To Our Soldiers

To our brothers, past and present –

This is a dedication to America’s servicemen. A dedication to the debt we owe to Warriors lost and to all of our military forces who continue to defend freedom around the world. Men and women who have honorably served throughout our nation’s history – who stood and continue to stand fast in the face of a determined enemy and defeat them with unwavering discipline.

Most Americans do not know what our Armed Forces community experience. They do not know what these Warriors endure in combat, nor do they understand the selflessness and love of the brothers beside them. Men within this community bring the fight to the enemy, engage aggressively and stand their ground.

Born unto a different cloth, these men could have chosen a life of prosperity and chased every opportunity afforded by our great nation. Giving life as they live it, they chose to leave these pursuits behind and devote themselves instead to a higher calling, living with indomitable purpose, by simple truths – Brotherhood. Honor. Sacrifice. Words molded into their character, exemplified by their actions.

It is their final hour we celebrate – our fallen brothers who shine a light on the greatest attributes of dedicated men. With their sacrifice, legends are born and will live as examples to inspire the heroes that will lead our nation to victory in the years ahead; making our founding fathers proud and acting as a promise to America’s next generation.

This is to our fallen brothers. You will be honored in our community’s history as the greatest heroes. As men who shouldered our nation’s burdens, you will remain as beacons for our heroic ideals. Taught to be proud and unbending in failure and humble in success, there are no greater examples for which this nation stands for and of which this nation is built from – the ideal of service to country and others.

To our community and all who wear the uniform – Thank you for your service to the nation.

And, to those in this hour who are in the fight and keep our enemies awake at night.

Police of the World

Recently I was on the radio with a friend and we were talking about the US's situation overseas. We talked about how the US is practically the world's police force. With out soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan, and now there is talk about moving troops into Libya. What my friend and I discussed is how we believe that the United Nations and/or the European Union should step up and fight for justice. Now don't get me wrong, I believe that fighting the Taliban and other terrorists that would do the US harm is the US's job. The US though does not have be the the police for the world. Yes there is injustice in the world. Yes justice does need to be sought for and fought for. No, the US should not be the only country that does fight for justice around the world. However, maybe this is one of the reasons why America is the greatest nation in the world... because we see injustice, we see genocide, and we put our foot down and say enough. While the US plays the role of the world's police, and wrongfully so, justice does need to be fought for, but maybe it is time that the world's sheriff hires a few deputies.

What an American Is

To Kill an American
You probably missed this in the rush of news, but there was actually a report that someone in Pakistan had published in a newspaper, an offer of a reward to anyone who killed an American, any American.

So an Australian dentist wrote an editorial the following day to let everyone know what an American is . So they would know when they found one. (Good one, mate!!!!)

'An American is English, or French, or Italian, Irish, German, Spanish , Polish, Russian or Greek. An American may also be Canadian, Mexican, African, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Australian, Iranian, Asian, or Arab, or Pakistani or Afghan.

An American may also be a Comanche, Cherokee, Osage, Blackfoot, Navaho, Apache, Seminole or one of the many other tribes known as native Americans.

An American is Christian , or he could be Jewish, or Buddhist, or Muslim. In fact, there are more Muslims in America than in Afghanistan . The only difference is that in America they are free to worship as each of them chooses.

An American is also free to believe in no religion.. For that he will answer only to God, not to the government, or to armed thugs claiming to speak for the government and for God.

An American lives in the most prosperous land in the history of the world.

The root of that prosperity can be found in the Declaration of Independence , which recognizes the God given right of each person to the pursuit of happiness.

An American is generous.. Americans have helped out just about every other nation in the world in their time of need, never asking a thing in return.


When Afghanistan was over-run by the Soviet army 20 years ago, Americans came with arms and supplies to enable the people to win back their country!


As of the morning of September 11, Americans had given more than any other nation to the poor in Afghanistan ..

The national symbol of America , The Statue of Liberty , welcomes your tired and your poor, the wretched refuse of your teeming shores, the homeless, tempest tossed. These in fact are the people who built America


Some of them were working in the Twin Towers the morning of September 11 , 2001 earning a better life for their families. It's been told that the World Trade Center victims were from at least 30 different countries, cultures, and first languages, including those that aided and abetted the terrorists.

