Thunder rolled in the distance. Rain pelted her face. Exhaustion arrived which dulled the senses - curbed her decision making. Through heavy, erratic breathing, she slowly raised the gun while reciting the guild’s creed.
 
“America will survive. As her steward, I dedicate my life. No act is too low. No price is too high. Through sex, lies, and violence, Lady Liberty will thrive…”
 
While starring down field, she squeezed the trigger. The bullet struck the pig and split its head apart. Blood streamed out in a pulsating manner. Moments later, the pig’s heart failed, and its body collapsed.
 
With the gun still raised, a tear fell down her cheek - quickly devoured by the rain.
 
A woman approached from behind and placed a hand on her shoulder. With a deep sign, she leaned and whispered in her ear, “Eleanor. My sweet Eleanor. Bury the emotion. Focus.”

Eleanor turned her head while slowly lowering her gun.
 
The woman continued, “Your training will never end. But it will become easier. More routine.”
 
Eyes closed, Eleanor raised her head to the sky, “I hate this, Mrs. Hoover. All of this.” She reached for her shoulder, grabbing Mrs. Hoover’s hand. Squeezing.

With a big, mischievous smile, Mrs. Hoover again whispered, “Hate it? I’m sure. But you will soon come to embrace it. Even enjoy it. All of it.”

Present Day

Dean truly was a crusty, old bastard. Aged to imperfection. Dissociative and detrimental to all who crossed his path.

The TV flickered over his lifeless body. While reclined in his La-Z-Boy, a carefully balanced, burned out cigarette rested between two smoke stained fingers.
​
He had nothing or no one.
 
​
1935
​
Early morning light peered through the window. In the distance, a cock crow is heard. And then another. Dean sat up in bed and thought of his upcoming chores - a lot of responsibility for this 10 year old. With a deep sign, he stood and walked down the hall. The old, wood floors creaked with every step. The sound was comforting. Reassuring.

Cool water fell from the make shift shower. It felt nice. Well water with that faint smell of cucumber. Dean stood there, motionless. With his head back and eyes closed, he soaked up every possible drop - before hearing the daily rant from across the house.
​
“Dean! What tha hell ya doin’? Wastin’ water and burnin’ daylight! Get yer ass in the kitchen!”

“Yes, sir, Uncle Bob! Be right there!”

Uncle Bob was a man’s man. A farmer like his daddy and his daddy’s daddy. He was tall, barrel chested, and no nonsense. After Dean’s daddy died, Uncle Bob took over the operation. Not very pleasant for all involved.

The family farm had been around for 80 years. During that time, it was worked every day but Sunday. Well, except that stint of occupation during the Civil War. Those Yanks pretty much took what they wanted, including the young ladies.

Dean dried off and rushed back to his room. He threw on coveralls and scurried to the kitchen.

The clock over the stove showed a quarter after 5 - a late start for this family. They were usually fed and out the door by 5 am. Dean sat at the far end of the table. This was his regular spot next to his cousin, Roger. Uncle Bob sat at the other end next to Josue, the resident farm hand. Dean closed his eyes and took in the morning aroma. The smell of biscuits, bacon, and gravy almost made the day worthwhile.

Aunt Bella hovered over the stove, glancing at the clock every few seconds. She was nearly through cooking when she sensed an unsettling glare from Uncle Bob.

“Damn it, Bella. Been sittin’ here waitin’. Ya got one job to do, and that’s feed us. On time!”

Uncle Bob took a long, drawn out breathe and forcibly exhaled. “Worthless shit.”

Aunt Bella quickly looked up and gave a “go to hell” look. For many years, she cooked breakfast, lunch, and dinner for all who worked the farm. And she constantly received this sort of senseless abuse from her husband. She knew to keep her mouth shut, however. You see, Uncle Bob had a mean streak.

Some might say evil.

Uncle Bob noticed his wife’s rebellious gaze. He stood, paused then looked up toward the ceiling. Everyone heard knuckles crack as Uncle Bob squeezed his fists together.
​
The old, wood floors creaked as he walked across the kitchen. Uncle Bob gathered the biscuits, bacon, and gravy. All eyes watched, as he opened the door and stepped onto the porch. With crazed resolve, Uncle Bob slung the food across the lawn.
 

Jeff was running late - stuck in traffic, slowly making his way to the Medical Center. The traffic seemed unusually heavy for a Saturday morning. While watching other commuters, Jeff wondered where they were going and what they were thinking.

He reached an intersection about 10 minutes from the hospital, affectionately known as “John’s Corner”. John was a homeless man who worked that corner, day in and day out. John approached the car as Jeff rolled down his window.

"Good morning, John. Looks like rain is coming”.

As John leaned against the door, he looked up at the sky and shook his head. Jeff smiled and gave him a breakfast taco he picked up earlier.

“Take care, John. See you next time.”

“God bless,” whispered John, as he winked and turned away.

Jeff reached the parking lot but found it difficult to find a space. He made several loops until finding one. Jeff started volunteering at the hospital several weeks ago – spending time with children suffering with cancer. It was court ordered after he plead guilty to an altercation at the local Wal Mart. He physically fought over a parking spot.

Jeff grabbed his backpack, slammed the car door, and jogged toward the main entrance. He abruptly stopped, sighed, and turned back. Jeff forgot his volunteer badge. With badge in hand, he entered the building, 20 minutes late.

“Glad to see you made it,” smirked the receptionist. Jeff jogged passed her desk toward the elevator.

The doors creaked and slowly opened. He stared ahead, took a deep breath, and entered the 4th floor. This floor housed many children afflicted with various forms of cancer. In addition to individual rooms, there was a lunchroom, library, and entertainment room. The favorite room by far was the entertainment room. It had a big screen and a ping pong table.

Jeff reached the nurses’ station to check in. While signing the log, a nurse greeted him.
“Good morning, Jeff! We have a new patient in 4F.”

Ruby was a seasoned nurse. She worked the cancer wing for nearly 12 years, always smiling and upbeat.

“Waiting in the library,” asked Jeff?

“No. She pretty much stays in her room.”

With a concerned look, Jeff explained, “I’ve never really spent time in the patient's rooms, I just read to them in the library.”

“I’m sure she would love you reading to her,” smiled Ruby, as she pointed down the hall. “Her room is third on the right.”

Jeff turned and slowly walked down the hall, stressed about the upcoming encounter.
He reached her room. Beside the door was the name “Johnson”. The door was decorated with several, colorful drawings. Some with flowers, some with trees, and one with a unicorn. Jeff stared at the drawings for a moment, smiled, and quietly knocked on the door.

There was no response. He knocked harder but still no answer. Jeff opened the door, peering through the dim lit room at a little girl sitting up in bed.

“Hello there,” he said smiling with nervous anticipation. “Miss Johnson?”

He walked toward the bed and noticed the girl was wearing ear buds. She had her head down reading a book.

Jeff stood there a moment, then waved his hand to grab her attention.

“Hello there, Miss Johnson.”

The girl tilted her head, raised an eyebrow, and looked up toward Jeff. A moment later, she looked away and removed her ear buds.

“Hello, sir,” she said quietly while lowering her head.

“I’m Jeff. Nice to meet you.”

After a bit of awkward silence, Jeff asked, “Whatcha reading?”

She sighed and held up the book “The Old Man and the Sea”.

“Wow. Nice read there. How do you like it?"

“Good. I found it in the library.”

That put smile on Jeff's face. “I love libraries. I like to read.”

The girl gave a partial, forced smile and then looked away.

“I’m sorry, Miss Johnson. I am a volunteer here. I usually read to the kids in the library.

She nodded her head and opened the book. “My name is Nicole.”

With a smirk on his face, Jeff waved his hand in a semi-circle in front of the girl and said, “You will smile and like me.” And again, “You WILL smile and like me…”

After a quick glance, she looked down and said, “Your Jedi mind tricks will not work on me.”

With wide-eyed excitement, Jeff yelled aloud, “YES!”

That startled Nicole. She quickly looked up and began to smile.

“There’s that smile, Nicole. I knew it would work! So, you’re a fan, huh?”

With a gleeful look, she announced, “Yes, I am. Pure Rebel Scum…”

“Nice! We have something in common,” smiled Jeff. He grabbed an old wooden chair, placed it next to the bed, and sat down.

“What’s your favorite Star Wars character, Nicole?”

With a bit of hesitation, she replied, “Umm… I like a lot of them, don’t really have a favorite. What about you”?

“My favorite is C-3PO. He always seems to be nervous and is funny. He was my first Star Wars figure. My mom bought him after the first movie came out. I played with him so much, his arm fell off,” laughed Jeff.

