I got a call the other day that was one that makes you stop
and remember, be humbled, and grateful, and thankful with happy memories and
the weight of sadness, so heavy that you must sit down. I was informed by one
of the men I served with in Vietnam, having stayed in touch, one of several where
friendship developed and became part of ones soul, even though we only saw each
other but a few times since returning to our homes, going our own ways, raising
our own families and always, always thankful each and every moment of every day
for the chance at life that so many didn’t have. Another of those, now more
than one cares to talk about, that was part of my Vietnam history passed away. He
was one in our small group that shared in making the tour memorable,
sustainable, made the long hours, the really shitty weather, the little black buggy
things in the bread and biscuits, the confinements of being in country, living
quarters (very loose descriptive use of those two words), rats the size of a
house cat, too many medivacs to count, humidity that allowed 30 seconds of
feeling clean after a shower and on many occasions warm beer, not so bad. I’m sorry, warm
beer sucks. He will never be forgotten. Nor will those that rest upon the
Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
I am frequently reminded of Vietnam when an individual or
group talk about climate change. Especially if they are relating to the
seasonal changes here in the United States. Go whine somewhere else. Vietnam
has a season we don’t share here; it is called Monsoon Season. Go to any travel
agency and they will tell you traveling to Southeast Asia between June and
October is not the best time. Apparently, the Marine Corps doesn’t use travel
agents.
Then today, just a few ago, I’m flipping through You Tube, watching
this and that. Music and dancing in between CNN, MSNBC and FOX clips regarding
the current campaigns. Which when you consider most is propaganda and not journalism
but like the weather in Vietnam…shitty. When I came across a collection of
scenes from “Taking Chance.”
After regaining my composure and letting the anger subside,
I went to my laptop. So here we are. It will be a short rant. Having lost
fellow Marines in combat, friends and neighbors as well and some over the years
to Agent Orange illnesses and cancers, More lost in Iraq, Afghanistan as well
as fellow officers while serving on the California Highway Patrol you wouldn’t
think it would be this devastating. But it is. Why you ask.
The Democratic Party has selected two of the most
unqualified candidates as the best they have to offer. The propaganda parade
across the mainstream medias will get them votes from other incompetents. Let us just hope not enough. One
who has proven her incompetence over the last 3+ years and another that is
further from being a moderate Midwesterner than a rice farmer in Vietnam. The broadcast
scenes from “Taking Chance” slammed into my consciousness like John Henry’s hammer. Not only is the
Democrats choice for VP incompetent, but the scenes from “Taking Chance”
reminded me, no matter how you slice it, his 24 year military record and his
fabrication about it caps off his legacy with cowardice and lies. Something he
has in common with Biden. His legacy too is being tainted as well. Who is going to forget his 50+ years ended with an organized coup by his Party and dementia.
Stay safe, stay free and stay ready.
No comments:
Post a Comment