THOUGHTS OF AN OLD WARRIOR - RINGO'S MUSINGS

The following is priceless.................enjoy!

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2487638612433437293&q=Veterans

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Where do we go from here?  That is a very good question, one which few have the answer too, therefore, I will not belabor the subject.

To begin with, I would like to share a poem, that the Secretary of a former Special Forces Association Chapter (59) which I was a member of, sent to me.  It is penned by one of the Chapter Members.

The Old Men The old men struggled to their feet The anthem at the end of its first stanza Leaning on each other as in years gone by Caps off, held gently over their hearts Hair thin and wispy, moving with the breeze Bodies erect, they stand in silent reverence Their caps bear names from long ago Places where history was made Normandie, Bastogne, Corregidor, Okinawa They remember another time, another place They gave their blood, their sweat, and their youth Friends gave the last full measure Asking not for praise, or thanks Only that you honor their friends, Remember why, and never forget

by Harmon Snipes

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Hey, it's been a while, but thought I'd add to the previous one on the dissension in the ranks of the SFA.

It appears that we have a cast of characters who are running for the offices of the Presidency and Vice President.  A total of five for the top slot and four for the VP slot.  Of these we have a pair, running as a team, and for what it is worth, I think they will be the next to take the helm of the Association.  The other positions are uncontested, and the only one in question would be the Secretary's slot.  Where it is set by the Association By Laws, as directed by Robert Rules of Order, no elected member of the Association, may hold a "paid" position on the BOD. 

The Secretary, presently is holding the position os Association Administrator, which is in direct contrast to the By Laws.  If the Secretary were to resign this position, and maintain the position of Administrator, the Association would have an Administrator capable of handling that particular job.

Hopefully, with some new blood at the reins we will have an association as it was meant to be......................Ringo Sends

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There has been a lot of chatter, concerning the management of the SFA.  As in the procedures, the distribution of literature and the likes. Personally, I have endured very few problems, over the years, but then again, I am only one person.

There are some who will piss and moan no matter what is done to improve any project or organization.  Which, I suppose leans towards an old saying:  "You can please some of the people, all of the time.  All of the people, some of the time.  However, you cannot please ALL of the people, all of the time!"  With this thought in mind, I am open to anything which some of you out there, who receive this, has in mind.  Not that I am running for any office, but, because, I am interested in the thoughs of the membership.  Another analogy: "If it works, don't fix it.  If it is broke, please let me know what your thoughts are on fixing the problem."..........or................"Don't tell me it doesn't work, without telling me what can be done to make it work.".........................Jim/Ringo

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Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the letter of Raymond Peterson from VFW District 9, Post 6133, in Owensville, MO.  Raymond read his essay to the VFW Members, during our District Meeting at Post 2657, Fulton, MO.  I was so impressed, that I asked for a copy, if he had no problem with his entry appearing on the Internet, in my Journal.  Permission was granted and a copy of the essay follows.

VOICE OF DEMOCRACY.......

Freedom.  The word that trickles down the path of our nations history.  The proclamation that has rung throughout Americans ears for centuries.

What does it mean?  Independence from tyranny?  The ability to resist oppressors? Or could freedom simply be the decision of which burden to bear? 

     On July 4th of 1776, the load of truth, dignity, and honor was willingly placed on men who were tired of a corrupt leader.  Our forefathers and our veterans carried the weight of freedom on their backs, and paid for it with their lives.

     We must ask ourselves if we really have the same freedom that generations before us fought and died for.  Past generations of people weren't afraid to offend people,  Past generations didn't try to mask what they believed.  Speaking your mind was something that was allowed without repercussion.  But that got lost along the way. 

     James Madison once said,  "I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachment of those in power then by violent and sudden usurpation."  Have we simply let true freedom slip from our fingers?  I believe we have.  In early 1960's, the biggest problem in school was a fight in the hall every once in a while.  Now school shooting are on everyone's mind.  In the early 50's a family was sacred.  A mother raised her children, a father provided for them, and every night they would all sit over a meal and discuss problems and issues.  I can't remember the last time I sat down at a dinner table.  Where have we gone? 

     America has become a nation that rejects and accepts every idea that is put in front of them.  Religion is a wonderful, moral institution, as long as no one else knows what religion you are.  Dignity and honor are taught in schools, but not practiced by our nation's leaders.  Homosexuals hold to a theory that their problem is a psychological disease, yet our citizens almost encourage it. 

