Freedom Of Speech Must Continue

Many countries do not have it.  Many journalists have lost their lives for speaking the truth in nations that do not enjoy this particular freedom. Others have lost their jobs.  (I know, I know. Sometimes we just need to "play ball" with the bosses)  Nevertheless, freedom of speech must continue in our great nation.  It must.  It is the right of a citizen.

The War Inevitable (Patrick Henry)

The following short speech is a contributing reason for why we live in the most free, and the greatest country on the planet.  The immigrants who came, and continue to come, know that there is a hope here that does not exist in the country of their origin.  The United States is not a perfect country. It never will be.  But it sure is attractive to those who want to survive and improve their quality of life. That is just the way it is.    RD

"It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings. ... Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things, which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it. Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. ... Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"

Patrick Henry (1736-1799) US Founding Father "The War Inevitable" speech to the Virginia Convention, March 23, 1775

His Name Was Pete Plaza

They thought he was their friend, but actually, all he turned out to be was a guy who needed a place to stay, a ride to the airport, a home cooked meal, someone to pick up his mail, (or run other errands) someone from whom to borrow a car, someone to help him move, and someone who would invite you for a drink and then have you pick up the tab. He had a car, but he always wanted others to use their  cars.  Since he treated them like  servants, he spoke to them like servants.  Sometimes, they shared secrets with him and thanks to him, the secrets would be the topics of conversation at the next party or social gathering. Since he thought he was better than people, he would speak condescendingly to people. He thought he was intelligent, but his actions did not reflect it. He thought he was witty, but too often, he used his wit for the sole purpose of insulting. And insult he did, but only his friends. (so called) Practicing disrespect and insult were very important to him since he tied it to his sense of masculinity and cultural identity. He apparently thought it was a sign of weakness to be courteous and/or friendly. That was the crux of his problem, considering: "If you want to have a friend, be a friend." But it was hard for him.  He was too selfish, too much of a cheapskate and too worried about his image. He tried to remain a private person, but wanted the benefits of not being a private person.  He asked many questions, but did not like to answer any. The success of some of his contemporaries caused him grief, because he turned out to be an insanely jealous person. This is when things got difficult for some of those individuals because they realized that his jealousy was to be avoided like the plague.   That was his most serious weakness. He just could not accept it when some of his friends were successful.  It was the last straw.  So they bailed.  His name was Pedro Rigoberto Plazas. He changed his name to Pete Plaza.  It was a fake name, just like his friendship.

Bad Men Cannot Make Good Citizens

"Bad men cannot make good citizens.  It is impossible that a nation of infidels or idolaters should be a nation of freemen.  It is when a people forget God that tyrants forge their chains.  A vitiated state of morals, a corrupted public conscience, is incompatible with freedom.  No free government, or the blessings of liberty, can be preserved to any people but by a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, frugality, and virtue; and by a frequent recurrence to fundamental principles."       Patrick Henry

Who Demonstrates For Steven Owen?

We do not live in a perfect world.  Unkind, unfair events occur. Sometimes, when an injustice takes place, demonstrators take to the streets.  Well, several days ago, a dedicated, law enforcement officer, a 29- year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, was killed "execution style," by a gunman with a stolen gun.  The gunman had been arrested 12 times before.  There were no demonstrations in the street for this injustice.  However, I am sure that there will be plenty of people attending the funeral services for Sergeant Steven Owen, 53. Rest in peace, Sergeant Owen.  Rest in peace.  Also, thanks for the 29 years of service you gave.  Perhaps, the individual who shot you may not be forgiven by some, however, he will be forgiven by God........if he repents, and asks for forgiveness.

Don't Worry About Your Image

Image is passing.  It is temporary.  Be more concerned about your reputation.  Be more concerned about being a person who is not cruel, jealous, furious, bitter, injurious,  or a hater.  Some people have a hard time growing up. They get stuck in a period of adolescence that they cannot undo.  They need help, encouragement, guidance and reality checks.  But they will not seek the aforementioned.  Why? You guessed it. Because seeking same, they worry that they will tarnish their image. Image?  Image, image, image. "Image is everything".  No way!  It is a poor substitute for the real thing.  Give it its due, but do not allow it to control you.  Let it stay where it truly belongs:  in art and photography classes. Enjoy the images in the various museums and other places of entertainment.  Enjoy movies, fireworks and the various art forms. You are not an art form.  You are a real human being.  Of course, for some, that is more than reason enough to project an image.  A mannequin does the same thing. For the same reason.