In January 1967, my father, a 52 year-old self-employed carpenter, had no health insurance and had to have neck surgery. I can’t recall the amount he owed, but my parents did have to remortgage our house. I had wanted to quit college for a while and saw my chance to do that in order to help my dad. Of course, I notified the draft board | Read More »
Who really knew Bill Blowers? One or two people. Who actually cared about him? No one cared very much. Sure it can be said that I, as his squad leader, was required to have concern for his well being. I am even glad to say that my concern transcended the feeling of responsibility a leader is supposed to have for a subordinate. I grew to | Read More »
A few days ago, I was asked to fill in for the bass player in a Bluegrass band that was to play a benefit in a very small East Tennessee community. I’m certain that my wife – who plays mandolin in this band – told me the purpose of the benefit, but the excitement of getting the chance to play caused me to not pay | Read More »
Since the issue of race is back in the headlines, I see the opportunity to relate a personal experience I had while nearing the end of my tour in Vietnam. Having grown up in an all white suburb of Chicago and having been educated in an all white school district, I did not know any black people. When I arrived in Vietnam, the four platoons | Read More »
My dad was far from perfect. In that particular sense I am my father’s son. He didn’t raise us to be perfect-only that we give our best. I was 10 years old when I brought home a mourning dove I had found in the orchard across the street. The rescued bird had a broken wing, so I felt the need to save this vulnerable creature | Read More »
It is certain that the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the United States Supreme Court has shed light on the importance of Hispanic voters in future elections. Identity politics is becoming more and more prominent these days with politicians, especially certain Republicans whose blinders prevent them from finding an answer that has always existed. Early in their careers, moderates found it necessary to affiliate | Read More »
Memorial Day. “Happy” Memorial Day? Never. Memorial Day, for me, is merely a culmination of the previous year’s thoughts and reflections that never seem to dim with the passing of years. One would think they gradually disappear as one ages, but they don’t. The images are just as real now as they were almost 40 years ago. They are the perpetual sacrifice. The sacrifice made | Read More »
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