"They're not in Hollywood anymore." That is the tagline for the new NBC series "Stars Earn Stripes" which premieres in August. Hollywood thinks they have it different this time with the addition of celebrities and the charity aspect as each team competes for a cash prize on behalf of a military, veterans or first-responder charity. The bottom line is that "War is not a Game". Not now, not ever.
This new NBC television show is getting unprecedented visibility with their advertising during the Olympics. The NBC site says the show " is an action-packed competition show that pays homage to the men and women who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces and our first-responder services." They advertise "Live Ammo! Real explosives! Real danger!"
I wonder what the demographic that NBC aims to draw into watching this show? With executive producers Mark Burnett and David A. Hurwitz, known for their popular reality game shows "Fear Factor", "The Voice," and "Survivor", would it be a surprise that the target might be video game players? First person shooter video war games have been very popular to gamers, so why not a television show that goes one step closer to this war game, game being the key word?
"Stars Earn Stripes" glorifies the image that most people have of war. But less than 1% of the population of this country is affected by the war in
any way and it is this disconnect that is bothersome. Those 1% are the
members of the military and their families, the people who love them.
"Stars Earn Stripes" minimizes the value and importance of military training actual participation in the military. The participants in this show will work with military professionals and "will gather at a remote training facility, where they will be challenged
to execute complicated missions inspired by real military exercises.
From helicopter drops into water to long-range weapons fire, the
contestants will be tested physically, mentally and emotionally", but that will only give these celebrities a glimpse of actual military training that takes months and years to produce a cohesive unit and troops that have been tested again and again by this training.
Regardless of the immersion that these celebrities partake, it can or will never, ever compare with the experiences of those who fight these battles in real life and who will live with the images of dead and
wounded friends forever, and forever is a long time, not just until the next commercial. War is not a game, not on video games and not in television.
My message to the executives of NBC and the producers of "Stars Earn Stripes" is this show does not pay homage to the military and first responders. It is just another way for those who have sat out these wars to pretend that they, too, can withstand the rigors that real members of the military do every day. 1% of the US population has the satisfaction of knowing that they met the standards and values of military training. It's too bad the other 99% think that "Stars Earn Stripes" does the same.
War is not a Game!
Monday, July 30, 2012
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
The Dead Soldiers of Arlington Cemetery & Congressman Trent Franks
Congressman Trent Franks (R-AZ) comments about the economy pissed me off tonight. He said:
“There are people lying out in Arlington National Cemetery tonight and I wonder what their perspective would be If they could come back among us for just few moments. I would suggest to you they didn’t die so that we could spend our country into bankruptcy so that we could weaken our nation on all fronts simply because we weren’t fiscally responsible. And they didn’t die so we could put ourselves so deeply in debt so that we sent tens of thousands for each little child born today so that they would have to carry that (debt) the rest of their lives.”
Congressman Franks, what the hell? What does my dead son and more than 6100 other dead members of the military have to do with the economy? Unless you are talking about the $3 trillion cost of the wars that you voted for and refused to pay for and has been a major cause of the current state of our economy.
And really, why wonder what my son would think about the economy, when you voted to send him there. Do you feel responsible for his death? You should.
Congressman Franks, do not ever use the death of my son to justify your selfish and self-centered politics. Do not ever imagine what my son would say about the economics of the day- do not go there.
Former President Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney and the rest of that administration lied to put the US into an illegal war. Unfortunately, while you tout the sanctity of life on your website, “Trent has worked tirelessly in an effort to protect the innocent at every stage of life.” you forgot to protect the members of the military when you voted to send so many of them to their certain death. Look to that administration for the reckless spending on the reckless wars and that is when “we sent tens of thousands for each little child born today so that they would have to carry that for the rest of their lives.”
So, Congressman Franks, leave my dead son to lie in peace at Arlington National Cemetery and I won’t wonder what your children, Joshua and Emily think about any given subject.
Sunday, May 01, 2011
"We got him" Osama bin Laden is dead.
The email I got from my son when Saddam Hussein was killed back in December 2003 said "We got him". Ken had been in Iraq for 7 months by then. I wish I could have received the same email this evening, referring to Osama bin Laden, but tonight I am missing my son who was killed in Iaq on May 30, 2004.
I am not joyful to hear of the death of Osama bin Laden, I am relieved. Much as I was relieved when the administration of George W Bush ended in January 2009. Okay, I guess I was a little joyful watching George & Laura boarded the helicopter at the White House that would take them back to Crawford, TX.
I can't help miss the contrast of announcements on May 1, 2003 when then President Bush announced "Mission Accomplished" and eight years later on May 1, 2011 when President Barack Obama announced that "Osama bin Laden is Dead". Was finding Osama bin Laden a priority of the Bush administration?
The attack on the Twin Towers on 9/11/2001 was not just a loss for New Yorkers, it was a loss for our country and eventually, a loss for our way of life. Laws changed, our freedoms were restricted and terror became the word of the early 21st century. My son was a senior in college that day back in 2001. He called me that September morning and we watched TV together, he in Tennessee, me in California, as the 2nd tower was attacked. The next day, Ken wrote this in his journal:
More than $1 trillion has been spent, more than 6000 US military died, countless were wounded and that is just Americans. How do we count the deaths of civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan? I hope that our country will learn the lesson that war isn't the answer when something goes wrong in the world. Diplomacy and good intelligence are essential parts of any country's foreign policy.
Terrorism has not ended, of course, but we can turn this page on Osama bin Laden. His reign of terror is now over.
As one of my friends said tonite-
I am not joyful to hear of the death of Osama bin Laden, I am relieved. Much as I was relieved when the administration of George W Bush ended in January 2009. Okay, I guess I was a little joyful watching George & Laura boarded the helicopter at the White House that would take them back to Crawford, TX.
I can't help miss the contrast of announcements on May 1, 2003 when then President Bush announced "Mission Accomplished" and eight years later on May 1, 2011 when President Barack Obama announced that "Osama bin Laden is Dead". Was finding Osama bin Laden a priority of the Bush administration?
The attack on the Twin Towers on 9/11/2001 was not just a loss for New Yorkers, it was a loss for our country and eventually, a loss for our way of life. Laws changed, our freedoms were restricted and terror became the word of the early 21st century. My son was a senior in college that day back in 2001. He called me that September morning and we watched TV together, he in Tennessee, me in California, as the 2nd tower was attacked. The next day, Ken wrote this in his journal:
Terror came to this nation on the 11th. The question of how runs through the mind of many and shock set in as we watch with horror the events unfolding before us. Anger fills many hearts and minds. Once that anger is focused, God help us then. The nation wants blood, but do they understand that in spilling their blood, ours will flow too? When this war does start, I should be back on the front lines. I really hope that I will make the right choices and keep those people under me alive.
Ken was 24 at the time. How did he know he truth when so many others refused to go down that path?
No one under Ken's command died during his 384 days in Iraq.