So you can try to kill an American if you must. Hitler did. So did General Tojo , and Stalin , and Mao Tse-Tung, and other blood-thirsty tyrants in the world.. But, in doing so you would just be killing yourself . Because Americans are not a particular people from a particular place. They are the embodiment of the human spirit of freedom. Everyone who holds to that spirit, everywhere, is an American.

The fact that an AUSTRALIAN wrote this about Americans, amazes me, this is truly true, and awesome! The fact that a foreigner to america wrote this about Americans, just shows the respect that America does have worldwide. Therefore, I hope and pray that our country keeps this reputation. We do that by, following the Golden Rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. So let us keep practicing this.

God bless America!!!

Patriots and Patriotism

Patriots are beginning to run low in the USA; as well as patriotism.

An example of this happening is, the incident only a matter of months ago a school in California suspended around five of it's students for wearing clothing with the American flag on it, during cinco de mayo.

There is a quote that I particularly like because of it's symbolism of patriotism. "I will bleed on the American flag to make sure it's stripes stay red." (Mission Impossible: III) This quote is saying that he would give his life to preserve the flag of his country.

The soldiers are Patriots for fighting for their country, and the well-fare of others! Ordinary citizens are patriots too, but there are few citizens that are. Patriots will do the best for their country.

I personally believe that the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the Declaration are the founding laws that made this country great! Therefore, should never be changed/twisted/bent/erased! There are many arguments on various aspects of the Bill of Rights.

For example, the 4th Ammendment:A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Is the subject of the debate of Gun Control. The 4th Ammendment CLEARLY states that it is "the right of the people TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS" AND IT "SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED". In my opinion anyone who wants to ban (for example) handguns, does not uphold the Constitution and Bill of Rights, and do not care for their country.

Now I know that the people who want to ban guns, usually a loved one was shot. Now believe me when I say, I am truly sorry for them, and they have my sympathies. However, its not the gun that killed them, it is the person behind the gun that pulled the trigger! Guns are just tools, people are the administrator of the tools.

So to wrap this up, people who uphold the United States of America's founding documents and it's beliefs stated within, are willing to give their life for their country, and are willing to do all in their power to make their country a better place; is a patriot and/or people with patriotism. Anyone who does not, I am sorry, but if you don't like those laws, maybe you should move to another country.

"Give me liberty, or give me death!" Patrick Henry

Sgt. Joe Bergeron

It is with a heavy heart that I write this. I have the utmost respect for Law Enforcement and our Soldiers. When I see that a police officer or soldier is killed in the line of duty, it instantly grieves me inside. Not only for their lives that have been lost, but also to the families of those who lost a loved one.

Sgt. Joe Bergeron served the city of Maplewood, MN for almost 26 years. Mr. Bergeron had a reuputation of being "a good guy". Joe's life was stolen from this world on May 1, 2010 at the age of 49. He was shot by cowards in an attack that is being called an ambush. Any person(s) who would do such a thing are a disgrace to humanity!

I would very much like to tell the Bergeron family how I feel, but I will use the words of Abraham Lincoln, "In the words of Abraham Lincoln, "I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost..." That is how I truly feel. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Bergeron family. May God comfort you and bring you peace.

I personally did not know Mr. Bergeron. I wish I had. I would like to give a eulogy, but it is not my place to do so. I will conclude with the words of a person who did know Mr. Bergeron, "I couldn't find a better example for you of a friend and of a cop and a dad," said Bev Peterson.

~Daniel

2 Thessalonians 3:16
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

Pros and Cons of Music

Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. ~Berthold Auerbach

Music is one of the many things that God has blessed us with. Music has many benefits and uses, a great many good, and a few bad.

Well when someone tells me they have good news and bad news, then ask which I would like to hear first, I usually say the bad first. So I will list, in my opinion, the bad parts of music.

