An Open Letter About My Wife...

To my beautiful and amazing wife,                     Mother’s Day 2012

                                      As men…we grow up living in a world where so many expectations are placed on the women in our lives. We grow up being taught that a woman’s “job” is to make sure the house is clean, the dishes are done, the food is cooked and the baby’s are cared for. Most men enter marriage placing a tremendous amount of undeserved and unwarranted pressure on their wives. In the midst of all these “generic roles” that women are supposed to have…there are a few that are rarely discussed or appreciated. ANYONE can change a diaper, warm a bottle, put a tiny spoon in a baby’s mouth or fill up a sink with soapy water…very few can truly call themselves “MOTHERS”. I…however…am blessed to be married to one of those special few…a silent minority of women who don’t just talk the talk…but “walk the walk.”

                                      Everyday, she sacrifices “personal recreation”, sleep, physical preservation, vanity and at times…overall sanity…to give our beautiful little girl the greatest gift that she will ever receive. I love her with all my heart…and will until I take my last breath…I will go to the ends of the earth just to know she is happy, safe, cared for and healthy. I’ll spend the rest of my life worrying every second, of everyday, that she is “OK.” But guess what…none of those things will ever come close…will ever be in the same universe…as what the love of a “MOTHER” will provide her. Seeing her face when Erin walks into a room…seeing her outstretched arms that always seem to point Mommy’s way when she is hurting…hearing those squeals of joy when Erin squeezes her…and gives her those special “mommy kisses”…proves that…at the end of the day…”MOMMY” is where life begins and ends!

It doesn’t hurt my feelings or damage my ego to know Erin possesses something that I never can. Knowing that she “does”…knowing that she “can”…and knowing that she “always will”…gives me the peace of mind to know that if I had to leave this earth at this very second…something far bigger than me…has already left a legacy that will endure long after I’m gone!

                                      I sit here at my desk…happier than I ever thought it was possible to be. I think back on so many of the letters that I have written to my wife  in the past that would say “it hasn’t been the best year but…” or “things have been hard but…” and I’m happy to say that in my heart…she can burn those letters. Our lives BEGAN on May 3, 2011…and no matter what the future holds for us…we now face it as a FAMILY!! I want to thank her for being my strength when I seemed to have lost all hope…my courage when the next day seemed so terrifying…my light when my life was filled with so much darkness…and my savior…helping me to be born again in the love of this gift that she gave me one year ago!! I thank her for granting me the privilege of being her husband…and more importantly… I thank her for giving me the opportunity to witness the “miracle” that is Motherhood…from a perspective that I never knew could be so beautiful. She humbles me everyday!! HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to my beautiful wife, Erin!!

With all my Love, Respect, Adoration and Gratitude

I remain in awe of you...

                                            James

                                                                                               

                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                         

What Do I Believe?

I know that many times...I am far too passionate and dare I say "obnoxiously" outspoken. I tell my wife often that I really wish that I had the ability to "walk on by"..."keep my mouth shut"...overall just learn to ignore things that "irritate" me. At 33...it only seems to be getting worse so maybe I should spend less time worrying about it and spend more time embracing who I am.

Over the last year...these blog posts have come and gone...sporadic to say the least. There are so many things that I want to say on a daily basis...but quite honestly...my ramblings can be exhaustive...even to me. I'm pretty sure that not only have these posts at times "offended"...I have ultimately lost friends as a result of my political thoughts and musings. It is NEVER my intention to hurt anyone's feelings...or make them angry. Do I wish at times more people thought like me? Of course...that is human nature. We all want to be surrounded by "like thinking" people who serve to boost our ego. However...I consider myself a student of life...always absorbing new ideas and perspectives. Differing opinions are FAR from lost on me...I assure everyone that I tend to rethink my own views on a daily basis.

While it may be hard for some to believe...I'm not some "uber-liberal" bleeding heart who believes that we all should live in a commune...share our belongings and dance naked by the moonlight under a cloud of bong smoke! So what do I believe??

