Sunday, March 19, 2006
Human Relations????
Here is my offerings on Human Relations. I'm not finished but I figured on giving a refresher before I further eat my soul. (19 Mar 06)
Human Relations.....
One of the very keys to the interaction of humans is communications. One of the weakest points of communications is a person or persons thinking they know what is being said or will be said without waiting for the fat lady to sing.
So far I have taken shots at two aspects of daily life. Both with mixed results. Some folks think I have gone off the deep end while others are cheering me on. So far the cheerleaders lead. But in all honesty, I would suspect even some of them think I be bonkers.
In the beginning I advised everyone to read everything twice and to consider if I just said what they think I said even if it reads as I wrote it. AND never assume that what you read is how I actually believe about anything I write about even when it makes complete sense.
Communications is the exchange of thoughts, feelings and ideas. Venting, rantings, raving and otherwise developing a pissed off attitude is often such an exchange.
Within the realm of Human relations, the ability to recognize the manner or method of such exchanges means much to the stability of any relationship. Do I take it personal or was that person just blowing off steam? Do I ignore what just happened or do I take a 2x4 up to the side of his head?
Now as far as Technology and Politics are concerned, I am not done with either.
So in these forth coming bits of communications, am I playing the Devil's Advocate or do I really believe in what I am saying. I'm only Human trying to relate to daily life as I see it. Or am I?
18 Sept 2003
Kellyville, OK
Human Relations II
Human Relations is basically the intercourse between humanity at large. More importantly it is the interaction between individuals or groups of individuals.
I know this is HRII and not the introduction. What can I say, I got ahead of myself. But here I am now, trying to put a proper spin on this segment in order that everyone will be on the same sheet of music regardless of how far off key every one is.
Within this category I shall comment on just about everything in the universe to include those items that rate their own category. Wait a minute!! Didn’t I say that in the original introduction to these commentaries? Well, sure I did. But this is for those itty-bitty sore spots that tend to get under your skin but are not worth wasting a major amount of oxygen or space on.
So far, in many ways I've been preaching to the choir. Yeah, I know, I have probably bruised a few feelings also. Well, such is life. Only person I have to please is the lady I sleep with.
Sociologists will tell you a person is in part a victim of their environment. An Ecologist will say that the environment is a victim of the individual. Then you have the Anthropologists that looks about them and goes, "Oh! WOW!!" Let us not forget that in order to be an Anthropologist, you must first have a degree in Sociology. And even though Ecology is part of the Natural Sciences, based within Geography, I have no idea where the majority of Ecologists come from. North Eastern State Mental Hospital maybe? It does get confusing at times.
One thing I have discovered in my years of doing nothing is that the true Ecologist understands the nature of things. He is aware that the Prairie Dog is a cute, furry critter, that left unchecked will overrun pastures and destroy the range, along with endangering livestock and the livelihood of the rancher. He may not agree with the manner of control, yet he knows it has to be done.
Then you have the Ecologists better known as PETA. We shall get to them later, down the road.
Now here is a sobering thought. The young teenagers that was raised in the 1960's, listening to the Beatles, is now in control of a majority of the world's business and governments. And yes, I have the White Album in both vinyl and cd, along with Sgt Pepper's and Magical Mystery Tour. Plus I have two copies of the movie, Yellow Submarine.
One thing we all must remember and that is how each person perceives things is based solely on where they are standing at the moment of perception. Factors influencing perception also includes all extraneous events in and surrounding their lives since they were taught how not to crap in their pants. But I do not accept that a person is wholly a creature of their environment. There is too much evidence to the contrary.
So, where have I gone this morning besides over the edge? Actually, this was a kinder, easier on the system, kind of message today. Just organizing thoughts here and there. Setting up for the possibility of a full-blown rant and rave, later on.
By now someone is totally puzzled why this segment is referred too as Human Relations. And I must ask, Why Not? A bridge built upon solid footing will last long after one build upon quicksand perishes.
2 Oct 2003
Kellyville, OK
Human Relations III
For Your Consideration:
Have you ever considered just what the individual was actually doing when he discovered you could milk a cow?
If a tree falls in a forest and no one is there to witness it. Will the lumber companies still get blamed?
If teen sex is on the raise, I’d really like to know the secret of how the young men are dislodging all those cell phones from the young ladies ears long enough for such activity.
