Be Kind

 This letter was forwarded to me by someone special....

My Torah portion is Re’eh, the Hebrew word for “see.” In this Torah reading Moses gathers the Israelites and declares: “Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse.”

 Moshe then goes on to instruct the Children of Israel in the plains of Moab, for this is where they waited before entering the Promised Land. As you know from today’s reading there are specific commandments to obey. The Children of Israel were told to destroy all idols of the land they would inhabit, they were told the laws of Kashrut to follow in their new land, and they were given specific guidelines for other commandments as well.

If the Children of Israel followed the laws, it would be a blessing; likewise, if they did not follow the laws, it would be a curse.

How can something be a blessing and a curse?

This phrase confused me for a while until I realized its significance to my own life. I was just three years old when I lost my dad. I was too young at the time to grasp the intensity of what happened, but the more I grew and matured, I internalized more and more the devastation of the loss of my father. This was a curse. I lived each day in sadness, wishing he could come back.

The essence of the phrase; “It is a blessing and a curse” suggests that man has free will; he has the ability to choose his path through life. I can relate to that because I had to make a choice; Should I stay angry for the rest of my life and take what happened as a curse? Would it be possible for me to accept that he is not here anymore and try to see a blessing from the curse?

Here is where you all come in. I am sure most of you read that story that went around the internet about a young autistic boy named Jack who would watch some of his schoolmates playing baseball every week. One day one of the teams was short a player. Desperate to finish the game, the captain looked up, saw Jack, and asked him to play. Jack hurried in and played in the outfield until the 9th inning. When his side was up, the teams were tied with two outs. It was Jack’s turn to bat.

The rules of the game suddenly and magically changed. The pitcher, previously intent on winning this game, purposely threw a slow, underhanded pitch right down the middle. Jack swung and hit the ball to third base.

As Jack ran to first base, the third basemen overthrew the ball past the first baseman’s head.

“Run to second!” cheered his team.

Jack ran, and as he was coming home, the first baseman threw the ball to the pitcher…who intentionally missed the ball. Jack won the game for the team and both sides went wild.

Jack had a special community around him, all intent on performing mitzvot for him. Their eyes were open, " Re’eh… they could see.

I, too, have a special community all around me.  I have all of my friends and family and people who I don’t even know who, like Jack’s teammates, are intent on keeping me in the game. And so, I do understand how something can be a blessing and a curse.

I know my dad can see me today and every day, "Re’eh", and I know how touched he would be by the mitzvot you have unselfishly done for me. Thank you.

Everyone gets the opportunity every day to make something a blessing or a curse. If you ate one or two of the Sunkist jellies, that was likely a blessing. But if you ate more than you can count, it’ll definitely be a curse.

I leave you with this challenge: When life presents you with something that could be a blessing or a curse, try your hardest to make it a blessing. Keep your eyes open…."Re’eh"! 

I try to do this, my shortcoming in the ability to recognize persons in need of a mitzvot. 

Navy SEAL and Kid's Book Author

I first learned of Jocko Willink by way of a Candace Owens podcast. Mr. Willink is a retired Lieutenant Commander of the United States Navy, having served in Navy SEAL teams. For his service Commander Willink was honored with both the Silver and Bronze Stars. The Candace Owens podcast focused on leadership and behaviors leading to that. The interview began with an excerpt from Willink's book Mikey And The Dragons.

The excerpt goes like this...

How can a little boy be a man.

How could the little prince ever make a stand.

So, just when the prince thought he was over an done.

He picked up the note and it said.

To my son.

He took a deep breath. 

And opened the note he had found.

And this is what his father, the king, had written down.

To my son,

 If you are ready this now, it means I must be gone.

And you are the one that must carry on. 

Our kingdom is now what you must see.

And to do that, you have to be brave.

I know what you think, you don't know what to do.

But remember, I was once a little boy too.

I was also small, and fear in my heart.

And I didn't even know where to start.

I couldn't imagine going over the hill.

To face the dragons that wanted to kill.

