Acknowledgment Encomium

This day is for the men and women both gay and straight and of all racial/ethnic origins who have come to be called American and served our country and kept it safe from tyranny. This is a day for the Veterans of the United States of America. It's a day we remember the people who went to war on our behalf because they heard the call of their country. They were aware of what America was up against, tyrants. They understood they were the ones who had to serve, and not somebody else in their place. The most simple of people felt called upon to take up arms in defence of a country they cared for, making a stand with their lives.

All nations should be very reluctant to go into battle. Illegal wars, actions that serve no purpose but to control, oppress and conquer other people, should never be undertaken. But where people aren't free -- they are ruled by tyrants or occupied by foreign powers -- where free people are threatened or overrun by a conqueror -- war is thrust upon them. They have no choice. A world where everyone's opinion and human right matters is the dream of the peace movement. The united States should serve as a leader in the movement for world peace.

While driving home tonight, on what is supposed to be an AM radio sports station, a talk show began. The host boasted he is from a family that has served in every U.S. war since the War of 1812, and he hates politicians that "criticize" soldiers. He was vague as to who he meant by "politicians that criticize" and "soldiers." To me, it sounded like what he meant by "soldiers" was "the Iraq War." And for "politicians", he finally said he meant "Barack Obama." He said he was very angry a man who has "never served a day in his life" was made commander in chief, but that he "can't do anything about that now." Poor guy.

But who was he kidding? All his like minded listeners he praised as great people, and all not so like-minded, he accused of treason. A very unhappy Veterans Day to me? No, not for me. For him.