thou what course thou wilt.

~ Julius Caesar 3:2

Okay, so the Democratic Convention is over and done. Praise the Lord, we can all now get on with our lives without being browbeaten, shouted at, lied to, and insulted. Where else except at the Dem's self-adoring pageant can you find mega multi-millionaires ranting their list of complaints against our dark and dangerous country?

Why, who has a chance here? Who can possibly get ahead if they start "way back there?" (Hint: Ask Justice Clarence Thomas how he did it.) Of course, the Vice President who had the presidential nomination handed to her without a single vote being cast for her believes that "everyone should end up in the same place."

You mean, everyone should end up owning four mansions like the Obamas? Oh no, I don't think Kamala Harris quite meant that. "Everyone" requires their exalted ruling class; "everyone" knows that.

But the media needed to pivot away from the VP with alarm and alacrity. News cycles are fast and unforgiving these days, and the American voters quickly moved on from the smoke and mirrors of the convention to today's story of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suspending his independent run for president and endorsing Donald J. Trump. 

This is a stunning and historic turn of events. The Kennedy dynasty has been solidly Democratic for nearly one and a half centuries. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is risking his extensive family relationships as well as his political career, not to mention his life. Just as Donald Trump is a target for left-wing lunatics, Kennedy now will also be. Both are men of courage, an invaluable trait sorely needed in our troubled and tumultuous times.

Although I don't agree with all his positions, I like Kennedy. He is smart, sincere, and determined to make a positive difference. He certainly made a big difference today in our presidential campaigns. It will be interesting to see where it all goes.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. endorses Donald Trump for president

Objective Secure

Early this summer I stumbled across Green Beret Nick Lavery's story. I think I first heard him speak on Shawn Ryan's podcast (Episode #28). Completely captivated, I found and watched the entire interview on YouTube--twice. Also, I discovered an even more in-depth interview on Jocko Willink's podcast (#347) and watched that one, too--again, twice. 

I went on to order and read Lavery's book, Objective Secure. Discovering Nick's Instagram account, I immediately became a follower and sent him an IM--which Nick promptly answered. For his birthday, my son got his own copy of Objective Secure from me; he chuckles that I'm "a groupie." That's probably an accurate description. 

It's more effective if you hear and read Nick's story for yourself, but I'll say this much: this man should be dead at least a dozen times over. In three separate combat incidents, he was wounded by shrapnel, shot in the face, and had his right leg destroyed by enemy machine gun fire. The numerous medical threats and complications that accompanied his third, catastrophic injury, resulting in an above-the-knee amputation, defy belief. 

Also defying belief is the fact that Nick was determined to return to active duty as a Green Beret--and he succeeded, as a Special Forces Warrant Officer. The obstacles he needed to overcome were staggering. He is the first Special Forces combat-wounded, above-the-knee amputee to return to the battlefield. When you learn his story, you'll understand why. It's obvious to me that Nick is meant to live, to teach, and to inspire.

It's a comforting thought to know that such men as Nick Lavery still walk among us.