Ever notice that the usage of turn signals on automobiles diminishes according to how large or how expensive the vehicle?
Some folks are only alive cause it is illegal to kill them. So they get elected to congress so everyone can keep an eye on them.
Have you ever noticed that when someone wraps their arm around you and tells you, “Son, you just do not understand the Big Picture.”, that they themselves have zero understanding of the situation?
Seen on the television one night. In order, American Express commercial, Visa commercial, Lexus commercial, and a Debt Consolidation Service commercial. Makes sense, does it not?
5 Oct 2003
Kellyville, OK
Human Relations IV
In the early 1970’s, the US Marine Corps established a curriculum of training designed to correct or at least ease, many of the problems occurring within and without the Corps. The basic concept was to examine aspects of Human Relations in general. The entire course was 10 weeks long, spread out over 1 to 3 years.
The course was set up in a Discussion Group manner with a Group Leader who had already completed a much longer course at HQMC. It was not restricted to a specific rank classification since problems within this area impacted all ranks. And holding within the boundaries of the goal of the course, no subject was forbidden.
Simply put, this course was designed to assist in helping a Marine understand the differences between races and sexes. How to understand the culture of the people we would deal with in our careers, both in the Corps and those of countries we visited as guests or as warriors.
It was not designed so a White NCO would understand why a Black Private from Newark, N.J. acted the way he did and to overlook his misdemeanors cause of a rough childhood. It was designed to understand why and how to look for the answer to turn him into a Marine. Not to kiss his ass, but how to kick his ass and having him like it.
It was hoped that the same unification that occurs in combat could be somehow duplicated in peacetime environment. Men of different races acting as if there was only one race. Forest Green in color with only one goal in life, to survive and to insure the man next to them survives.
But the one thing that was important was for the student to understand that regardless of what he thought was right and wrong, he was usually wrong, whether the discussion was on Feminine hygiene products or the KKK verses the Black Panthers.
While trying to look upon society with as open a mind as possible, it is not hard to discover if we are not a product of our environment, then we are surely a victim of it. And the most difficult aspect of Human Relations is for an individual to admit he may be wrong about the ideals he was raised with.
Mankind has attempted to destroy itself many times for no other reason then the differences of one people from another. Yet to understand another is to understand yourself in ways far beyond those beliefs we hold so dear, yet are afraid to release because we fear that we may become less then we believe we really are.
How arrogant humanity is when one believes he is superior to another because of color, language or social position. Death holds no special place for anyone. He is an equal opportunity disposer of life.
It is easy to tell someone if they are unhappy with their environment, then change it. It is another thing to make such events happen. During the 1950’s and 60’s saw a major increase in enlistments within the military from people from depressed areas. From the poor rural South. From the containment of the Northern urban ghettos. From people who were limited in any aspect of improvement of their condition if they stayed where they were raised.
This was because in the military environment, they had a chance to grow and excel. They had a chance to escape a life of repressed growth. It was a chance to use the GI Bill to get an education, which would allow them, too improve their lot in life.
And all the time, there are people who would hold them to those repressive conditions. People who hate the fact others may get what they have no drive to achieve themselves.
I recently blundered upon an article that would have upset me if it had not been so sad. It was an extract from a book. Which only proves even a decent education does not always bring understanding. Or intelligence. Here are the lines I found amazing:
“Europe for Europeans. Asia for Asians. Africa for Africans. America for Europeans”
Now. Can someone enlighten me on where we Native Americans fit into this picture?
I mean, damn. Did this idiot ever open a history book in school?
A note of interest here. Have you ever noticed that the leaders of the majority of hate groups around the world are very articulate of speech? But just try to hold a conversation with any of the followers. The members whose monthly donations keep the groups going and their leader in Armani suits. They not the brightest bulb in the lamp for sure.
It is easier to hate then to exercise the little grey cells to learn why a person is different. Biology may have caused a person to look the way he does, but his environment is what shapes his basic understanding of the world. It is those who would desire to be more then they are that strive to remove themselves from a repressive environment. It is the desire for knowledge that sets them apart from their biological brethren.
I have had friends from all parts of the biological spectrum. Friends whose sexual persuasion does not follow the so-called norm. When accepted for who they are and not what they are, I have found them to be good friends. People who have the same wishes and desires as those who would seek their destruction. Except they do not seek destruction, only peace and understanding.
