Memorial Day 2020

I find myself upset to the point sitting at a typewriter did not help. I read that some feel that even if it is a “good thing” to consider the battle against a virus a”war”… it would be wrong to expand one’s thoughts and expression of compassion to include those who wore the Uniform of Dr./Nurse this Memorial day. To fall in the act of protecting the life of other’s… This is to say that our hearts must be more grinch like and limited to specific words and people.

It seems like having a memory is bad because thoughts should be limited to now and what is being expressed at the moment. Which goes against the words “memorial” since it is a time to recall, remember and honor the kind of people who had protected those they did not know to preserve a concept of “life, liberty, freedom, pursuit of happiness”. Memorial Day is a time when we look pass what one’s political view is… because those who we honor did!

My brother.. 1911 Remington Standard

Taking care…

It is a great irony that the best way to protect and defend America is to practice social distancing. To reduce illness and persevere the good health and well being of others is to have faith that short-term hardship will extend the life and well being of many. For everyone shut in… out of work or overworked: “Thank you”.

1961 Olympia

Greatness is all around…

My 93 year old Uncle tells me that as a small child I carried books around and insisted that people read to me.  He claims I sought “knowledge”… Considering some of the books included Yogi Bear and Tennessee Tuxedo; I think I was after entertainment and when a grown-up person said: “Smarter than the average bear…” or “Hey boo… boo” I was amazed.

60 years later this act of kindness still resonates with me.  He did not have to read to me or put up with the demands of a small kid… but he did.  Perhaps it is one of the reason’s I have views and values that put such a high premium on civil interactions.

1911 Royal 1

 

I type for America

After mailing off 115 letters to members of congress using my computer… I’ve gotten back 1 meaningful response.  As a result I will switch to using my typewriter in the hopes that a “pitch” of civil interactions and debate will have more impact when the words were typed by a real human hand… (plus using a typewriter is more fun)!

1908 LC Smith No. 2

The day after the election (9 Nov 2016)… Standing up and not tearing down!

The person I voted for did not win.  The people of America made a choice.  As such I will support that choice and uplift and not tear down our new President.

Doing what is right and good for our country is better than stall, obstruct and delay.  Lets stand tall for America not sling mud at it.

For AmericaI will not risk more decay in our country by name calling or character shaming… I will instead push back with insight, kindness and a strong belief that an already great nation can become better by being a leader of change for good…

Gerald