With what has been called the "perfect storm of racism" in the news, it seems a poem, gentle but troubled, is in order.
Spirit Mother
By Melissa Kesead
She walks on forgotten whispers
gown blowing in lost conversations
She smiles at rays of sunshine
that fall on extinct nations
She talks to troubled spirits
hands gesturing in the moonlight
She frowns at falling teardrops
lost amid the stars so white
She lingers in the autumn breeze
tresses weaving about her face
She sighs at languages long lost
at human wars for greed, for race
She cries as forests fall in silence
gracefully slipping slowly away
She turns her eyes in shame and sorrow
and fades into the coming day
Mellissa Kissead's poetry comes from whatever inspires her. She says, "It could be social or economic events, relationships or my children. It always has meaning and comes from within. I have written poetry since I was a child and it has always helped me express my innermost feelings when it was too difficult to articulate." Please find more of her work on my Web site. at http://www.melissakesead.com or at http://www.writerscafe.org/writers/MelissaKesead/
=====
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/
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Fighting the War Within
Because I am a political animal, I get up in arms about the problems I see our troops and veterans face and this blog sometimes gets a little help-the-troops heavy rather than focusing on the root problem of war--intolerance. Today I have a guest blogger--and editor, fine writer and thinker--who will rectify that imbalance a bit. Please meet Jozette Aaron and respond to her essay:
Fighting the War Within
By Jozette Aaron
Reading the newspaper recently has been more like a chore than something I enjoy doing while having my coffee in the morning. I am hard put to find any good news, especially in light of the upsurge in hate crimes and racism in the U.S. The media calls it "a perfect storm" with the election of a black president, the recession, gay marriage and the gun law controversy. There are those out there that are less tolerant of change, those who internalize these feelings until something triggers those feelings and they boil over in an uncontrollable rage.
Change is what has made America the country it is today; has helped it to evolve and grow strong in the face of adversity. I never thought I'd live to see a black president in the white house but I did and for that, hope springs eternal; the hope that we would tighten the threads that hold us together as a nation, accept our differences as blessings for the chance to learn new cultures and new ways of experiencing our lives.
Our children and their children are our future leaders and much rests on their innocent shoulders. I have to remain optimistic that children who are bought up in the racial bias of their parents and taught to hate those different from themselves will, as adults, reject this mindset and accept all differences as part of the natural order of things.
While society accepts, in the name of free speech, and gives voice to all those who would drag our society, as a whole, through the mud, it is racism dressed up in many different outfits that fuel these voices.
We are fighting two wars in foreign lands, dealing with the threat of a nuclear incident as well as the infighting in our own government. The hope is that we, as Americans, can win the battle against differences and learn to live together in peace for peace is not something that will come from without…only from within.
Technorati Tags:
jozette aaron, desilva's news, carolyn howard-johnson, war, peace, tolerance, nuclear incidents, intolerance, racism, peace,
------
Jozette Aaron is the editor and publisher of DeSilva’s News...a tool writers rely on to meet their creative needs. Subscribers benefit from free promotion and marketing of their books, columns by successful, well known writers such as Carolyn Howard-Johnson and other writers wanting to share their expertise. DeSilva's News offers the latest information on where to find free courses, writer’s resources and calls for submissions; is chocked full of links to valuable information for your writing success. Sign up by visiting Jozette's Desk; every new subscriber receives a free e-Book - Writing Success Secrets.
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/
Fighting the War Within
By Jozette Aaron
Reading the newspaper recently has been more like a chore than something I enjoy doing while having my coffee in the morning. I am hard put to find any good news, especially in light of the upsurge in hate crimes and racism in the U.S. The media calls it "a perfect storm" with the election of a black president, the recession, gay marriage and the gun law controversy. There are those out there that are less tolerant of change, those who internalize these feelings until something triggers those feelings and they boil over in an uncontrollable rage.
Change is what has made America the country it is today; has helped it to evolve and grow strong in the face of adversity. I never thought I'd live to see a black president in the white house but I did and for that, hope springs eternal; the hope that we would tighten the threads that hold us together as a nation, accept our differences as blessings for the chance to learn new cultures and new ways of experiencing our lives.
Our children and their children are our future leaders and much rests on their innocent shoulders. I have to remain optimistic that children who are bought up in the racial bias of their parents and taught to hate those different from themselves will, as adults, reject this mindset and accept all differences as part of the natural order of things.