More than $1 trillion has been spent, more than 6000 US military died, countless were wounded and that is just Americans. How do we count the deaths of civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan? I hope that our country will learn the lesson that war isn't the answer when something goes wrong in the world. Diplomacy and good intelligence are essential parts of any country's foreign policy.
Terrorism has not ended, of course, but we can turn this page on Osama bin Laden. His reign of terror is now over.
As one of my friends said tonite-
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
It's None of Their Business
It's not as if the government doesn't already know a ridiculous amount of information about us anyway. The information that they've got comes from our income taxes, our jobs, our credit cards. I'm sure they have quite a dossier on all of us already. Some people say they aren't worried about that because they don't have anything to hide, but that theory really only goes so far.
The State Department has announced a formal notification to allow 60 days for public comment about a proposed new form DS-5513 , a Biographical Questionnaire that would be incorporated into the process for securing a US Passport. The applicant is asked for all addresses since birth; lifetime employment history including employers’ and supervisors names, addresses, and telephone numbers; personal details of all siblings; all schools attended both in the US and overseas; mother’s address one year prior to your birth; any “religious ceremony” around the time of birth; and other intrusive and personal information
According to the questionnaire, an estimated 74,000 applicants will complete the form. In 2010, approximately 14 million US passports were issued, so that works out to 1 in 200 applicants who will be required to complete the form. Neither the DS-5513 form or the announcement reveal where that number came from or who qualifies to be one of the special 74,000 applicants.
If you are one of those 74,000, please note that “failure to provide the information requested may result in … the denial of your U.S. passport application.” and "Providing the information requested on this form, including your social security number, is voluntary, but failure to provide the information requested may result in processing delays or the denial of your U.S. passport application." That doesn't give you many options if you want a US Passport.
It is rare that the average citizen is made aware of a public comment period relating to a government proposal, but this is your lucky day because there are about another 30 days to submit comments. If you think that this is a ridiculous waste of time as well as a terrible intrusion of privacy, it's your turn to sound off to the State Department. I recommend you let the State Department know your feelings regardless if you would be directly affected. You know that once the questionnaire is put in effect, we will ALL be affected.
I'd love to hear your comments.
The State Department has announced a formal notification to allow 60 days for public comment about a proposed new form DS-5513 , a Biographical Questionnaire that would be incorporated into the process for securing a US Passport. The applicant is asked for all addresses since birth; lifetime employment history including employers’ and supervisors names, addresses, and telephone numbers; personal details of all siblings; all schools attended both in the US and overseas; mother’s address one year prior to your birth; any “religious ceremony” around the time of birth; and other intrusive and personal information
According to the questionnaire, an estimated 74,000 applicants will complete the form. In 2010, approximately 14 million US passports were issued, so that works out to 1 in 200 applicants who will be required to complete the form. Neither the DS-5513 form or the announcement reveal where that number came from or who qualifies to be one of the special 74,000 applicants.
If you are one of those 74,000, please note that “failure to provide the information requested may result in … the denial of your U.S. passport application.” and "Providing the information requested on this form, including your social security number, is voluntary, but failure to provide the information requested may result in processing delays or the denial of your U.S. passport application." That doesn't give you many options if you want a US Passport.
It is rare that the average citizen is made aware of a public comment period relating to a government proposal, but this is your lucky day because there are about another 30 days to submit comments. If you think that this is a ridiculous waste of time as well as a terrible intrusion of privacy, it's your turn to sound off to the State Department. I recommend you let the State Department know your feelings regardless if you would be directly affected. You know that once the questionnaire is put in effect, we will ALL be affected.
You may submit comments by any of the following methods:
- E-mail: GarciaAA@state.gov. Show citation box
- Mail (paper, disk, or CD-ROM submissions): Alexys Garcia, U.S. Department of State, 2100 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Room 3031, Washington, DC 20037.Show citation box
- Fax: 202-736-9202.Show citation box
- Hand Delivery or Courier: Alexys Garcia, U.S. Department of State, 2100 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Room 3031, Washington, DC 20037.Show citation box
I'd love to hear your comments.
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Battle of the Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairs
Those of us who watch how members of Congress deal with Veterans issues and how they treat veterans themselves, would do well to keep an eye on the actions and actual voting record of newly appointed GOP chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, Congressman Jeff Miller (R-FL), who promised a thorough review of spending for veterans' programs.
I support a thorough review of any DC committee's budget, but I am concerned when it feels like there may be a hidden, or not so hidden agenda. Congressman Miller said he thinks veterans understand why fiscal responsibility is necessary. "I think it's fair to say the veterans in this country have sacrificed in their service to our nation, but they are willing to do what's necessary to help get this country's fiscal house in order". Wait, let's back up a minute. Vets are "willing to do what's necessary to help get this country's fiscal house in order"? No, NO and NO WAY! With 1% of our population carrying 100% of the burdens of these wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, why don't we make sure that our military members and our vets have their own fiscal houses in order? THAT is what I want the 112th session of Congress to do.
GOP Speaker of the House, John Boehner said he "can’t think of anyone in the House more capable to serve as the Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs than Jeff Miller" as he announced Miller's election as Chairman of the House VA Committee, he went on to say
I hope so, but not so fast, Congressman Miller. In October 2010, IAVA, a well known and well regarded veterans advocacy organization published their Congressional Report Card on how members of Congress voted on Veterans issues. Sadly, Congressman Miller came out with a D, so it doesn't matter how pretty his website is, or how many nice things he says, remember how he voted on the issues when it comes to voting for your Congressional Representative.
Fortunately, Miller's newly appointed counterpart in the Senate, Sen. Patty Murray, said she will be watching Republicans "like a hawk" to ensure veterans get their financial due. Note: Senator Murray received a B from IAVA.
As the 112th session of Congress starts working on issues, let's see who really supports veterans and their issues and who doesn't. We'll be watching!
I support a thorough review of any DC committee's budget, but I am concerned when it feels like there may be a hidden, or not so hidden agenda. Congressman Miller said he thinks veterans understand why fiscal responsibility is necessary. "I think it's fair to say the veterans in this country have sacrificed in their service to our nation, but they are willing to do what's necessary to help get this country's fiscal house in order". Wait, let's back up a minute. Vets are "willing to do what's necessary to help get this country's fiscal house in order"? No, NO and NO WAY! With 1% of our population carrying 100% of the burdens of these wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, why don't we make sure that our military members and our vets have their own fiscal houses in order? THAT is what I want the 112th session of Congress to do.
GOP Speaker of the House, John Boehner said he "can’t think of anyone in the House more capable to serve as the Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs than Jeff Miller" as he announced Miller's election as Chairman of the House VA Committee, he went on to say
““Jeff’s efforts for veterans are well documented and his credentials as a conservative leader are without question. Jeff will continue to work to ensure that all of our nation’s heroes receive the proper respect and care that they earned.”A quick review of Miller's website brags about how much he supports Veterans issues with such statements from the Congressman as:
“I am humbled by the opportunity to serve the more than 22 million veterans who have so proudly served this great nation,” “I will work to ensure that we meet our veterans’ needs.”