 I DON'T believe that guns should be outlawed; I DO believe in "responsible" regulation which includes background checks EVERYWHERE...not just in stores (see Gun Shows). I DON'T believe that religion should be "removed" from everything...but I also DON'T believe ANY religion should be shoved down people's throat just because it is the prevailing sentiment of the majority (see Church of England.) I DON'T"personally" believe in abortion...but I don't have the right to tell a woman what she can do with her body. Would the world be a better place if no one had an abortion...of course. Is it a horrible process to think about...of course. Can I put myself in a pregnant woman's shoes and presume to have the power to sway such a life altering decision...absolutely not! I DON'T believe that homosexuals, blacks, mexicans or any minority should receive "special treatment"...but I DO believe they should receive EQUAL treatment. I DON'T believe that we all have the RIGHT to be wealthy or educated...I do think we have the RIGHT to be healthy and medically taken care of (if we in turn do our part to take care of ourselves!)

 I DON'T believe ALL conservatives/Republicans are stupid, backward or less intelligent ...I DO think there are "fringe" aspects of this group who ARE and I think they stand to not only hurt their party but this country as well. I DON'T think Barack Obama has been a "perfect" President...nor would I even say he's been a "great" President...I DO think he has done a remarkable job with the hand he was dealt. I DON'T believe that Barack Obama is a muslim...I DO believe that his religion is quite frankly a moot point either way. I DON'T think ALL muslims are evil terrorists...I DO think those who are should be removed from this earth by any means necessary. I DON'T think that Barack Obama was born outside this country...I DO think that if he was...it would be IMPOSSIBLE to cover up.  I DON'T think political "debate" should be about innuendo, rumor and propaganda...I DO think that disagreements and civil discourse based on educated thought and processes are imperative to not only our growth as a country but our growth as a "people." I DON'T think it is important what types of books our President chooses to read in his spare time...I DO think it is important that he READS BOOKS!! I DON'T think that Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton are "good" people...they are "race baiters" who have made millions off the fear, ignorance and sadness of others...I DO believe that most black people are smart enough to recognize that!! I DON'T believe that any of the things that I justy said will make a difference in the way many of you view my beliefs and/or politics...I DO believe that no matter what...people are basically good...and in spite of the fact that we may disagree...at the end of the day...we are all the same...weak, frail, fractured, damaged beings who desperately want to be liked and/or loved.

 I'm not a socialist...I'm not an atheist...but more importantly...I'm not a FOLLOWER! I'm just like you...a son, a spouse, a parent...someone who sees the world with his own vision and desperately wants a strong framework in place for his little girl. At the end of the day...we all have a long journey to complete. We just can't seem to agree on the destination. God bless you all... that includes my friends and those who detest me.

Until next time...

VOTER APATHY REMAINS A PROBLEM...

After having a rousing political discussion with a good friend of mine yesterday...her words inspired me to talk about something that I have and will always be very passionate about. It seems over time American Politics has become more of a "Blood Sport" than an avenue for progression and change. Not a day goes by that I don't hear SOMEBODY complaining about the political landscape of either local, state or federal elections. In the midst of all these complaints...there is only one way to re-work this flawed landscape and that is through active participation by "WE THE PEOPLE" a.k.a. "Voters," Sadly...it seems that a growing number of people are choosing apathy over activism thus bringing me to my soapbox of today.

The same friend brought to my attention that Marengo County had a 52% voter turn-out on Tuesday. She was appalled at this number and was obviously very upset. perhaps the saddest part of this whole discussion is that 52% "turn out" is well above the state and national average. In fact...statewide on Tuesday...approximately 30% of Alabamians took advantage of ...not only a constitutional right...but something that I consider to be a "moral imperative." This...in my opinion...is beyond disgraceful!! 70% of Alabamians did not deem it important to elect local officials, possibly determine our next Supreme Court Chief Justice (arguably the most powerful position in the state), or choose delegates for the Presidential nominee in November. What was going on in their lives that was SO important??