It is here that I shall end this session on the soapbox. But this is not finished by any means.
Peace be unto those who seek it.
8 Oct 2003
Kellyville, OK
Human Relations V: “The Sins of My Father”
OK… those that were able to get through HR IV are probably about to skin me alive. Take a number. And it will be at least 5 digits in length and Kate owns the first 1000 tickets.
I can envision that some who read it perceives that the HR Program was focused at the white Marine in order to coddle the other races within the Corps. If so, it is only because of the way I wrote it. I’m not into giving a dozen examples, when I believe one will be adequate for the job.
There were several things about those Discussion Groups that would totally mess with the minds of many folks I have met in my years of eating from the military trough. One is the fact there was no training schedule, except that Discussions began at 0800 and carried through 1700 hours daily for a period of one week as specified. No lesson plans, no exams or tests. Next was that even though everyone was in uniform, rank was left at the door. Only person with authority in the Groups were the Group Leaders. Boy, it sure kept things interesting!!
Having been raised in a home where racial prejudice was almost unheard of, I did have many questions of those of darker skin. Don’t get me wrong here, I knew about prejudice and it’s stench. Father was rarely home due to his work and Mother was usually on her pedestal, looking down on those less fortunate. And in school you heard it all the time from other students. I just never could understand how a person could hate another due to color of skin and other assorted factors.
Many of the arguments used in the 1970’s by one group against another dated back even before 1900. Sort of like the wife remembering something that happened on our third anniversary and shoving it in my face on our thirtieth. Sorry, that horse don’t ride.
When it came right down to it, most misunderstandings came from the lack of knowledge of one another. Here again we become the victim of our environment. If we are raised hearing about how a group of people are, without taking the time to look closely, we accept that situation as correct and continue on. In ignorance.
I have heard time and time again about how others are getting free this or free that while we cannot get anything we do not work for. May I point out one central fact here. They folks that passed the laws, set up the programs, usually manage the programs, fund the programs and change them according to cost of living and such, have historically been white. My father’s generation at work.
You can get pissed off all day long about the freebies others receive, but remember who is responsible for those freebies. Politicians. Not the individual or group receiving them perks. And remember, we elected the current ones to office.
Sadly, one of the problems with our government from day one has been that once a program is started, it is nearly impossible to get it stopped. It takes on a life of it’s own and continues to breed.
So one day I was setting in my Human Relations Group, sipping a cup of coffee, listening to a young, black Marine tell how oppressed the black race was, based on historical knowledge. Yeah, he had history down pat. Knew all the buttons to push. Was well versed in the propaganda of the 1960’s and 70’s.
But he forgot one very important thing.
I am not responsible for the sins of my Father.
13 Oct 03
Sapulpa, OK
Human Relations VI
"THOUGHTS"
(Copyright 1987)
I know not who I am. But the lyrics of the Byrds' "Turn, Turn, Turn" keep running through my mind. Why am I?
I search for the truth in dark corners and try to view it with an enlightened mind. Always aware of the darkness within. how can I?
I realize that I am a mortal man, bound to this earth by flesh and blood. Yet I look to the heavens and feel the stars calling. Calling me to look deep into the darkness. Should I?
The mind is a delicate thing, able to recall memories of joy and suddenly bring forth memories best left in the darkness. Memories of days both future and past, living within my minds eye. Again I ask: Why am I?
I look upon the faces of the children and see who I am. I listen to their questions and know that I should.
I look at the starts and return their wink, then smile. For I am man and I was placed here to learn, grow, and teach, so that someday, the children can say ------- I knew him.
********** Notes: *************
I was not going to send this one out today, but as I set here listening to the radio, trying to decide which of my humble attempts I would dispatch, guess what tune began to play on the radio. Yeah, the Byrds doing a Turn. So, who am I to tempt fate?
Words are a magical thing. They can heal or destroy. Bring forth joy or sadness. Ignite love or fuel hate. I hope that somewhere, somehow, I can set forth into motion nothing but good with these tidbits of my past that I shall submit for your consideration.
Ask not where these stories or poems come from. You really do not wish to know or venture into such a place.
17 Oct 03
Kellyville, OK
Human Relations VII
I was going to send out another of my Short Stories today. But as life is fluid, so is that which determines my actions from day to day. I once had a job where the daily schedule was determined by what was in the mail. Made planning a bitch.