I hope so, but not so fast, Congressman Miller. In October 2010, IAVA, a well known and well regarded veterans advocacy organization published their Congressional Report Card on how members of Congress voted on Veterans issues. Sadly, Congressman Miller came out with a D, so it doesn't matter how pretty his website is, or how many nice things he says, remember how he voted on the issues when it comes to voting for your Congressional Representative.
Fortunately, Miller's newly appointed counterpart in the Senate, Sen. Patty Murray, said she will be watching Republicans "like a hawk" to ensure veterans get their financial due. Note: Senator Murray received a B from IAVA.
As the 112th session of Congress starts working on issues, let's see who really supports veterans and their issues and who doesn't. We'll be watching!
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Oprah & the Bravest Families in America
Oprah Winfrey had an "ah-ha moment" of her own on her show about military families today. She admitted that she was one of the people in this country who did not know anyone serving in the military, or as Tom Brokaw calls them "one of the people who really doesn't care about the war or the men and women who are fighting it". That didn't surprise me at all. It also didn't surprise me that Oprah didn't know what a Blue Star family was until the First Lady, Michelle Obama explained to Oprah that it described a family who had a family member actively serving in the military. Mrs Obama had already explained that a Gold Star family was one who had lost a loved one who had been serving in the military.
It didn't surprise me that Oprah didn't know anyone serving, but it does surprise me when I meet someone and I am the first Gold Star mom that they have met. I guess that goes to point that less than 1% of the country is carrying 100% of the burden of these wars. As people have told me "there have been so few casualties". Don't say that to one of the 5892 families who have buried a loved one from these current wars; any number more than zero is too many casualties.
Tom Brokaw said "the struggles ought not to be left to these families alone" and that our military families just want to know that the public is aware of what's going on as we live in our own war zone.
Gold Star mom, Terry Arciola was shown visiting her son at Arlington National Cemetery in Section 60 where many of our loved ones who were killed in Afghanistan and Iraq are buried. I have not met Terry, but I know her son's story from a mutual friend who helped both of us through the very early days of our grief. LTC Cathy Huley, who worked with Casualty Affairs picked me up when I was so broken and guided me through the bureaucracy to bury my only child at Arlington after he was killed in Iraq. Cathy was also assigned to the Arciola family for the same task a few months after Ken was buried. I'm sure that Casualty Affairs bond with some families more than others. I consider Cathy to be a good friend of our family and I am glad I see her and her family every year on Memorial Day when we celebrate Ken's life at Arlington and mark another anniversary of his death.
When asked if Terry felt that people have forgotten about the wars and the sacrifice, she said said yes, she thought many people had. She referred to her son Michael when she said, "If people will forget about his sacrifice.....they did it for us. If people don't remember that, it's like they didn't exist" I don't think you will find a Gold Star Mom that would disagree.
Oprah promised that "we will not forget Michael (Arciola) sacrifice, nor any of the soldiers". I hope not and we can hold her to it. As the head of her own network, and with her powerful voice, she owes it to us.
Regarding the wars, "our country is suffering from an epidemic of disconnection" Bob Woodward explained. The conversation continued with him asking Oprah "What do we owe these people? Everything. What are we giving them? Not enough. We haven't figured out how to re-engage the country in these wars. People have got to be informed- countries get in trouble when they don't pay attention." Mr Woodward went on to say that military families "feel we have been isolated by the country". He got that right, too, especially the part about disconnection and isolation. Honestly, I would not wish this life on anyone; no one should ever have to bury a child, especially as a result of war.
If someone had only watched this Oprah show, and none other, they might believe that she had never done any shows regarding the military or that she had never interacted with members of the military. Sadly, that is not true. When Oprah was in DC for President Obama's inauguration in January 2009, she made a trip to Walter Reed Army Hospital to visit wounded troops. If a visit to Walter Reed did not have an impact on what these wars are doing to our young service members and to our country, what else would? I wonder if it was the power of Tom Brokaw and Bob Woodward, who suggested the subject for this show to Oprah, that finally made her face our reality, our new normal.
In October 2010, Oprah did a show on Homeless Female Veterans. How did that not become an "ah-ha" moment for her regarding military needs.
I'm glad Oprah got her wake-up call and has said she is now thinking about what she can do to help. My question to Oprah is what took you so long? These wars have been going on for nearly 10 years and it is disappointing that this is the first time that she did a show like this about military families. Why did these wars not become a part of Oprah's consciousness until now?
Thank you, Oprah for doing the show, we'll be waiting for your next step. Thank you, Tom Brokaw and Bob Woodward for standing up for our military families and making sure our stories were told.
It didn't surprise me that Oprah didn't know anyone serving, but it does surprise me when I meet someone and I am the first Gold Star mom that they have met. I guess that goes to point that less than 1% of the country is carrying 100% of the burden of these wars. As people have told me "there have been so few casualties". Don't say that to one of the 5892 families who have buried a loved one from these current wars; any number more than zero is too many casualties.
Tom Brokaw said "the struggles ought not to be left to these families alone" and that our military families just want to know that the public is aware of what's going on as we live in our own war zone.
Gold Star mom, Terry Arciola was shown visiting her son at Arlington National Cemetery in Section 60 where many of our loved ones who were killed in Afghanistan and Iraq are buried. I have not met Terry, but I know her son's story from a mutual friend who helped both of us through the very early days of our grief. LTC Cathy Huley, who worked with Casualty Affairs picked me up when I was so broken and guided me through the bureaucracy to bury my only child at Arlington after he was killed in Iraq. Cathy was also assigned to the Arciola family for the same task a few months after Ken was buried. I'm sure that Casualty Affairs bond with some families more than others. I consider Cathy to be a good friend of our family and I am glad I see her and her family every year on Memorial Day when we celebrate Ken's life at Arlington and mark another anniversary of his death.
When asked if Terry felt that people have forgotten about the wars and the sacrifice, she said said yes, she thought many people had. She referred to her son Michael when she said, "If people will forget about his sacrifice.....they did it for us. If people don't remember that, it's like they didn't exist" I don't think you will find a Gold Star Mom that would disagree.
Oprah promised that "we will not forget Michael (Arciola) sacrifice, nor any of the soldiers". I hope not and we can hold her to it. As the head of her own network, and with her powerful voice, she owes it to us.
Regarding the wars, "our country is suffering from an epidemic of disconnection" Bob Woodward explained. The conversation continued with him asking Oprah "What do we owe these people? Everything. What are we giving them? Not enough. We haven't figured out how to re-engage the country in these wars. People have got to be informed- countries get in trouble when they don't pay attention." Mr Woodward went on to say that military families "feel we have been isolated by the country". He got that right, too, especially the part about disconnection and isolation. Honestly, I would not wish this life on anyone; no one should ever have to bury a child, especially as a result of war.
