Spam is bad enough.
Scams are bad enough.
But the most disgusting of them arrived in my e-mail box this morning. The subject line was simply SGT so naturally I opened it. If you get one, you can open it if you want but I wouldn't. I found it more repulsive than all the stuff that comes out of Nigeria and all the Viagara and organ englarging ploys I get put together. It not only plays on innocents for money from the unsuspecting but it uses our military and our soldiers to do it. Here is the message minus anything that would help advertise the scammers.
I hope my email find you well. I am in need of your assistance. My name is Sgt.
XXX (here is inserted a very American name, if I ever heard one!). I am an American soldier serving in the 1st Armored Division in Iraq, we have just been posted out of Iraq and to return in a short while. My colleague and I need your help to transfer out the sum of Twenty Five Million U.S Dollars (US25.0M).
God Bless You!!
Sgt XXXXX
e-mail address XXXX
If you want to help soldiers, there are ways to do it and make sure your money, time and good will are going to deserving soldiers. Find segments on this blog, as an example, for organizations that help our soldiers and little, inexpensive ways you can help. And if you know of organizations that help our veterans and active military, please let me know. I'll add those resources to this blog.
Technorati Tags:
military spam, military scams, helping our soldiers,
------
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Guest Blooger: A Poem on Coming Home
On the occasion of my grandson's return from Iraq, veteran Michael D. "Moon" Mullins sent this poem as a reminder that even when our soldiers return, they still need our support, love and understanding. That makes him our guest blogger for the day! (-:
He is Home
A crowd gathered on a Tuesday eve.
His group was due in and I was pleased.
There were family holding welcome signs.
His friends showed too, to my surprise.
There was quite a crew to see him home.
Even though the holiday found him alone.
Now, two weeks later, he is really home,
And the strain is seeping out of his bones.
The stress and strength are not demanded.
The lines in his face are etched, indented
In his furrowed brow, without his knowing.
The frown shrinks while his smile is growing.
His face is relaxing from the war’s demands.
His adrenalin is not being used just now.
He does not have a load dragging him down;
Lives in the balance, and equipment too.
He does not face the political strife in lieu
Of a grateful nation that will never know
All he and others do in war’s blood-red glow.
The lines are softening, his child inspires love
And his wife feels his pain, seeks his truth.
He is home in body, but there are things,
Like a mind, which comes home more slowly.
I take myself back forty years and wonder.
“Can people see the lightening in my brain;
The questions that roll like summer thunder?
Some missed me with all their hearts yet
Others would not have minded had I stayed.
Some I love only want to continue old fights.
Will some folks grant me a little space
So I can choose my own homeward pace?
Will they crowd in and steal my air, smother me
With love, not letting me open my eyes to see?
Most mean well, others think I was on a lark.
The things I saw came with me, remaining stark.
I cannot tell them; I do not want to hurt them.
I will try to smile, yet deep in me I am still grim.”
Does he feel what I felt and questioned?
I dare not ask, dare not make the suggestion.
He is home…with different things waiting.
I had nobody I hoped more than any other
Would understand, wanting only to be a lover.
But they sometimes put their own demands
Ahead of a soldier’s needs and their words
And deeds can wound deeper than bombs.
What is asked could wait but often will not.
He does not need pushed ahead of thought.
His mind is still reeling, sweltering in desert heat.
He needs time to crawl, get the dust off his feet.
I walked down that street toward home, quickly,
Yet faltering, anticipating yet dreading my own tears.
He may have that same fear coursing in his veins.
It takes time, and compassion, to let war drain.
The welcome home was wonderful, special.
There was pride, the shoulders square, elation.
The love in the room was there in equal portion.
The joy and tears flowed without any shame.
Our progeny, our spouses, our heroes, our hopes
Were home, safely stepping back into today, here.
After the hoopla was pushed out, their minds quiet
The fear, the doubt, the trepidation, again crept out.
