First, thank you to the troops who died in the service of our country. Your sacrifices will truly never be forgotten.
On to my reasoning for the "Memorial" day posting.
While everyone is enjoying their cook-outs and day off, I would like to draw a bit of attention to the issues surrounding why we celebrate "Memorial" day.
The idea is to remember those of us who choose to dedicate their lives to protecting freedom. Historically, there have only been two wars to protect American freedoms and both occurred on American soil about 100 years apart from one another. I am referring to the American Revolution (1775-1783) and the American Civil War (1861-1865.)
The American Revolution was fought by a group of rag wearing ex-patriot Englishmen against the King of England's armed forces. It lasted about seven years and resulted in the freedoms you and I enjoy today.
The American Civil War was fought by the northern part of the United States, (at this time, referred to as the Union,) and the southern part of the United States, (at this time, the Confederacy.) It lasted about four years and reunited a country after a long period of perceived inequality, (rich white southerners felt that rich white northerners didn't know anything about being rich or white in the south and being a rich white slave owner.)
Ultimately, the other wars that have been fought in this country have been largely cosmetic. We were trying to appeal to immigrants, (WWI and WWII,) we were trying to stop the drug trade (Operation Just Cause,) we were trying to expand our borders because we had a mandate from God, (Spanish-American War and Mexican-American War,) we believed that communism was wrong, (Cold War, Vietnam War, Korean War,) or, we were just bored and needed a way to take the heat off of our own corruption, (Operation Iraqi Freedom, Desert Storm, War on Terrorism, War on Drugs, War on Homelessness.)
I realize that not all of the last few were armed conflicts between our nation and another but, perhaps it is time to make the following point: our nation could be more than a war based economy. Millions upon millions of men and women have decided to go into the military over the years; some for family pride, some for patriotism, others because there were no other options available. Many times, the reason is because there isn't anything else available to the person and the Army or Marines make a good pitch about school. If there was a way to make school funding available to those students who are super-intelligent, yet lacking the funds to attend school, how many wars could we fight then? If not all high school seniors in this country had to decide on whether to make money or go to school after graduation, where would all of the jobs be? If some companies took the time to invest in children who posses amazing text book skills, rather than kids that have amazing factory skills, OUR COUNTRY MIGHT NOT BE WAR BASED.
I am not insinuating that we no longer need a military force. I am saying that we might want to rethink how we consider the men and women who have given their lives "In protecting Freedom." Or, more specifically, how "Freedom isn't really free."
If the people who had died since the end of the Civil War in 1865 saw what we were doing to the other countries over the last 141 years, many of them would wonder what they fought for. The south wanted to be its own country and keep slavery legal, because the Christian bible said it was OK. The North wanted to have the South back because that's where all of the raw materials for their industries came from and because they wanted to punish the rich white slave owners for mis-using the text in the Christian bible
We are trying to level the playing field for people in other countries. I do not question our country's desire to help those in need however, I do question our referencing to the military as "Protectors of Freedom." The military goes wherever its Commander in Chief tells them, does whatever is asked of them for however long it takes, and does it all with the knowledge that we will consider them heroes, whether they come back to us with on a commercial airliner or a military one. That is a truly amazing sacrifice.
What about sending them into a hornet's nest to "defend" a freedom that wasn't even wanted? What about sending them after one person to avenge 3,000 deaths, just to turn around and send them after another? What about invoking the name of the Christian god whilst destroying another Muslim country's people and mosques? What about killing innocent civilians? What about running our country into the ground while trying to prove a point about American military strength? What about...I could go on forever.
Our men and women, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, children and grandchildren, uncles and aunts, nephews and nieces should be revered, not reposed. They should be able to serve their country without the fear of never coming home again. They should be able to serve the entire republic, not just the rich white ones.
As I wrote the above diatribe, images floated into my mind of the countless times in our country's history when a mother has lain her son or daughter to rest while fighting a war that only a select few believe in. A distraught father, retired from many years of service to his country, laying a rose on top of a casket that should hold him, not his son. A wife, shattered by the appearance of an army chaplain at her job, forcing herself to believe that she needs to work more than grieve.