      Our so-called freedom has gotten out of hand.  The cliche that all is well as long as no one gets hurt is too often used.  Theodore Roosevelt wrote, "Order without liberty and liberty without order are equally destructive."  Saddam Hussein had liberty without order, Hitler tried to create order without liberty.  America stood up to them.  But why will we not stand up to those in power who are manipulating the very freedom in which men have painted fields red for time and time again.  The famous quote by John F. Kennedy says, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."  So for my country, I rise against the people who use political correctness as a shield to distort freedom from what it once was.  Because, as Daniel Webster said, "The contest for ages has been to rescue liberty from the grasp of executive power."  My freedom is demonstrated by encoring my leaders use of honesty and valor instead of following them blindly.  My freedom is demonstrated by risking my security and my comfort so that others may have it.  My freedom is demonstrated by trying to restore the nation back to what it was before all the political correctness took over.  A powerful nation that stood behind justice.  Although I am not fighting tyranny and terrorism with a rifle in my hand, the hope in my heart and the pride in my country is still the same. 

     Freedom has it's life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so must be daily earned and refreshed - else like a flower cut from it's life-giving roots, it will wither and die.  "Dwight D. Eisenhower had it right in that quote.  "Our freedom must be earned daily.  Sacrifices must be given for the cause of freedom."

     Throughout history men and women have died for it.  Many have been persecuted for it.  As Thomas Campbell wrote, "A Patriots blood is the seed of freedom's tree."  Veterans, your pain, you suffering, your sweat, and your blood was not given fruitlessly.  Our freedom is demonstrated by keeping freedom's tree alive.  Thank You.

If, this doesn't tell it like it is, nothing will....................Ringo

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LOCAL STUDENTS WIN VFW SCHOLARSHIPS

February 9, 2006                                                          For more information contact:

For Immediate Release                                                Dean R. Yarolimek

                                                                                     2737     

Missouri department of VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary presented certificates and checks to the winners of their Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen contests at an awards ceremony, Saturday evening, February 4, 2006 at their Council of Administration banquet held in the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City.

     Department of Missouri VFW Commander Jim Holmes introduced the VFW chairman Comrade Gloria Bosco and LAVFW chairman and Sister Pat Newell. The chairmen introduced the fourteen Voice of Democracy District winners and the Patriot’s Pen Department winner, who, in turn, introduced their parents and presented a brief bio of themselves. All winners were presented with their scholarship checks, certificates, and a pin from VFW Commander in Chief, James R. Mueller.

     The first place Voice of Democracy winner ($2000 scholarship) this year, out of 14 final contestants from across the state, was Sarah Jarrett from District 2 (sponsored by Post 2442 in Eldon, MO). Second place winner ($1250 scholarship) was Raymond Peterson from District 9 (sponsored by Post 6133 in Owensville, MO) and the third place winner ($1000 scholarship) was Daniel Wilkes from District 5 (sponsored by Post 30 in Blue Springs, MO). In addition to the scholarship, the VFW first place winner receives a trip to Washington, D.C, to compete in the National Competition. She is also invited to attend the Freedoms Foundation at the “Spirit of America” Youth Conference to be held on June 29th-July 2, 2006, at Valley Forge,  PA.

The theme for this contest was “HOW I DEMONSTRATE MY FREEDOM”, and was offered to 9th thru 12th grade students.

     The Department of Missouri VFW Patriot’s Pen essay contest winner this year was Dillon Forbes, District 9 (sponsored by Post 5517 in Winfield, MO). He was awarded a $500 scholarship, a certificate and a pin from VFW Commander in Chief, James R. Mueller. The theme for this contestwas “WHO ARE TODAYS PATRIOT’S” and was offered to middle school students, grades 6 thru 8.

     Each year, hundreds of thousands of students participate in the Voice of Democracy scholarship competition and the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest, garnering more than $3.4 Million in scholarship and incentives. These programs, sponsored by the VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary and endorsed by the National Association of Secondary School Principals’ contest criteria, are audio essay contests for high school students in grades

9 - 12. The annual contest, which is designed to foster patriotism, allows students the opportunity to voice their opinion in a three to five minute essays based on an annual theme. The Voice of Democracy Theme for 2006-2007 will be “Freedom’s Challenge”. The Patriot’s Pen theme for 2006-2007 will be “Citizenship in America”.

     The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is 106 years old. It was started September 29, 1899, in Columbus, Ohio and became involved in the Voice of Democracy Program in the late 1950’s. The VFW took over primary sponsorship of the program in 1961 and at that time became the sole program sponsor. Each year the program focuses on an annual patriotic theme. In 1964 The Ladies Auxiliary joined the VFW. We can all be very proud of what has been accomplished by their cooperative efforts to benefit  America’s youth.

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For what it is worth, I think this is an outstanding sermon, and well worth the time to read it...............................Jim

This Pastor has guts!!

Thought you might enjoy this interesting prayer given in Kansas at the opening session of their Senate.  It seems prayer still upsets some people.

When Minister Joe Wright was asked to open the new session of the Kansas Senate, everyone was expecting the usual generalities, but this is what they heard:

"Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance.
We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good, ' but that is exactly what we have done.

We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.  We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.