Let's run through some possible excuses of why they couldn't vote..shall we. First "I have to work." The Polls open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. Regardless of what "shift" you work or what your schedule is...there is a time available for you to vote. In addition...Federal law mandates that no employer can prevent an employee from excercising their right to vote. Tell your boss you will be right back...and take care of your obligation!! Second..."I was too tired." Walking into a room...picking up a ballot...sitting down at a table...and drawing "black lines" is not what I would call "manual labor." If you are too LAZY to go vote...to be honest...the right should likely be taken away from you completely. Do you think the young men and "boys" were tired when they stormed the beaches of Normandy on "D" day? Do you think the Allied forces were a little drained in the Ardennes Forrest as their fingers and toes were literally "freezing off" during the "Battle of the Bulge"? Do you think the soldiers of the Revolutionary War..many of which were untrained and poorly armed farmers...would have preferred to rest with a pipe and a pint... than to take on the heavily armed, and professionally trained British? If you view voting as a "chore" or an "irritation"...then you are a disgrace to everything this country was built on and stands for...period. Finally..."My vote doesn't count." Take a look at the past 10 years and do the research locally, statewide and nationwide. We have had more elections decided by a "handful" of votes in the last 10 years than in our nation's history combined. Counties are split, states are split and this nation is split...right down the middle. We are at a crossroads with regard to the direction we choose to go. It's up to each and everyone of us to place our footprint on the path that we envision as the one which will lead us to prominence, greatness and personal growth. If you want a great story about "one vote" counting...research Edmund Ross. He was a little known...relatively new Senator from the state of Kansas who almost single handedly shaped history during the Impeachment Trial of Andrew Johnson. The only vote that doesn't count...is that which is not cast!

I will wrap this rant up with an appeal to the "fairer sex." Of all the people in this country...black, white, hispanic, etc...you stand to gain and/or lose the most everytime we have an election. It was less than 100 years ago (92 to be exact)...that the 19th ammendment was ratified giving you the right to vote. It was less than 50 years ago...that the Unites States legalized your ability to use "contraception." Your rights are very "young"...and many debates still rage today with regard to what you can and cannot do with your own body. I contend that women...above all other discussed minorities...have been relegated to a "forgotten" group. You have taken the back seat to more "sexy" civil rights groups. I blame much of that on your own "apathy". Women...unlike so many other "oppressed" groups have more or less embraced the idea that they...to some degree...must always walk in the shadow of their male counterparts.

 In 2012...women continue to average $.75 for every dollar that men make...for the same positions. The dawn of the 21st century has seen dictators fall after decades of totalitarian rule. It has been a witness to the United States' election of a black President. It has given rise to the legalization of "same sex marriages" or at least "civil unions" across the United States. Whether you agree or disagree...all of these acts are signs of a "progressive movement" that would reflect a culture where "complete and total" equality is the norm. Yet...in the midst of all these historic events...women still make 25% less money...on average...to perform the same work as a man?? Wake up ladies...don't let the 21st century pass you by without taking control of your destiny and once again bellowing that feminist cry from your fore-mothers..."I Am Woman...Hear Me Roar!" That "Roar" must start as a whisper...with the simple mark of a ballot. Then collectively...as those whispers begin to come together from the East Coast to the West Coast...from the Deep South to the Midwest...from the Great Lakes to the Appalachian Mountains...there will be a national awakening. At that moment..the memories of women like Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony...will once again be alive and well through the actions of each of you. Allow yourselves to once again become representatives of change...take back this cause...so that those who died...might live again!!

In less than a month...this city and county will see several run-off races. Let's see if we can't SHATTER the National/State average as it pertains to turn out. Men and women...regardless of color, religious affiliation or sexual orientation...let's stand together and do what is required...to take back what is ours!! VOTE...VOTE...VOTE.

Until next time friends...

MUSINGS FROM A GRUMPY CYNIC...

So...I decided rather than starting the New Year with something moving, introspective, controversial or thought provoking...I would try to start with a little humor. Please understand that my heart is far from "blackened" and filled with hate!! That being said...there are certain things in the this world that truly annoy the hell out of me!! It's nothing personal...just the way that I'm wired. I decided to compile a list...which will encompass various parts of life...from day-to-day human interactions to the uses of social media. This list is in no particular order and I hope that we can share a laugh...or perhaps an aneurism...over a few of these things!!

"HAVE A BLESSED DAY"- this has nothing to do with religion as I consider myself a spiritual person. I can't explain why but I HATE when people walk up to me and say this. What does this even mean?? You know what would give me a "blessed" day...not running into at least 20 people that tell me to have one!!

CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THE "WEATHER"- if the best you can muster in order to begin a conversation is "Sure is hot/cold outside?" or "Sure do need some rain?" then guess what...we have nothing to say to one another. This is basically a desperate attempt to bridge a gap that likely...should remain "bridgeless." I know it's cold/hot...hence the sweat pouring from my swollen face... and/or the jacket that I have squeezed into!! I also realize that water is a necessity for all human life. Let's just skip these obvious points and move on to ignoring each other. Thanks!!