“Wow, you’re old,” Nicole smirked.

“Ha, true. But I was only seven then. How old are you?”

She raised her eyebrows and said, “I’m 13 years old.”

“Wow, you look much younger, my young Padawan.”

Nicole slowly shook her head no. Jeff smiled and corrected himself.

“I’m kidding. You look very mature for your age.”

She smiled and continued to read the book. Jeff sat quietly for a bit, reflecting on his childhood.

“I loved that C-3PO. He was my best friend. I gave him to my daughter.”

Nicole looked up with interest. “What’s her name?”

Jeff smiled. “Trace, my little girl.”

“Does she like Star Wars too?”

Jeff’s smile went away. “I don’t know. Haven’t seen her in a long time...”

“Oh, sorry.” Nicole paused and asked, “What happened?”

“I… uh, well, I got into some trouble and had to go away for a while. Her mom couldn’t handle losing me and raising a child by herself. So, she gave her up for adoption. She was only one.”

“That’s really sad.” Nicole looked down at her book. “My parents died when I was little. Never really knew my mom or dad. I’ve been living at Winding Creek Orphanage.”

Jeff sighed with warm, understanding eyes. “Looks like we’ve both had crappy lives, huh?”

“Yes, sir. Been kinda lonely, I guess.”

Jeff stood up and extended his hand. “Well, it was nice to meet you, Nicole. Maybe we can be friends. I sure could use one.”

Nicole smiled and firmly shook his hand. “I would like that, sir.”

“Great! I’m gonna head to the library. Wanna come?”

“No, thanks. I’m going to keep reading my book.”

“OK. See you next weekend?”
​
With a smile on her face, she nodded, then whispered, “Sure thing.”
 
                     ~

A week had passed. Jeff left the house and headed back to the hospital. But first, he stopped for tacos and then to “John’s Corner”. The traffic seemed unusually light that morning. Jeff made it to the hospital 10 minutes early.

After signing in, he went to the lunchroom for a sweet tea. Jeff sat there and reflected on last week’s visit with Nicole. He decided to swing by her room before heading to the library. He had something special in store.

Jeff reached the room and again, admired her drawings on the door. He knocked and patiently waited.

“Come in.”

He slowly opened the door and saw Nicole, sitting on the edge of her bed, with book in hand.

Jeff entered the room and sat in the wooden chair. “Good morning, Nicole.”

“Good morning, sir.”

He smiled. “Are you still reading that book?”

“No. I finished that one. Started a new one.”

“Which one?”

She held up the book. “Alice in Wonderland.”

“Another classic. And a weird one at that.”

Nicole glanced up with an impish grin. “I like weird.”

Jeff nodded his head in agreement. “What do you like to do besides reading?”

“I don’t know,” as she shrugged her shoulders.

“Do you like music?”

“Sometimes. I don’t listen that much.

Jeff lifted his arms with excitement. “Well, today is your lucky day. I have a karaoke machine in my car and we’re going to visit the 80’s. Be right back…”

Nicole mouthed the letters, OMG, as Jeff left her room.

Ten minutes later, the door opened, and Jeff entered the room. He placed the karaoke machine and two microphones on the wooden chair. Standing by her bed, he explained how it worked.

“This machine can play karaoke songs from a tape, CD, or even through Bluetooth from your phone.”

Nicole had an unsure look on her face. Jeff continued explaining.

“The words come out on this little screen. Once you get the melody, it’s pretty easy to sing along.”

Jeff took a phone out of his pocket. He pulled up a list of songs and gave suggestions to Nicole.

“What would you like to sing with me? Van Halen, Beastie Boys, Duran Duran?”

Nicole smiled. “Oh my God. Really? I don’t think so…”

“C’mon, Nick. It’ll be fun.”

“Nick,” she laughed. “My new NICK-name?”

Jeff smiled. “I guess. Ok, pick a group.”

“Well, let’s see. How about Beastie Boys?”

“Good choice, Nick!”

Jeff plugged in the karaoke machine and connected the microphones. From his phone, he synced a song to the machine. Nicole climbed out of bed and positioned herself in front of the little screen. Jeff grabbed a microphone and handed one to her. 

“Ok, Nick, just listen to the music and sing the words with me. It’ll be great!”

The words “Fight for Your Right” flashed across the screen. Then the song played and showed the following lyrics:
 
“Kick it!
You wake up late for school, man you don't want to go
You ask you mom, please? but she still says, no!
You missed two classes, and no homework
But your teacher preaches class like you're some kind of jerk
You gotta fight for your right to party!
You gotta fight for your right to party!”
 
They sang together and stumbled along the way. But in the end, they rocked it.

With a gleeful smile, Nicole said, “That was awesome! Another one?”

So, the two rock stars spent the next hour jamming together.

Nicole was tired and pretty week. “I’m going to lie down now, I’m exhausted.”

Jeff turned and placed his hand on her shoulder. “Ok, Nick. I needed this. I had so much fun.”

Nicole walked to her bed and slowly slipped into her covers, smiling and content.

Jeff picked up his empty tea bottle. “Nick, do you want a drink from the lunchroom?

“No, sir. I’m fine.”

Jeff started to grab the karaoke, then stopped. “Hey, I think I’m gonna leave this here. So you can practice, ok?

“Ok, that’s cool.”

He walked over to her bed, leaned over and shook her hand. “Until we meet again, my young, Padawan learner.”

Nicole smiled as Jeff walked toward the door. As the door opened, he heard her faint words. “Bye, bye.”

                      ~

Jeff had car problems. A computer module failed which left his car in the shop for nearly two weeks. He missed the last weekly visit to the hospital. The car was now fixed and early Saturday morning, he found himself heading back to the hospital.

He didn’t stop for tacos or visit “John’s Corner.” Jeff wanted to get the day over with. There were only two more visits required, then he would fulfill his obligation with the court. He had much on his mind and battled reoccurring depression.

Jeff reached the nurses’ station. As he signed the log, he saw Ruby leaving Nicole’s room. Jeff stopped by the lunchroom to get a sweet tea. On his way out, he ran into Ruby.

“Good morning, Ruby. How ya doing?”

Ruby gave a forced smile and said, “Doing fine. But Nicole isn't doing too well. She started her chemo. She asked for you the other day.”

“Ok, thanks.”

Jeff walked down the hall toward Nicole’s room. He noticed how quiet and still it was. Lonely. He stood in front of her door and again, looked at her drawings. He saw something new. A picture of man and girl standing together, both of them holding what looked like light sabers. Jeff smiled and took a picture of it with his phone.

He knocked on the door and asked, “Hey Nick, may I come in?”

There was no answer but soon after, he heard Nicole crying for help.

Jeff rushed into the room. The bathroom door was open. Nicole was on her knees by the toilet, throwing up and crying. He knelt down to hold her.

“I’m here, Nick. I got you, baby.”

He flushed the toilet and kept the hair out of her face. Then came the dry heaves.
“Breathe, baby, breathe. It’ll be over soon.”

After she finished, Jeff slowly helped her up. He stood with her as she washed out her mouth. Nicole leaned on the sink for a bit, weak and exhausted. Jeff took a cool wash cloth and gently wiped her forehead. He whispered over and over, “It’s gonna be ok.”

They carefully walked to the bed and he helped her climb in. She was cold and wanted to bundle up.

With a sad, tired look, she asked, “Where you been? I’ve been practicing some songs…”

“I’m sorry. My car died. Had to put it in the shop for a while.”

“That’s ok. I started this treatment and I hate it. Um, I thought… just that, that you would be here, that’s all.”

Jeff brushed the hair from her face. “I know.”

He paused for a bit, starred at the wall. He tried to keep his emotions in check. With a forced smile, he asked, “Well, so tell me. What songs are you singing?”

Nicole perked up a bit and answered. “I watched this old movie last week. Footloose. I really liked the songs. I’ve been singing those.”

“Awesome!” Jeff gave a thumbs up. “One of my top ten movies. We can jam to those songs when you feel better, ok?”

“Ok.” Nicole began feeling queasy again. “Can you please get me some water? There's some bottles in the little cabinet.”

As Jeff walked toward the cabinet, she stopped him. “Never mind. I have to throw up again.”

He rushed to her side and helped her into the bathroom. On her knees, she started to dry heave again with horrible cramping. She pleaded with Jeff to help her. “Oh my God... help me. It hurts!”

“I know. I know it hurts, sweetheart. I’m not going anywhere.”

Jeff sat beside her on the bathroom floor. The spasms finally stopped. She carefully shifted, sat on the floor, and lowered her head into Jeff’s lap.

Tears ran down her cheeks. “I don’t wanna die.”