But don't worry son, you will be just fine.

You can keep these things in your mind.

The dragons really aren't that big at all.

It is only in our minds that we make them so tall.

Inside out brain things always get overblown.

Especially things that are completely unknown.

But when fear settle in and gets a hold of you.

Here are some things you simply must do.

Stand up straight and hold your head high.

And look at your fears right in the eye.

Don't look away and don't try to hide.

Know that you have great strength, deep inside.

When you stand up and go into the fray.

You will feel your fear start to go away.

And though there will be horror you will feel.

The things you are scared of are no big deal.

Veteran warrior, leader of men, inspiration to children, is a man worth listening to.
Jock Willink is an active podcaster and can be found at SoundCloud and directly at https://jockopodcast.com.

This Ought To

Put a few pairs of panties in some wadage.

The Jerusalem Post reports:

Netanyahu: I will name a Golan town after Trump

The Prime Minister of Isreal “is a need to express our appreciation by calling a community or neighborhood on the Golan Heights after Donald Trump."  

and

“I am here with my family and many citizens of Israel at the foot of the Golan Heights, happy with the joy of the holiday and our beautiful country,” Netanyahu said in a video post. “And there is more joy - a few weeks ago I brought President Trump’s official recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights forever.”

The United Nations has become a center for endorsing Muslims by denunciation of all things Israeli, basically rewarding racism and murder. Trump comes along, see injustice and acts unilaterally, with strongly symbolic moves, in support of an ally, reversing the chickenshit policies of the previous POTUS administration. Here in the United States, media coverage is non-existent.

Thank you Bibi.

William Clay Mathews, Sr.

This past spring the Georgia Tech Alumni magazine came around and I was surprised to learn about this man. The son of a Citadel coach in Charleston, Clay came to Atlanta to play football, which he did for Bobby Dodd. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49'ers in 1949. He took a break from football to become a paratrooper during the Korean War. He then returned to the NFL for another 3 years of sporting service.
Following football Mathews entered the business world and achieved great success. He held executive positions with Bell and Howell, Hamilton Beach and Aerojet General where is was the chief executive officer.
Clay senior also had the good fortune to have two sons and four grandsons play in the NFL, two of which as still active today.
William Clay Mathews, Sr. was 88 years old.

Harold Gregory Moore, Jr.

Like most working folks, the personal email accounts are not read as often as they should be.
This weekend via Patriot Guard Riders, I learned too late to participate in a ride for a departed hero of the United States Army.
Retired Lieutenant General Hal Moore passed away in in Auburn Alabama. He was 94 years old and much beloved by his family, church and brothers in arms.
Harold Moore started his 32 years of service as a Cadet at West Point during World War II, fighting in Korea and with distinction in Vietnam, ending as Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, Department of the Army.
The movie "We Were Soldiers" is an account of the the lead up to the start of the Vietnam war and the early 1965 Battle of la Drang. Moore was instrumental in developing the application of helicopters for Army troop deployment. At la Drang commanded 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division which was George Custer's command  when he was killed at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876.
Hal Moore preached the credo "there is always one more thing you can do to increase your odds of success". This I wholeheartedly agree with.
Moore's awards of service include:
Some of his awards are:
DSC, DSM, ,LM (2 OLC), BSM (3 OLC) w V device, AM(8 OLC) , JSCMARCOM (2 OLC) PH, ACM, APAMWWIIVM, AOM, NDSM (1 OLC), KSM, AFSM, VSM, UNSM, CIB (2Awd), Mastprchtbad, ARavBad, GLiBad, VCofGwP (3 Awd), RVNCCUCwP, ROKPOC (2 Awd), OrderofNatSctyMeritGut-SeonMd1,ROK, VNArmyprcBad, PUC

Hal Moore was two week shy of his 95th birthday.

I regret missing the opportunity to pay this man respect and offer this as token of same.

In the future I will try to read my mail sooner.

Fighting for America

Dennis Prager has started this wonderful series of YouTube videos.
This is a great talk about how liberalism fits into American society.