-----
The poet is Michael D. "Moon" Mullins, author of Vietnam in Verse, Poetry for Beer Drinkers, won the Gold Medal for poetry, 2007, from the Military Writers Society of America. The book is available on line from amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, books-a-million.com and iUniverse.com. It is also available as an audio-book from the author. Contact Michael at: mullins.m.1 @ comcast.net.
He is a Vietnam Veteran, Delta 3/7, 199th Light Infantry, '68-'69 and Vice President of the Military Writers Society of America
-------
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/
He is Home
A crowd gathered on a Tuesday eve.
His group was due in and I was pleased.
There were family holding welcome signs.
His friends showed too, to my surprise.
There was quite a crew to see him home.
Even though the holiday found him alone.
Now, two weeks later, he is really home,
And the strain is seeping out of his bones.
The stress and strength are not demanded.
The lines in his face are etched, indented
In his furrowed brow, without his knowing.
The frown shrinks while his smile is growing.
His face is relaxing from the war’s demands.
His adrenalin is not being used just now.
He does not have a load dragging him down;
Lives in the balance, and equipment too.
He does not face the political strife in lieu
Of a grateful nation that will never know
All he and others do in war’s blood-red glow.
The lines are softening, his child inspires love
And his wife feels his pain, seeks his truth.
He is home in body, but there are things,
Like a mind, which comes home more slowly.
I take myself back forty years and wonder.
“Can people see the lightening in my brain;
The questions that roll like summer thunder?
Some missed me with all their hearts yet
Others would not have minded had I stayed.
Some I love only want to continue old fights.
Will some folks grant me a little space
So I can choose my own homeward pace?
Will they crowd in and steal my air, smother me
With love, not letting me open my eyes to see?
Most mean well, others think I was on a lark.
The things I saw came with me, remaining stark.
I cannot tell them; I do not want to hurt them.
I will try to smile, yet deep in me I am still grim.”
Does he feel what I felt and questioned?
I dare not ask, dare not make the suggestion.
He is home…with different things waiting.
I had nobody I hoped more than any other
Would understand, wanting only to be a lover.
But they sometimes put their own demands
Ahead of a soldier’s needs and their words
And deeds can wound deeper than bombs.
What is asked could wait but often will not.
He does not need pushed ahead of thought.
His mind is still reeling, sweltering in desert heat.
He needs time to crawl, get the dust off his feet.
I walked down that street toward home, quickly,
Yet faltering, anticipating yet dreading my own tears.
He may have that same fear coursing in his veins.
It takes time, and compassion, to let war drain.
The welcome home was wonderful, special.
There was pride, the shoulders square, elation.
The love in the room was there in equal portion.
The joy and tears flowed without any shame.
Our progeny, our spouses, our heroes, our hopes
Were home, safely stepping back into today, here.
After the hoopla was pushed out, their minds quiet
The fear, the doubt, the trepidation, again crept out.
-----
The poet is Michael D. "Moon" Mullins, author of Vietnam in Verse, Poetry for Beer Drinkers, won the Gold Medal for poetry, 2007, from the Military Writers Society of America. The book is available on line from amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, books-a-million.com and iUniverse.com. It is also available as an audio-book from the author. Contact Michael at: mullins.m.1 @ comcast.net.
He is a Vietnam Veteran, Delta 3/7, 199th Light Infantry, '68-'69 and Vice President of the Military Writers Society of America
-------
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/
Friday, February 13, 2009
The Denigration of Helen Thomas And How Labels Hurt our Culture
I asked Raff Ellis to guest blog today. He is an example of a voice who dares speak up against those who promote hate among us, many of whom are among our most "respected" citizens. The very ones who denigrate others don't seem to get it that every ill that faces our nation today is rooted in the lack of acceptance for others. I was going to modify that last statement with "arguably." I'm not sure it should be there. If you feel there is an argument to it, please leave a comment. Or, of course, if you take exception. But please, in the interest of tolerance, can we keep it civil. (-: .