Music's Bad Side:

Con #1: Unnecessary Topics

The first bad thing about music is circumstantial. Not all bands/groups/orchestras (whatever they call themselves), do this; but many bands do. Many bands sing about things that should not be sung about. For example, Korn's song Adidas, which stands for All Day I Dream About Sex. Sex does not need to be sung about. Those types of issues, sex, drugs, suicide etc., are of no benefit to anyone. The only thing about songs that sing about those things, are catchy and/or good sounding (as far as instrumentation goes). However, that is no excuse to sing about them. Its not that hard to sing about other things that are beneficial, or just not about those issues. Whats the point of songs like that? There is nothing good there, so avoid it.

Con #2: Obscenities

One other thing, somewhat related, is using obscenities in the songs. Again, what is the point? Why do musicians feel the need to drop F-bombs, use the S, H, D, G-D, A etc. words? Its pointless! I am 100% sure they can find other words to rhyme with, syllable usage, and convey the same meaning without using obscenities. Its just promoting using that type of unnecessary language.

Con #3: Bad Sound

The final thing that I can think of as far as the bad things of music is... some of it just plain sucks! The biggest example of this would be elevator music! However, this last point is open to preference, seeing as how different people like different styles of music. Although, I have yet to meet one person who actually likes elevator music. I would actually prefer silence over that noise that they call music.

Pros of music:

Pro #1: Educational Aid

It has been shown in various researches that having background music while going about your various chores/work, to improve ones' end results. Students scored higher on tests when music was played, than students who did not listen to music. As well as other researches in the field include playing classical music while infants sleep, increases their learning ability/intelligence.

Pro #2: Emotional/Mental Encouragement/Inspiration

Many of you reading this already know what I mean, by the title alone. There are just some songs that get something inside you stirring, something that brings out a quality in you that intensifies when that song is playing. Whether it is determination, strength, love, a feeling of invincibility. These songs typically go on ones' "Workout" playlist on ones' ipod. These songs are a benefit to individuals because of the inspiration it brings. These songs drive a person to try harder and have a willingness to do so.

Pro #3: Monetary Benefits

This is true in the sense that, musicians often hold fundraising concerts. We saw this with the earthquake in Haiti. Many different artists performed, and asked for donations that would go to those in need. It is also true in the sense that it provides many jobs for people. The various places that concerts are held need to be prepared and that takes workers, those who work with the various effects that the bands use need to be carried out by other workers, the agents set up the concerts, the managers, the bands, they all are paying jobs and helping its' workers.

Pro #4: Worship

Christians, in their various denominations, sing songs in their Sunday services (and other days they have services) sing songs of praise, worship, adoration, and surrender. With these songs, we direct our focus our hearts, souls, and thoughts to God in worship of Him. Through song we rejoice, we cry out, we thank God in song.

Conclusion:

Music is a weapon of great power. Many have mastered it. Many have partially mastered it. Some have the music itself mastered, yet have to work on the lyrics. Some are the other way around, they need to improve on their music, but their lyrics are good. I therefore suggest, that when buying music, look at the lyrics and listen to the song before hand to see whether it is worth buying. Music has more pros than cons, but that does not mean we should not be wary of the cons.

"When words fail, music speaks." ~Unknown

~Wisdom Seeker

"Sing to Him a new song, play skillfully on the strings with loud shouts." ~Psalm 33:3

Stupid Criminals

There have been the criminal masterminds and just plain stupid criminals. First off, I think "criminal mastermind" is an oxymoron. A real mastermind would not be a criminal.

The following are two examples of some stupid criminals, I will try to rank them by the most stupid in my opinion.

#2: This criminal broke into a home to steal items of value and cash. However, he did not find anything that he fancied. Except for some clothes that he found in a closet that he really liked. The next day he was caught, by being identified by the clothes he was wearing.

#1: A man proceeded to rob a bank, then run on foot to get away. However, after running several blocks, the man grew tired, and decided to take nap on a park bench and fell asleep. (money in a bag underneath the bench) He was caught on the same park bench half an hour later.

Needless to say all criminals are stupid. If they were smart they would not be criminals. While criminals may be intelligent in different ways. Some with computers, others with street smarts. However, criminals are not wise! So don't be a criminal!

People who are not criminals make good money fairly, are a benefit to mankind, and do not waste their lives.

Don't waste your lives!

~Wisdom Seeker