The Rogue Speaks:
"Mom, what's a legacy?"
"A legacy is something handed down to you. What made you ask?"
"Mr. Carnes talked about the legacy of heroes today. Dad was a hero.
"Yes, he gave his life for America."
"Why are people in America fighting with each other? They say bad things, and some are so greedy! They don't want the poor to live better lives.
“Did Mr. Carnes say that?”
"No. I saw it on t.v. That’s not the legacy Dad left ."
"Your dad was a very brave man, son, and he believed in equality for everyone.”
“I do, too, Mom!”
This concludes my Saturday Centus. I would like for you to know, however, that my son Jeff served with the Multi-national Peacekeeping Force in Egypt in the mid to late 80's, and my son-in-law, David, was called up to serve in Iraq, even though he was 45 years old! He returned with post-traumatic stress disorder and will be on many medications for years.
I hope you realize that war is a big business, and we all know just how much a certain political party loves big business.
36 comments:
I don't always read the Centus, but I'm glad I read this one. My BIL was in Afghanistan - 55 years old. It was a terrible experience and he came back a changed man - so very sad. My brother, also a career officer was slated for deployment and then cancelled - alleluia! War IS big business and it's usually in the interest of big business.,
I'm sorry for the situation your men find themselves in after such bravery. They are your legacy of hereos.
Oh Judie, so very true. My heartfelt thanks to your son and to your son-in-law. More than that, my horrific indignation that they had to bear witness to the worst in humanity, promulgated by those who are bottom-feeders but get rich and powerfully sassy in the process.
Pretty powerful and much needed post today...Sorry about all the heartache. I have a much loved nephew Jeff serving a third term in Iraq. Hopefully to return safely next month:) Here's to all brave men and women everywhere...
Such a sad situation. My friend's son came back from Iraq and Afghanistan and has really struggled with putting the demons to rest.
I wish it could be different, but I suspect it never will.
I so appreciate the men and women who serve our country, and I hope your son and my friend's son will be able to heal, in time.
So much truth in this. It gripped my throat and burned my eyes.
Beautiful. I can only imagine the feeling of loss.
I have had so much loss in my life but I don't think it can compare to the sadness my nephew is battling. It's like he is in a prison and being tortured.~Ames
So sad that they must serve and suffer still. My heart goes out to the young men and women who serve our country with much gratitude.
Hi Judie!
I had to mention you in my Award list since I admire you blog so much!
http://cristinasdailypaintings.blogspot.com/2011/05/one-lovely-blog-award.html
I love this touching dialogue. Your son was called in at age 45? I thought you were safe by that time! Good lord.
May it be a peaceful, blessed weekend for you, dear Judie.
(Oy, - hanging head low - I didn't feel I could do this centus justice. You certainly did.)
xoRobyn
If the sons of Congressmen had to serve in the wars they vote for, those politicians would vote for fewer wars. As long as greed runs countries, there will be no lasting peace. Roland
This weekend is truly a bittersweet weekend for many families. I pray that everyone in your family will find peace eventually. You did an excellent writing piece here. I enjoyed reading it very much. Those words came from somewhere deep in your heart, I can tell. Peace be with you all this weekend.
Truth to power...very powerful sentiments Judie...thank you...Peace and blessings
Greed and religion are the two top contributors to the starting of wars.
Oh, and then there is stupidity. This quote came from George W. Bush on March 13, 2002:
"I don't know where bin Laden is. I have no idea, and I don't really care. It's not our top priority."
I'm glad it was someone's top priority.
I have a chapter in my urban fantasy, FRENCH QUARTER NOCTURNE, where my hero, Samuel McCord, invades the bedroom of George and Laura Bush the night after Katrina. It is entitled EXECUTIVE DISORDER. I had fun writing it and only wished it had truly happened! Roland
Roland, your book, FRENCH QUARTER NOCTURNE, is downloaded in my Kindle! I look forward to reading it!
Thank you for your comment!!!
You have some beautiful desert photos here. I came over from Joy4today because I saw that you were from Tucson. We share the same landscape of God's creation.
Your men have left a beautiful legacy that we celebrate this weekend. Because of them and men in my family, we can continue to live in freedom.
Blessings,
Janis
Good one Judie. The last line is priceless!
Judie,
I think your use of that painting for this post it's very appropriate. Thank you for reminding us of the real meaning of this holiday. It saddens me so much to see our young people going to war, specially to wars of questionable merit. For the defense of our country the politicians say. Yeah, right!
I couldn't have said it any better, Judie! I agree with you wholeheartedly about how the Republican Party has become corrupted by greed and sold their souls (and votes)to big business. Sad how so many men and women have to die or be maimed for the sake of corporate profits. Great job!
War translates into BIG money. So true all over the world...
jingling chains
Excellent Judie !
I love this touching exchange between generations. Our personal, family, community, national and international legacies impact lives daily.
Sharing them and learning from the mistakes and disasters of the past so we don't repeat them is one of the keys to peace and happiness for all !
Very timely post. And thanks for the heads up on those bone-building drugs! I'd never heard that but will check it out. Happy Memorial Day.
Hi Judie,
This is so poignant...sometimes we read posts that leave us speechless--This is one of those. Sending ((hugs)) your way, my friend.
XO
Cindy
Soldiers have so often been just a means to an end for the money grubbers. That certain party ( and many of its members) should look to its legacy and not just in war but in so many things - not very good!
Here's a great video of art as legacy:
http://youtu.be/M5MEC5MPjvg
It was featured on Paul Doolan's wonderful blog ThinkShop at www.pauldoolan.com
Thanks, ChrisJ. I'll check it out!
xoxo
i'm sorry for your son. :[ but i'm grateful for his sacrifice.
a perfect one.
did not get into the game, but enjoyed your creativity here.
Cheers.
Happy Monday.
Hi Judie,
Oh my gosh, I was so surprised to see the art shrine--thank you so much for posting it...You are amazing!
XO
Cindy
Please contact me (Carol McKenna) I have a Blog Award for you at my blog ~ contact me at artmusedogs@yahoo.com
It's amazing how this certain political party twists things to seem like the other party is the one spending all the money. War is big business. A lot bigger than blogging.
I love the way you pull no punches.
Awesome story line.....so sorry about your son-in-law, and not surprised your son was a peacekeeper.
:-)
Judie, This is such a powerful Centus. You have once again put your writing skills into a piece that is disturbing and heart-breaking. Thanks for this one.
Oh, and ditto to everything Tom said!
Namaste..........cj
I love the poignant angle you wrote this story from. It really touched my heart. The truth of the world seems so hard to understand sometimes.
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