While society accepts, in the name of free speech, and gives voice to all those who would drag our society, as a whole, through the mud, it is racism dressed up in many different outfits that fuel these voices.
We are fighting two wars in foreign lands, dealing with the threat of a nuclear incident as well as the infighting in our own government. The hope is that we, as Americans, can win the battle against differences and learn to live together in peace for peace is not something that will come from without…only from within.
Technorati Tags:
jozette aaron, desilva's news, carolyn howard-johnson, war, peace, tolerance, nuclear incidents, intolerance, racism, peace,
------
Jozette Aaron is the editor and publisher of DeSilva’s News...a tool writers rely on to meet their creative needs. Subscribers benefit from free promotion and marketing of their books, columns by successful, well known writers such as Carolyn Howard-Johnson and other writers wanting to share their expertise. DeSilva's News offers the latest information on where to find free courses, writer’s resources and calls for submissions; is chocked full of links to valuable information for your writing success. Sign up by visiting Jozette's Desk; every new subscriber receives a free e-Book - Writing Success Secrets.
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, June 5, 2009
Vile Intolerance Allowed To Proliferate on Our Airwaves Only Increases Violence
I try to stay positive with messages on this blog, but there are times when one just must speak out--vehemently. Now is the time.
Our airwaves are carrying way too much obscene material and I am not talking about sex and dirty words. I'm talking about vile intolerance. By now we should all have some idea that intolerance is at the root of the world's problems--from time immemorial. The major negative influence in the world--some would say evil--is intolerance. That includes 9/11 and other acts of terrorism and all of the world's errors (too many wars to count, certainly, but all of the ones I am old enough to remember certainly were results of bigotry, lack of understanding and worse). Some of our popular (with some people) radio and TV hosts are the worst, yet we continue--presumably in the name of free speech and free press-- to let them exist. In fact we gladly give them podiums to stand on so they can destroy our culture.
As long as they are allowed to spew their venom, their audiences will grow and with that growth their ratings and wealth. We should be at least as watchful about this danger to our society as we are about nudity and sex. Here is a rundown of one of the incidents along with links where you can go to register your complaint.
Recently Bill Handel on KFI - suggested reducing the U.S. population to save the government money. Then came a wisecrack about starting with the Armenians and selling Glendale. So far, it’s just tacky, and par for the shock-radio course. One person who heard this called and e-mailed to complain. The upshot? The e-mail was read and mocked again no surprises. But then came “What the Turks started, Bill will finish.” Imagine if similar comments were made against Jews or Blacks! They would turn the world upside down until they got justice! It's time we do the same and stop being so passive. If you are truly offended by this, then take 10 minutes out of your day and do something about it.
You’ll certainly want to hear the two clips. Unfortunately, you can’t hear the real offender off KFI’s website. Why? They’ve taken down that show from their website. Hmm, wonder why that is. Fortunately, they were downloaded ahead of time and are now available at: http://www.burbankanc.org/KFI.mp3
To contact these people, here are some options:
Snail mail address:
3400 W Olive Ave Ste 550, Burbank CA 91505
E-mail:
Robin Bertolucci, Program Director, KFI AM640,RobinBertolucci@clearchannel.com
You can also go to the FCC website and file a complaint with them. Here is a link: http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htmKFI station numbers:
Main: (818) 559-2252
Programming: (818) 566-6476
Corporate headquarters:
Clear Channel, 200 East Basse Road, San Antonio, TX 78209
210/822-2828
webmaster@clearchannel.com
Let’s flood these people. Let's fill up their voice mail systems. You can find some other numbers for them online too.
Technorati Tags:
bill handel, bill handle, clear channel, kfi, intolerance, bigotry, prejudice, ethnic intolerance, evil, 9/11, war,
------
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/
Our airwaves are carrying way too much obscene material and I am not talking about sex and dirty words. I'm talking about vile intolerance. By now we should all have some idea that intolerance is at the root of the world's problems--from time immemorial. The major negative influence in the world--some would say evil--is intolerance. That includes 9/11 and other acts of terrorism and all of the world's errors (too many wars to count, certainly, but all of the ones I am old enough to remember certainly were results of bigotry, lack of understanding and worse). Some of our popular (with some people) radio and TV hosts are the worst, yet we continue--presumably in the name of free speech and free press-- to let them exist. In fact we gladly give them podiums to stand on so they can destroy our culture.