Jeff remained quiet and slowly brushed her hair with his fingers.

“Why is this happening? Does God hate me?”

He looked down into her eyes. “No, baby. He loves you so much.”

Nicole took a deep breath and continued to watch Jeff.

“Nick, bad things happen. They always have, and they always will. I used to blame God for losing my little girl. I was mad for a long time. But I met this old, homeless man. We spent many days talking about all sorts of things. And one day, he told me the truth.

This world is full of good and bad. And that won’t change. But God wants to help us through the bad stuff. Wants us to find peace and joy in this world of hurt and sadness.”

Nicole wiped the tears from her eyes. “What do I do? How can He help me?

Jeff raised her up. They sat across each other on the bathroom floor. “Ok. Listen. A long time ago, Jesus came to this world as God. And He died, to pay for all the bad things everyone has ever done or will ever do.

If we believe this, we will live with Him in Heaven after we die. No more pain. No more sadness. And until then, we can live here and love Jesus and talk to Him. He will give us peace and love and joy like we’ve never felt before.”

Jeff reached into his back pocket and pulled out a tiny New Testament.

“Nick, this was my little girl’s Bible. I got it for her when she was born. She never had a chance to read it. When I had to go away, I kept it with me and read almost every day. I want you to have it."

Nicole smiled as she reached for the Bible. “Thank you, sir.”

“I think you’ll like it more than “Alice in Wonderland.”

Nicole slowly rested her head in Jeff’s lap. They stayed there for a while, very still, while Jeff read the little book to her.
 
                      ~

​Jeff sat behind the wheel, thinking. This was the last required visit. He hoped he could continue to see Nicole. Jeff pulled out of his driveway and drove straight to the hospital. No tacos, no John.

The elevator door opened. Jeff walked out to see Ruby near her desk. She stood there with a blank stare and swollen eyes.

“Jeff. We need to talk.”

Together, they walked to the lunch room. Jeff bought a sweet tea and they sat down. She grabbed Jeff’s hand before she spoke. “Nicole’s treatment isn’t working. She’s dying.”

Jeff’s mouth opened with disbelief. “What? What happened?”

“The cancer spread. She won’t last much longer. I’m sorry, son.”

Jeff looked up at the ceiling, praying that the doctors were wrong.

“Jeff, she doesn’t know. Please try and act normal and positive. She needs that from you. Ok?”

He took a deep, quivering breath and looked at Ruby with tears in his eyes. “I know.”

​Jeff walked down the hall to the guest bathroom. He washed his face, blew his nose, and did his best to dry his swollen eyes.

He reached her room, once again staring at her little drawings. Jeff quietly knocked on her door. He heard a faint “Come in”. As the door opened, he looked across the dark room at the frail, little girl wrapped up in bed.

Jeff smiled. “Good morning, Nick. How ya doing?

“I’ve been better,” she sighed. “You gonna drink that?”

He looked down at his tea and smiled. “I’m not that thirsty.”

“I am.”

Jeff walked over to Nicole. She looked pale and lifeless. He opened the drink and gave it to her.

“Thank you, Jedi Master.”

“You’re welcome, my young Padawan learner.”

As Nicole took a drink, she noticed Jeff’s red, swollen eyes and smiled. “What are you so sad about?”

“Allergies. Horrible today.”

She tilted her head and said, “Oh, ok.” She paused for a moment. “Well, I have some good news. I made some friends here. I went to the library and started talking about Jesus. Two kids wanna know more about Him. Very cool.”

Jeff smiled and sat next to her. “Yes, it is!”

Nicole reached for his hand. “I don’t feel so good. I feel pretty bad." She looked up at the ceiling and smiled. “But I’ve been talking to Jesus, and I feel better about this… this thing I’m going through. Everything with be ok.”

She slowly squeezed his hand. “I wanna to tell you something but don’t know how… I don’t know.” She stared at Jeff in a deep and loving way.

Nicole sat up and reached under her pillow. She pulled out an object of her affection. In her little hand was a worn out, one-armed C-3PO. “I’ve had him for as long as I can remember.”

She handed the figure to Jeff, “He’s always been my best friend."

​With a look of desperation, she asked, "Are you my daddy?”

Jeff paused for a moment. “Trace?”

“I’m Tracey Nicole Johnson. I was adopted when I was one. But my parents died in a car accident a year later.

“My God, Trace…”

I’ve been in and out of foster homes and living at the orphanage for nine years.”

She coughed while holding her chest, then squeezed his hand harder.

“I wanted you to be my daddy. I was scared if I told you, that you wouldn’t come back.”

Jeff became overwhelmed with emotion.

Tears filled her eyes. “Daddy, I’m not mad that you left me. You came back.

Jeff placed his hand over his mouth and listened.

“When I get better, I can live with you and you can show me things. We can do lots of cool stuff. I wanna grow up like you.”

Jeff softly touched his daughter’s face. “Of course, Trace. May I call you Trace?”

She smiled. “That’s my name.”

They sat together, held each other for a while. “Daddy? Do you wanna karaoke with me?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

He stood up and walked over to the machine. “What song shall we do?”

Trace answered. “Something from Footloose. I know…”

She took her phone and synced a song. “Ok, here we go.”

They stood in front of the wooden chair, waiting for words on the little screen. Together, they sang their final performance.
​
 

Almost Paradise
 
Jeff:
I thought that dreams belonged to other men
'Cause each time I got close
They'd fall apart again

Trace:
I feared my heart would beat in secrecy
I faced the nights alone
Oh, how could I have known
That all my life I only needed you?

Together:
Oh, almost paradise
We're knockin' on heaven's door
Almost paradise
How could we ask for more?
I swear that I can see forever in your eyes
Paradise



While holding each other, they received words they’ve been waiting to hear their whole lives.

“I love you, Daddy.”
“I love you, Trace.”

                      ~

Jeff hopped out of the shower and got dressed. He left the house with Trace on his mind. Light rain fell as he pulled in the drive thru. 10 minutes later, he reached “John’s Corner.” Jeff looked around but no sign of John. Soon after, he drove away.

​Rain fell hard as he reached the funeral home. He jogged to the door with a jacket over his head. He stopped abruptly, sighed, and turned back. Jeff forgot something in his car.

​He entered the funeral home. Once inside, he noticed how quiet and still it was. Lonely. Jeff asked the receptionist where Miss Johnson was. She said, "Her room is third on the right.” 

​He slowly walked down the hall and reached her room. Beside the door was the name “Johnson”. The door was decorated with several, colorful drawings. 

​Jeff walked to the casket and grabbed the rail. He looked down at Trace and almost collapsed - desperately asking God to give him strength through this. 

Jeff softly touched his daughter’s face. He reached into his pocket and pulled out an object of his affection. In his hand was a worn out, one-armed C-3PO. Jeff whispered, “He was your best friend.”
​
He placed the figure on her pillow, next to the pale, lifeless face. Jeff kissed her forehead and walked away.

It is late in the evening. Light from the
television covers Jesse as he lies on the couch. Half awake, he hears a report on CNN. The Obama administration is planning for the possible withdrawal of all U.S. troops from Afghanistan by the end of the year - if no security agreement is reached. 

Combat operations in Afghanistan will end this year. For the US to keep forces beyond 2014, an agreement needs to be reached with the Afghan president. President Karzai has refused to sign an agreement, which appears to be a political move concerning the upcoming elections for new Afghan leadership. 

A few moments pass. Jesse screams in disgust, throwing a half empty beer bottle across the room. He curls up into a ball and cries. 

As a boy, Jesse would play “war” with his younger brother. With make-shift guns and sling-shots, they would run around the neighborhood, chasing the enemy. Their father was prior military and proud. Serving your country and chasing the American Dream were paramount for this American family. 

In high school, Jesse was approached by an Army recruiter on Career Day. The recruiter was a good salesman who promised the world to Jesse – travel, adventure and the GI Bill. After graduation, he enlisted for 6 years. 

Jesse endured many weeks of training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina. This Initial Entry Training is required and necessary before deployment. His MOS or “Military Occupation Specialty” was 11B Infantryman. Of all his responsibilities, Jesse enjoyed reconnaissance the most. 

Afghanistan was Jesse’s home for nearly three years. Some days were spent sitting around; entertaining his fellow troopers – trying to get a laugh. Other days involved contact with the enemy. Whatever the circumstance, the soldiers tried passing the time as best they could. 

One evening, Jesse and his battle buddy were patrolling south of camp. The air was quiet and the sky was clear. Jesse looked up at the blanket of stars and thought of home - back to the days of Lake Somerville and camping with his family. For that moment, all was well. With a smile on his face, Jesse looked over to his buddy across the road. The soldier asked Jesse, “What are you so happy about?” 