I know that we are going through a period of indifference in this country, I just don't understand why. I feel pain whenever someone has to be told that their loved one or friend won't ever say hello to them, walk on the beach with them, drive them to school, be at another wedding, drink a beer at a barbecue, celebrate another birthday, or just breathe ever again.
The things that we ask our men and women in the service to carry out in the name of our country need to be questioned by someone. We are a bunch of ignorant, self-centered fucks content on driving to the end of our mile long driveway in our SUV to check our mail, leaving all of the lights on in a home when we aren't there because it makes us "safe" from the bad black men living across town who are waiting for us to go on vacation and rob the place, sitting our children in front of the TV rather than in front of a bookshelf, drinking our lattes and eating our burgers while talking on our cell phones and driving back to work. We also drink cases of beer at family gatherings, talk about how church is the only place to go and socialize when we should be asking our collective God to watch over our family while they are off fighting a war that no one quite knows why we are fighting, sitting in our trailers watching wrestling, out back building a shed or repairing one of the 50 cars in the front yard, going to the lake to fish or swim or drink, telling the kids to shut up while driving that Chevy Suburban to Wal-Mart at 2:00am, or wishing that our kids would become rich while they are too busy eating fast food and lapping up the bullshit that is fed to them everyday by their parents who think they can actually do something that no one in their family has ever done before.
The military does what it is told to do and never speaks a word otherwise.
Who does that leave to speak up for them?
Thank you veterans and current servicemen and servicewoman for your undaunted and amazing resilience to our imaginary crises as they have arisen over the last 141 years. Your service to our country, while not truly needed, is very much admired.
To the rest of us that believe that we are in serious shit now more than ever on the world stage: remember the words of one of the greatest civil rights leaders ever, Mahatma Gandhi, who said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world."
This is the only way to turn things around.
Happy day off, everyone.
Much Love to you all,
Monday, May 29, 2006
Friday, May 26, 2006
Sailing, Sailing, Over the Bounding Main...
Two posts in one day will spoil you folks for sure.
I am moving. It is official.
Not really going all that far away, about a mile around the corner. Still, its the first move I have made since I came to Georgia, not including the six or so months I lived with my uncle but kept most of my shit in the house I moved to.
Big deal for me as well as I seem to have developed some sort of weight-related back pain. I guess its really my body's way of explaining how much of an asshole I have been to it lately. I also think that the pain is its only way of fighting back against my idea of living a sedentary lifestyle.
My aunt and father have both returned to their lairs for another round of conspiring to make me wonder which side of the family wants me to pull a Machiavelli and never come back. I had a good time as did they, (I know because that's what they said.) I just wish that we weren't all so far apart. It was also very nice to see my mom's friend, Lynn. She took care of my brother, sister and I when my mom and dad first separated. She also was my mom's inspiration to go back to school and my mom was hers. Weird how things work out, but they always work out they way they have to.
My roommate has deserted me. I re-read the last post and realized that I was dead on when I admitted to being jealous. I offered to buy her a parting-gift; sort of my way of saying thanks. She has provided me with so much entertainment and I really want to make sure that she knows that I don't hate her for deciding to move on with her life, I actually commend her for moving on. The hard part for her is realizing that she can do things without a man around and that she has the capacity to handle the little things better than she does now. She is a great person shrouded in layers upon layers of bitterness. I have asked her to see past the things that have happened to her and look to protect herself only when first meeting someone. Loosely translated, she shouldn't be so cold to strange women and as inviting to any male as she is now.
I do hope that she manages to keep me informed of what's going on but, I also realize that if you love something and let it go, if it comes back again, it hasn't truly learned anything.
As I head off to sleep, I will not have anymore dreams about my now ex-roommate turning into a transsexual while in a bar. I will also remember that I have a massive amount of shit to move and an entire house to make presentable. Woooooooooo.
Until the next I decide to become active,
Much Love,
and goodbye to the old house. :,( I will miss this place.
I am moving. It is official.