Anyway, today we are going to tackle a growing pain in the keester that afflicts the Internet. Whoa, you say!! This is a Human Relations segment, not a Technology segment!! Relax, all will made apparent in due course.
Urban Myths & Legends. What more needs to be said here? Plenty. Oh, but where to start? We have discovered with just 15 minutes of research that the Lee Marvin email is bogus. That Private Marvin was back in the U.S. at the time of the Iwo Jima landings and therefore could not have witnessed Captain Kangaroo earning a Medal of Honor. Plus Bob Keeshan is not listed on the USMC website as a holder of the Medal.
Now we have the “Wrath of the Eagle” email. You know the one. Ok, I’ll refresh your memory.
“Saddam should have read up on his Muslim passages; the following verse is from the Quran (the Islamic Bible):
Quran ( 9:11) -- For it is written that a son of Arabia would awaken a fearsome Eagle. The wrath of the Eagle would be felt throughout the lands of Allah and lo, while some of the people trembled in despair still more rejoiced; for the wrath of the Eagle cleansed the lands of Allah; and there was peace.
(Note the verse number!!!!!)”
Recognize it now? Well, if after reading this you felt so much better about sending troops to kick the crap out of the Taliban and Saddam, I hate to ruin your day. This is a full load of bovine waste material.
No where in the Quran does this scripture exist. And to confuse things even more, there are actually two passages within the Quran listed as 9:11. But neither makes reference to the above quote. This is nothing more then the result of a fertile mind.
Don’t believe me? No problem. But I’ll make it easy on you, since I’m sure you do not wish to procure a copy of the Quran and read it. Just go to the Google Search Engine, type in Type in +quaran +"9:11". It will bring up several references - Go to the 3rd one titled Urban Legends Reference Pages: Politics (Quaran). Towards the end of the first page will give you the quote, then the exact true verse in the Quaran.
I do love my research department!!!!!!!!!!!
Next we have a new letter making the rounds. Cute thing about this is that it is accompanied by a picture that seems to lead credibility to the attached email. It is titled: “Email from Iraq” Here is that mail:
"How are you all doing? The proud warriors of Baker Company wanted to do something to pay tribute to our fallen comrades. So since we are part of the only Marine Infantry Battalion left in Iraq the one way that we could think of doing that is by taking a picture of Baker Company saying the way we feel. It would be awesome if you could find a way to share this with our fellow countrymen. I was wondering if there was any way to get this into your papers to let the world know that "WE HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN" and are proud to serve our country."
Semper Fi
1stSgt Dave Jobe”
Anyone see anything wrong with this email? Let me give you a tiny hint. There are No, None, Zero, Zilch units within the Marine Corps that call themselves Baker Company. The term Baker has not been used by the US Military in over 40 years to specify a unit. Now in all fairness, I went to www.usmc.mil and looked through it for such a unit. None to be found.
Then you have the situation of why a First Sergeant is sending this out for publication when the Corps has a superb Public Relations team for such activities?
Now, I must admit that the attached picture was damn nice. Hard to say if it was a Marine unit due to distance. And as far as being taken in Iraq, well, I could come up with at least a half dozen stateside locations that would fit the terrain.
So, in summary, we continue to send junk mail back and forth across the Internet. Mostly cause what we read touches our heart with it’s sadness and plea for assistance, or because it touches that warm, fuzzy feeling inside.
Just because we got it off the Net does not make it factual. I can come up with hundreds of Web Sites predicting revolution, civil war, race war, government conspiracies and on and on and on. Most are the rantings of a mind sicker then my own. And we know how sick that is!
It would be easy for me to produce a heart rendering email from a sick child needing a kidney and asking folks to send the email around the world, collecting signatures so he/she/it can be placed higher on the waiting list. And damn thing is, no one receiving this email would know who wrote or started it.
And just because a name, address, phone number is at the bottom of the letter does it mean it is accurate. Notice that most of those phone numbers do not have an area code attached?
Also, since when does the Department of Homeland Security send out a warning by email instead of the news? Hint, UPS destroys all uniforms as they do their trucks in order they do not get into the hands of criminals to be used illegally. Been that way since the Brown truck first rolled out to loose your package. One or two may find their way to eBay via a former employee, but 2000 or more will not.