There was an explosion and a flash a light. Jesse was knocked to the ground. His buddy was gone – he had tripped an IED buried in the roadway. Jesse scrambled to find the soldier but only found pieces of him spread across the blast area. 

In Jesse’s unit, the soldiers shared life and death together. These soldiers were brothers – they were all that Jesse had. They were his family. 

It has been three months since Jesse left Afghanistan. He finds himself alone in his living room. Like many soldiers, Jesse has succumbed to addiction and thoughts of suicide.  

Soldiers such as Jesse trust their government and are willing to sacrifice. They cling to the words of President Kennedy who said, "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country!” Our soldiers live to serve America. 

Before going to war, we need to ask if the pain, torment and sacrifice to be suffered by our soldiers are worth it. Unfortunately, the campaign in Afghanistan has been unclear. Our purpose has morphed over the years. The US invaded Afghanistan in retaliation for the attacks on September 11, 2001. We were determined to destroy al Qaeda and its ability to support and conduct terrorist activities. Al Qaeda is still around. 

Another goal of occupying Afghanistan was to find and kill Osama bin Laden. We killed him in May of 2011. Bin Laden was found in Pakistan, not Afghanistan. Three years later, we are still in Afghanistan.

Other reasons cited for US occupation are the rebuilding of Afghanistan and our strategic interest in the region.

Pulling out of Afghanistan will have terrible consequences. Our absence will ensure Al Qaeda’s survival and its terrorist plans will continue. Our effective rebuilding of Afghanistan will deteriorate – this country will engage in civil war and eventually return to its pre-conflict self. 

This is something Jesse battles within his mind. He is happy that his brothers may soon come home but knows if we leave Afghanistan, the country will implode – as if we were never there. Jesse wonders if his sacrifice, as well as those of the soldiers before him matter. 

We depend on our government to make the right choices in utilizing our soldiers. To fight for an actual purpose is noble. To fight for an agenda or political reasons is evil.  

Light shines through the narrow window, bathing the flag that rests peacefully on the closed casket. 

Jesse is dead – gone to meet the buddy he left on that forsaken road in Afghanistan. A bottle of pills took the pain away. No wife, no kids, no future. His life was snuffed by the pains of war. 

As the organ plays “The Old Rugged Cross”, Jesse’s mom cries. She walks to the casket and lays her hand across the stars. As the song finishes, her faint whisper can be heard, “I’m proud of you son. I love you.” 

The service ends as friends and family slowly walk away. After her last goodbye, Jesse’s mom moves toward the door. She glances through the narrow window and sees a familiar sight. Across a neighboring field, two kids are running around, both dressed in camouflage. With their make-shift guns and sling-shots, they chase the enemy. 

My wife and I are rushing down Highway 59 to make the early service at Lakewood Church. This will be our fourth time to listen to Joel Osteen preach in person. Close to the church, we see police officers directing traffic to available parking. We park and make the long walk to the church. Once inside, we are again in awe of how large the facility is. 
 
Lakewood Church is home to the largest Christian congregation in America. It includes child care services, a café with wireless internet, video game kiosks and a first class book store that features Joel's best-selling books. 

After the worship service, Joel provides a nice, uplifting message about trusting in the Lord and He will provide what is lacking in your life – such as a stable job, adequate transportation and even that nice raise you deserve. He stresses that life can be a lot better with God. I feel inspired and refreshed by listening to Joel. 

Toward the end of the service, an announcement is made that Joel will be signing copies of his new book titled Break Out!: 5 Keys to Go Beyond Your Barriers and Live an Extraordinary Life. In his book, Joel encourages his readers by saying, "When you break though in your mind, believing you can rise higher and overcome obstacles, then God will unleash the power within that will enable you to go beyond the ordinary into the extraordinary life you were designed to live." 
 
We rush upstairs and buy two copies of Joel’s new book then head to the line for the book signing - forcing our way through a mob of admirers, hell-bent on getting that signature. While waiting in line, we are instructed to have our books open, ready for Joel’s signature. We are also encouraged to have our bibles signed if we wish. As I reach Joel, I have him sign his book for me. He is upbeat and smiling. I feel like I am meeting a superstar – a rock star for Christianity as Glenn Beck, a conservative talk show host calls him. 

I offer my bible to Joel and he signs that as well. He looks at me, eye to eye and says, “I am very glad you are here today. Very glad!” My wife and I walk away, winding through the crowded church toward the exit. Slowly, my feeling of awe and stardom turns into melancholic regret. I just had my bible autographed as if I were a desperate groupie at a rock concert. This is the Word of God. How could I do this?

Joel Osteen is a spiritual man who has brought many to the Lord. He effectively inspires his congregation to attend church and provide charity in the community. Joel has been very successful in selling his books which offer hope and encouragement to many. 

The Lakewood Church website describes his core message being, “That our God is a good God who desires to bless those who are obedient and faithful to Him through Jesus Christ.” It is true that God is pleased with the obedient and faithful. But is that the core message of Christianity?

There are those who believe Joel is a part of a controversial movement called the Prosperity Gospel. This teaching uses faith and doing good works to gain material blessings from God – to use God to get things from Him. Preacher and author Rick Henderson says, “Joel teaches that we open ourselves to God to get more from God.  He teaches that we use our words to speak into existence a better reality.  This is straight from the Word of Faith Movement.  This is not the focus throughout the New
Testament.” 

The Word of Faith movement teaches financial prosperity and physical - spiritual healing for any who choose to verbally declare what is desired. This involves an act of
faith that it coincides with God's purpose. This movement references Mark 11:22-23, when Jesus said believers shall have whatsoever they speak and pray with faith. 

Jesus did not die on the cross so we can ask God to provide for us. He died for us as a payment for all the past, present and future sins of the world. And by making a choice to accept this gift from God, we are to develop a warm and personal relationship with Him. We are saved from ourselves and will spend eternity with Him. Just knowing the facts is not enough. Having a feel good Sunday service is not enough.

It involves a willingness to submit, as Jesus said in Luke 9:23, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” (NRSV). This means to deny your own wishes and worldly desires - take up your “cross” and be willing to “die” to follow Christ. He expects an absolute surrender to Him. 
 
The Christian faith is based on Salvation, not on personal accomplishments or things that make you feel warm and fuzzy. As stated in Luke 9:24-25, “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?” (NIV).

True happiness does not come from material things or success. It comes from knowing God on an intimate level - having a personal relationship with God. This means to deny yourself of worldly desires, take up your cross of struggles and sorrow daily and follow Him through his examples and teachings. 

Although the message of Joel Osteen is uplifting and inspiring, I believe it misses the mark. Many of his congregation may be lost in the spectacle and missing out on the true meaning of the Gospel - Salvation. There is nothing wrong with being successful or striving for personal excellence but those actions are not priority in life. It is the choice to love and walk with God, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ – not expecting favors in return. The rest will come naturally, according to His will. 

This year marks the 50th anniversary of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This act provided legislation that outlawed specific forms of ethnic, racial and
religious discrimination against minorities and women. 

The year before this landmark legislation was passed, an event called the “March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom” occurred. The event was organized by various religious and civil rights groups. It was designed to reveal political and social obstacles faced by African Americans in our country. 

The “March on Washington” became a defining moment for civil rights in our country. The pinnacle of this event was the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech "I Have a Dream" which stressed the need for racial equality and justice. 

King believed in non-violent activism and was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's teachings. In King’s speech, he said, “We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of
dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protests to degenerate into physical violence … militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to distrust all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their
presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny…we cannot walk alone.”

Unfortunately, King’s dream has turned into a nightmare.

Today, the torch of tolerance and acceptance has been snuffed by various minority groups – one being the New Black Panther Party, the so called leadership of the black community. The New Black Panther Party (NBPP) is a black political organization created in 1989. They identify themselves with the original Black Panther Party. The NBPP claims it fights the oppression of minorities, in particular black and brown people, recognizing the current issues facing black communities. It is obvious that the NBPP does not share in King’s vision peace and harmony between races. 

Khalid Abdul Muhammad, the NBPP’s late former party chairman said, "There are no good crackers, and if you find one, kill him before he changes.” It has been reported that the party’s leadership promotes the idea that blacks are God's actual "chosen people" and that the Jews are not. Revealing its Anti-Semitic nature, the NBPP leadership has also blamed the Jews for the terrorist attacks on September 11th and for the organized slave trade earlier in our country’s history. 

