Once Around the Block

Tough times. A couple of weeks back I had an interesting talk with my friend Frank. We worry about our republic as the rhetoric continues to ramp up and the volume grows ever louder. Dozens of cases claiming voter fraud have failed. There has been NO proof that has stood under the light of sharp scrutiny. And now one failed leader is shouting his lies was just bravado as if he were a five-year-old running around a playground at recess. Political leaders must pledge to uphold the Constitution which calls for a peaceful transfer of power but now some flaunt their actions and use it to grift ever more money from their gullible cult followers. It must be a slap in the face to veterans who fought for these principles, risking their lives. Now Independence Day is here again.  

Frank went to West Point and flew Blackhawks. When I was in high school I thought about going to West Point. In retrospect, it’s a good thing those thoughts never went further. I don’t think I would have survived the first month. My hats off to those who served. And many somber thoughts and prayers for those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice for our Country.

The air is now too polluted to walk around the block. There are hundreds of forest fires in Canada, all too many out of control. I’ll close my eyes and take a figurative walk instead. Sometimes I think better when my feet are moving and my lips are closed.

I’ve read several articles in The Havok Journal whose authors would take issue with the first paragraph at the beginning of this article. Often they go on for pages with copious notes and references even claiming that the events of 1/6/21 were a peaceful tour of Congress in spite of the videotapes and physical damage and deaths that are documented. By this time we’ve passed the stages of a simple pissing match and both sides have the fire hoses opened full. I don’t think there’s profit in this for either side.

So, I’m going to attach a note to my PC – only write with kindness and positive energy – DON’T BE PART of the PROBLEM. (OK. That only starts after I finish this essay, write the note and post it on my PC). You’ll have to read the next posting to see if that’s working – otherwise, call me out. Just don’t come gunning for me or my family and don’t even hint that it would be a good thing if … Please, please, please think of what some disgruntled politicians are now suggesting and DO NOT turn to violence!)

(There was a pause while I actually printed the message out on yellow paper – a cautionary note so to speak. And it’s now lying on my keyboard.)

I feel better already.

Again – thanks to all who served and are now serving our country. Your pledge to uphold the Constitution will keep us free. Remember Amendment I – besides freedom of speech and the press it states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” Just saying.

Please take the time to reflect on this one little part and ask yourselves if perhaps we need to show more respect for how others make their own life decisions. There are hundreds of spices and as many different cuisines. You don’t have to go into every restaurant or sample every dish. I don’t particularly care for meat but I won’t stop you from barbequing on the Fourth: tradition, tradition. I can respect that!

And let’s all pledge to open our hearts even more, there’s room for all – people of every color, every religion, even those without any official trapping, people of all persuasions. We need to learn to live and play nicely side-by-side. And yes, I’m going to remind us all, myself included, to commit more acts of random kindness.

Best wishes for a safe, happy, healthy, and meaningful July Fourth.

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Ken was a Professor of Mathematics, a ceramicist, a welder, and an IBMer until downsized in 2000. He taught yoga until COVID-19 decided otherwise. He continues writing, living with his wife and beagle in Shorewood, Wisconsin. He enjoys chamber music and mysteries. He’s a homebrewer and runs whitewater rivers. Ken is a writer and his literary works can be found at https://www.kmkbooks.com/

He welcomes feedback on his articles and can be reached at havokjournal@havokmedia.com.

As the Voice of the Veteran Community, The Havok Journal seeks to publish a variety of perspectives on a number of sensitive subjects. Unless specifically noted otherwise, nothing we publish is an official point of view of The Havok Journal or any part of the U.S. government.