About two weeks ago, I shared an article with a friend about the pending parade to celebrate the Army’s 250th anniversary. He wrote me a very nice thank you note where he also shared his prayers in the hope that our leaders would put into practice the same level of critical thinking expressed in the article. After reading his note (and having read the article and watched a few news clips regarding ongoing issues around the country), I sent along a few thoughts. He wrote back and suggested I post them here for you all to read. A revised version follows:
I’m sure that, like me, you’ve met a good number of Veterans (and specifically from the Army) and have always been genuinely honored and proud to be part of a cadre that not only protected the length and breadth of our nation, but those people around the world who were once marginalized because of hatred, discrimination, or fear. Our military has always answered the call to fight against the repressive acts of misguided leaders or opportunistic dictators; to aid our allies in vanquishing self-aggrandizing zealots who would place their interests over those of their people. Throughout our long history, over one million US servicemembers have paid the ultimate price so that others might enjoy a full measure of security and freedom; to be able to seek opportunities for growth and the ability to raise a family under the guidance of their faith.
So after I read the article and watched a news segment about the forthcoming parade, it became easier to recognize how shallow, self-centered, and dismissive our leaders had become. When such trite phrases as “war machine” and “the greatest army the world has ever known” grew to be part of the administrative messaging, it became more difficult to see that we were losing our sight as a nation. The more banners I saw with verbiage glorifying oppressive or unsympathetic rhetoric, the easier it was to understand how ignorance was causing people to forget or even ignore their connections with one another. When we glorify this blind and combative temperament, we veer away from emotions; our expressive nature for recognizing love, camaraderie, and compassion in each other is rendered irrelevant.
The importance of maintaining a love of family, friends, associates and even communities has been subjected to relentless scrutiny and contempt. Our established understanding of justice and lawfulness has been relegated to baseless conspiracies. Law enforcement now abides by executive mandates mutated into law, and people are slowly being deluded into following a distorted social obligation for turning on one another. The faded remnants of their parents’ patriotism transmuted into directives delivered via social messaging by a woefully misguided leadership. Without the ability to feel or think straight, people become cold and numbed. No longer able to see one another as human beings, terms like rogue agents, strangers, evildoers, or enemy combatants become the new slang on the street. These changes only serve one purpose: to transform people and those whom they love into expendable statistics. The public becomes a pawn in a game devoid of respect and with the sole aim to divide and deflect. False communication narratives emerge, creating the perception that enemies are everywhere. Over time, people may begin to distrust, judge, or even hate complete strangers, simply by virtue of targeted Groupthink. A mindset may take hold that turns innocent people into targets for derision, imprisonment, or even death at the hands of people no one ever expects or even sees.
Justice is blind so she may judge fairly; no good ever comes from aimlessly swinging the sword of retribution without conditions. Equality is designed to establish a fair benchmark for all, uncluttered by the demands from wealth, status, or discriminatory practices. Love is blind because it is better able to weather the winds of human frailty when it’s not beholden to a false reliance on value, classifications or even birthrights. Love aims to teach. It does so by learning from what it acquires so it may share the gift of insight with those who understand the beauty of reciprocal love.
Not all of these scenarios exist, but many of them are trying to manifest themselves under a belief of attainable success. Mostly because there still exists a gap between reverence and concern. Reverence for those who served under an established mantle of honor carried by their forefathers. Concern for those who seek a fast track towards the attainment of rank and privilege. One sees the chain of command as a proving ground for establishing a foundation of discipline, honor, and courage. The other merely sees it as a useful tool to achieve an end with no intention of engaging in the pursuit of a losing game such as sacrifice.
In the end, anybody can choose to hate and demean; yell, raise a flag, or cheer for unsanctioned power or blind ambition. But every bully will eventually tire; every despot will eventually cross the line. In the long run, every conceited individual will come to realize that the love of self is a cold comfort in the emptiness of their final days.
With our nation’s 249th birthday celebration around the corner, I wanted to wrap up this posting with a little request: I’d like for you to take some time this coming week to think about what the July 4th holiday means to you. If you wish to share your thoughts in the comment section below, please do. And if you find yourself at a party or get-together where you’re having a conversation with somebody who strikes you as someone who might disagree with your views or perhaps counter some of your opinions, do this: Before you go, smile and see if the person will shake your hand when you extend it in friendship. It may seem inconsequential, but it’s meaningful. And that’s a personal act of heroism. It’s how this nation got started; through achieving meaningful levels of understanding and compromise. It’s also how you can take a small yet positive step towards helping the nation heal. A good government won’t do that for you; a great government will allow you to do that for your country.
A Happy 4th of July to everyone!
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