The war for our identity

It seems that being an individual and having a unique identity has gone the way of the mammoth. The right to be an outsider, a separate entity is being slowly stripped away. The media, both social and news, parrot the same ideas and methodology. Be this, love that, or be considered an extremist. Do what we say, stand in line turn left when you hear the bell. This is not who we are. We are a free and independent people. If we believe the line is necessary we will stand in it. If we feel the line is without merit we won’t. As a person, who given free will; chooses to accept something, it does not mean it is right or wrong. The idea may stir emotion or may just be of no interest. Why do I as a free man born in a free country have to comply with every whim, idea or identity you assign me? We are losing our youth, our individualism and our country. We are at war with an ideology that cannot allow individual identity. They desire automatons that mold themselves to the ideas the system creates. Everyone sing the same song, read the same books and espouse that you no longer matter. Be a marionette and allow your identity to be destroyed or be a an individual with your own identity and be called an extremist. The choice is yours cower in fear of isolation or embrace it and retain your identity. The choice is yours.

Happy Birthday

Today is the 246th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps. While I never served in the military I have a great deal of respect for these men and women. The Few, The Proud the Marines! In honor of the old the young the here and the gone, let us raise a glass to the finest fighting force and the finest riflemen on the planet!

The Coming of Fall

As we begin the slow decent into fall, it becomes a time of reflection and joy. The best memories of my life were always in the fall. Harvesting the final crop from a bean field, watching the bird dogs becoming more eager as the weather cooled. Times in the field ahead of a pack of walkers waiting for the elusive white tailed deer. Walking amongst the beagles as we all, man and dog alike, relished the chase of the cotton tail. Walking far and wide at the back of a pair of pointers waiting for the bell to stop ringing and the whir of Bob White Quail. These were the days of my youth, a time when more time was available for family. Shorter days and longer nights meant less work and more time listening to stories of who we were and the suffering that gave us what we had. Meals were heartier and warmed the bones of young and old alike. I relish the fall for it brings quiet and calm to a chaotic world. The land and men rest in preparation for the spring. The winter provisions of food and wood prepared in the heat of the summer to provide warmth and sustenance are waiting to be put to work. The Thanksgiving meals were planned and executed with care and the joy of seeing family at the table of our grandfathers was always a happy time. Welcome fall with your cold wind and dropping leaves. Welcome calm and quiet, as we rest in preparation for winters chill and springs rebirth.