5 Things to Keep in Mind on Memorial Day

Memorial Day 2014 is coming to an end, and I hope everyone had a great holiday with family and friends.  Many people celebrate with parades, BBQ's or a number of other events, but I hope everyone took the time to think about what Memorial Day really means.  I would venture to say that a good percentage of Americans don't even know what it means, much less be able to differentiate it from Veteran's Day.  If you happen to not know, Memorial Day is in recognition of those who have died in military service while Veteran's Day is a celebration of all veterans.

With that being said, I've compiled five things that I hope all Americans can take away from this Memorial Day:

1. How far we have come:

It is impossible to think about how far we have come as a nation without remembering the men and women who have fought and died in the name of freedom and liberty.  From the Revolution to the War on Terror, countless men and women have given their lives.  Where would we be without those who are willing to give it all, to risk their lives so that the freedom and principles that are maintained in our Constitution would continue to stand?  We definitely would not be where we are now.  

2. Where we are going:

If men and women are dying for our freedoms, shouldn't we make sure that we elect leaders that serve our nation in such a way that honors We the People, our Constitution?  It is our duty as Americans to make sure that if men and women are willing to go overseas into the middle of hostile territory, we better make damn sure we are honoring the very principals which they are dying to protect.  Stay informed.  Partake in discussions. Read the news.  Elect competent leaders who love this country and want to see it succeed.  This is all to ensure that those who are fighting can rest assured that their sacrifice is not in vain.  

3. Leave Politics Out of Support

Maybe you're anti-war.  If so, GREAT!  One would have to be mentally imbalanced if they consider themselves pro-war.  We have to understand that a competent and lethal military is vital to the survival of this country and we should always do what is necessary to protect it.  Keep in mind that the people who are fighting and dying aren't fighting due to their politics, so nothing offends me more than someone saying they don't support the troops because they're anti-war or they don't agree with our military conflicts.  Personally, I don't agree with the fact that we are still fighting in Afghanistan and meddling around in virtually the entire Middle East.  However, the people who are fighting have no choice on where they serve.  They serve because they love this country and want to protect it.  If you don't want war, fine.  Vote for candidates who are less likely to take us into war or write your Congressman.  Nothing could be more unpatriotic than not supporting those who put their life on the line for us regardless of where they are sent to fight. 

4. Understand Foreign Policy

With chaos in the Middle East and tensions surround Ukraine, foreign policy is at the forefront of national concerns.  Think about how our military should be used.  Should we have troops in over 100 countries?  Should we continue in a perpetual state of war on the idea of terror?  I believe that we should do all that we can to protect this country, to guard it from enemies and to secure our borders.  However, I don't believe that it is our call to be a world police.  Lives are VALUABLE.  A politician should never be willing to send a man or woman off to war if he would not feel comfortable sending his or her own son or daughter.  War is hell.  Anyone who has fought will tell you that.  Many people serve overseas and come back with terrible mental and physical problems, and many never make it home.  War should be an absolute last resort, and the way that we send a message to Washington to make sure they are responsible in where our troops are sent is to be informed about world events so that our military will be used in such a way that is Consistent with the Constitution and our nation's absolute best interests. 

I have long admired the foreign policy of Rand and Ron Paul: 

5. Be Thankful

This goes without saying.  Thousands and thousands have fought and died to preserve this country and its freedoms.  There are families right now who are struggling because they lost a father or a brother, sister or mother in the line of duty.  This is going on right as we speak.  Understand that everything that we value as a country comes directly from those who were willing to fight and die for it.  Memorial Day is great to raise awareness of all of these issues, but we must all dwell on this more than once a year.  Be thankful in heart.  Be thankful in mind, and do all you can to support the greatest country on earth and those who are willing to die for it. 

Michael Sam, Gay Rights, and the Conservative Right

  

     If you're a football fan, or basically anyone who watches television or reads the news, you are probably aware of the the fact that Michael Sam is set to become to first openly gay NFL player.  This historical first has set the media on fire, especially after ESPN gave substantial air-time to the kiss displayed between Michael Sam and his partner after Sam received notice of his draft status, being picked by the St. Louis Rams in the 7th round.