MASS POLITICAL E-MAILS- Ok...this one has a special place in my heart. How can I say this diplomatically? If you are a person who ALWAYS believes mass e-mails that you receive...especially if they fall into line with your own particular political agenda...then you should have to forfeit your right to vote. If you are the same person who feels compelled to "forward" said e-mail...you should forfeit your right to E-MAIL!! For goodness sakes..do some research people!! I know the e-mail explains very clearly that "BARACK OBAMA AND BILL CLINTON WORSHIP THE DEVIL AND TOGETHER WILL BRING ABOUT THE 2ND COMING" but that MAY NOT be true?? Here is an idea...since you are receiving e-mail then you have an internet connection. Spend some of that energy that you would normally reserve when your gnarled fingers smack that "FORWARD" button...and use it to "GOOGLE" what you just read. You might be surprised at what you find?? Or you may be too obstinant to believe anything else...either way...I don't care to read your propoganda. Stop wasting everyone's time trying to prove how irresponsible and lazy you are. Read it...make a note to bring up at the next "Fascist's On Parade Meeting" and delete it until the next piece of "News" arrives. We all "thank you" ahead of time!!

SHIRTLESS GUYS ON FACEBOOK- I don't care what kind of physique you have, I don't care how good looking you are or how proud you are of a recent weight accomplishment...if there is ANY available picture of you "shirtless" within your publicly available FACEBOOK account...DELETE IT IMMEDIATELY!! If your Profile picture is you without a shirt on...well...you are a "douche nozzle" and there is probably little hope for you!! Many would say....that as a "fat man"...I am biased and jealous. Some of that is true...however...at 33 years old...I'm intelligent enough to recognize that if you often take pictures of yourself without a shirt...when you do WEAR a shirt...it likely has your name sewed into the chest!! Even more specifically...any woman who would be interested in a man who went shirtless in his Profile picture...should be sterilized immediately out of fear that she could reproduce!! The world needs less idiots...allowing people like this to breed is both counterproductive and leads to more MASS POLITICAL E-MAILS!! See previous rant...

ALABAMA'S "14" NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS= I have gone on record many times the last several days and given credit where credit was due. I think Alabama is BY FAR the best team in the country and greatly deserves this National Championship. I congratulate them and MOST of their fans. That being said...could SOMEBODY, ANYBODY please have the integrity and intestinal fortitude to stand up and admit publicly that this is #9, not #14!! Even ESPN said "ALABAMA WINS THEIR 9TH CHAMPIONSHIP!!" Look...9 championships is an AMAZING accomplishment. We Auburn people would kill for half that number. So why is it necessary to add 5 unrecognized championships?? Your team has had storied success and a rich history...don't sully that by looking arrogant, entitled and delusional!! Stop making excuses...stop spinning it to take a shot at Auburn's "1.5" championships...and just MAN UP!! The world is waiting...

THE USE OF "WE" AS A COLLEGE FAN TO DESCRIBE A VICTORY AND/OR LOSS- this is one that my wife brought up to me that I must agree with whole-heartedly. If you didn't play in the game, nor did you ever set foot on campus as a student...their is no "WE" only "THEY." You have no connection to that victory/loss nor to that school other than the name on your mustard stained t-shirt that you purchased at Hibbet's. I'm not trying to be offensive...this goes for ALL fan bases. I'm not saying you can't be a fan if you didn't go to that school...just saying you AREN'T nor WILL YOU EVER BE...PART of that school or it's legacy. Accept your position...we have!!

PICTURES OF FOOD ON FACEBOOK- I don't care what you had for breakfast/lunch or dinner!! In fact...no one does!! We don't live in a 3rd world country where "food" is a status symbol. If you ate something amazing...I'm no more than a 4 hour drive from eating it too...regardless of what it is!! It isn't cute...it's obnoxious. Our parents said not to "play with our food"...I doubt they would want us to turn it into a slide-show either!!