As long as they are allowed to spew their venom, their audiences will grow and with that growth their ratings and wealth. We should be at least as watchful about this danger to our society as we are about nudity and sex. Here is a rundown of one of the incidents along with links where you can go to register your complaint.
Recently Bill Handel on KFI - suggested reducing the U.S. population to save the government money. Then came a wisecrack about starting with the Armenians and selling Glendale. So far, it’s just tacky, and par for the shock-radio course. One person who heard this called and e-mailed to complain. The upshot? The e-mail was read and mocked again no surprises. But then came “What the Turks started, Bill will finish.” Imagine if similar comments were made against Jews or Blacks! They would turn the world upside down until they got justice! It's time we do the same and stop being so passive. If you are truly offended by this, then take 10 minutes out of your day and do something about it.
You’ll certainly want to hear the two clips. Unfortunately, you can’t hear the real offender off KFI’s website. Why? They’ve taken down that show from their website. Hmm, wonder why that is. Fortunately, they were downloaded ahead of time and are now available at: http://www.burbankanc.org/KFI.mp3
To contact these people, here are some options:
Snail mail address:
3400 W Olive Ave Ste 550, Burbank CA 91505
E-mail:
Robin Bertolucci, Program Director, KFI AM640,RobinBertolucci@clearchannel.com
You can also go to the FCC website and file a complaint with them. Here is a link: http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htmKFI station numbers:
Main: (818) 559-2252
Programming: (818) 566-6476
Corporate headquarters:
Clear Channel, 200 East Basse Road, San Antonio, TX 78209
210/822-2828
webmaster@clearchannel.com
Let’s flood these people. Let's fill up their voice mail systems. You can find some other numbers for them online too.
Technorati Tags:
bill handel, bill handle, clear channel, kfi, intolerance, bigotry, prejudice, ethnic intolerance, evil, 9/11, war,
------
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, May 2, 2009
The History (?) of Taps, Memories, and My Uncle Bob
I have no idea if this is a true story--but it is a lovely one. It came to me in my e-mail, as so many stories do these days. Because no credit was given, I am publishing it anonymously because I think it is so important and because I think the author would intended for it to be passed around. I'm including a story of my own. The first one is mine. The second is the story (history?) of Taps.
Bob was my beloved first uncle. He served in WWII as a bomber pilot and died what seems to be yesterday at, I believe 81. Just before the funeral someone from his community (Ashland, OR) called to ask if Bob was a veteran. The answer, of course, "Yes."
"Then may I come by to play taps?"
That answer, of course, "Yes."
The bugler, acting on his own, stood an appropriate distance behind the graveside service so the sound was faint but so clear in the high Ashland altitude.
The universe takes good care of us all when we are sending out the right energy, just as it did this Union soldier. It is all about acceptance, after all.
Love,
Carolyn
>
> If any of you have ever been to a military funeral
> in which taps were played; this brings out a new meaning of
> it.
>
> Here is something Every American should know. Until I
> read this, I didn't know, but I checked it out and
> it's true:
>
> We in the United States have all heard the haunting
> song, 'Taps.' It's the song that gives us that
> lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes.
>
> But, do you know the story behind the song? If not,
> I think you will be interested to find out about its humble
> beginnings.
>
> Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil
> War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his
> men near Harrison 's Landing in Virginia . The
> Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip
> of land.
>
> During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans
> of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not
> knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the
> Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man
> back for medical attention Crawling on his stomach through
> the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and
> began pulling him toward his encampment.
>
> When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he
> discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the
> soldier was dead.
>
> The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his
> breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw
> the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had
> been studying music in the South when the war broke out.
> Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the
> Confederate Army.
>
> The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked
> permission of his superiors to give his son a full military
> burial, despite his enemy status. His request was only
> partially granted.
>
> The Captain had asked if he could have a group of
> Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the
> funeral.
>
> The request was turned down since the soldier was a
> Confederate.
>
> But, out of respect for the father, they did say they
> could give him only one musician.
>
> The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to
> play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of
> paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform.
>
> This wish was granted.
>
> The haunting melody, we now know as 'Taps'
> used at military funerals was born.
>
> The words are:
> Day is done.
> Gone the sun.
> From the lakes
> From the hills.
> From the sky.
> All is well.
> Safely rest.
> God is nigh.
>
>
> Fading light.
> Dims the sight.