     Regarding LGBT activism, this is not only a historical event, it is yet another "win", considering the progress of American society in terms of equality.  Seventeen states now recognize gay marriage, and it seems as though the fight for gay-rights has just begun.  Furthermore, most would agree that the NFL is one of the most masculine displays in society, a contest of both physical strength and testosterone.  If that pocket of society can accept homosexuality, who couldn't? Right?  It doesn't take an expert in sociological science to see this as a major victory for the LGBT community to see such a macho sport accept homosexuality with somewhat open arms.

      On the other side of the spectrum, not everyone is entirely happy about these recent events.  Many are taking to social media to express their outrage, some against homosexuality in general, and some argue that the media is making a point to "push" this story and homosexuality as a whole on people.  Since ESPN originally aired the homosexual kiss, not only has the sports network replayed it dozens of times, many other news outlets have picked up the story and continue to cover it.  I have even seen remarks regarding the situation, comparing Michael Sam to Tim Tebow and how Tebow was mocked for his faith while Michael Sam is praised for his homosexuality.

(The debate gets quite heated as you can see)

     Who exactly is right here?  Should the media latch onto this story like it has?  Are those on the religious/conservative right correct in saying that homosexuality shouldn't be glorified?  In my opinion, this story hasn't been handled correctly on either side of the spectrum.

     As for those who are completely against homosexuality and showing the kiss on ESPN, I understand the religious arguments as I grew up in church and even minored in theology in college.  However, we live in a multicultural, diverse society, not a solely Christian society.  It hurts some people to hear that, but it is the truth.  We (and I say "we" because I share a Christian belief system) cannot continue to publicly shame a lifestyle and expect to make our God look better in doing so.  Christians, for far too long have been too exclusive and appearing closed off from a world in which they do not feel comfortable.

     Do not confuse this as me saying that you absolutely have to agree with or endorse such lifestyle choices, but publicly shaming and or condemning those who you do not agree with is nothing but counterproductive.  Where are the protests against adultery?  Why do Christians not get into an uproar when a public figure lies?  Singling out one issue creates what looks to be a hate mob, and that's almost what it has become.

     It is also warranted to say this: We should celebrate the fact that we live in such a diverse society where all opinions are welcome.  This is the backbone of our American society and our own Constitution.  Where would we be if many of us got our own way?  Would you suppress free speech?  Make a law that says you can't show homosexual acts on television?  I would hope not.  A government/society that can suppress any speech or expressions that they do not favor is headed straight for authoritarianism.  Want to know what government looks like when the religious take over?  Check out the Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, or modern day Iran. Voltaire once said, "I do not agree with what you have to say, but I will fight to the death for your right to say it."  These words hold true today and apply directly to our own rights of freedom of speech and freedom of expression. Everyone should take those words to heart.

     Allow me to also say that I believe that the media is wearing the story out, especially ESPN.  I've been tweeting about this lately, even before the Michael Sam story, that ESPN has literally become the MTV of sports.  It seems like they are no longer concerned with reporting actual sports scores and standings, only scandals and controversies.  Whether it's Donald Sterling, Michael Sam, Jason Collins, Johnny Manziel, they can't get enough of it and it's driving me crazy.  When I turn on ESPN, I want to see just a few things: Who played, who won, and who got traded, etc.  I don't watch ESPN to hear about LGBT news, race relations, cultural shifts, and so on.

     With that being said, I also disagree with the way some outlets are handling the story, as well as certain executives in the NFL.  We do live in a day where a traditional belief system is one to scoff at, as the common rhetoric is now along the lines of, "It's 2014.  We can no longer hold onto beliefs of the past.  We can't go back to the 50's.  This is the way things are, either you accept this, or be ostracized."  I point this out because there are many who point to social conservatives and label them as "hate groups" or being backwards.  The Dolphins even punished Don Jones, one of their defensive backs for anti-gay tweets by fining him and making him go through "sensitivity-training".  I find it ridiculous that someone can be reprimanded for an honest belief that is aligned with many belief systems.

     I say all of that to say this:  Tolerance works both ways.  I preach to fellow conservatives that you can preserve your values and be tolerant at the same time.  Those on the far left should do the same.  Yes, it is 2014, but there are people who hold their beliefs dearly and it's about time for everyone's opinions, beliefs, and values to be respected, no matter where in the spectrum they fall.



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