If someone had only watched this Oprah show, and none other, they might believe that she had never done any shows regarding the military or that she had never interacted with members of the military. Sadly, that is not true. When Oprah was in DC for President Obama's inauguration in January 2009, she made a trip to Walter Reed Army Hospital to visit wounded troops. If a visit to Walter Reed did not have an impact on what these wars are doing to our young service members and to our country, what else would? I wonder if it was the power of Tom Brokaw and Bob Woodward, who suggested the subject for this show to Oprah, that finally made her face our reality, our new normal.
In October 2010, Oprah did a show on Homeless Female Veterans. How did that not become an "ah-ha" moment for her regarding military needs.
I'm glad Oprah got her wake-up call and has said she is now thinking about what she can do to help. My question to Oprah is what took you so long? These wars have been going on for nearly 10 years and it is disappointing that this is the first time that she did a show like this about military families. Why did these wars not become a part of Oprah's consciousness until now?
Thank you, Oprah for doing the show, we'll be waiting for your next step. Thank you, Tom Brokaw and Bob Woodward for standing up for our military families and making sure our stories were told.
Friday, December 03, 2010
Antrel Rolle is a Big, Dumb Animal
I don't know anything about Antrel Rolle, until tonight I had never heard his name. There is one thing I know for sure is that Antrel Rolle is a big dumb animal who gets paid too much money to play a game. A game that is not war.
I've kind of lost my interest in football since my son was killed in Iraq 6 1/2 years ago. I do not, however, begrudge the time and money people spend following NFL games; it's just not that interesting to me anymore.
Some people seem to have lost their perspective on what is important in life and their comments show it.
From the NY Daily News
I've kind of lost my interest in football since my son was killed in Iraq 6 1/2 years ago. I do not, however, begrudge the time and money people spend following NFL games; it's just not that interesting to me anymore.
Some people seem to have lost their perspective on what is important in life and their comments show it.
From the NY Daily News
In an attempt to defend ripping Giants fans Tuesday for booing the team, Rolle said: "They want to make it that guys paid this much money for a ticket. Yeah, I understand that, I understand completely. We risk ourselves out there on the field each and every day also. When soldiers come home from Iraq you don't boo them. I look at it the same way. I take my job seriously."
Monday, October 18, 2010
October Baseball- Go Giants!
I had forgotten everything I liked about baseball, or maybe I had just tucked it away for the last 6 1/2 years. Everything changed the day my son was killed in Iraq on May 30, 2004 and baseball just wasn't that important after that day.
Ken was my baseball buddy as he grew up. As a single mom, I was the scorekeeper or the team mom during his Little League days. Ironically, Ken chose the Los Angeles Dodgers as his team even though I was a San Francisco Giants fan. God knows how he made that decision, but maybe he came by it naturally. My brother, Tim and my sister, Shannon are Dodger's fans. My grandfather was a Giants fan and I found it hard to believe that I was raising a Dodgers fan. It caused some amount of friendly tension as we attended Giants games.
Ken and I attended lots of Giants games with our circle of baseball friends, mostly at Candlestick Park. There were the Padres, Diamondbacks, Cubs, Reds and the Mets, but the most memories came from Dodger games. Gary, Mary, Mike and Celeste were the core group and they saw Ken grow up over the years at so many tailgate parties Those were the days. Ken and I had Giants season tickets for a couple of years and one year we flew to San Diego for a baseball weekend with tickets courtesy of one of the owners who was a high school friend of mine. For that trip we sat in the owner's box and also in the owner's seats right behind home plate. It was nice to see how the other half lived.
To say baseball was an important part of my son's and my life would be a fair statement. When Ken joined the Army, I lost my baseball date, but I continued to attend games with friends and watched the Giants play on TV. When Ken came home on leave from the military, we would attend games as his schedule allowed. If he wasn't physically in California, we would often watch games on TV while talking on the phone, life was good.
When Ken left for Iraq in May of 2003, I knew he would miss the whole baseball season that year, but that was the least of my worries. I also knew that we would celebrate his return by attending a game or two when he came home from his deployment. Of course, it didn't work out that way and since 2004 I was lucky if I attended one or two baseball games a year. I enjoyed myself and the company of my friends, but it wasn't the same; that baseball magic was gone.
Fast forward to the Giants against the Braves in the playoffs last week. The buzz around the Bay Area was loud enough to capture my attention. I don't know that I would have watched the game/s on tv because I hadn't even attended one game this year and I hadn't a clue who the current players were or what the team dynamics were. One of my friends at work, Carolyn, had an extra ticket and offered it to me, so I jumped at the chance to attend a playoff game. I bought my sunflower seeds and my diet coke, and I was ready. Carolyn filled me in on all the players, and I came up to speed pretty quickly. In a stroke of luck, Mike & Celeste were within shouting distance in the next section over. I can't tell you when that old baseball magic came back, but that night, under the lights at AT&T park in San Francisco, it did and I was happy.
It was bittersweet, of course. Ken should have been there, and he was - in my heart. The Giants lost that night, but it didn't matter; baseball is different in October and I was happy to be there. For the first time in 6 1/2 years, I watched baseball on tv this weekend. We're 1-1 against the Phillies and the Giants are coming back to play on their home turf. I'll be watching those games on tv, too. Go Giants!
Ken was my baseball buddy as he grew up. As a single mom, I was the scorekeeper or the team mom during his Little League days. Ironically, Ken chose the Los Angeles Dodgers as his team even though I was a San Francisco Giants fan. God knows how he made that decision, but maybe he came by it naturally. My brother, Tim and my sister, Shannon are Dodger's fans. My grandfather was a Giants fan and I found it hard to believe that I was raising a Dodgers fan. It caused some amount of friendly tension as we attended Giants games.
Ken and I attended lots of Giants games with our circle of baseball friends, mostly at Candlestick Park. There were the Padres, Diamondbacks, Cubs, Reds and the Mets, but the most memories came from Dodger games. Gary, Mary, Mike and Celeste were the core group and they saw Ken grow up over the years at so many tailgate parties Those were the days. Ken and I had Giants season tickets for a couple of years and one year we flew to San Diego for a baseball weekend with tickets courtesy of one of the owners who was a high school friend of mine. For that trip we sat in the owner's box and also in the owner's seats right behind home plate. It was nice to see how the other half lived.
To say baseball was an important part of my son's and my life would be a fair statement. When Ken joined the Army, I lost my baseball date, but I continued to attend games with friends and watched the Giants play on TV. When Ken came home on leave from the military, we would attend games as his schedule allowed. If he wasn't physically in California, we would often watch games on TV while talking on the phone, life was good.
When Ken left for Iraq in May of 2003, I knew he would miss the whole baseball season that year, but that was the least of my worries. I also knew that we would celebrate his return by attending a game or two when he came home from his deployment. Of course, it didn't work out that way and since 2004 I was lucky if I attended one or two baseball games a year. I enjoyed myself and the company of my friends, but it wasn't the same; that baseball magic was gone.