SONG LYRICS ON "FACEBOOK"- I love music...like many people do. I love listening to melody, the instrumental work and yes...the lyricism. I don't need you to "COPY/PASTE"  a verbatim listing of your FAVORITE song on FACEBOOK!! You can say "I love the song "PLACE SONG HERE"...because of the beautiful lyrics!!" Then...guess what happens. People that actually care about your musical taste (both of them) will take to the internet just to find out what those amazing lyrics are. You have systematically made a statement that expresses your opinion...while forcing the people who might be interested (I have no idea why they would be...) to discover information for themselves. Now isn't that a beautiful partnership!!

WRITING HOW YOU "SPEAK"- It's bad enough if you choose to ignore all the rules of the English language by way of your speech patterns. It is more sad and pathetic...if you choose to display the same ignorance via the "written word." I have news for you...southern grammar/ebonics/slang...these are not recognized languages in "the world of the gainfully employed." The only thing this behavior will  lead to in this world...is people saying "So...how's that job hunt going?." If you sound like an idiot...if you write like an idiot...that is the impression people will take away from you. There is NO excuse for the inability to speak/write correctly. You don't have to be a Harvard graduate to conquer subject/verb agreement. But Hey...if your biggest aspiration in life is to be the "Hose Man" at Ray Ray and Jim Bob's Car "Warsh"...keep sending those moronic texts and indecipherable posts. The good news is...most people tip if their leather is thorougly wiped down!!

Finally...for any of you that I have thoroughly angered or offended...last but not least...

PEOPLE THAT BLOG AND THINK THAT THEIR OPINIONS/RANTS MATTER IN THE SLIGHTEST!!

Until next time friends...

HERE IS TO A NEW YEAR...AND A RE-BIRTH...

I will try and keep this short and sweet...though as most of you know "brevity" is not my strong suit.

The past two years have been nothing short of a "Roller Coaster" ride for Erin and I. The loss of my beloved Mother in June of 2010 left me hollow and miserable. This... coupled with several other issues... led Erin and I into deep marital disharmony. I must admit that I came close to making what would have been the most catastrophic decision of my life. Through a lot of love...open communication...and of course...THERAPY...we came through the lighted end of what seemed like a permanently dark tunnel.

Then came the miracle of all miracles...Erin's pregnancy. My Mother had died...our marriage had been rocky and now after a harrowing fertility experience that yielded nothing...life was handing us a tiny surprise!! 10 months later...I discovered what love TRULY was and nothing would ever be the same.

As 2012 looms a few days away...I find myself standing at what could be another life-changing year. Career changes for Erin and I stand as distinct possibilities in the coming months...Ella Giles is growing into more of a "little girl" everyday...I quit smoking...and in February...I will undergo Gastric Bypass surgery. I will admit that I am nervous and with each day my apprehension grows. That being said...the idea that 2012 could allow me to gaze into a mirror and like the face that is staring back at me...call me superficial...but it's worth any and all risk. I'm tired of being the funny, "fat" guy...just ready to be the "funny guy." No more preimptive jokes at my own expense due to my insecurity and social fears...no more dreading the family pictures at Christmas, Easter, birthdays, etc. Most importantly...no more worrying that my beautiful wife and perfect daughter will have to spend one second worrying that Daddy could die young because he just couldn't say "I'm full"!!

My weight does not define me...nor will the loss of said weight. However...I'm ready to show the world...who James Burden really is!! I can feel my confidence building everyday as I prepare for what is to come. I know that 2012 will be the greatest year yet and I hope and pray that all of my family and friends will experience the same re-birth that I know in my heart and soul is coming. I will keep you all updated on my progress...I know that this will be a struggle for nothing of value comes easy!!

 May God bless each and every one of you in the coming year. I ask for your thoughts and prayers for Ella Giles, Erin and I as we turn yet another corner in this Amazing Journey called life . God bless and I'll see you all next year (hopefully in some smaller pants!!)

How Far Have We Come??

I'm not going to waste much time today by talking about how ridiculously long it has been since I blogged. Nor am I going to make any promises that this is "the beginning of my consistency." All I will say is...today...I'm glad to be back and felt compelled to share something that has been weighing heavily on my heart since last night.

Erin and I both have either wanted to read "The Help" or in the least watch the movie. For months...we have both been inundated by how funny, sad, heart-warming and triumphant the book/movie was. Last night we rolled the dice and watched the film. Needless to say...it was "as advertised." I can count at least 5 times in which I openly sobbed and many more that I at least "teared up." In addition...the movie was incredibly funny and a brilliant portrayal of the "triumphant" human spirit.