 In 2012, former NBPP Chief of Staff Michelle Williams said that blacks in Tampa, Florida are "under siege". She promised that “…as long as whites keep characterizing blacks as 'niggers,' her feet [will be] on your motherfucking necks!”

In the same year, the NBPP offered a $10,000 bounty for the "legal citizen's arrest" of George Zimmerman, the accused shooter of Trayvon Martin. In response to Martin’s death, the party believed in "a life for a life". The NBPP is a militant group that uses its power to promote racism and intolerance. 

The actions of the New Black Panther Party are misleading to the black community it represents. Their violent and racist behavior is detrimental to the advancement of its constituents. Equality and success will only come from non-violent action and earnest cooperation. 

Another influential minority organization is the National Council of La Raza. “La Raza” is a powerful political force which receives millions a year in federal grants for various political reasons, such as get-out-the-vote efforts supporting "La Raza" political positions and housing reform. These non-profit projects are commendable. In addition to these respectable efforts by “La Raza”, there is a less know suspected agenda that drives the organization from the top down. 

There are claims that the National Council of La Raza is linked to secondary organizations such as the radical racist group Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan (MEChA) and the Chicano Student Movement of Aztlan. These are racist, anti-American groups which developed on American college campuses in the 1960s.  Their desire is to create a new nation out of the American West. According to 2003 tax records, “La Raza” was actively funding MEChA. 

The position of MEChA is clear. In a statement on the University of Oregon MEChA website, this organization claims, “Chicano is our identity; it defines who we are as people. It rejects the notion that we…should assimilate into the Anglo-American melting pot…Aztlan was the legendary homeland of the Aztecas … It became synonymous with the vast territories of the Southwest, brutally stolen from a Mexican people marginalized and betrayed by the hostile custodians of the Manifest Destiny.” This idea is leads to the position to “Reconquista” or re-conquest of the Western states.

Their founding principles are described in “El Plan Espiritual de Aztlan”: “…We are a
bronze people with a bronze culture. Before the world, before all of North America, before all our brothers in the bronze continent, we are a nation, we are a union of free pueblos, we are Aztlan. For La Raza todo. Fuera de La Raza nada” which means “For The Race everything. Outside The Race, nothing.” 

These viewpoints come from the official MEChA sites at UCLA, the University of Oregon, Georgetown University, the University of Texas and the University of Colorado, as well as other institutions across the country.

 Miguel Perez, a member of Cal State-Northridge’s MEChA chapter was quoted as saying: “The ultimate ideology is the liberation of Aztlan… once Aztlan is established, ethnic cleansing would commence: Non-Chicanos would have to be expelled - opposition groups would be quashed because you have to keep power.” 

We do not need racial segregation in this country. However, it is important for us to connect with our heritage – it is a part of who we are. The United States is a melting pot of diverse cultures. She is full of beautiful, hardworking Americans, composed of every race on the planet. Since her beginning, America has welcomed those wishing to assimilate as Americans while remembering their culture. This makes the United States a unique and wonderful place to live. We are all Americans – brothers under her flag of freedom and equality.

Today, there are minority groups that claim to be for their people and interests but mislead their followers with racism and intolerance. Minorities deserve better from their leadership – we all deserve better. We must all share in Dr. King’s dream to effectively eliminate racism and discrimination – through understanding and peaceful, non-violent behavior.

There are a number of unhappy campers about recent events concerning the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). As of New Year’s Day, 2014, the BSA started accepting openly gay boys for membership in the long running youth organization. Close to 60 percent of the BSA voting council approved this policy change last year. The policy states that no youth may be denied membership in the BSA on the basis of sexual orientation or preference alone.
However, this does not include homosexual adults, who are still banned from the Boy Scouts in leadership roles. 

Those opposed to this policy change cite a conflict with biblical teachings – specifically that homosexuality is a sin.  Religious organizations sponsor approximately 70 percent of the BSA troops in the United States. Since the announcement, the Boy Scouts have lost funding from many religious groups including one of their larger supporters, the Southern Baptist Convention. However, not all religious groups have ostracized the Boy Scouts. The Mormons and the Roman Catholic Church are continuing to support the BSA. 

Pastor Marshall Fant of Harvest Baptist Church in Rock Hill, South Carolina claims that the BSA was an extension of the church’s mission and a tool his church used to instill leadership. Fant believes the decision to allow gay scouts in the BSA conflicts with the mission of his church. “Any organization we support must line up with our view of scripture,” he said, “and when the Boy Scouts no longer considered homosexuality a sin, then we did not have the freedom to address it as a sin in the light of scripture.”

In response to the news of the Boy Scouts upcoming new policy, Trail Life USA was created last year. It is a youth program which mirrors the Boy Scouts. According to the Trail Life website, they are more “Christ-centered and service based” than the BSA. The site also states that “homosexuality, or any sexuality outside of the Sanctity of Marriage under God between a Man and a Woman is sin.” A steady flow of scouts, specifically with church ties, are leaving the BSA to join Trail Life. 
 
The CEO of Boy Scouts of America’s Palmetto Council, Greg Leitch, remains optimistic. “We understand that people are passionate about the membership standards issue and about Scouting,” Leitch claims. “We believe good people can disagree and still work together to accomplish great things for youth.”

I am happy with the new policy in the BSA. The policy change does not promote homosexuality. It promotes inclusion for all. Everyone should have an opportunity to experience the life changing effects of the Boy Scouts. In scouting, the focus is not on sex or a member’s sexual orientation. It is on leadership – developing young men into responsible leaders of tomorrow. Homosexuality is not a plague. Having a gay scout will not infect the rest of the troop or cause straight scouts to miraculously turn gay. Being gay or straight does not define a man – it comes from courage, honor, integrity, honesty and responsibly.

There is an ongoing struggle between the United States and Iran. This involves our opposition to Iran’s continued enrichment of uranium and the development of nuclear weapons. Recently, Sheldon Adelson spoke about this at Yeshiva University in New York City.

The big Republican supporter and casino tycoon feels there is no place for negotiation with Iran and that the United States should use nuclear warfare. Adelson believes the United States should first launch a ballistic missile with a nuclear warhead into the Iranian desert. He believes this action would shock the Iranian government into stopping their nuclear development. If it doesn’t work, the United States should then launch a nuclear attack on Tehran.

According to Adelson, the idea of detonating a nuclear bomb in the desert is a scare tactic. If the United States were to light up the unpopulated desert and Iran continued with their nuclear testing, then according to Adelson’s brilliance, the United States would turn Tehran into a wasteland. 

President Obama has stressed that a military option remains open if sanctions fail to make Tehran end its enriched uranium program. Many believe that the United States can exercise a right under customary international law of "pro-active self-defense.” Article 51 of the United Nations charter also describes this right among nations. There is,
however, a debate on what constitutes a pro-active strike against another country. A pro-active strike on Tehran using nuclear weapons would kill many civilians. 

Throughout our history, the United States military has been accused of and in some cases guilty of targeting the civilian population - many being women and children. During WWII, numerous bombing raids over Europe and Japan showed this. Today, the United States military has a policy on preventing civilian casualties. Under the rules of law you can only target civilians if they are directly participating in hostilities. I believe our soldiers value life and avoid civilian casualties – no one hates war and death like the
American soldier. 

After 9/11, the United States chose to invade Iraq because of a threat of weapons of mass destruction. This attack was accomplished by conventional warfare, not with nuclear weapons. Although there were unfortunate civilian casualties, there would have been far
greater civilian death and misery with the use of nuclear warfare. 

In 1937, the State Department condemned Japan for the bombing of Chinese cities
saying "Any general bombing of an extensive area wherein there resides a large population engaged in peaceful pursuits is unwarranted and contrary to the principles of law and humanity.” President Roosevelt called the bombing of civilians “inhuman barbarism.” Ironically, eight years later in 1945, the United States dropped atomic bombs on two Japanese cities, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, to end WWII. The effects were catastrophic to thousands of Japanese civilians.

At the time of the bombing, Hiroshima and Nagasaki had a combined population of
560,000. About 180,000 people died immediately or within four months of the
bombing. The causes of death resulted from the collapse of structures, fire,
radiation exposure and intense heat. There is evidence that exposure to atomic
radiation caused gene mutation and birth defects. 

Mr. Adelson is wrong. Nuclear weapons should not be used. Since the destruction of
Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the world has refrained from using atomic warfare. There
is no doubt that using nuclear weapons on Tehran would cause countless civilian
casualties - possibly one hundred or more times greater than the tragedy on 9/11. The loss of 3,000 lives in New York City greatly affected this country. They were civilians, innocent souls – our family. That loss of innocent live was inexcusable. To inflict death and destruction on the innocence of Iran is unacceptable. 

