Makes me almost miss Ronald Reagan as president compared to what the GOP has come up with today! At least he acted presidential whether he meant it or not.
it is Memorial Day. Special thoughts and memories to my Father (US Navy, WWII), my Uncle Earl (USMC, WWII), and my Uncle Wes (US Army, WWII), as well to all their comrades who paid the price for Freedom, but those three gallant gentlemen I still miss.
Freedom must be for ALL. Reagan, Bush 41 and Trump were all pro-choice until it became politically advantageous to be pro-birth to impress the evangelicals. Reagan ignored the AIDS crisis because he believed it only affected gay people, so it is safe to assume he would NOT support marriage equality. Reagan’s “shining city on a hill” combined with his made-up story about the “Cadillac-driving welfare queen” demonized those that need social services.
Yesterday Lisa (not Benson) and I went to visit the moving wall.
The original had not yet been built when I was last in DC but I was blessed to be able to visit the moving wall in the 1988. It was a moving and brutal experience. It was July 4th. Veterans, families, singletons walked along, searching the rows of names. Grown men collapsed in tears upon finding and touching the name of a comrade. Parents, siblings, friends, widows and children, all seeking and finding….something. It was solemn, it was sad, it was mostly quiet. There was an air of great respect.
The ground before the wall was piled with items left by earlier visitors. Letters, poppies, military ribbons and medals, coins and dozens of unique items that had meaning only to 1 or 2 people. I cannot fully describe my feelings that day. So much pain, but so much pride in our protectors.
Yesterday was not too much different. It was crowded. The local vet groups work with the moving wall group these days. There was a set of large banners with the names and photos of every Wisconsin service member whose name is on the wall. Along the wall there are a handful of preserved mementos beneath a few of the names, and a handful of new offerings.
The families are there, the vets are there. So very many taking rubbings of a section to preserve that precious name. One man in a 3rd Marines cap was struggling to get the entire year of 1966 on those small sheets. He would accept no help despite the brisk wind. His unit had lost over 160 men that year.
Elderly parents in their 80’s, siblings and children, all finding and touching those sacred names. Explaining to youngsters the meaning, or standing mute with tears rolling down cheeks.
For today, leave your politics at the door. Celebrate the fallen, and celebrate this great nation.
On this Memorial Day, remember that millions of Americans have fought, suffered wounds, and died for our country.
They fought to free us from the rule of people who felt themselves above the law. They fought for the rights of individuals. They fought for freedom of religion, freedom of the press, to assemble, and to ask the government to redress our grievances.
They fought against dictators and fascists. They fought against Communism. Many laid down their lives to free people they knew little about, and had no vested interest in freeing.
They are watching us, those Americans who fought, suffered wounds, and died. We must not fail to honor them, and the values they sacrificed for. In each generation we must be prepared to defend our American values, as they did.
It sure does seem to be on life support right now. Caged children. Insane abortion laws. Corporations allowed to not just “influence” but actually write the laws…
Reagan was also Iran/Contra where Oliver North provided weapons to Iran that were used to kill our Marines in Beirut. A treason that made North a millionaire, NRA darling, and jerk. Reagan was out in the lead to destroy our real freedoms, Bonespurs is just out to do it with a vengence.
Daeder about 5 years ago
That’s an ironic quote coming from someone who supports our current traitor in chief.
wiatr about 5 years ago
I would hate for it to happen with this generation.
Stevefk about 5 years ago
Makes me almost miss Ronald Reagan as president compared to what the GOP has come up with today! At least he acted presidential whether he meant it or not.
gammaguy about 5 years ago
For some people — I’m one of them, — “personal freedom” means that each person should be free to be different, as long as they don’t hurt others.
Unfortunately, there are other people who believe that it means that they should be “free” to rule and hurt others.
walfishj about 5 years ago
Freedom is being destroyed from within by the Trump and his followers. No need to fire a shot.
Zebrastripes about 5 years ago
Remember, it was Nancy running the country via her fortune teller….Ronnie had dementia………. He was older than dirt….I did NOT like them both! U. G. H.
Alberta Oil Premium Member about 5 years ago
The price you paid for freedom while defending your country is one thing.. Expending blood and treasure to change cultures world wide.. not so much.