As the movie ended..Erin and I spoke briefly about how it made us feel. Essentially reiterating the basic feelings of human regognition that any "decent" person would have...i.e..."How could anyone be so cold"..."How could there have ever been a time in history that this sort of behavior was "OK"? I mentioned to Erin that Mississippi was in my opinion "still pretty bad" in which she responded "We aren't far behind!" It made me think...and I thought through much of the night and through today. The question I asked myself was "How far have we REALLY come?"

Now...most people would say just look to our President to answer that question. The United States has elected an African American man as President...so obviously...all of the darkness has been cleared by light. I wish I could accept this theory as fact. Just take a look at the HATRED that exists towards Obama. Is there any President in American history that has been more scrutinized and dissected based on "suspected" flaws of character, birthplace, or religious association? Has there ever been a President more ambushed by way of e-mails, and fake news headlines with regard to his domestic and foreign policy? The bottom line is...have we ever lived in a more "venomous" and hate filled political time than we do now?? I personally don't think so and I can't help but believe that much of that is due largely to the President's pigmentation rather than his policies. As I have said numerous times...hate the policy...don't hate the "man." The things I hear and receive via e-mail with regard to Obama aren't in reference to his policies...but are assaults on his very core as a human being. It's sad...it's alarming and it's an overall commentary on how far our society has come....not very!!

I've beaten the Obama "dead horse" many times in this blog so I am choosing to move on. Mark my words...50 years from now...regardless of how his Presidency is viewed from a "success" perspective...it will be studied and scrutinized as a "case" in how our country reacted when it decided to go "against the grain." I hope I'm alive to read it...

I'm not suggesting that our country is Jackson, Mississippi circa the 1960's...but I am suggesting there are plenty of people that wish it were. We live in a state that is crumbling economically. A state where the education system is 49th...saved from #50 by the previously mentioned locale. Our infant mortality rate is one of the highest in the country and our literacy rate is one of the lowest. You pass more vehicles with confederate flags affixed to their windshields than college alumni stickers and we buy more guns online than books!! Yet...what is the present state administrations primary concern?? Let's get those dirty, brown people back to Mexico where they belong!!

 Don't worry about education, roads, employment or child health....we need to promote a system of profiling and prejudice...in order to crack down on the "real problem."
The "real problem" is that the south...for decades...has been the poster child for unacceptance, obstinance and institutionalized ignorance. We like to stand up and brag about southern hospitality but we fail to include the fact that this hospitality is only extended to those who "look like us." How can so many people sit idly by and keep their mouths shut while Alabama...once again...becomes a national laughing stock and a beacon of backward thinking??

Let's see...just a re-cap of our newsworthy highlights from the last 10 years... 1) Roy Moore challenges a federal judge and has a granite statue of the "Ten Commandments" wheeled into the Alabama Supreme Court building. 2) The state votes to repeal the ban on Interracial Marriage...and succeeds. However...41% of voters wanted it to stand!! This means that 41% of Alabamians on that day wanted interracial marriage to be a PUNISHABLE CRIME!! But hey...we've come a long way from Bull Connor's Birmingham!! 3) A Madison County Councilperson is on record as saying he wants to see new immigration  laws do everything "outside of shooting them" to keep illegals out of our country. 4) Alabama passes the TOUGHEST IMMIGRATION LAW in the Unites States. This law is so tough that the Federal Government files a LAWSUIT attempting to block the legislation. But hey...we do have 3 National Championships between the 2 state schools!! My beloved Auburn made me proud...but not proud enough to ignore the disturbing trend that our state and others seem to be on.

I have said many times that "racism", "sexism" or any other negative "-ism" is learned behavior. Children are born pure of heart...with no knowledge of self imposed "differences" and cultural barriers. My little girl has been held by a wide variety of races, creeds, nationalities and people of religious differences. Her expression never changed...she recognizes only one thing...and that is human contact, warmth and love. Children, like animals, can sense who is comfortable around them. An infant cries when they feel that their "safety zone" has been compromised. They work off of instinct...and this instinct is based on "trust." How is it that we can steer so far away from this base "trust?" What leads us down this dark road of prejudice, judgement and fear?? My answer...parents, families, peers and leaders!!