Last week, I was strolling through Wal-Mart. I had a hankering for biscuits. As I walked past the cold food in the grocery section, I came across two ladies who were passing out fliers. They simply read, “Boycott Florida – Don’t Buy OJ!” Well, I love orange juice. I was concerned about their request. I just had to know.

One of the ladies explained that the boycott is the result of the acquittal of George Zimmerman – the man who killed Trayvon Martin. We should not only boycott orange juice but also tourism in Florida. She said, “An innocent black boy was killed. We need that gun law to be changed.”

I continued my conversation with the ladies, trying to engage in a healthy, meaningful debate. It was hard for me to get a word in. My words were masked by their chant, “No O.J. Stay Away! No O.J. Stay Away!” I was thinking to myself, “Someone wrap my head with Duck Tape – my head is about to explode!” While I applaud those ladies for their passion and involvement, their focus was grossly misdirected.

This Florida boycott has taken on legs. It was recently endorsed by Martin Luther King III while in Orlando at an NAACP convention. In July, several hundred protesters gathered in Love Park, Philadelphia, calling for a boycott of Florida oranges. There have also been demonstrations in Florida, calling for a nation-wide boycott of Florida tourism.

If the true intent of the boycott is to change Florida’s gun laws, it will not work. A boycott will only punish Floridians and the local economy. Tourism is a major source of employment in Florida and a large portion of state revenue. This is an act of blackmail against the people of Florida to overturn the “Stand Your Ground” law. It is wrong to cause hardship and pain for those who had nothing to do with the Trayvon Martin case. The decent people of Florida are not the issue - it is the law itself. Change must come from informed individuals through lobbying, protesting and the voting process - not through a boycott.

As I continued my discussion with the ladies at Wal-Mart, I was informed that Black communities should only do business with each other. And that doing so would strengthen the Black economy and their prosperity. I am in support of the growth and the success of business, minority or otherwise. But I don’t see how this focus is relevant to the Trayvon Martin case.

This idea is a form of social segregation based on race. I do not wish to live in a world where each race associates only with its “own kind.” Are we looking to go backward in this country? Have we not learned from our past? Before and during the Civil Rights Movement, segregation was common. There were Black stores and White stores. Black theaters and White theaters. We as a nation have come a long way in the past 50 years, working to become a nation united as Americans, not divided by race.

To a number of individuals, the Trayvon Martin tragedy is about race. Unfortunately, racism is alive. Somehow, we must conquer racism - together.

The Trayvon Martin case has left many questions - many concerns. We must forge ahead, not through boycotts, but with intelligence, love and the power of the vote. 

March 8, 2012

Roy,

I feel like I’ve been here forever. I’m not sure what day it is. I haven’t seen you for so long. Did you forget about me? 

I’m sorry that I haven’t written in a while. Someone takes my pen and paper while I’m sleeping. 

I  hear her coming down the hall. Why does she have to be so mean to me? I can’t help having to go to the bathroom. That aide can’t stand the sight of me. She hates cleaning me up. I hate having to beg. 

I smell so bad. I’ve kept myself clean all my life. And now, I can’t bathe myself any longer. Does that mean I have to lay here like this? It may be days before I get cleaned up. And when I am, they are so rough with me. 
 
I’m very sore. I lay the same way day after day. I wish I could flip over to ease the pain.

The woman down the hall, she’s always screaming, asking for help. I would help if I could. I can’t help myself, much less her. I’m so sad Roy. It wouldn’t be so bad if I were treated like a human. To be treated with respect. 

Sometimes I cry. I cry as quietly as possible so I won’t be yelled at. They don’t like troublemakers or complainers. Often, the aide will yell, “Shut up Mable!” I just lie here, quietly, covered in my own misery. Maybe if they cared or pretended to care, I wouldn’t wish for dying, to be with the Lord.

Love,
Mom


Although there are many fine nursing homes with dedicated workers, many individuals can relate to Mable’s situation. A study prepared by the Special Investigations Division of the House Government Reform Committee found that 30 percent of nursing homes in the United States were cited for almost 9,000 instances of abuse over a two-year period - January 1999 to January 2001. 

There are measures in place to ensure safety and adequate care for our loved ones. The
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services works with the states to conduct annual inspections of nursing homes. Individual abuse complaints are investigated by the state. 

Under the Texas Health and Safety Code, nursing homes and assisted living facilities must conduct criminal background checks on employees and applicants. The Home and Community Support Services agencies are required to conduct criminal background checks on volunteers and vendors having contact with residents or clients. 

Although there is a process in place to prevent hiring of criminals, it is hard to gauge how caring an individual is. It takes a special kind of person to selflessly care for others. Unfortunately, there are those in nursing homes who provide inadequate care and in some cases, physical and psychological abuse to residents. When necessary, it is our responsibility to complain. 

You may file a complaint with the Texas Department of State Health Services if you have a concern about the quality of care your family member gets from a nursing home and do not get results from its management. Inspections are conducted when a complaint is registered about a nursing home, which may result in a citation. Reasons for filing a complaint are poor care, neglect, abuse, under staffing, unsafe or unsanitary conditions and mistreatment. 

The number of patients is rising for nursing homes across America. A recent ABC Dateline program performed a study on nursing home conditions, revealing a number of disturbing facts. With either patient overcrowding or staff shortages, staff members often lack time to feed and clean the residents. In some nursing homes, the staff to patient ratio can be as high as one aide to 20 or more patients. This leads to an increase in medication error, illnesses and infections. Broken bones often go undiagnosed. 

In America, nearly 2 million people reside in 17,000 nursing homes. State and Federal funding to support nursing homes is low. A nursing aide’s wage averages only 8 dollars per hour. This makes it difficult to attract and keep a quality staff in nursing homes. 

Abuse and atrocities against our loved ones are inexcusable. The percentage of nursing homes cited for violations has increased every year since 1996. Staff members have been accused of committing physical or sexual abuse, as well as failing to protect people from abuse by other residents. Sadly, a number of residents have been slapped, punched choked and kicked by staff or other residents. 

An investigation found a Chicago nursing home with dozens of residents in physical
restraints.

Inspectors found a San Francisco nursing home with hundreds of ants crawling over the body and in and out of the mouth of an 83 year old resident. 

We need reform. There must be an improvement in nationwide nursing home care. This
should include increased funding, improved disclosure of nursing home conditions, minimum staffing levels per patient and greater fines and accountability for infractions. 

Two weeks after Mable wrote that letter, she was gone. I believe she died of sadness - a broken heart. Mable’s spirit was broken. Her letter was found inside the pocket of her robe.

With our busy lives of work and family, it is easy to forget about our loved ones. When dealing with a nursing home, it is important to stay engaged. Visit often and become familiar with the staff and procedures. And if necessary, make that complaint.

I was in Panama City Beach, FL when I heard the news – Zimmerman acquitted of all charges. One man free, another one dead. Many Americans feel the verdict was unjust. Maybe it was. Some believe that the
prosecution did not tell the story well or there wasn't enough evidence to support conviction.

There was a trial with a specific outcome. For those opposed to the outcome, it is important to have their voices heard – to take to the streets in protest and demonstration. To show our nation that there is a voice of concern and desperation for change. Through peaceful, thought-out, meaningful expressions of love for the fallen. 
 
Los Angeles, July 15, 2013 - Protesters riot in the Crenshaw District in Los Angeles, California after Zimmerman was found not guilty of murdering Trayvon Martin. Protestors violently attacked bystanders, vandalized cars in traffic, stormed businesses, threw rocks and bricks at police and squad cars. 

Through radical actions in Los Angeles, these protestors became the monster they claim
Zimmerman to be. It dishonor’s the memory of Trayvon Martin. To protest violence with violence is wrong. Doing so destroys the credibility of the argument. We must battle racism, bias and prejudices the right way, legally and peacefully. 
 
Martin Luther King Jr. has been an inspiration for many Americans. He was known for combating racial inequality through nonviolence. King was inspired by the non-violent
activism of Gandhi. During a radio address in India, King said, “... the method of nonviolent resistance is the most potent weapon available to oppressed people in their struggle for justice and human dignity.” 

It’s a bright, cool morning in Deer Park, Texas. There’s a buzz across school as
students make their way to their classrooms. A TV is placed in every classroom on campus. Christa McAuliffe, the first member of the Teacher in Space Project, along with American engineer Judith Resnik will be the second and third women placed in space by NASA. I sit patiently in my third period Astronomy class, waiting for this historic event to occur. The countdown proceeds until finally, liftoff of the Space Shuttle Challenger and its brave crew of seven! Cheers can be heard down
the hall and across the school. Everyone watches as Challenger climbs higher and higher. And then there is silence. We watch as the shuttle explodes and its beautiful smoke fume forms a twisting path of death. 
 
