The United States is beset by many issues. While we have unity and freedoms, we can still show improvement. One of our greatest strengths is the diversity of our people and the freedom to choose without oppression, what we believe, and how we worship; the ways we interpret "the words of God."But there is still contention when people of good intent lose their way and take … [Read more...]
Generations at War
The mind of the young is malleable and we can condition children to limit their feelings, harden their revulsion, and we can teach them to hate. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Middle East.Prior to the 1920’s the Middle East had been relatively unchanged for over 400 years. The stability of the Ottoman Empire ruled then entire area and while it might not have … [Read more...]
Drinking Age in the US Military: Age of Maturity
This article originally appeared in The Havok Journal on 3 February, 2015... but it continues to be an issue. What are your thoughts? _____ North Dakota State Rep. Andrew Maragos recently sponsored a bill that proposes changing the legal drinking age in the US military to age 18. This has sparked a bit of controversy among military personnel, past and present and even within … [Read more...]
The Zen of Metal Sculpting
This article first appeared in Havok Journal on 16JAN15.Veterans face myriad stresses. Some have found ways to fight the darkness with art and peace for their souls with creation of beauty. Mine is metal work.Sculpting takes many forms and is one of the ways that the warrior has turned artisan to rekindle the inner calm that increases resiliency and gives them armor … [Read more...]
Fighting Terrorism: The Armor Called Humor
This article first appeared in Havok Journal on 09JAN15.When a comedian “kills it” on stage, it usually means they did well. But when a satirical newspaper drops a dime on someone, the killing gets real because intolerant people don’t like to be laughed at.In Paris on 6 January, 12 people are dead following an attack on the newspaper Charlie Hebdo. What did they do to … [Read more...]
Oil Prices: The New Battlefield
This article first appeared in Havok Journal on 18JAN15.There have been a few pictures on the internet posted by older folks like me next to the gas station showing the current price of gasoline per gallon back in the range it was last seen in 2004, and the price is still going down.On the world stage, there is a fear that Russia, Venezuela, and Iran are going to … [Read more...]
Reality Check: Gay Marriage
This article first appeared in Havok Journal on 26JAN15.We face a myriad of problems in America today, problems which affect our economy, our justice system, and healthcare for our citizens, education, and national security. Police are vilified and vindicated. Terrorists murder citizens. The Middle East is a nightmare with no signs of improvement. Nothing seems to be … [Read more...]
Military Health: A Tour of Tricare
This article originally appeared on 28 March 2015. _____ Tax time is upon us and the Affordable Care Act has once again raised its head. What does it mean for the military? Not much, the military has TRICARE... right?The Defense Health Agency closed all the walk-in service centers back in April for all CONUS bases but everything you need to know is available online … [Read more...]
Ebola: An Abundance Of (un)Caution
Originally published in The Havok Journal on 18 October 2014. _____ Here is what cautious people do. Cautious people know that all firearms are loaded until checked. Cautious people know that you should check behind the vehicle before you move it. Cautious people do not use a hair dryer in the shower. Uncautious people give you Ebola.The CDC and others say that they … [Read more...]
Don’t Bother Me About France
This article first appeared in Havok Journal on 14JAN15.How seriously out of touch with reality do you have to be to work in the Obama administration? Does the body count decide who attends? Does the President really care what message he sends? Does the fact that our trading partners, military allies, friends, and even acquaintances decided to march as one not pass the … [Read more...]