Enjoyed the paraphrase of the Russian Communists...

We know what the future is, it's the past that keeps changing.

L.A. Freeway

This song, better known for the version performed by Jerry Jeff Walker, was penned by Guy Clark.

Guy Clark passed away this week, the writer of some of the most eloquent songs written in the modern era. Because he worked in country music, not many people know of him. This song paired with the poignant "Desperados Waiting for the Train", are a career by themselves.

For Prince, the media would lead you to think, the world of entertainment stopped with his death.

A sense of proportion is missing, the world does not end for any person.

For Guy Clark, his writing was loved by many singers and he will be missed.

WWII Veterans Passes

This past weekend I had the honor to stand in a Patriot Guard Rider flag-line for a departed veteran of WWII.
Mr. C. served for three years in the US Navy during the war, graduated from UGA, earned a post-grad degree at Northwestern a law degree from Atlanta Law School. e and his bride formed a strong and enduring family. The law led to a position as a judge. He was 99 years old.
These were brave men to risk their lives for our country.
Standing in line for a couple of hours seems a small way to honor a man.

Hillary Clinton Has Few Fans in the Military

On the bright side she is more trustworthy than Congress.
Rasmussen Poll: Hillary Clinton Has Few Fans in the Military
This is a no thought required conclusion for anyone associated with military personnel.

That said I have a relative who worked for Bush 43 and he came out for Obama. Haven't had a since to speak to him since 2009. I'm guessing his outlook has changed.

I remember officers leaving the forces in droves during the first Clinton administration. There is no doubt that this, if it comes to pass, would be more anti-military than the first, surpassed only by the current.

The Anti-Michelle Obama

It is too bad that a positive article has to catch attention by highlighting a person she is unlike.

Meet Candy Carson: The Anti-Michelle Obama

From the gist of the article, it seems that Candy Carson is made of the same stuff as here husband, not unlike Condoleezza Rice.

Saw Michelle Malkin in a restaurant a few weeks ago, she talking with one of 60 Minutes hosts, she's no bigger than a nubbin.

Dough Boy Does Well

He keeps getting new promotions.

Proud of my friend.



Defense.gov News Release: General Officer Assignments

43% Will Do Something Special to Observe Veterans Day

I am embarrassed to say that I was unaware of today's holiday. Went to the bank at lunchtime, was convinced that the local branch had closed. Have family members that have served and deserve appreciation.  Hard to be in the ungrateful majority it is.

Rasmussen Poll link to follow...

43% Will Do Something Special to Observe Veterans Day

Dutch Courage

Ten years ago a great President passed away.
The country, if not the entire world, could benefit by a person with his belief system and the drive to realization.
Mark Steyn writes....

 Dutch Courage

Alexander Shaler NRA Founder

I grew up in Haddam Connecticut, half of my family and best friends family both from the deep south. In poking around the internet found that the founder of the NRA was from my home town.  Having a proud inspiration, went to Wikipedia and found the disturbing truth that he was also a General in the Army of the Invasion.
Historically known to be no picnic, part of his civil war service included POW stays in Georgia and Virginia.
Happy for your inspiration Mr. Shaler, the National Rifle Association is a stalwart defender of the Second Amendment.
Proud to say that for many years my father was the NRA instructor in Haddam, approving teenagers for gun use and hunting permits.

Nelson K. Rodgers

Saw this story in the last Georgia Tech Alumni magazine.
As head of the undergraduate Industrial Engineering students, this man help me pick a career that has been stimulating and stable.  I grew up with another man who captained similar ships in the Navy of the 1950's, they were both great men for their service to our country.
Nelson, as all the ISyE students referred to him, was interesting when he described how sitting in a bar he and coworkers drew up the plans for the first container ships, he had all of our attention when he taught the major's ethics class.

This man made me feel at home academically when I probably did not deserve to be.
Thank you and rest in peace.