They are gone, all of them. 
 
That was a difficult time for our space program. The shuttles were grounded for nearly three years and NASA had lost its credibility. Many Americans did not want to have women in space again, much less a school teacher. We had to protect America’s daughters and leave space exploration to the men. 

Fortunately, today’s NASA feels differently. In recent times, a new group of astronaut candidates have been chosen. This class of eight includes four women and represents the highest percentage of women in any previous class. According to NASA's director of
flight crew operations, Janet Kavandi, these women were selected based on
qualifications, not gender - Christina Hammock, Nicole Mann, Anne McClain and
Jessica Meir.

Christina Hammock is a station chief for the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).  Nicole Mann and Anne McClain are both Navy test pilots. Jessica Meir has an Oceanography doctorate and is an assistant professor of anesthesia.

With the Mars mission on the horizon, it’s exciting to know we will have the most dedicated and qualified individuals on board. It is important to continue space exploration and include women. Currently, 12 out of 49 active NASA astronauts are women. Each of these women honors the lives and sacrifice of our early pioneers, McAuliffe and Resnik.

Early mornings I battle Houston traffic and snake through Downtown to reach my 7 a.m. class. The sun starts to rise as I arrive at the Washington a lot near campus.

During those morning treks, I tend to drive with “blinders” on and not pay attention to my surroundings. Several weeks ago, I decided to look around while driving through Downtown.

Riding down Commerce Street, I saw old buildings - some newly renovated, some in the process of renovation, others in disarray. Along several of the buildings, I noticed large pieces of cardboard and blankets used by the homeless who were trying to sleep. 

One Saturday morning after class, I decided to take a walk through Downtown and visit several homeless people. I stumbled upon a Downtown organization that helps the homeless: The Beacon Day Center. They provide meals, showers and laundry services to over 600 people from Friday-Monday. 
 
Once inside The Beacon, I noticed a man near the kitchen area with a textbook writing a term paper. His name was Gerard and was studying Computer Science at HCC. He happily spoke to me about his life and journey.

Several years ago, Gerard and his wife were in a car accident. He seriously injured his back and became dependent on pain killers. Last year, Gerard lost his job, wife, and apartment. He’s been homeless ever since.

“I was married, happy, with no financial worries," says Gerard. “Through the years, drugs slowly slipped into my life and it greatly affected my marriage and ministry.”

Determined to turn his life around, Gerard applied for assistance and was awarded a Pell Grant to attend college. He is focused and determined to succeed in school and life.

While walking back to the UHD campus, I met Robert near the bayou. He was anxious to speak with me about his situation. “I came here after Katrina and have no family or
friends,” says Robert. “I’m an alcoholic and it is hard to keep a decent job. People look at me and see I’m homeless and don’t give me a chance anymore. It’s easier staying on the streets. You get used to being on the streets and the way things work.”

There is another world amongst us; a world where people live in the streets and back alleys of our city. This homeless world is created through addiction, mental illness, job loss, foreclosure, Post-Traumatic Stress and lack of family support. Many homeless people battle depression, addiction and despair. They feel unwanted and unloved. There are those who choose to be homeless and those who have no choice. Although opinions on the homeless may differ, we need to remember that they are here and they need us.

The homeless person one may see and ignore is a human being. That person is someone’s father, son or brother. A mother, daughter or sister. If someone saw a family member lying outside on a piece of cardboard, I believe they would be appalled and would stop to help. 

Imagine if that homeless person was you.

Although a large number of the homeless deal with mental and physical conditions that require the assistance of organizations like ‘The Beacon’, these people need social interaction, respect and understanding as well. They need caring individuals. A smile, handshake, or hug can make a difference.

Remember, the homeless are among us. We can make a difference in their lives.

On my way home from class one Saturday afternoon, I noticed a woman standing with a sign near the Planned Parenthood building. Located across the railroad tracks from UH Central, Nancy was peacefully protesting the abortions taking place in the building close by.

“People need to be informed about
abortion and other available options," said Nancy.

“We are here in love and support of the women who come here.”

Planned Parenthood is a group of health clinics located across the country. They provide “up-to-date, clear, medically accurate information that helps you better understand your sexual health.” Planned Parenthood’s motto is “Care. No matter what.” They stress that “abortion is a safe and legal way to end pregnancy.” 1 out of 3 women in the U.S. have an abortion by the time they are 45 years old. Planned Parenthood is the leading abortion provider in the United States, performing over one-third of all the abortions in the country last year. 

The number of abortions performed in the United States may be a shock to most Americans. According to the National Abortion Federation (NAF), a professional association of abortion providers in North America, each year, almost half of all pregnancies among American women are unintended. About half of these unplanned pregnancies, 1.3 million each year, are ended by abortion. They estimate that 35% of all women of reproductive age in America today will have had an abortion by the time they
reach the age of 45.

Again, 1.3 million unplanned babies are aborted each year in America.    

According to a 2011 Virginia Tech study, 24% of college women will become pregnant at some point during their college careers, many resulting in an abortion.

The Houston Planned Parenthood facility near UH Central is the largest late-term abortion clinic in this hemisphere. According to pro-lifers, their focus is on maximizing abortions instead of the best interest of the woman. Various studies, including a 2011 Life Dynamics survey called, “Racial Targeting and Population Control,” have shown that
Planned Parenthood, as well as other independent abortion facilities in America, target both African American and Hispanic communities by making sure their clinics are located in minority-dominated neighborhoods.

The survey cross-examined zip codes of minority neighborhoods and abortion facilities,
found that 83% of abortion or abortion-referring clinics are located in minority
neighborhoods.

The Guttmacher Institute, an affiliate of Planned Parenthood, reports that 43% of abortions are performed on women 18-24 years old, indicating that college students also prime targets for abortion clinics. A high number of abortion clinics are located in areas near colleges. According to another Life Dynamics study, out of the estimated 780 Planned Parenthood affiliates across America, 78.8% (615) are located within 5 miles of a college or university.

Many women regret having an abortion. Young  women may choose abortion because they do not believe they have the support they need to continue their pregnancy. Clinics such as Planned Parenthood are there to financially benefit from this mindset and to continue promoting abortion. 

There are options to abortion such as adoption, non-profit support groups and counseling.

Numerous local organizations promote alternatives to abortion. The Houston Coalition for Life is a pro-life organization rooted with their motto “Ending abortion in Houston, peacefully and prayerfully.” The organization provides counseling and services for mothers-to-be. They also have a mobile crisis pregnancy center (bus) which provides free pregnancy tests and free ultrasounds. The bus is parked at the Planned Parenthood building near UH Central.

Over the years, there have been many unplanned births. Those individuals make up a large portion of the American population today. I imagine the birth of many pro-choice advocates were unplanned; how ironic.

Although abortion is legal, it doesn’t have to be the choice. For many, the decision to abort their child creates a lasting effect. Too often, abortion results from unplanned pregnancies - not necessarily due to rape or the mother’s life being at risk. Just irresponsible couples. People are drawn into the idea: “It’s simple and quick. Everyone does it. No big deal.” Well, it is a big deal. There are other options to explore. How can we as humans dare to choose between life and death for our unborn child; especially when the pregnancy is caused by our own carelessness?

Abortion is unatural. I believe our lives and the preservation of life is part
of the human condition. We are here to protect life, not destroy it.

When I first saw this picture, I was drawn to the American flag in the background. I then noticed the man standing up, partial blocking my view of the flag. My eyes set on the caption and I became emotional. Thoughts of my family and honor came to mind, as well as thoughts of my years in the Boy Scouts and Texas State Guard. How can an American not be moved by seeing this picture?

This picture reveals much and provides a glimpse of our new America. The color guard represents America, steadily marching forward as our great country has for 236 years. We Americans make a choice of how we use and treat her. The man in a wheelchair represents the American Dream. By standing to face the flag, he represents those selfless Americans who sacrificed - who believed that hard work and entrepreneurship would pave the way for future generations and ensure their greatness.

The wheelchair represents life’s struggles. Although unwanted, these struggles are a part of life.  Struggle is a key component of the American Dream. The man is a dying breed, much like the American Dream. The dream still exists but is only embraced by a declining number of Americans.

The crowd represents our new America. These individuals believe they are entitled to sit on the curb as the color guard passes by. They appear comfortable and conveniently choose to stay seated. These individuals lack character and are lazy and selfish in nature. The crowd represents a majority of Americans.  
     
