November 11, 2016
2:55 p.m.

Veterans' Day has rolled around again. It does my heart good to see all the tributes to family members and friends who served this Country over the years.

I have several family members who served. One was seriously injured and spent the rest of his life minus a leg and his vision. Others escaped unscathed, and I thank God for that; they could have shared the fate of my great uncle, or lost their lives entirely, as so many in this country have done.

The unselfish act of joining forces with their fellow Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine comrades too often goes unpraised--even entirely unnoticed--by those of us they served to protect. Too many people have even gone so far as to chastise or ridicule them for their desire to protect this country from those who would gladly take our freedom from us.

This week has been a nightmare for this country. I say that not because of the outcome of this latest election, but because of the outcome of the outcome. Since Tuesday both major party's constituants have gone out of their way to make complete fools of themselves by propogating hateful acts across the country. This behavior has shown the rest of the world what they'd already begun to believe of us--that our country is filled with hateful, ignorant people and that we are doomed to failure.

And do you know what? They are right to feel that way! If something is not done immediately to quell the behavior of the people who are putting on this disastrous show of spoiled brattiness, entitlement and bullying, the whole world will shake their heads and turn their backs on a country they once admired and respected.

And we will deserve their scorn.

But, damn it, our VETERANS do NOT deserve it! We owe them better than this--this--outragous display. We owe them a debt of gratitude and humility and RESPECT!

And how do we do this? We stop acting like spoiled brat babies and GROW UP! We take what has been given to us and make the very best of it. We are still "The People" and we are still empowered to take control of ourselves and our futures, but we will not accomplish anything until we act like mature adults and get hold of ourselves and make the good things happen.

Show RESPECT for those who were willing to die for your freedom.

It is Veterans' Day. Take a deep breath, say thank you and then show them you mean it; deal with cards you've been dealt and make the best of it. You say you're proud and grateful--prove it. Make our veterans proud and grateful for you.

Okay, I'm done.

Thank you, Veterans, for your service. I really am proud and grateful for all of you.