Fast forward to the Giants against the Braves in the playoffs last week. The buzz around the Bay Area was loud enough to capture my attention. I don't know that I would have watched the game/s on tv because I hadn't even attended one game this year and I hadn't a clue who the current players were or what the team dynamics were. One of my friends at work, Carolyn, had an extra ticket and offered it to me, so I jumped at the chance to attend a playoff game. I bought my sunflower seeds and my diet coke, and I was ready. Carolyn filled me in on all the players, and I came up to speed pretty quickly. In a stroke of luck, Mike & Celeste were within shouting distance in the next section over. I can't tell you when that old baseball magic came back, but that night, under the lights at AT&T park in San Francisco, it did and I was happy.
It was bittersweet, of course. Ken should have been there, and he was - in my heart. The Giants lost that night, but it didn't matter; baseball is different in October and I was happy to be there. For the first time in 6 1/2 years, I watched baseball on tv this weekend. We're 1-1 against the Phillies and the Giants are coming back to play on their home turf. I'll be watching those games on tv, too. Go Giants!
War is not a Game- MOH, the battle continues
Clearly, gamers, especially those who play violent war games, get their panties in a knot when they feel a game is at risk of not being published. There was much ado about the Taliban shooting US soldiers option available on Electronic Art's just released video game, Medal of Honor. The Taliban shooting US soldiers option caused the game to be banned from AAFES outlets on 300 bases worldwide and in turn, Gamestop also said they would not stock the game on their outlets on military bases. Less than a week before the game was released, the kerfuffle caused EA to pull the Taliban option of the multi-player game in honor of soldiers, but for $59.95 you, too, can now sit in the comfort of your living room and shoot and kill US soldiers for fun, you know, as in "it's just a game".
I have discovered a few things in these past several weeks about video games, gamers and the culture they live in, and it isn't pretty. Apparently the First Amendment applies to gamers, but not to me when I expressed my opinion that I wanted MOH to be pulled. I still want Electronic Arts to pull the game because it is a tasteless, violent, disrespectful game that in no way honors the troops as they suggest it does, regardless of any proclamations to the contrary. Greg Goodrich, the Executive Producer of Medal of Honor said in a statement, that after hearing from military families,
I have found that when you don't have a good marketing plan that you are sure of and one that considers all scenarios, because you can't or shouldn't make it up as you go along. Jeff Brown knows what I'm talking about because he came off looking patronizing, arrogant, stupid and unprofessional, but so did many other spokespeople for EA. Note to Jeff, if you write a letter to a grieving mother, you really should acknowledge the loss or don't bother writing at all, because if you don't, you missed that point, too.
I learned that when someone sends you an email and you respond, that doesn't mean it's an interview, regardless of what they say. Especially, when I noted "I definitely do not take your questions the wrong way, I am always happy have a discussion with someone who appears to be reasonable. What you do with my response, may be another issue. I hope you will respect me and will use my words as intended. " They didn't do either and that will never give you an ounce of credibility; you know who you are, Anthony, and you should be ashamed of yourself. The video game website, Beefsteak will never be the professionals that they purport yourselves to be.
As for all of the responses that were sent to me via Facebook, through this blog and other ways; it doesn't matter how horrible or juvenile or hateful the comments were; they were only words. I have already had the worst day of my life, so your words did nothing to hurt me or to sway me. I published every post on this blog, regardless of the level of intelligence or profanity, and yes, I acknowledge that there were some responses that were thoughtful.
Hard core gamers should have figured out that I don't care what gamers (and I do mean that in a pejorative way) think about the game, Medal of Honor, or what they think about my opinion of the game, or about how other games are the same, or worse, and why I am picking on Electronic Arts? I don't care how gamers think I am impeding Freedom of Speech, or how my soldier son was fighting for the gamers freedom to play violent, objectionable video games, or how I am depriving US soldiers their ability to purchase MOH. I don't care if you are 17 years old or 50 and that you waste your time playing violent First Person Shooter video games and therefore that makes it, what? Right? Because for all of the talk about Freedom of Speech, people seem to have overlooked the fact that I agree that EA has the freedom to release this game, I just think they shouldn't have.
And finally, I wish that people would stop saying that Fox News exploited me when they invited me on their show to talk about MOH the day after the "Taliban shooting US soldiers" option was revealed, or leaked. I am perfectly aware of how this media game is played. I wouldn't have appeared on the show if I didn't know what I was doing or why I was doing it. Fox gave me the platform and I thank them for the opportunity.
If gamers think I am the only person who doesn't like the game, MOH or other first person shooter games, then they are sorely mistaken. Nearly all the people I spoke to about this genre of games were shocked and disturbed about the options available on these so-called games. Sadly, we are not the demographic that the gaming industry cares about, but if this controversy caused people to have a conversation about this game and this industry, then everything was worth it. But mostly I do not think the final chapter has been written about this controversial game.
I have discovered a few things in these past several weeks about video games, gamers and the culture they live in, and it isn't pretty. Apparently the First Amendment applies to gamers, but not to me when I expressed my opinion that I wanted MOH to be pulled. I still want Electronic Arts to pull the game because it is a tasteless, violent, disrespectful game that in no way honors the troops as they suggest it does, regardless of any proclamations to the contrary. Greg Goodrich, the Executive Producer of Medal of Honor said in a statement, that after hearing from military families,
"because of this, and because the heartbeat of Medal of Honor has always resided in the reverence for American and Allied soldiers, we have decided to rename the opposing team in Medal of Honor multiplayer from Taliban to Opposing Force.
While this change should not directly affect gamers, as it does not fundamentally alter the gameplay, we are making this change for the men and women serving in the military and for the families of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice - this franchise will never willfully disrespect, intentionally or otherwise, your memory and service.
To all who serve - we appreciate you, we thank you, and we do not take you for granted. And to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines currently serving overseas, stay safe and come home soon."Except, Greg Goodrich also missed the point. It wasn't the Taliban option that was disturbing. It was that MOH allows gamers to virtually shoot at US soldiers. It doesn't matter that other games allow the same options. That MOH takes place in a current Afghanistan setting while real US soldiers are really dying, does not make EA any better than the rest of companies who do the same. And it shows the wide divide in this country between those who serve their country and those who don't.
I have found that when you don't have a good marketing plan that you are sure of and one that considers all scenarios, because you can't or shouldn't make it up as you go along. Jeff Brown knows what I'm talking about because he came off looking patronizing, arrogant, stupid and unprofessional, but so did many other spokespeople for EA. Note to Jeff, if you write a letter to a grieving mother, you really should acknowledge the loss or don't bother writing at all, because if you don't, you missed that point, too.