Well, I do believe I have spoken more then I should. And there is still so much to be said about some of the bull manure transmitted over the Internet. Gee, did I just shoot myself in the foot!!!!
So, have a nice weekend. Consider life is like a wonderfully, sweet bowl of cherries. Once devoured, all you have left is the pits.
24 Oct 2003
Sapulpa, OK
Human Relations.....
One of the very keys to the interaction of humans is communications. One of the weakest points of communications is a person or persons thinking they know what is being said or will be said without waiting for the fat lady to sing.
So far I have taken shots at two aspects of daily life. Both with mixed results. Some folks think I have gone off the deep end while others are cheering me on. So far the cheerleaders lead. But in all honesty, I would suspect even some of them think I be bonkers.
In the beginning I advised everyone to read everything twice and to consider if I just said what they think I said even if it reads as I wrote it. AND never assume that what you read is how I actually believe about anything I write about even when it makes complete sense.
Communications is the exchange of thoughts, feelings and ideas. Venting, rantings, raving and otherwise developing a pissed off attitude is often such an exchange.
Within the realm of Human relations, the ability to recognize the manner or method of such exchanges means much to the stability of any relationship. Do I take it personal or was that person just blowing off steam? Do I ignore what just happened or do I take a 2x4 up to the side of his head?
Now as far as Technology and Politics are concerned, I am not done with either.
So in these forth coming bits of communications, am I playing the Devil's Advocate or do I really believe in what I am saying. I'm only Human trying to relate to daily life as I see it. Or am I?
18 Sept 2003
Kellyville, OK
Human Relations II
Human Relations is basically the intercourse between humanity at large. More importantly it is the interaction between individuals or groups of individuals.
I know this is HRII and not the introduction. What can I say, I got ahead of myself. But here I am now, trying to put a proper spin on this segment in order that everyone will be on the same sheet of music regardless of how far off key every one is.
Within this category I shall comment on just about everything in the universe to include those items that rate their own category. Wait a minute!! Didn’t I say that in the original introduction to these commentaries? Well, sure I did. But this is for those itty-bitty sore spots that tend to get under your skin but are not worth wasting a major amount of oxygen or space on.
So far, in many ways I've been preaching to the choir. Yeah, I know, I have probably bruised a few feelings also. Well, such is life. Only person I have to please is the lady I sleep with.
Sociologists will tell you a person is in part a victim of their environment. An Ecologist will say that the environment is a victim of the individual. Then you have the Anthropologists that looks about them and goes, "Oh! WOW!!" Let us not forget that in order to be an Anthropologist, you must first have a degree in Sociology. And even though Ecology is part of the Natural Sciences, based within Geography, I have no idea where the majority of Ecologists come from. North Eastern State Mental Hospital maybe? It does get confusing at times.
One thing I have discovered in my years of doing nothing is that the true Ecologist understands the nature of things. He is aware that the Prairie Dog is a cute, furry critter, that left unchecked will overrun pastures and destroy the range, along with endangering livestock and the livelihood of the rancher. He may not agree with the manner of control, yet he knows it has to be done.
Then you have the Ecologists better known as PETA. We shall get to them later, down the road.
Now here is a sobering thought. The young teenagers that was raised in the 1960's, listening to the Beatles, is now in control of a majority of the world's business and governments. And yes, I have the White Album in both vinyl and cd, along with Sgt Pepper's and Magical Mystery Tour. Plus I have two copies of the movie, Yellow Submarine.
One thing we all must remember and that is how each person perceives things is based solely on where they are standing at the moment of perception. Factors influencing perception also includes all extraneous events in and surrounding their lives since they were taught how not to crap in their pants. But I do not accept that a person is wholly a creature of their environment. There is too much evidence to the contrary.
So, where have I gone this morning besides over the edge? Actually, this was a kinder, easier on the system, kind of message today. Just organizing thoughts here and there. Setting up for the possibility of a full-blown rant and rave, later on.
By now someone is totally puzzled why this segment is referred too as Human Relations. And I must ask, Why Not? A bridge built upon solid footing will last long after one build upon quicksand perishes.
2 Oct 2003
Kellyville, OK
Human Relations III
For Your Consideration:
Have you ever considered just what the individual was actually doing when he discovered you could milk a cow?
If a tree falls in a forest and no one is there to witness it. Will the lumber companies still get blamed?