The people that exhibited evil behavior in the 1960's and in previous years didn't just die out. Changes in law didn't suddenly change their mindset overnight nor did it switch on a lightbulb resulting in a self awareness that had previously been unrecognizable. I'm not saying people aren't capable of "awakenings" but let's face facts...they are rare!! These men and women who fought so hard to keep the status quo in place...might have failed on the "national stage" but their rhetoric and opinions lived on. They grew old and more bitter by the day. Through the years...this skewed mentality was passed on to children, grandchildren...maybe even great grandchildren. Perhaps many of their family members recognized these as the futile musings of an elderly man/woman attempting to cling to a forgotten world. But what about those that didn't? What about those kids that listened to parents, grandparents, friends, neighbors and took it all to heart. Then their children were exposed...and their grandchildren...before you know it...an epidemic of ignorance and short sightedness has permeated their very being. Thousands, maybe millions of people....walking the earth with no knowledge of their fellow man other than the hate speech and prejudice that was fed to them with each daily meal!!

So here we are....some 50 years later...and my question is...have we really come that far?? Is 5 decades enough time for these people to die out and that darkness to be reabsorbed by the light? Or is it just enough time to see the cyclical nature of history as once again...Alabama stands as the national leader in systematic discrimination amidst the red herring of "immigration control." I merely ask you to think deeply about our world...am I that off base? Until next time friends....

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN "OVERPAID" SOLDIER...

Over the last several months...I have ranted, raved, waxed poetic and joked about a wide variety of issues. Based on the feedback that I have received...the emotional reaction has varied greatly. My words have made a few of you cry, a few of you laugh and sadly...my words have likely permanently damaged more than one friendship. Initially...this blog was...in my mind...intended to be somewhat cathartic. It would become a way for me to escape the grind of day-to-day life...and cleanse myself of all the bad "ju ju" that circulates through my twisted mind. Over time...I realized that I was very short sighted in thinking that something this passionate would exist on a level that simplistic. I have realized that many of these issues and/or ramblings are not just important to me...but to many of you guys as well. I knew that people would disagree with me often but I truly was unprepared for the backlash that a few of my blogs brought. Thus far, my words were not intended to influence but merely to espouse my own personal ideals. While insulting and ridiculous to some...they have always been from the heart and will continue to be. Today...however...I write not to just share my values but to deeply influence all who read what I am about to say!!

Through the years...I have had many friends that chose the military as a career. Some were active duty while others had received an honorable discharge and/or retirement. I have friends that have fought in Bosnia, Somalia, the first Gulf war, Afghanistan and the present "War" in Iraq. Both of my Grandfathers were WWII veterans...with my paternal Grandfather dying in the "Battle of the Bulge" in Belgium. My Mother's father was a Marine in the Pacific Theatre and returned home with a large hole in his leg, weighing less than 100 pounds and suffering from a deadly case of malaria. Like ALL of those that choose to place their lives in harms way....these men were and will ALWAYS be heroes!!

We all have these stories via family, friends and loved ones. For many of us...like myself...the idea of this sort of self sacrifice and risk is unthinkable. I have always said that I do not have the mentality and self discipline that it would take to be successful within a military environment. To be more honest...I'M NOT MAN ENOUGH!! The idea that these young men and women strap on nearly 100 pounds of gear (more in many circumstances...I'm sure) and are whisked away to hellish parts of our world in order to fight wars, battles, skirmishes, or in many cases...just to protect those that can't protect themselves...for months and years at a time...literally makes it hard for me to breathe. While I have never supported the recent war in Iraq...I never stopped supporting our men and women in uniform. For me...I just couldn't bear the thought of what I thought was pointless loss of life. That being said...as my disgust over the War has SLOWLY festered and grown...my admiration for military personnel continues to grow at an EXPONENTIAL rate!! This admiration and respect is what has laid upon my heart the need to send every ounce of my support towards these often "taken for granted" heroes...as our government discusses the prospect of cutting their benefits and possibly their salary.