Sitting on the curb is a choice – choosing the easy way instead of the hard. Success in Americais achieved through hard work, sacrifice and dedication. My heart wept after seeing this picture. It serves as a reminder of the state of our great nation.

It may not be popular in today’s America but it is ok to stand for the principles of our past – hard work, dedication and sacrifice. These principles are necessary in restoring the American Dream to the masses.
 
In my America, hard work and sacrifice bring success.

In my America, the thought of every child getting an award for participation – because everyone’s a winner - is ridiculous. There are winners and losers. Success comes from experience; to learn from a loss and work harder toward the next win. 

Life is hard. In America, millions of people are competing for jobs and a better way of life. You either bust your tail to achieve your dream or stick with a large portion of Americans who settle for minimum wage jobs, accept government entitlements and live average, uneventful lives. 

Do not be afraid to reach for that high paying job, big house, nice car or stability. Pull yourself up, take a deep breath and believe in yourself. Push yourself to excellence. Pursuing the American Dream WILL bring success with great rewards.

Will you sit on the curb - or stand up and do what is right?

The warm sun blankets the small crowd. The smell of cut grass and stale beer fill one’s senses. As the teams line up on their respective sides, the young and old rise to celebrate America. Belting, off-tone voices proclaim in front of Old Glory “O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!” Land of the free. Free food, free housing and free medicine! Our new America. We are free to enjoy the best our government has to offer. We no longer follow the tired, old traditions of hard work, sacrifice and entrepreneurship. We are a progressive society that strives to leave no one behind and believe everyone is entitled to have what the successful have. 
 
Our new America. 

My fellow red, white and blue blooded Americans, our new America is doomed. The use and abuse of entitlements are destroying the fabric of our great nation. From her beginning, America has prospered from the contributions of the individual. The increasing use of government entitlements is lessening those contributions and causing
ill-effects. When abused, entitlements produce unwanted social, economic and psychological effects. I absolutely believe when help is needed, it should be provided. But the excessive use and abuse of entitlements are damaging.
 
The American Dream as stated in our Declaration of Independence says “all men are created equal… endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights… Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” The American Dream has brought millions to this country in search of a better life, with individual opportunity for achievement. For many individuals, the American Dream has been forgotten, become a faded memory or never known at all. Many Americans are not willing to engage because the American Dream has been polluted by the “age of convenience.”
 
The great Americans

Our fore-fathers worked and sacrificed to ensure a better life for their descendants… including me and you. Since there were no opportunities for entitlements in the past, the only choice was to work hard and succeed or to fail. The success and survival of the family rested on the individual, not the government. Hard work and entrepreneurship helped shape America and her advancement in many areas including medicine, industrial automation and overall personal convenience. 

Ironically, the sacrifice of our fore-fathers created a culture which promotes the opposite of theirs. Their actions drove our nation into an “age of convenience.” The noble actions of our past created an American society that has forgotten our history, our establishment and our heritage. Convenience, automation and luxury have transformed many Americans into stewards of the entitlement culture. Prosperity is taken for granted and our nation is becoming spoiled and selfish. 
 
It’s Uncle Sam's fault

Many individuals blame our government for the abuse of entitlements and the demise of the American Dream. The blame, however, rests with the individual. We Americans are not forced to receive entitlements such as food stamps or unemployment benefits but many individuals choose to unnecessarily. Although entitlements may create a feeling of contentment for the individual, this feeling will not last. These individuals depend on the government, allowing it to shape their destiny. Unfortunately, many Americans allow entitlements to diminish their work ethic and drive, both which are essential for the American Dream. The abuse of entitlements and the increase of government control is the result of the individual. 
 
Let’s go “old school”

The American Dream must be saved. It starts with a choice - to reestablish ourselves by exploring the past. To revive the American Dream, we must understand and appreciate the sacrifices and contributions made by those before us. 
 
A change in culture is necessary and must start with the individual. Parents, teachers and mentors can enthusiastically promote this culture and lead by example. Our children must look to us as the great Americans of our time, anxiously pursuing the American Dream. There must be more focus on individual effort and less on selfish conveniences. The American Dream is based on personal sacrifice, individual character and selfless service. These attributes define a great America.
 
We are losing our identity, focus and drive. Our America needs to revive the American Dream and fall back to the core beliefs and values that made her great; the envy of the world. Less dependency on government entitlements is crucial with greater focus on entrepreneurship and self-respect. Put your heart and soul into everything you do. Depend on yourself, not the government.

Land of the Free. Free to work, sacrifice and succeed.

My first introduction to hockey came when I was 8 years old. My third grade teacher was engaged to the coach of the Houston Aeros.  She often talked about her fiancé and his hockey team. One may not think of hockey as a Houston pastime, but we definitely have hockey history.

In 1972, the Dayton Arrows moved to Houston and became the Aeros in the World Hockey Association (WHA). They won 2 championships before the league folded in 1978. The Aeros had a rebirth in 1994 by joining the International Hockey League (IHL) as an expansion team. In 1999, I was there to support the Aeros clinch the Turner Cup against the Orlando Solar Bears. In 2001, The IHL dissolved and the Aeros transferred to the American Hockey League (AHL). They won an AHL champion in 2003 and currently are the minor league franchise for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League (NHL). The AHL provides the minor league structure for the NHL. Unfortunately, the future of Houston hockey is in doubt.

The Aeros’ lease at the Toyota Center will expire April 2013. As per the agreement with the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority (HCHSA) and the Houston Rockets, the Aeros are permitted to play their home games in the Arena. Annually, the sports authority turns down concerts and other potentially profitable events to accommodate the Aeros. If negotiations fail, the Aeros would likely relocate to Des Moines, Iowa for the 2013-2014 season.

“They (HCHSA) have a business and we have a business and everybody’s got their own interests and that’s why the process continues… we’re in the middle of that process,” Aeros general manager Jim Mill said. “We’re still talking and that’s about the only update I can give you.”

It would be sad to see Houston lose its hockey team. Through the years, my daughter and I have attended Aeros games with our trusty cowbells in hand. Hockey is a great sport and I treasure Houston’s hockey history.
​
Without adequate marketing and capital in the minor league system, I fear the worst for our team. In a perfect world, we would see the Houston Aeros leave the minor league ranks and join the NHL as an expansion team; solidifying hockey in Houston.

I was eight years old when the original ‘Star
Wars’ entered my world. I went to see the film with my family and was hooked. My
first ‘Star Wars’ figure was C-3PO and he went everywhere with me. ‘Star Wars –
A New Hope’ had a major impact on me at such an early age. It stoked my creative
engine and broadened my imagination. I became a dreamer. The effect deepened
with the release of ‘The Empire Strikes Back’, by far the best ‘Star Wars’ film
released to date. 
 
After the successful acquisition of Marvel, Disney dared to repeat the task by purchasing Lucasfilm Ltd for 4 billion dollars. The ‘Star Wars’ franchise has had a successful 35 year run and Disney is looking to keep it rolling. The franchise has created over 4.5 billion
dollars in box office sales. 

“It’s now time for me to pass ‘Star Wars’ on to a new generation of filmmakers”, says Lucas. “Having a new home within the Disney organization, ‘Star Wars’ will certainly live on and flourish for many generations to come.  Disney’s reach and experience give Lucasfilm the opportunity to blaze new trails in film, television, interactive media, theme
parks, live entertainment, and consumer products.”

Lucas goes on to say that ‘Star Wars’ could last 100 years with Disney. 
 
Should it?

Disney has the capability of expanding the ‘Star Wars’ universe to new heights on many
levels. It is important to remember that the driving force behind ‘Star Wars’ was creativity and the story. Lucas was true to his vision of ‘Star Wars’, although I am still baffled about the incorporation of Jar Jar Binks and Ewoks into his world. Through the
greed and influence of the Disney and its shareholders, there may be a possible morphing of the ‘Star Wars’ franchise into what the purist hate; movies with excessive effects, weak story lines and poor character development. This is a common trend in movie making today. Sure, ‘Star Wars’ is a business but to the movie fan, it is much more. 
 
‘Star Wars Episode 7’ is scheduled for release in 2015. Star Trek director J.J. Abrams is set to direct this film. “It was "incredibly surreal" to be asked to direct 'Star Wars'”, says Abrams. He claims ‘Star Wars’ will not affect his work on the 'Star Trek' franchise. "They're very distinct and separate entities." Although Abrams did an outstanding job on the ‘Star Trek’ revamp, many purists of ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Star Trek’ alike believe cataclysmic ends to the both universes are inevitable.
 
I’m sure both will survive. Don't worry about Abrams' influence on the upcoming ‘Star Wars’ films. Worry about Disney's.