Why choose to remember that horrifying day? Because, despite its horror, that day brought out the strength, compassion, unity, hope, and even gratitude that is, in a word, America.
Tag Archive for America
When Charles Schultz Almost Stopped “Peanuts”
I’ve always loved “Peanuts.” After seeing this shared Facebook post, I admire its creator even more. Here’s today’s Thursday Thought:
How to Get Away with Raping a Child
It’s easy in some states–just marry the child. Child marriage is legal in all states, leaving an “out” for someone caught abusing a child. Next week, Florida will possibly be the first state to ban this practice. It’s about time we stop this crime against American children and close the loopholes that some lawmakers want to keep open.
Go to America’s child marriage cover up to read more and sign a petition to ban child marriage in Florida. It may not be your state, but the ban has to start somewhere, and politicians respond to being put into the national spotlight. Another thing you can do is to contact your own state’s representatives and demand that they introduce legislation to enact such a ban.
For the sake of the children.
America, Fight and Be Inspired
This short video was for 4th of July, but, with all the bad stuff happening right now, I needed it today. There’s so much violence in our country, and other forms of man’s inhumanity to man, that we’re forgetting a basic fact: we are all Americans. And, despite evil deeds by a minority of us, we have a lot to be proud of. Most important, together, we can unite and fight and defeat the evil that’s among us.
Watch this video of long-time actors, many of whom are no longer with us, as they ask God to bless America. Be inspired and revitalized.
[Thanks to Jim Knudsen for sending this to me.]
Choosing a Last-Minute Halloween Costume
You may be planning to choose a last-minute Halloween costume this weekend for your kids or for an adult party. Some people may say, “Wear what you want and to H-E-Double-Toothpick with what people think.” Fact is, though, that you or your kids will be around a cross-section of America. You know, the country that calls itself the “melting pot”? And a population of people who have had some pretty bad experiences.
Keep that in mind. If you have what you think is funny or perfect to wear, check out Don’t Even Think of Wearing These 14 Costumes for Halloween. It explains why certain costumes should not even be considered.
Have fun on Halloween. And let others happily enjoy themselves, as well.
That Kneeling is Actually Showing RESPECT
I don’t get it. Why are people upset at athletes (and now others) kneeling on one knee during the National Anthem? No, this isn’t me taking sides politically. I just happen to know the historical significance of that act.
Look at the times when, traditionally, a person kneels on one knee: when a man proposes marriage, when a person is being knighted, and, for Catholics, when entering a pew at church.
In each case, the one-knee kneeling–whether briefly or for a longer time–is done to show respect and a willingness to submit. The man shows he’s willing to merge his life with his future spouse. The person being knighted shows his dedication to the Queen. And the church-goer shows his acceptance of the power and majesty of God.
I see those athletes as respectful–people showing their respect for and devotion to their country, and their promise to America a better place for everyone.
The Real America
Sixteen years ago we proved that we are America strong, America compassionate, America resilient, America united, America tough, America protective.
A group of fanatics set about to bring us to our knees in fear. But instead of creating terror, they unleashed the American spirit.
God HAS blessed America–through its people.
Who Cares if They’re Veterans?
An estimated 8,000 non-citizen residents enlist in the U.S. military each year. Yet a number of these veterans each year are deported for offenses such as non-violent marijuana possession. Arizona Congressman Raul Grijalva introduced a bill to allow “eligible deported veterans to permanently return to the United States as Lawful Permanent Residents eligible for naturalization.”
[Read the rest of this short Change.org article. Then sign their petition. Who cares about veterans who put their lives on the line to protect America? We do!
You Gotta Watch this Show!
Why didn’t someone tell me about this program? It’s well into its second season and I’ve just started watching it. I’m glad I have On Demand to look back at old episodes.
I’m talking about “United Shades of America.” The host, W. Kamau Bell, travels all over to look at how various issues affect real people. It’s not a dry documentary, thanks to the host’s humor (he’s a comic) and his conversations with people he agrees with, disagrees with, and others in between. A person who isn’t keen on guns, he bought one and talked to people about why they’re important. He visited a KKK meeting and talked to Klansmen as they burned a cross (note: Bell is Black). He went to a hard-core prison and mixed with the inmates.
I enjoy the show because he, like me, takes a slightly sideways look at life and situations, delving into the oddities and people experiencing them–all in a straightforward, human way.
The show is on CNN on Sundays at 7 P.M. in my area. Look it up and give it a try.
Trump as the Great Unifier
Could President Donald J. Trump turn out to be the Great Unifier? Democrats don’t like what he’s doing; Republicans are not that happy with his actions. Supporters are saying, “You mean that he was serious about that campaign promise?” Surprised consumers are learning that we’ll pay for “the wall” via higher prices for food and goods. Crowds of people who voted for Trump, mixed with those who did not, are, together, raising their voices against an Executive Order. Heads of state from other countries are conferring, afraid of what some of his policies will do to the world economy and peaceful coexistence.
Could it be that people will unify behind reining in the President? That Republicans and Democrats may actually communicate with each other? That countries will decide that it’s best to cooperate for the common good? That our citizens will decide that working toward the goal of a unified, functioning, egalitarian America is more important than protesting and rioting?
We’ll see…maybe.