Not really going all that far away, about a mile around the corner. Still, its the first move I have made since I came to Georgia, not including the six or so months I lived with my uncle but kept most of my shit in the house I moved to.
Big deal for me as well as I seem to have developed some sort of weight-related back pain. I guess its really my body's way of explaining how much of an asshole I have been to it lately. I also think that the pain is its only way of fighting back against my idea of living a sedentary lifestyle.
My aunt and father have both returned to their lairs for another round of conspiring to make me wonder which side of the family wants me to pull a Machiavelli and never come back. I had a good time as did they, (I know because that's what they said.) I just wish that we weren't all so far apart. It was also very nice to see my mom's friend, Lynn. She took care of my brother, sister and I when my mom and dad first separated. She also was my mom's inspiration to go back to school and my mom was hers. Weird how things work out, but they always work out they way they have to.
My roommate has deserted me. I re-read the last post and realized that I was dead on when I admitted to being jealous. I offered to buy her a parting-gift; sort of my way of saying thanks. She has provided me with so much entertainment and I really want to make sure that she knows that I don't hate her for deciding to move on with her life, I actually commend her for moving on. The hard part for her is realizing that she can do things without a man around and that she has the capacity to handle the little things better than she does now. She is a great person shrouded in layers upon layers of bitterness. I have asked her to see past the things that have happened to her and look to protect herself only when first meeting someone. Loosely translated, she shouldn't be so cold to strange women and as inviting to any male as she is now.
I do hope that she manages to keep me informed of what's going on but, I also realize that if you love something and let it go, if it comes back again, it hasn't truly learned anything.
As I head off to sleep, I will not have anymore dreams about my now ex-roommate turning into a transsexual while in a bar. I will also remember that I have a massive amount of shit to move and an entire house to make presentable. Woooooooooo.
Until the next I decide to become active,
Much Love,
and goodbye to the old house. :,( I will miss this place.
Friday, May 19, 2006
I am Peter Griffin...
My aunt from my father's side and my father are in town for my sister's alleged graduation from high school. The only problem with that is this is the first time that they have spoken face to face in about 15-20 years. Wonderful families that we all have, innit?
I have my aunt and my dad here with me at my house. They have spent the last few hours speaking to one another, a welcome respite from the norm of the past few years. I am in the parlor with the television, watching with my roommate. We had our tiny discussion about her moving out in the next few weeks and she is happy with her choice. I can't say that I blame her; sadly, I am starting to become jealous. She will be going to live with her friend, I will be off to move in with family again. I begin to think that I am a victim of circumstance and then realize that karma plays out on all of us in ways we can't imagine.
My mom went to the hospital this morning. From what I can discern, she has been very upset /distressed lately and wasn't feeling too hot this morning. When she went to the hospital, they found out that she had a mental breakdown and immediately placed her onto anti-psychotics. My brother reported that she is drugged out of her mind. Amazingly enough, this was/is the day before my sister finally graduates. Stranger still...
While I am at work and on the phone with a customer, occasionally we will begin by speaking about going to school. They will ask if I am in school and I tell them yes. They ask if I am in for computers or business and I reply psychology. I hope that I have illuminated my choice in profession to you. There is another idea of mine and that would be to get into law school as well. One step at a time. One foot in front of the other.
Now, I feel a bit better. The vent is closing and I am feeling relieved. I might be able to see my girl someday soon. We have been off schedule lately and its not looking like we are going to get closer to being back on schedule anytime soon.
Much love.
I have my aunt and my dad here with me at my house. They have spent the last few hours speaking to one another, a welcome respite from the norm of the past few years. I am in the parlor with the television, watching with my roommate. We had our tiny discussion about her moving out in the next few weeks and she is happy with her choice. I can't say that I blame her; sadly, I am starting to become jealous. She will be going to live with her friend, I will be off to move in with family again. I begin to think that I am a victim of circumstance and then realize that karma plays out on all of us in ways we can't imagine.
My mom went to the hospital this morning. From what I can discern, she has been very upset /distressed lately and wasn't feeling too hot this morning. When she went to the hospital, they found out that she had a mental breakdown and immediately placed her onto anti-psychotics. My brother reported that she is drugged out of her mind. Amazingly enough, this was/is the day before my sister finally graduates. Stranger still...