> And a star.
> Gems the sky.
> Gleaming bright.
> From afar.
> Drawing nigh.
> Falls the night.
>
> Thanks and praise.
> For our days.
> Neath the sun
> Neath the stars.
> Neath the sky.
> As we go.
> This we know.
> God is nigh
>
> I too have felt the chills while listening to
> 'Taps' but I have never seen all the words to the
> song until now. I didn't even know there was more than
> one verse . I also never knew the story behind the song and
> I didn't know if you had either so I thought I'd
> pass it along.
>
> I now have an even deeper respect for the song than I
> did before.
Anonymous
(I will happily credit if anyone claims it.)
> >
Those of you who are regular visitors to this blog will notice that you can now follow and your little avatar will appear front and foremost on the blog. I welcome you.
------
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/
Bob was my beloved first uncle. He served in WWII as a bomber pilot and died what seems to be yesterday at, I believe 81. Just before the funeral someone from his community (Ashland, OR) called to ask if Bob was a veteran. The answer, of course, "Yes."
"Then may I come by to play taps?"
That answer, of course, "Yes."
The bugler, acting on his own, stood an appropriate distance behind the graveside service so the sound was faint but so clear in the high Ashland altitude.
The universe takes good care of us all when we are sending out the right energy, just as it did this Union soldier. It is all about acceptance, after all.
Love,
Carolyn
>
> If any of you have ever been to a military funeral
> in which taps were played; this brings out a new meaning of
> it.
>
> Here is something Every American should know. Until I
> read this, I didn't know, but I checked it out and
> it's true:
>
> We in the United States have all heard the haunting
> song, 'Taps.' It's the song that gives us that
> lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes.
>
> But, do you know the story behind the song? If not,
> I think you will be interested to find out about its humble
> beginnings.
>
> Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil
> War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his
> men near Harrison 's Landing in Virginia . The
> Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip
> of land.
>
> During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans
> of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not
> knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the
> Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man
> back for medical attention Crawling on his stomach through
> the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and
> began pulling him toward his encampment.
>
> When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he
> discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the
> soldier was dead.
>
> The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his
> breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw
> the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had
> been studying music in the South when the war broke out.
> Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the
> Confederate Army.
>
> The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked
> permission of his superiors to give his son a full military
> burial, despite his enemy status. His request was only
> partially granted.
>
> The Captain had asked if he could have a group of
> Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the
> funeral.
>
> The request was turned down since the soldier was a
> Confederate.
>
> But, out of respect for the father, they did say they
> could give him only one musician.
>
> The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to
> play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of
> paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform.
>
> This wish was granted.
>
> The haunting melody, we now know as 'Taps'
> used at military funerals was born.
>
> The words are:
> Day is done.
> Gone the sun.
> From the lakes
> From the hills.
> From the sky.
> All is well.
> Safely rest.
> God is nigh.
>
>
> Fading light.
> Dims the sight.
> And a star.
> Gems the sky.
> Gleaming bright.
> From afar.
> Drawing nigh.
> Falls the night.
>
> Thanks and praise.
> For our days.
> Neath the sun
> Neath the stars.
> Neath the sky.
> As we go.
> This we know.
> God is nigh
>
> I too have felt the chills while listening to
> 'Taps' but I have never seen all the words to the
> song until now. I didn't even know there was more than
> one verse . I also never knew the story behind the song and
> I didn't know if you had either so I thought I'd
> pass it along.
>
> I now have an even deeper respect for the song than I
> did before.
Anonymous
(I will happily credit if anyone claims it.)
> >
Those of you who are regular visitors to this blog will notice that you can now follow and your little avatar will appear front and foremost on the blog. I welcome you.
------
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, May 1, 2009
Opportunity for Jewish War Veterans to Help
Looking for contacts to active members of the Jewish War Veterans organization. I'm going to be in New Orleans the same week in August that the JWV is having its convention there.
I want to make a presentation on my project www.OperationSupportJewsintheMilitary.com, but I'm having problems getting anyone at JWV headquarters to get back to me. Anybody have any contacts that might be helpful? pzmiller@millermosaicllc.com
------
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/
I want to make a presentation on my project www.OperationSupportJewsintheMilitary.com, but I'm having problems getting anyone at JWV headquarters to get back to me. Anybody have any contacts that might be helpful? pzmiller@millermosaicllc.com
------
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/
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