I learned that when someone sends you an email and you respond, that doesn't mean it's an interview, regardless of what they say. Especially, when I noted "I definitely do not take your questions the wrong way, I am always happy have a discussion with someone who appears to be reasonable. What you do with my response, may be another issue. I hope you will respect me and will use my words as intended. " They didn't do either and that will never give you an ounce of credibility; you know who you are, Anthony, and you should be ashamed of yourself. The video game website, Beefsteak will never be the professionals that they purport yourselves to be.
As for all of the responses that were sent to me via Facebook, through this blog and other ways; it doesn't matter how horrible or juvenile or hateful the comments were; they were only words. I have already had the worst day of my life, so your words did nothing to hurt me or to sway me. I published every post on this blog, regardless of the level of intelligence or profanity, and yes, I acknowledge that there were some responses that were thoughtful.
Hard core gamers should have figured out that I don't care what gamers (and I do mean that in a pejorative way) think about the game, Medal of Honor, or what they think about my opinion of the game, or about how other games are the same, or worse, and why I am picking on Electronic Arts? I don't care how gamers think I am impeding Freedom of Speech, or how my soldier son was fighting for the gamers freedom to play violent, objectionable video games, or how I am depriving US soldiers their ability to purchase MOH. I don't care if you are 17 years old or 50 and that you waste your time playing violent First Person Shooter video games and therefore that makes it, what? Right? Because for all of the talk about Freedom of Speech, people seem to have overlooked the fact that I agree that EA has the freedom to release this game, I just think they shouldn't have.
And finally, I wish that people would stop saying that Fox News exploited me when they invited me on their show to talk about MOH the day after the "Taliban shooting US soldiers" option was revealed, or leaked. I am perfectly aware of how this media game is played. I wouldn't have appeared on the show if I didn't know what I was doing or why I was doing it. Fox gave me the platform and I thank them for the opportunity.
If gamers think I am the only person who doesn't like the game, MOH or other first person shooter games, then they are sorely mistaken. Nearly all the people I spoke to about this genre of games were shocked and disturbed about the options available on these so-called games. Sadly, we are not the demographic that the gaming industry cares about, but if this controversy caused people to have a conversation about this game and this industry, then everything was worth it. But mostly I do not think the final chapter has been written about this controversial game.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Hall of Shame- 3 New York Mets players
It's been a while since I named anyone and shamed 'em, but 3 baseball players from the NY Mets made the list due to a recent no show when the team went to Walter Reed Hospital to visit some wounded warriors. Only 3 players of the 33 man squad couldn't find it in themselves to show up, Carlos Beltran, Luis Castillo and Oliver Perez.
Luis Castillo said he was too squeamish."You see people with no legs and with no arms, being in a hospital like that, I don't like to see that". Really? How about donning some body armor and join these troops that are in harms way serving this country? 162 games in a season that starts in April and ends in September, or October, if you are lucky, doesn't compare in any way to multiple deployments, daily combat and time away from their loved ones. Squeamish? People like Castillo make me sick! Castillo also said. "We didn't go because we didn't like to see that." Castillo needs to grow up.
Perez declined to discuss the matter at all, only stating "I don't answer anything about outside the stadium."
We are paying these jerks, who play a game for a living, a combined $36.5 million for next season and they don't have the common courtesy to pay respect to those men and women who have been injured while serving their country? They are part of the 99% of this country that never have to think about the ongoing, endless wars. 1% of the people, the military and their families carry the heavy burden of these wars every day; they cannot walk away, they cannot put the war out of their mind.
Castillo, Perez and Beltran give baseball a bad name, and it's a good thing these 3 don't represent all of baseball or even all Met's players. Met's right-hander R.A. Dickey said when asked about the no-shows. "In our own way, it's a way we can pay personal tribute to people who we take so for granted every day. "To have the empathy and to be in the moment enough to know that there are people in Afghanistan and Iraq fighting for the freedom that I'm able to enjoy ... To be able to look a guy in the eye who doesn't have arms or legs and say, 'Thank you,' that's a big deal. I take it personally."
Congratulations to this year's nominee's for the Baseball Hall of Shame- Carlos Beltran, Luis Castillo, and Oliver Perez.
Luis Castillo said he was too squeamish."You see people with no legs and with no arms, being in a hospital like that, I don't like to see that". Really? How about donning some body armor and join these troops that are in harms way serving this country? 162 games in a season that starts in April and ends in September, or October, if you are lucky, doesn't compare in any way to multiple deployments, daily combat and time away from their loved ones. Squeamish? People like Castillo make me sick! Castillo also said. "We didn't go because we didn't like to see that." Castillo needs to grow up.
Perez declined to discuss the matter at all, only stating "I don't answer anything about outside the stadium."
We are paying these jerks, who play a game for a living, a combined $36.5 million for next season and they don't have the common courtesy to pay respect to those men and women who have been injured while serving their country? They are part of the 99% of this country that never have to think about the ongoing, endless wars. 1% of the people, the military and their families carry the heavy burden of these wars every day; they cannot walk away, they cannot put the war out of their mind.
Castillo, Perez and Beltran give baseball a bad name, and it's a good thing these 3 don't represent all of baseball or even all Met's players. Met's right-hander R.A. Dickey said when asked about the no-shows. "In our own way, it's a way we can pay personal tribute to people who we take so for granted every day. "To have the empathy and to be in the moment enough to know that there are people in Afghanistan and Iraq fighting for the freedom that I'm able to enjoy ... To be able to look a guy in the eye who doesn't have arms or legs and say, 'Thank you,' that's a big deal. I take it personally."
Congratulations to this year's nominee's for the Baseball Hall of Shame- Carlos Beltran, Luis Castillo, and Oliver Perez.
Welcome to Hell, David Brooks, war profiteer
It's nice when karma comes around and bites someone in the butt; someone who thought they were too good to get caught and too good to play by the rules. This is true in the case of David Brooks, #1 War Profiteer, at least that is how I described him back in October 2007. While it took 3 years for this dirty dog to be found guilty, at least this day has finally come.
According to TPM Muckraker, David H. Brooks, a former contractor who supplied the military with body armor, was found guilty today on 17 counts, including fraud and insider trading, after allegedly stealing millions of dollars from his company and bilking his shareholders.
Might I remind you what got Mr Brooks in trouble in the first place:
His indictment charged him with manipulating DHB’s financial records to increase earnings and profit margins, in that way inflating the price of DHB’s stock. Beyond the $10 million bat mitzvah for his daughter, a sampling of the charges authorities say Brooks concealed from shareholders and the IRS:
The good people at Corpwatch, who investigates and exposes corporate violations had this to say about war profiteering at the time of the indictments.
According to TPM Muckraker, David H. Brooks, a former contractor who supplied the military with body armor, was found guilty today on 17 counts, including fraud and insider trading, after allegedly stealing millions of dollars from his company and bilking his shareholders.
