A few thoughts on the fabric of our times:
With broad stripes, and bright stars I am reminded of the stories, and images of battles fought, and won for the cause of freedom. I remember the innocent youth who at first entered whole heartedly, and willingly gave service, then reluctantly ran from the ravages of combat, only to be turned back by the sight of a banner being waved at the forefront of the storm in Stephen Crane's Red Badge Of Courage.
I see Old Glory flying boldly as white, and black soldiers gathered to reunite a union torn apart by slavery. I see a nation knitted back together, yet still bearing the wounds, and scars of racism. I lived through troubled times, marches, and voices proclaiming our differences as strengthens, and our diversity a gift of God rather than a burden of dignity.
And then there are those who claw at the fabric of our fragile republic, who choose by right to oppose these colors many have given life, and limb to protect. I hear their claims of brutality, and see the misguided attempt to raise public awareness of issues born again of ignorance just as searing as intolerance, and bigotry.
It is not a field of honor on which they do battle, rather, a stage, a sport in which friendly rivals gather to claim bragging rights over one another.
What I offer today is not controversial, but common sensical. I say, follow the rules, yet speak your mind off the field by your example, and not by feeble attempts to draw attention at the expense of those whose only wish is to be entertained by physical prowress, and points scored. And above all, do not mock the sacrifices of those who have served to protect the fabric of your freedom.
With broad stripes, and bright stars I am reminded of the stories, and images of battles fought, and won for the cause of freedom. I remember the innocent youth who at first entered whole heartedly, and willingly gave service, then reluctantly ran from the ravages of combat, only to be turned back by the sight of a banner being waved at the forefront of the storm in Stephen Crane's Red Badge Of Courage.
I see Old Glory flying boldly as white, and black soldiers gathered to reunite a union torn apart by slavery. I see a nation knitted back together, yet still bearing the wounds, and scars of racism. I lived through troubled times, marches, and voices proclaiming our differences as strengthens, and our diversity a gift of God rather than a burden of dignity.
And then there are those who claw at the fabric of our fragile republic, who choose by right to oppose these colors many have given life, and limb to protect. I hear their claims of brutality, and see the misguided attempt to raise public awareness of issues born again of ignorance just as searing as intolerance, and bigotry.
It is not a field of honor on which they do battle, rather, a stage, a sport in which friendly rivals gather to claim bragging rights over one another.
What I offer today is not controversial, but common sensical. I say, follow the rules, yet speak your mind off the field by your example, and not by feeble attempts to draw attention at the expense of those whose only wish is to be entertained by physical prowress, and points scored. And above all, do not mock the sacrifices of those who have served to protect the fabric of your freedom.
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