While I am at work and on the phone with a customer, occasionally we will begin by speaking about going to school. They will ask if I am in school and I tell them yes. They ask if I am in for computers or business and I reply psychology. I hope that I have illuminated my choice in profession to you. There is another idea of mine and that would be to get into law school as well. One step at a time. One foot in front of the other.
Now, I feel a bit better. The vent is closing and I am feeling relieved. I might be able to see my girl someday soon. We have been off schedule lately and its not looking like we are going to get closer to being back on schedule anytime soon.
Much love.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Recovery Room
I borrowed the title from a bar that used to have its sign high on the building it was in. It just happened to be near a bridge that my family and I crossed quite frequently as a kid. It was always a place that I wanted to go, not knowing that it was actually an oxymoron.
My classes are over. I have opted out of the summer term due to a lack of funds. Not to mention it will give me some time to move into a new place and to finish that novel I have been working on.
Due to the fact that no one in the area wants to move in with me, I have to either move into another one of my uncle's houses down the street, (which will be a bit more in rent but something he'd be willing to deal with if we can't fill it up with renters,) or move out with the girl I stay with into a two bedroom apartment...
Yeah, so that's a no-brainer. She's nice and all, I just think it would be easier to keep my sanity. She is so desperate to stay in this house that she even proposed moving her "I-hate-his-irresponsible-drunk-ass," (and that's a shoot, not to mention her words) ex-boyfriend into the place. Pretty interesting how the world turns...
I plan to post a bit more over the next few weeks as I need to stop playing video games and start enriching my mind again. I will be reading through some of the works of the Marquis de Sade and some of the most popular religious texts in the world. I hope to be able to read through all of them in the weeks to come, as the schedule that I currently work affords me quite a bit of free time. No one is really awake when I am up until 5am. I know that I will make it through though. Don't feel bad, dear reader. It is when we are alone that we truly discover ourselves.
My girl is home from school for the summer. Its nice to know that we can spend all school year having twenty minutes conversations at night so that when she comes home we can spend all summer having four five minute conversations about how lame my day was before she falls asleep on me. I like our relationship. I just feel bad that I can't entertain her all of the time with magical stories. I tried to tell her a story the other night and we can't even make it through a phone call without an interruption or her nodding off. Damn this shift, if only for the fact that it fucks with my relationship.
I actually enjoy working at night. I keep waiting for the day when I wake up before noon feeling refreshed and well-rested; it just hasn't come around yet, I guess.
I am officially drawing away from the political comments for a while. I can't handle all of the information that has come out over the last few months. I have adopted a new motto, "It won't get fixed by bitching." If you really want to know what burns me, mail me.
I am towards the bottom of the deposit I planned on making and I haven't even mentioned the best news yet. How rude of me!
My mom has opted to take a job which would relocate her to about 3 hours south of where I am. This would place her on the beach but far away. I am happy for her and truly hope that her new job is as amazing as she hopes it will be.
My sister is allegedly graduating from high school. A year late and by the hairs on her chinny chin chin, but the better part is the gathering of persons that will be here. Almost like a mini-reunion of sorts; some of the people booked haven't been in a family angle in a while. I hope to get them over with the crowds...A tad slide into wrestling lingo...sorry.
I am relaxed, sad and curious. Relaxed because I have one last thing to do for one of my classes and I am finished. Sad because I wish I worked at a therapists office rather than CC. Curious to see what tomorrow will bring to my water dish.
I write in this blog to clear out baggage. It takes me some time to realize that I have a good place to dump on. The only thing that frightens me is the fact that if I were to pass away, this information would never be updated again and would be here forever. I guess that's not so much scary as it is interesting.
I must make a personal request. If you have about 10 minutes while you are surfing the web, would you mind checking out another blog for me? This is worth it if you are into reading what other people consider private.
PostSecret is one of the most interesting sites that I have viewed in a long time. Its almost as good as people watching, only you don't have to be wearing clothes and sitting in public to see the people and they are trying to clear their conscious' of their most intimate thoughts.