Might I remind you what got Mr Brooks in trouble in the first place:
His indictment charged him with manipulating DHB’s financial records to increase earnings and profit margins, in that way inflating the price of DHB’s stock. Beyond the $10 million bat mitzvah for his daughter, a sampling of the charges authorities say Brooks concealed from shareholders and the IRS:
- $7,900 for a facelift for Brooks' wife
- more than $1 million for expenses related to his 100 trotting and breeding horses
- $101,190 for a belt buckle studded with diamonds, rubies and sapphires
- $101,500 for an armored vehicle for his family's use
- more than $1 million for numerous family vacations, including frequent stays at the Bellagio in Las Vegas and various Caribbean and European villas
- $31,802 to transport one of his daughters and her college friends to Halloween parties in Madison, Wisconsin, using a private jet
- hundreds of thousands of dollars in bonus checks drawn on a DHB bank account handed out by Brooks at a company Christmas party to non-DHB personnel, including his horse trainer
- and of course the predictable $10,000 here, $5,000 there for purchases at Luis Vuitton, Gucci, Gianni Versace, and Prada boutiques around the world
The good people at Corpwatch, who investigates and exposes corporate violations had this to say about war profiteering at the time of the indictments.
Today the victors of modern wars no longer rape and pillage as their predecessors did, instead they make extraordinary profits by giving contracts to their favorite companies to rebuild what they have destroyed and then hand the bill to local taxpayers to pay.There is a special place in hell for people and corporations who profit off of war. Welcome to hell, Mr Brooks!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
War is Not a Game- Medal of Honor version
Electronics Arts will be releasing a new version of their video game Medal of Honor in October. By all accounts Medal of Honor is a pretty popular game. According to Wikipedia, Medal of Honor was first developed by DreamWorks Interactive and published by Electronic Arts in 1999. The series, originally based on WWII, was created by filmmaker, Steven Spielberg.
The newest reboot of the game, set in current day Afghanistan, allows a player to take the role of the Taliban and shoot US soldiers in the multi-player part of the game. No problem, says EA's Amanda Taggart "Medal of Honor is set in today's war, putting players in the boots of today's solder. We give gamers the opportunity to play both sides. Most of having been doing this since we were seven. If someone's the cop, someone gotta be the robber, someone's gotta be the pirate and someone's gotta be the alien. In Medal of Honor multiplayer, someone's gotta be the Taliban." The game is a problem to me; my only child, 1Lt Ken Ballard was killed in combat in Iraq in 2004..
Last week, when I heard about the details of this game and the ability to be the Taliban and shoot US soldiers, I was shocked at the insensitivity to releasing this game as our members of the military fight and die in Iraq and Afghanistan. This game trivializes the training and the service of members of the military. Not surprisingly, a quick review of the executives at EA reveals none have served in the military. Most important, the release of the newest version of Medal of Honor at this time shows how far removed EA and the other 99% of our country is from the 1%, the military and their families who carry the heavy burdens of these wars. We, who have been affected by the war think about the war every day versus those who never (have to) give the war a thought.
Although I am not advocating for a ban of this game, First Amendment and all, I would be satisfied if MOH is pulled. This is not without precedence. In 2004, Sony pulled a game called "Shock and Awe", apologizing and calling it "an exercise of regrettable bad judgment." In 2009, Konami Games pulled their support of a game being developed by Atomic Games, called "Six Days in Fallujah", based on the one of the bloodiest battles in Iraq for both Americans and Iraqi civilians. If my speaking out causes people to think about the war, I'm okay with that. If my speaking out causes people to question the intentions of these type of games or to question their values in playing such games, I'm okay with that, too.
Gamers are a surly lot when they feel threatened about their choice of video games. They feel entitled to graphically and vocally express their opinion, although my opposing opinion has frequently been called ignorant, just talking crazy, stupid, and disgusting and worse; the testosterone is palpable. I have also been instructed to "shoot myself in the head over and over", "Kill myself" and "If she doesn't like the game she should not play it". To be fair there are a few enlightened and empathetic voices, but they are the minority. It makes you wonder who plays these first person shooter games.
The hate and nasty name calling that has been directed at me is interesting and disturbing at the same time. I might remind the gamers that I have already had the worst day of my life, so these sticks and stones cannot and do not hurt me. It just validates the level of and lack of maturity.
Let's lay out some facts, so that if anyone feels inclined to dismiss my opinion, they won't need to use these as their argument.
My message to the executives of Electronic Arts is not a request to ban the game. It is a request to understand and acknowledge the controversy and hurt they have caused to the many families of the fallen. The cavalier responses from their PR staff are patronizing and arrogant, not in line with their stated values of "Think of Consumers First" and listening and responding. The values page on Electronics Arts website also asks “What must we do to be our best?” If Medal of Honor is EA’s best, then they have failed. EPIC fail!
I have respectfully requested a meeting with Electronic Arts. Although I am not hopeful for a response, just in case, I'll let you know.
The newest reboot of the game, set in current day Afghanistan, allows a player to take the role of the Taliban and shoot US soldiers in the multi-player part of the game. No problem, says EA's Amanda Taggart "Medal of Honor is set in today's war, putting players in the boots of today's solder. We give gamers the opportunity to play both sides. Most of having been doing this since we were seven. If someone's the cop, someone gotta be the robber, someone's gotta be the pirate and someone's gotta be the alien. In Medal of Honor multiplayer, someone's gotta be the Taliban." The game is a problem to me; my only child, 1Lt Ken Ballard was killed in combat in Iraq in 2004..
Last week, when I heard about the details of this game and the ability to be the Taliban and shoot US soldiers, I was shocked at the insensitivity to releasing this game as our members of the military fight and die in Iraq and Afghanistan. This game trivializes the training and the service of members of the military. Not surprisingly, a quick review of the executives at EA reveals none have served in the military. Most important, the release of the newest version of Medal of Honor at this time shows how far removed EA and the other 99% of our country is from the 1%, the military and their families who carry the heavy burdens of these wars. We, who have been affected by the war think about the war every day versus those who never (have to) give the war a thought.
Although I am not advocating for a ban of this game, First Amendment and all, I would be satisfied if MOH is pulled. This is not without precedence. In 2004, Sony pulled a game called "Shock and Awe", apologizing and calling it "an exercise of regrettable bad judgment." In 2009, Konami Games pulled their support of a game being developed by Atomic Games, called "Six Days in Fallujah", based on the one of the bloodiest battles in Iraq for both Americans and Iraqi civilians. If my speaking out causes people to think about the war, I'm okay with that. If my speaking out causes people to question the intentions of these type of games or to question their values in playing such games, I'm okay with that, too.
Gamers are a surly lot when they feel threatened about their choice of video games. They feel entitled to graphically and vocally express their opinion, although my opposing opinion has frequently been called ignorant, just talking crazy, stupid, and disgusting and worse; the testosterone is palpable. I have also been instructed to "shoot myself in the head over and over", "Kill myself" and "If she doesn't like the game she should not play it". To be fair there are a few enlightened and empathetic voices, but they are the minority. It makes you wonder who plays these first person shooter games.