By Raff Ellis
On the February 9 the O'Reilly Factor, a show that appeals to a disturbingly large audience, the host and his two guests, Alan Colmes and Bernard Goldberg, “poked fun" at the 88 year-old icon of reportage, Helen Thomas.
The show was peppered with disparaging remarks such as,
"…she's the Wicked Witch of the East,"
"… was that the highlight of her career?” (a question to Pres. Obama about alleged terrorists hiding in Pakistan),
"Her 15 minutes were up during the Lincoln administration, if not before,"
"... the old lady asked a question..."
"It's time for her to find something else to do."
It is difficult to do justice to the tone of the comments as the trio was acting as if Ms. Thomas was not only irrelevant but well past her prime--because of her age. You can view the show in all its glory at: O'Reilly Show 02/09/09 or at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaVVOtEDkqo
Anyone who has followed Ms. Thomas’ career, read her books, or listened to her interviews cannot but give what is her due—she’s always been a probing, honest journalist--someone I personally admire. (Disclaimer: I also have a soft spot for her because she endorsed my book, but had appreciated her work well before that occurred.)
It seems that Helen Thomas’ cardinal sin was to admit on camera that she was a “liberal,” and proud of it. That was akin to throwing red meat to the lions because, as anyone who has watched recent political campaigns knows, this is a very bad word. “Liberal” has become synonymous with all sorts of nefarious beliefs; Communism, socialism, lacking patriotism, anti-gun, pro-abortion, soft on crime, etc., etc. The label has become so reviled that even progressive politicians shrink from it at every turn.
Yet, if you go to any good dictionary you will find that “liberal” is actually associated with positive, desirable human attributes, whereas it’s opposite—conservatism—is linked to reactionary characteristics that are opposed to change. When and where this campaign to impugn progressive thought began is traced back to the Ronald Reagan era.
The puzzling part of this assault on Ms. Thomas is that certain alleged members of the Fourth Estate—such as O’Reilly himself—are free to call themselves “conservatives” with pride and complete impunity. That three white men feel empowered to attack an 88 year-old woman, whose body of work they could only aspire to achieve, speaks volumes for the character (or lack thereof) of these individuals.
When does an ageing icon of journalism become the butt of unseemly jokes? The answer seems to be when she’s not there to defend herself. This was not the first time O’Reilly (the clown, as Keith Olbermann calls him) has attacked Helen Thomas. He no doubt is still is smarting over her comment that “…George W Bush is the worst president on record.” The conservatives have long memories and will stop at nothing, including coming off as three schoolyard bullies, to exact their revenge. I marvel that there is an audience for this type of “entertainment.”
----Raff Ellis is the author of Kisses from a Distance
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/
By Raff Ellis
On the February 9 the O'Reilly Factor, a show that appeals to a disturbingly large audience, the host and his two guests, Alan Colmes and Bernard Goldberg, “poked fun" at the 88 year-old icon of reportage, Helen Thomas.
The show was peppered with disparaging remarks such as,
"…she's the Wicked Witch of the East,"
"… was that the highlight of her career?” (a question to Pres. Obama about alleged terrorists hiding in Pakistan),
"Her 15 minutes were up during the Lincoln administration, if not before,"
"... the old lady asked a question..."
"It's time for her to find something else to do."
It is difficult to do justice to the tone of the comments as the trio was acting as if Ms. Thomas was not only irrelevant but well past her prime--because of her age. You can view the show in all its glory at: O'Reilly Show 02/09/09 or at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaVVOtEDkqo
Anyone who has followed Ms. Thomas’ career, read her books, or listened to her interviews cannot but give what is her due—she’s always been a probing, honest journalist--someone I personally admire. (Disclaimer: I also have a soft spot for her because she endorsed my book, but had appreciated her work well before that occurred.)