As the title of this Blog states...in my humble opinion...THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN "OVERPAID" SOLDIER!! How can you possibly, under any circumstances, place a price tag on self sacrifice?? These men and women aren't "drafted" to take care of a necessity or requirement...they volunteer and literally go through "HELL" in order to be "the best of the best." Months of harsh, unthinkable training; followed by years of movement from base-to-base...never knowing when or where they might end up. Then...of course...the inevitable deployment where often they must face their own mortality, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, sometimes for years at a time!! I dare ANYONE to name me ONE job where employees are forced to endure a "work load" that is anywhere comparable to that of the military. Show me ONE occupation that requires a man or a woman to spend upwards of one year not having the ability  to lay eyes on their spouse, children, parents, siblings, friends and overall loved ones. Give me ONE example of a position in which you can lose a leg or arm during the work day...and a few weeks later...you are REQUIRED to do the same "unsafe and dangerous" things that resulted in your dismemberment. I challenge anyone to name one job that holds a candle to that of a military lifestyle...a job that people often never make it home from...a job that often requires miserable living conditions in extreme temperatures...a job that requires you to lay down your life for people that you have never met...or a job that requires you to be spat upon by those who don't want you in their country...or worse...to be hated and reviled by many in your OWN!!

I have expressed my support for many of the Obama Administrations policies...however the very consideration  that Military compensation could be reduced in ANY way shape or form...is both disgraceful and disgusting. Our economy is not in the shape that we find it in because of our military heroes. Our economy is collapsing because of greed and the overextension of the private sector's financial lives. The blame should rest on we the consumer and the Corporate whores who have been and continue to rape this country through the avoidance of tax law and total disregard for humanity. Enough is enough...as stated in Oliver Stone's "Wall Street"..."How many Yacht's can you ski behind??" As we continue to fret about whether our cars have leather interior, or if TIVO is DVR'ing our favorite show...these people are DYING!! We sit by a brand new pool sipping mixed drinks and bitching about "how bad things are"...they are hunkered down in a Middle Eastern desert...dodging 8 year olds with bombs strapped to their chests!!

To even dare mention "out loud" that ANY military personnel should receive benefit reductions...is not just unconscionable...it is treasonous!! There is fat in every aspect of our government...and I have no doubt that the Military carries some of that fat. That being said...our brave men and women in uniform do not and will not ever represent WASTE or FAT!! Cut the contractors, cut out Haliburton, Black Water, etc...these are the problem areas...not young people struggling to carry out a mission...regardless of how ridiculous and politically flawed it may be!!

In my line of work...if things don't go well for our employees...they have the ability to STRIKE in order to achieve better wages, work environment, hours, etc. What would happen in this country if ALL military personnel decided to do the same?? How safe do you think we would be?? How vulnerable would we then be to outside acts of terror?? These are things we take for granted because we are raised to believe that Military men and women are robots...mindless, war machines...who are trained to never ask questions and to run blindly into the darkness. Well my friends...they are people...with families...emotions...and feelings!!  Now is the time that we...in the private sector...stand up and fight for them as they have so bravely fought for us over the past 200 plus years!!

I don't know exactly what an average member of the U.S. Military makes. I have a pretty good idea based on what I have been told by friends of mine who are presently deployed...and with benefits, housing, etc. it amounts to somewhere around $50,000. If ANYONE thinks that is OVERPAID for the service they provide...I will pray that the fires of hell aren't too hot for you!! There are secretaries in this country that make MORE than that!! With all due respect to secretaries...a gunshot wound and a paper cut are not comparable injuries!!

I urge each and every person that reads this blog to contact the office of your Congressional representative, the office of both your Senatorial representatives...and raise holy hell about this issue!! We need to do everything in our power to AT LEAST maintain the level of compensation that our brothers and sisters in uniform are presently receiving. Write editorials, send out mass emails, contact the Democratic National Committe, the Republican National Committe and ANYONE else that you can think of. Please join with me in letting Washington know that while we will stand for a lot...we will not "go quietly into that good night" on this issue!! Personally...if they can take a bullet for me...I can write a letter or make a phone call for them!!

Please send me a response...and it can be anonymous...if you share my outrage. Let's let the Obama Administration know that VOTES will determine his legacy from this point on. I have supported him thus far...but I've changed my mind about people before!! Please send me a message...even if it is anonymous...if you share my outrage and plan some sort of action...

May God continue to bless the men and women of our military and May He continue to bless the United States of America...

Until next time my friends....