The hate and nasty name calling that has been directed at me is interesting and disturbing at the same time. I might remind the gamers that I have already had the worst day of my life, so these sticks and stones cannot and do not hurt me. It just validates the level of and lack of maturity.
Let's lay out some facts, so that if anyone feels inclined to dismiss my opinion, they won't need to use these as their argument.
- My son, 1Lt Ken Ballard did volunteer to serve his country in the Army and did so with honor
- I will never get over his death
- My son was killed in Iraq, not Afghanistan
- I do not play video games, especially those that involve killing- anyone.
- I will not be buying or playing Medal of Honor or any game that involves killing- anyone.
- I believe in the First Amendment, the Freedom of Speech
- I do not want Medal of Honor banned
- I have watched the trailer for MOH
My message to the executives of Electronic Arts is not a request to ban the game. It is a request to understand and acknowledge the controversy and hurt they have caused to the many families of the fallen. The cavalier responses from their PR staff are patronizing and arrogant, not in line with their stated values of "Think of Consumers First" and listening and responding. The values page on Electronics Arts website also asks “What must we do to be our best?” If Medal of Honor is EA’s best, then they have failed. EPIC fail!
I have respectfully requested a meeting with Electronic Arts. Although I am not hopeful for a response, just in case, I'll let you know.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Welcome Home!
A young man by the name of Goobig Qp posted this video on his Facebook page. I don't know Goobig, but I know he's got a big heart. His video is a 10 minute montage of military welcome home reunions. It is worth 10 minutes of your time to see the joy in the faces of the families, friends and even of the returning members of the military. I wish everyone in the country and I do mean every one, would watch this video and see the faces of these children. Because in that minute of recognition, in that second, every fear was gone, every bad dream had faded and the world that they had been living in had changed- Daddy/Mommy is home!.
Of course many of us did not have that reunion that we dreamed of and that sustained us during the time our loved ones were deployed. Instead, we welcomed home a flag covered casket. But that is another story and I only mention it to remind you that there are other "Welcome Home" scenarios.
Enjoy these reunions, and while you watch, remember the military children. They did not enlist but they endure and experience numerous deployments in their own way, just as their parents do. I wonder what will become of these children? What are we doing to these children and their future? They, too are the cost of war.
Before you hit the start button, grab the tissue and settle in.
Thanks for sharing, Goobig!
Of course many of us did not have that reunion that we dreamed of and that sustained us during the time our loved ones were deployed. Instead, we welcomed home a flag covered casket. But that is another story and I only mention it to remind you that there are other "Welcome Home" scenarios.
Enjoy these reunions, and while you watch, remember the military children. They did not enlist but they endure and experience numerous deployments in their own way, just as their parents do. I wonder what will become of these children? What are we doing to these children and their future? They, too are the cost of war.
Before you hit the start button, grab the tissue and settle in.
Thanks for sharing, Goobig!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Arlington National Cemetery, Section 60, May 28, 2010
I was taking a cab to my hotel in Crystal City from the American Gold Star Mother's headquarters over near some embassies. On a whim, I asked my cab driver to stop at ANC. I have a pass, so it's easy to drive onto the grounds; the guards pass you right through, because they know that people who have a pass earned it the hard way by having a loved one buried at our national cemetery. The cab driver seemed overwhelmed with Arlington, at the massive size and number of white stones so symmetrically arranged; he had never visited. I realized I had never been to Ken's grave alone, so this visit was special to me, too.
Section 60 was fairly empty, much different than it will be on Monday. The flag-in ceremonies had taken place on Thursday, in preparation of this oh so important American holiday, a small American flag waving proudly in front of each headstone. The humidity was stifling and memories of Ken overwhelmed me. Why was his name on a headstone? WHY? It's been 6 years and you would think that I would get used to it, but I haven't. I know for certain I never will, no matter how many years pass.
The irony of Ken's death on Memorial Day isn't lost on me; it could have happened any other day. 1Lt Ken Ballard loved being a soldier serving his country. I hope those who knew Ken or who learned about him since his death, will take a minute on Memorial Day, to remember Ken and honor his service, as well as those who fell before him.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
The Fairy Tales of Laura Bush, "Spoken from the Heart"
I'm not a fan of Laura Bush so I haven't been following her since she left the White House with George in tow and mercifully landed in Dallas and off the national stage. I wasn't too surprised to read that the lovely Miss Laura has written a book of her memoirs " Spoken from the Heart". Nor was I surprised at the contents. This memoir covers Laura's early years growing up in Midland, TX, her tragic automobile accident at age 17, caused by her, that resulted in the death of one of her classmates, life as the First Lady of Texas and then onto the White House. I'm not so interested in the early years. although I empathize with the accident that clearly shaped her life. No money of mine will go to support the Bush family, so I will make my comments from book reviewers who get paid to read fairy tales and lies for a living. Amazon doesn't present much in the way of Laura Bush's biography, "Laura Bush was First Lady of the United States from 2001 to 2009. She founded both the National Book Festival and the Texas Book Festival." Those don't sound like bragging rights for anyone, let alone an 8 year First Lady. The reviewer for Amazon seems to be quite a fan of the former first Lady using words like "heart wrenching", "beautifully rendered" and "her uncommon willingness to bare her heart".
The Texas and White House years finds Laura Bush standing by her man, admonishing his critics and even suggestions of a suspected case of poisoning on the way to the G8 conference in 2007. The book echoes the theme of the wonderful Bush years as other books from former members of the administration. Once again, if we were expecting any apologies or acknowledgment of mistakes from the Bush 43 administration, this is not the book to find them.
Lauren Frayer at aol.news writes that the book reveals details of the 1963 car accident that have been kept from the public.
The accident occurred when 17-year-old Laura Welch (Bush's maiden name) was behind the wheel of her father's Chevy Impala, driving with her girlfriend, Judy Dykes, to the movies. As the girls were chit-chatting, the future Mrs. Bush blew a stop sign at an intersection and hit Welch's car at 50 miles per hour.
"In those awful seconds, the car door must have been flung open by the impact and my body rose in the air until gravity took over and I was pulled, hard and fast, back to earth," she writes. "The whole time ... I was praying that the person in the other car was alive. In my mind, I was calling 'Please, God. Please, God. Please, God,' over and over and over again."
Bush writes that afterward, she lost her faith in God for "many, many years."
"It was the first time that I had prayed to God for something, begged him for something, not the simple childhood wishing on a star but humbly begging for another human life. And it was as if no one heard," she writes. "My begging, to my 17-year-old mind, had made no difference. The only answer was the sound of Mrs. Douglas' sobs on the other side of that thin emergency room curtain."
While Laura Bush writes of her visits with U.S. troops and their loved ones, and of her empathy for and immense gratitude to military families, it's too bad that with few exceptions, the visits didn't include families with differing political opinions. Laura Bush's insistence of standing by her man did not allow the embrace of families of the fallen who did not support her husband's policies. Apparently she never heard the sobs from our families; it's as if no one in Washington ever heard us at all.
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