We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.  We have killed our unborn and called it choice.  We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.  We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem.

We have abused power and called it politics.  We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition.  We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of _expression.

We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.

Search us, Oh, God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free.

Amen!"

The response was immediate.  A number of legislators walked out during the prayer in protest.  In 6 short weeks, Central Christian Church, where Rev.  Wright is pastor, logged more than 5,000 phone calls with only 47 of those calls responding negatively.  The church is now receiving international requests for copies of this prayer from India, Africa and Korea.

Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program, "The Rest of the Story," and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired.  With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over our nation and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called "one nation under God."

If possible, please pass this prayer on to your friends.

"If you don't stand for something, you will fall for everything."

Think about this: If you forward this prayer to everyone on your e-mail list, in less than 30 days it would be heard by the world.  How many people in your address book will not receive this prayer.....do you have the guts to pass it on?

NO PROBLEM!  I just did.....  : )

Thank you and have a Blessed Day!

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Gulf Coast Rebuilding
 
MS Gulf Coast : We have a plan
New Orleans : We gots us a plan, too

MS Gulf Coast : We have trucks waiting on higher ground to move food, etc.
New Orleans : We gots our trucks parked, too. Just in 6 feets of water.

MS Gulf Coast . Police will be back on patrol as soon as we can move around.
New Orleans : Cops loot Wal-Mart.

MS Gulf Coast : Home owners begin clearing debris by themselves.
New Orleans : Who's gonna clean up this mess?

MS Gulf Coast : It'll cost me some savings to rebuild, but . . .
New Orleans : Where's the damn government with the debit cards?

MS Gulf Coast: We are partners with FEMA, but it starts here first.
New Orleans : Damn FEMA, why wasn't they ready?

MS Gulf Coast : It was worse than I believed. I should have evacuated.
New Orleans : They didn't send nobody to gets me.

MS Gulf Coast : Leaders: we have work to do, let's get started.
New Orleans : Leaders: let's go to Las Vegas and party.

MS Gulf Coast : We made a few mistakes, but we learned.
New Orleans : It was ______ (fill in the blank) who was at fault.

And you wonder why the  MS Gulf Coast  isn't getting the news coverage New Orleans got? The media doesn't want to see a state with it's act together or watch people work to rebuild. Whining, complaining and infighting. That's news, Baby! Now do you believe and trust the news media? Now it is your turn to pass this email to all your friends and tell the truth.

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Subject: EXPLANATION OF GOD

This was written by an 8-year-old named Danny Dutton, who lives in Chula Vista, CA He wrote it for his third grade homework assignment, to "explain God".  I wonder if any of us could have done as well?
EXPLANATION OF GOD:
"One of God's main jobs is making people.  He makes them to replace the ones that die, so there will be enough people to take care of things on earth.  He doesn't make grownups, just babies.  I think because they are smaller and easier to make.  That way he doesn't have to take up his valuable time teaching them to talk and walk.  He can just leave that to mothers and fathers."
"God's second most important job is listening to prayers.  An awful lot of this goes on, since some people, like preachers and things, pray at times beside bedtime.  God doesn't have time to listen to the radio or TV because of this.  Because he hears everything, there must be a terrible lot of noise in his ears, unless he has thought of a way to turn it off."
"God sees everything and hears everything and is everywhere which keeps Him pretty busy.  So you shouldn't go wasting his time by going over your mom and dad's head asking for something they said you couldn't have."
"Atheists are people who don't believe in God.  I don't think there are any in Chula Vista .  At least there aren't any who come to our church.  Jesus is God's Son.  He used to do all the hard work, like walking on water and performing miracles and trying to teach the people who didn't want to learn about God.  They finally got tired of him preaching to them and they crucified him But he was good and kind, like his father, and he told his father that they didn't know what they were doing and to forgive them and God said O.K."
"His dad (God) appreciated everything that he had done and all his hard work on earth so he told him he didn't have to go out on the road anymore.
He could stay in heaven.  So he did.  And now he helps his dad out by listening to prayers and seeing things which are important for God to take care of and which ones he can take care of himself without having to bother God.  Like a secretary, only more important."
"You can pray anytime you want and they are sure to help you because they got it worked out so one of them is on duty all the time." "You should always go to church on Sunday because it makes God happy, and if there's anybody you want to make happy, it's God!
Don't skip church to do something you think will be more fun like going to the beach.  This is wrong.  And besides the sun doesn't come out at the beach until noon anyway.  "If you don't believe in God, besides being an atheist, you will be very lonely, because your parents can't go everywhere with you, like to camp, but God can It is good to know He's around you when you're scared, in the dark or when you can't swim and you get thrown into real deep water by big kids."
"But...you shouldn't just always think of what God can do for you.  I figure God put me here and he can take me back anytime he pleases.
And...that's why I believe in God."

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