Bookworm about 5 years ago
it is Memorial Day. Special thoughts and memories to my Father (US Navy, WWII), my Uncle Earl (USMC, WWII), and my Uncle Wes (US Army, WWII), as well to all their comrades who paid the price for Freedom, but those three gallant gentlemen I still miss.
NeoconMan about 5 years ago
Lisa, if you’re afraid of the loss of freedom, it’s time you started taking a closer look at what Trump is doing.
Frankfreak about 5 years ago
Neo, trump, McConnell and the whole gop leadership.
Nantucket Premium Member about 5 years ago
Freedom must be for ALL. Reagan, Bush 41 and Trump were all pro-choice until it became politically advantageous to be pro-birth to impress the evangelicals. Reagan ignored the AIDS crisis because he believed it only affected gay people, so it is safe to assume he would NOT support marriage equality. Reagan’s “shining city on a hill” combined with his made-up story about the “Cadillac-driving welfare queen” demonized those that need social services.
Gypsy8 about 5 years ago
Sometimes it’s about freedom, most of the time it’s about dominance and control.
DrDon1 about 5 years ago
Benson loves to express ‘platitudes,’ but doesn’t ‘walk the walk!’
Andylit Premium Member about 5 years ago
Yesterday Lisa (not Benson) and I went to visit the moving wall.
The original had not yet been built when I was last in DC but I was blessed to be able to visit the moving wall in the 1988. It was a moving and brutal experience. It was July 4th. Veterans, families, singletons walked along, searching the rows of names. Grown men collapsed in tears upon finding and touching the name of a comrade. Parents, siblings, friends, widows and children, all seeking and finding….something. It was solemn, it was sad, it was mostly quiet. There was an air of great respect.
The ground before the wall was piled with items left by earlier visitors. Letters, poppies, military ribbons and medals, coins and dozens of unique items that had meaning only to 1 or 2 people. I cannot fully describe my feelings that day. So much pain, but so much pride in our protectors.
Yesterday was not too much different. It was crowded. The local vet groups work with the moving wall group these days. There was a set of large banners with the names and photos of every Wisconsin service member whose name is on the wall. Along the wall there are a handful of preserved mementos beneath a few of the names, and a handful of new offerings.
The families are there, the vets are there. So very many taking rubbings of a section to preserve that precious name. One man in a 3rd Marines cap was struggling to get the entire year of 1966 on those small sheets. He would accept no help despite the brisk wind. His unit had lost over 160 men that year.
Elderly parents in their 80’s, siblings and children, all finding and touching those sacred names. Explaining to youngsters the meaning, or standing mute with tears rolling down cheeks.
For today, leave your politics at the door. Celebrate the fallen, and celebrate this great nation.
pamela welch Premium Member about 5 years ago
Nice reminder, Lisa
piobaire about 5 years ago
On this Memorial Day, remember that millions of Americans have fought, suffered wounds, and died for our country.
They fought to free us from the rule of people who felt themselves above the law. They fought for the rights of individuals. They fought for freedom of religion, freedom of the press, to assemble, and to ask the government to redress our grievances.
They fought against dictators and fascists. They fought against Communism. Many laid down their lives to free people they knew little about, and had no vested interest in freeing.
They are watching us, those Americans who fought, suffered wounds, and died. We must not fail to honor them, and the values they sacrificed for. In each generation we must be prepared to defend our American values, as they did.
poopsypoo Premium Member about 5 years ago
And the moment you are 60 they call you extinct & treat you as such. Unless, of course, you are a past political leader.
Concretionist about 5 years ago
It sure does seem to be on life support right now. Caged children. Insane abortion laws. Corporations allowed to not just “influence” but actually write the laws…
gccowboy27 about 5 years ago
Once more Lisa has reminded us of a great idea with her art.
William Bednar Premium Member about 5 years ago
Slavery is only one election away.
moderateisntleft about 5 years ago
well then, can you die from bone spurs? what a sacrifice our blunder in chief made……
NeoconMan about 5 years ago
Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose.
Dtroutma about 5 years ago
Reagan was also Iran/Contra where Oliver North provided weapons to Iran that were used to kill our Marines in Beirut. A treason that made North a millionaire, NRA darling, and jerk. Reagan was out in the lead to destroy our real freedoms, Bonespurs is just out to do it with a vengence.
jqmcd about 5 years ago
Little did Mr Reagan know that the greatest attacks on Freedom in 2019 would come from within the White House