Wow. I made it pretty far down the items for deposit. I had a lot to talk about today. I am glad that this was here for my outlet.
Until the next that we meet...
Much Love to you all,
Matthew
My classes are over. I have opted out of the summer term due to a lack of funds. Not to mention it will give me some time to move into a new place and to finish that novel I have been working on.
Due to the fact that no one in the area wants to move in with me, I have to either move into another one of my uncle's houses down the street, (which will be a bit more in rent but something he'd be willing to deal with if we can't fill it up with renters,) or move out with the girl I stay with into a two bedroom apartment...
Yeah, so that's a no-brainer. She's nice and all, I just think it would be easier to keep my sanity. She is so desperate to stay in this house that she even proposed moving her "I-hate-his-irresponsible-drunk-ass," (and that's a shoot, not to mention her words) ex-boyfriend into the place. Pretty interesting how the world turns...
I plan to post a bit more over the next few weeks as I need to stop playing video games and start enriching my mind again. I will be reading through some of the works of the Marquis de Sade and some of the most popular religious texts in the world. I hope to be able to read through all of them in the weeks to come, as the schedule that I currently work affords me quite a bit of free time. No one is really awake when I am up until 5am. I know that I will make it through though. Don't feel bad, dear reader. It is when we are alone that we truly discover ourselves.
My girl is home from school for the summer. Its nice to know that we can spend all school year having twenty minutes conversations at night so that when she comes home we can spend all summer having four five minute conversations about how lame my day was before she falls asleep on me. I like our relationship. I just feel bad that I can't entertain her all of the time with magical stories. I tried to tell her a story the other night and we can't even make it through a phone call without an interruption or her nodding off. Damn this shift, if only for the fact that it fucks with my relationship.
I actually enjoy working at night. I keep waiting for the day when I wake up before noon feeling refreshed and well-rested; it just hasn't come around yet, I guess.
I am officially drawing away from the political comments for a while. I can't handle all of the information that has come out over the last few months. I have adopted a new motto, "It won't get fixed by bitching." If you really want to know what burns me, mail me.
I am towards the bottom of the deposit I planned on making and I haven't even mentioned the best news yet. How rude of me!
My mom has opted to take a job which would relocate her to about 3 hours south of where I am. This would place her on the beach but far away. I am happy for her and truly hope that her new job is as amazing as she hopes it will be.
My sister is allegedly graduating from high school. A year late and by the hairs on her chinny chin chin, but the better part is the gathering of persons that will be here. Almost like a mini-reunion of sorts; some of the people booked haven't been in a family angle in a while. I hope to get them over with the crowds...A tad slide into wrestling lingo...sorry.
I am relaxed, sad and curious. Relaxed because I have one last thing to do for one of my classes and I am finished. Sad because I wish I worked at a therapists office rather than CC. Curious to see what tomorrow will bring to my water dish.
I write in this blog to clear out baggage. It takes me some time to realize that I have a good place to dump on. The only thing that frightens me is the fact that if I were to pass away, this information would never be updated again and would be here forever. I guess that's not so much scary as it is interesting.
I must make a personal request. If you have about 10 minutes while you are surfing the web, would you mind checking out another blog for me? This is worth it if you are into reading what other people consider private.
PostSecret is one of the most interesting sites that I have viewed in a long time. Its almost as good as people watching, only you don't have to be wearing clothes and sitting in public to see the people and they are trying to clear their conscious' of their most intimate thoughts.
Wow. I made it pretty far down the items for deposit. I had a lot to talk about today. I am glad that this was here for my outlet.
Until the next that we meet...
Much Love to you all,
Matthew
Thursday, May 04, 2006
The real "Shock and Awe"
While looking around the web this morning, I was saddened to find this little tidbit to the left. Please note that over three-fourths of the respondants in my age group believe that English is the world's most spoken primary language.
English. The same language this is in. As though China's 1,306,313,812 CHINESE SPEAKERS don't fucking exist.
That's all I have for now.
Much love.
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