More

Army Veteran Banned from Daughter's School

Local Georgia news, a mother is banned from visiting here daughter's school for exercising constitutional rights.
The whole story leads me to ask; with the constant pressure to conserve education expenditures, why are government employees, that are not in law enforcement, spending tax dollars to research the activities of parents?
I have no problem with the school having a firearms prohibition and would obey any such rule. For non-law enforcement government employees to be researching my presumed innocent lawful activity, and making access decisions based on my beliefs is WRONG.

NRA-ILA | Army Veteran Banned from Daughter's School after Facebook Posting of Concealed Carry Permit

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Guadalcanal

From the Jewish World Review, today 71 years ago.

1942, during World War II: Second day of the Battle of Edson's Ridge in the Guadalcanal campaign. U.S. Marines successfully defeated attacks by the Imperial Japanese Army with heavy losses for the Japanese forces.

My uncle Don was in the Navy and served as a Seabee at Guadalcanal.  He is gone now, but we used to enjoy  hearing how they built things.  The coolest was how they built a breakwater by driving brand new jeeps and trucks off of a ship.

More

Georgia House Bill 512

Charles Gregory stood as the lone Georgia House representative to stand against HB 512. His district is centered in Kennesaw, where guns rights, no matter how overt, are correctly applied. Not as bad as the federal government, it seems the state is taking pressure from the executive to skirt constitutional rights. Men like this are not common enough.
This is Charles' response to my note of appreciation.

Thank you so much John for taking the time to e-mail me; it's kind words of support like yours that help keep me going. I truly appreciate your own efforts in protecting our Natural Rights!
In Liberty,
Charles A. Gregory
Georgia State Representative
House District 34
charlesgregory.com

 "Everyone wants to live at the expense of the state. They forget that the state lives at the expense of everyone." - Claude Frédéric Bastiat (1801-1850)

-----Original Message-----
From: Me
Sent: Friday, March 8, 2013 11:34 AM
To: Charles A. Gregory
Subject: HB 512

Thank you for your opposition to HB 512.

'The Man' Passes

An outfielder of the highest level, who was signed out of Pennsylvania as a pitcher in 1937.
Career Statistics

• 0.331 lifetime batting average
• 475 home runs
• 1,951 runs batted in
• 3,630 hits
• National League Most Valuable Player 3 times

Musial signed up for and was selected for military service in 1945 but did not see action.
I never got to see him play except on film, a rare person of class.
Something baseball generally misses today.

STAN 'THE MAN' MUSIAL DIES: NO. 6 WAS GREATEST CARDINAL : Stltoday

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Heroism

Second Lieutenant Daniel K. Inouye distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 21 April 1945, in the vicinity of San Terenzo, Italy. While attacking a defended ridge guarding an important road junction, Second Lieutenant Inouye skillfully directed his platoon through a hail of automatic weapon and small arms fire, in a swift enveloping movement that resulted in the capture of an artillery and mortar post and brought his men to within 40 yards of the hostile force. Emplaced in bunkers and rock formations, the enemy halted the advance with crossfire from three machine guns. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Second Lieutenant Inouye crawled up the treacherous slope to within five yards of the nearest machine gun and hurled two grenades, destroying the emplacement. Before the enemy could retaliate, he stood up and neutralized a second machine gun nest. Although wounded by a sniper's bullet, he continued to engage other hostile positions at close range until an exploding grenade shattered his right arm.
Despite the intense pain, he refused evacuation and continued to direct his platoon until enemy resistance was broken and his men were again deployed in defensive positions. In the attack, 25 enemy soldiers were killed and eight others captured. By his gallant, aggressive tactics and by his indomitable leadership, Second Lieutenant Inouye enabled his platoon to advance through formidable resistance, and was instrumental in the capture of the ridge. Second Lieutenant Inouye's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.

The above came to me in an email explaining how the President honored this long standing Senator.
I think for his bravery, for which Inouye was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, a description of the act is enough.

Here is a link to Wikipedia's biography.

From which I grabbed a clip of military honors earned.