It seems that Helen Thomas’ cardinal sin was to admit on camera that she was a “liberal,” and proud of it. That was akin to throwing red meat to the lions because, as anyone who has watched recent political campaigns knows, this is a very bad word. “Liberal” has become synonymous with all sorts of nefarious beliefs; Communism, socialism, lacking patriotism, anti-gun, pro-abortion, soft on crime, etc., etc. The label has become so reviled that even progressive politicians shrink from it at every turn.
Yet, if you go to any good dictionary you will find that “liberal” is actually associated with positive, desirable human attributes, whereas it’s opposite—conservatism—is linked to reactionary characteristics that are opposed to change. When and where this campaign to impugn progressive thought began is traced back to the Ronald Reagan era.
The puzzling part of this assault on Ms. Thomas is that certain alleged members of the Fourth Estate—such as O’Reilly himself—are free to call themselves “conservatives” with pride and complete impunity. That three white men feel empowered to attack an 88 year-old woman, whose body of work they could only aspire to achieve, speaks volumes for the character (or lack thereof) of these individuals.
When does an ageing icon of journalism become the butt of unseemly jokes? The answer seems to be when she’s not there to defend herself. This was not the first time O’Reilly (the clown, as Keith Olbermann calls him) has attacked Helen Thomas. He no doubt is still is smarting over her comment that “…George W Bush is the worst president on record.” The conservatives have long memories and will stop at nothing, including coming off as three schoolyard bullies, to exact their revenge. I marvel that there is an audience for this type of “entertainment.”
----Raff Ellis is the author of Kisses from a Distance
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/
Veteran Suicide Hotline
As May Lattanzio, a regular War Peace Tolerance reader, points out, this isn't a pleasant subject to think about but it is essential. So here is information that could save a life. I also added it to the segment at the bottom of this blog that includes many resources for soldiers. Scroll down to see how you can help:
VETERAN SUICIDE HOTLINE: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Please keep it. You never know when you might need to help a troubled soldier.
-----
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/
VETERAN SUICIDE HOTLINE: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Please keep it. You never know when you might need to help a troubled soldier.
-----
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/
Sunday, February 8, 2009
PTSD and the Military
Thought you might be interested in this essay. It's about PTSD, Iraq, Afghanistan, Grey's Anatomy and John McCain. Connect the dots! (-: http://mrslieutenant.blogspot.com/2009/02/ptsd-achilles-in-vietnam-and-tv-show.html
-------
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/
-------
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Still Offering Marketing Opportunities!
Christine Alexaninans and I still have a few places available in our authors' coop booth. We reserved it at LA Times Festival of Books (on the UCLA Campus) in the same location as in previous years. If you're interested contact Christine: chalexwrite@yahoo.com. And learn more about book fair booths in general and thisone in particular at www.sizzlingbookfairbooths.blogspot.com
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
My Grandson Coming Back from Iraq!
Oh, my gawd! Just heard that my grandson will be home by Feb. 7 or 8. He's out of Iraq now and will be heading home from Kuwait for his home base in Colorado! It's funny, because the yellow bracelet I was wearing for all our troops fell off this week. I was devastated because I couldn't find it. Looked under the bed, and in the car, and in the bottom of the pool. Then a friend reminded me that if it had any magic, it had fallen off because it wasn't needed any more. A nice philosophy, huh?
Kept me from worrying for a minute.
But now I'm going to get another one when I go to the base here in Southern California. This one will be specifically for all our other troops still waiting for those "come home" orders.
In the meantime, don't forget that there is a list that will help you do some nice little thing for our soldiers at no cost--or little cost. It's on this very blog. Scroll. Poke around a bit. And send me your suggestions for other resources if you have any!
-------
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/
Kept me from worrying for a minute.
But now I'm going to get another one when I go to the base here in Southern California. This one will be specifically for all our other troops still waiting for those "come home" orders.
In the meantime, don't forget that there is a list that will help you do some nice little thing for our soldiers at no cost--or little cost. It's on this very blog. Scroll. Poke around a bit. And send me your suggestions for other resources if you have any!
-------
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
