Ignorant People

"I wish being stupid was painful." I feel the same way with ignornace.

I recently read a letter to the editior blaming the President of the United States, the Commander in Chief, of hating America because he, "banned the flying of the US flag over Haiti."

Sorry folks.  He didn't ban anything.

Just in case you haven't heard, the US military does NOT go into any country with impunity. They go in because they are usually invited or have been authorized under a United Nations Resolution. Don't believe me?  Look it up.

Another item that is negotiated with a sovereign state is a SOFA agreement. No, not a couch agreement you idiot!  A "Status of Forces Agreement" which provides an agreement between the host nation and the US as to what the US military can and cannot do while they are on the host nation's soil.  Pretty easy right?

So there you have it. The president, the Commander in Cheif, cannot alone make a decision whether or not to fly the US flag on another state's soil. It is something that is negotiated and agreed upon before military forces even arrive.  In fact, there are already many SOFA agreements being executed as I write this.  Okinawa, Japan is a very good example.  Where do the flags fly there.  ONLY on the US military bases.  Ooops, almost forgot. Also at the US Consulates office.

That's it folks.  Are you hurting still?  Hopefully not. 

Finally?

The first snow of the season has arrived! The morning started out rainy but quickly changed to snow. Small flakes changed into larger flakes but now it's back to small flakes. More is expected.

Why such excitement from this form of precipitation? Hey!  It's winter and Christmas is almost here!  I know, I know. We here in this part of Virginia do not receive as much snow as other parts of the country but to get just a little bit takes me back.

But while I think of childhood memmories, I am also thinking of our Marines, soldiers, airmen and sailors that are in harm's way in Iraq and Afghanistan. The temps are dropping there also. If you haven't already done so, show our military personnel that we still care. Send a package. Drop a card in the mail. There are many organizations that will forward it for you. I would list them here but I sure you're intelligent enough to find them for yourselves.

Closing out...."the weather outside is frightful."

Stay safe.  Stay warm.

See you next time!

The Day After

Whoa!  Had a gut busting dinner on Thanksgiving. After two servings of everything, I settled down for the evening and reflected of Thanksgiving past.

My mother always cooked a turkey. Her stuffing was exquisite, along with the cranberry sauce, relish tray and even the homemade gravy. Mmmmmm, I can still smell it today.

Nowadays, it's easier to order a meal from your local grocery store. They usually come with a pre-cooked turkey or ham that needs warming and all the fixings. The price is reasonable and the food is of good quality.

Will we ever fully go back to the days where we slaved over the stoves and ovens for hours, if not days, to prepare a feast that normally last 45 minutes to an hour? I personally don't think so.

What I know right now is that I have a fridge full of leftovers that will be eaten over the next few days. Yes, they were good on Thanksgiving Day, but they'll be better today.

While I'm writing about Thanksgiving and food, lets be thankful for those men and women in our Armed Forces that are away from home, trying to make the world a better place.  I remember being away from home for a few Thanksgivings and while the food was good, along with the camaraderie of fellow Marines, it wasn't the same as being home with family. Our service men and women continue to serve in harm's way everyday. Whether it is in the desert of Iraq or Afghanistan, or even here in the United States guarding military facilities. They are doing a great job and need to be remembered. Just because Veteran's Day has come and gone, doesn't mean you stop thanking Vets. If you see a ball cap with a military logo, ask them, "Where did you serve?" Thank them gracefully and go about your way. It only takes a moment. And while I'm at it, "Thank you" to my fellow Veterans!

I'm outta here. My hunger pangs are returning!

Have a great weekend!

That Time of Year!

Well, it's that time of year again.  We've already seen the commercials. We've already seen the decorations and heard the music.  Yes. The Holiday Season is here.  Uggghhh!

If you haven't started your Christmas shopping yet, you're already late.  But wait! Thanksgiving hasn't even taken place!  You're absolutely correct!  Did you get your turkey and all the, "fixins" yet? 

Just keep this in mind as you're about to break out the plastic. When purchasing gifts, think about what that person may really need. Don't buy another book, blouse, cup, stationary, poster, etc. just because you think they would like to have it. Think more practical.

I have already started looking around my house. What does my wife need? My children, my grandchildren? How about the family pet? Compare that with what they might already possess. It's like grocery shopping. Are you going to buy it and stick it in the freezer and forget about it?

I'd rather receive a gift I can use right away.  Ok, ok......I'm a t-shirt, undergarment, cloth handkerchief, socks, type of guy. But at least I'll start using them the following week.

Another suggestion, start clearing out stuff you haven't used in a while.  Tax season is also right around the corner and those donations to charitable organizations do help.

That's it from the homefront.

Oops.....One last thing.

Don't forget about our troops overseas. Don't forget about their families.  There are many organizations that will be assisting military families this year.  I know how it is to be away from home during the holidays. It is not a good feeling.  Just think what their families are feeling.

There you have it.

Have a great weekend!

Semper Fi