tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382259.post7094850113176013705..comments2024-01-20T05:01:49.819-07:00Comments on Agora: I Feel a DraftLysishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10669231502705943487noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382259.post-81575568169513235892009-07-07T15:05:35.416-06:002009-07-07T15:05:35.416-06:00Dear Taylor,
It is so nice to hear from you. Don...Dear Taylor,<br /><br />It is so nice to hear from you. Don't get yourself into any trouble by read my words, but thank for doing so. I remember you dozing in my classes; it is most gratifying to know someone of your quality has memories of them.<br /><br />I have love the fate God has given me, I am so grateful to my brothers in military service who have made His blessings to me possible. I know you will do great service to the world; that I have had a small part in your life is a great comfort to me in those times when I wonder at my own worth.Lysishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10669231502705943487noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382259.post-19243053521705159912009-07-05T05:38:11.252-06:002009-07-05T05:38:11.252-06:00What a wonderful 4th of July! First my wife tells ...What a wonderful 4th of July! First my wife tells me that you've begun blogging again and on the same day I find a slick way (onion routing) around that detractor of free speech known as The Great Firewall of China (officially termed the Golden Shield Project http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Shield_Project)<br /><br />I'd like to say that as a 15 year old I clearly remember sitting in your classroom on a very hot afternoon struggling with after-lunch sleepiness and hearing you read the story of the draft. My drowsiness quickly abated as I listened to the reading wondering at first if it was a true story, from your own life, neither or both. Mostly, I remember the story because I wasn’t sure of what you meant by it. I thought I was following it clearly enough, that is, until you slowly pulled off your glasses, rubbed your eyes and read the last words in a quiet voice “my blessed eyes.” I was confused. It had seemed throughout the story that you wanted so badly to be part of the military I was surprised that you could possibly thank your eyes for restricting you the chance. Though I admit that I didn’t give it too much thought as I hurried along to Mrs. Ferrin’s class, there seemed to be 2 possibilities for you blessing your poor vision. The first, that you feared the ultimate cost that you may have been expected to pay had you served in the military. Blessing your eyes for saving your own life while war demanded it from others. My high opinion of you led me to hope this was not the reason. The second, that in being deprived of a military life you had found greater joy and purpose of life in scouting, teaching and the other pursuits you love.<br /><br />Now, 11 years later, I wonder again why you added those last 3 words. I admit that I have often felt like your youthful self as described in the story. Had I joined the armed forces I would have continued a legacy of 4 generations. I grew up to my mom and dad telling me stories of their father’s courageous service in Vietnam, Korea and war to end all wars. As you know, my old man actually died of wounds obtained in his brief service trying to become a green beret. I distinctly remember his oft-told advice that should I ever decide to join the military I should only do it as an officer, he had enlisted at first as a last resort to having never finished high school. I loved the idea of going to the Air Force Academy or some other military school and enlisting as an officer afterwards. With time it became clear that God had provided me the aptitude, abilities and inclination best suited for his own purposes. While I have still not ruled out the option of working for the Naval, Army, Air Force Research Lab or some other National Laboratory upon finishing my PhD I don’t think it would really be the same. There is no risk, there is no real price to pay outside of having to live in Ohio (which according to my wife is very much a price!) I would be embarrassed to stand with people like my father and fore-fathers or my brothers-in-law Justin, Brandon and Jeremy. A lucrative, prestigious research position free from any danger doesn’t require any the heroism they exhibit.<br />In conclusion, I don’t know what “second best” option there is. There is certainly something divine, and christlike in those willing to pay the ultimate price to secure the freedom we all enjoy. I can only say that we each come to this earth with different tools in our toolbox, and while I’d like to hope that should the day come if I were ever asked to give more I would say yes, I think it is honorable still to develop the talents given you and contribute to humankind in whatever sphere you find yourself. I for one am grateful that you chose to teach drowsy teenagers such important lessons with your own unique skills which may not have been fully appreciated on the quarterdeck.<br /><br />I am so glad you are back!Taylorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02049849966535550289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382259.post-42745164191057621212009-06-11T20:44:22.568-06:002009-06-11T20:44:22.568-06:00Tiffany,
Thank you for your post and the links. ...Tiffany,<br /><br />Thank you for your post and the links. They are well worth the “cut and paste”. I too am a great fan of Krauthammer. My favorite news program is FOX’s “Special Report” – thought less now that Brit Hume is no longer the anchor - and Charles Krauthammer is always the highlight of that program. <br /><br />I want very much to agree with you on the value of service provided by “intellectual” contributors to the struggle for the right. I also feel very strongly that the sacrifice of family and friends (particularly that wives or husbands) in support of our heroes is noble and honorable. Still, I stand in ah of those who risk, and too often give, all for my all.<br /><br />Perhaps I find intellectual redemption when their gift makes me even more determined to do the best I can in the office I find fill. <br /><br />FYI – We spent the day loading the truck for our journey to camp. We will be heading out early Saturday morning. It has been raining most of the week – there were some in the council who suggested that we wait for better weather – I am of the opinion that facing challenges will strengthen our crew. Nothing we face this season can compare to the challenges of last spring. So come - - - - or high water we are on our way.<br /><br />I will think of you and yours often. Gook luck in the adventures you have chosen as well.<br /><br />As always,Lysishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10669231502705943487noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382259.post-41608877048954870342009-06-11T08:36:31.577-06:002009-06-11T08:36:31.577-06:00There are many ways to serve our country, and I do...There are many ways to serve our country, and I don't know that I would call any second best. <br /><br />Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, John Jay, John Adams. None of these men fought in the Revolutionary War in the literal way. However, I would ask if their contributions (though intellectual) to this country aren't every bit as great and, frankly, vital to creating a great and powerful nation.<br /><br />In our house, we are great fans of Charles Krauthammer. We refer to him as the evil genius. When he comes on the news, we often hold our hands up in the touch down sign and cheer just to hear what he has to say. Charles Krauthammer is partially paralyzed. He could not fight for his country in the literal sense either. However, he received a rather prestigious award, and in the short presentation about him (first link below) he mentions how important the support of his wife is and was to what he does. I will tell you from experience and from knowing many a military spouse, that the support of family and friends enables the work the military does each day. <br /><br />In the second clip, which is taken from his acceptance speech, he talks about why he left medicine to do what he does. Is not the truth, teaching and broadcasting it, necessary in the fight between good and evil? Is it not necessary in continuing to have a strong nation that can fight that fight? Listen to this man and consider, if you will, if there aren't many ways of fighting for one's country. If nothing else, the content of his speech is rather refreshing. You will have to copy and paste the links I am afraid, but it is worth it.<br /><br />http://www.foxnews.com/search-results/m/22469410/honoring-charles-krauthammer.htm#q=Charles+Krauthammer<br /><br />http://www.foxnews.com/video2/video08.html?maven_referralObject=5888980&maven_referralPlaylistId=&sRevUrl=http://www.foxnews.com/Tiffanyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10462193891710081937noreply@blogger.com