If teen sex is on the raise, I’d really like to know the secret of how the young men are dislodging all those cell phones from the young ladies ears long enough for such activity.
Ever notice that the usage of turn signals on automobiles diminishes according to how large or how expensive the vehicle?
Some folks are only alive cause it is illegal to kill them. So they get elected to congress so everyone can keep an eye on them.
Have you ever noticed that when someone wraps their arm around you and tells you, “Son, you just do not understand the Big Picture.”, that they themselves have zero understanding of the situation?
Seen on the television one night. In order, American Express commercial, Visa commercial, Lexus commercial, and a Debt Consolidation Service commercial. Makes sense, does it not?
5 Oct 2003
Kellyville, OK
Human Relations IV
In the early 1970’s, the US Marine Corps established a curriculum of training designed to correct or at least ease, many of the problems occurring within and without the Corps. The basic concept was to examine aspects of Human Relations in general. The entire course was 10 weeks long, spread out over 1 to 3 years.
The course was set up in a Discussion Group manner with a Group Leader who had already completed a much longer course at HQMC. It was not restricted to a specific rank classification since problems within this area impacted all ranks. And holding within the boundaries of the goal of the course, no subject was forbidden.
Simply put, this course was designed to assist in helping a Marine understand the differences between races and sexes. How to understand the culture of the people we would deal with in our careers, both in the Corps and those of countries we visited as guests or as warriors.
It was not designed so a White NCO would understand why a Black Private from Newark, N.J. acted the way he did and to overlook his misdemeanors cause of a rough childhood. It was designed to understand why and how to look for the answer to turn him into a Marine. Not to kiss his ass, but how to kick his ass and having him like it.
It was hoped that the same unification that occurs in combat could be somehow duplicated in peacetime environment. Men of different races acting as if there was only one race. Forest Green in color with only one goal in life, to survive and to insure the man next to them survives.
But the one thing that was important was for the student to understand that regardless of what he thought was right and wrong, he was usually wrong, whether the discussion was on Feminine hygiene products or the KKK verses the Black Panthers.
While trying to look upon society with as open a mind as possible, it is not hard to discover if we are not a product of our environment, then we are surely a victim of it. And the most difficult aspect of Human Relations is for an individual to admit he may be wrong about the ideals he was raised with.
Mankind has attempted to destroy itself many times for no other reason then the differences of one people from another. Yet to understand another is to understand yourself in ways far beyond those beliefs we hold so dear, yet are afraid to release because we fear that we may become less then we believe we really are.
How arrogant humanity is when one believes he is superior to another because of color, language or social position. Death holds no special place for anyone. He is an equal opportunity disposer of life.
It is easy to tell someone if they are unhappy with their environment, then change it. It is another thing to make such events happen. During the 1950’s and 60’s saw a major increase in enlistments within the military from people from depressed areas. From the poor rural South. From the containment of the Northern urban ghettos. From people who were limited in any aspect of improvement of their condition if they stayed where they were raised.
This was because in the military environment, they had a chance to grow and excel. They had a chance to escape a life of repressed growth. It was a chance to use the GI Bill to get an education, which would allow them, too improve their lot in life.
And all the time, there are people who would hold them to those repressive conditions. People who hate the fact others may get what they have no drive to achieve themselves.
I recently blundered upon an article that would have upset me if it had not been so sad. It was an extract from a book. Which only proves even a decent education does not always bring understanding. Or intelligence. Here are the lines I found amazing:
“Europe for Europeans. Asia for Asians. Africa for Africans. America for Europeans”
Now. Can someone enlighten me on where we Native Americans fit into this picture?
I mean, damn. Did this idiot ever open a history book in school?
A note of interest here. Have you ever noticed that the leaders of the majority of hate groups around the world are very articulate of speech? But just try to hold a conversation with any of the followers. The members whose monthly donations keep the groups going and their leader in Armani suits. They not the brightest bulb in the lamp for sure.
It is easier to hate then to exercise the little grey cells to learn why a person is different. Biology may have caused a person to look the way he does, but his environment is what shapes his basic understanding of the world. It is those who would desire to be more then they are that strive to remove themselves from a repressive environment. It is the desire for knowledge that sets them apart from their biological brethren.
I have had friends from all parts of the biological spectrum. Friends whose sexual persuasion does not follow the so-called norm. When accepted for who they are and not what they are, I have found them to be good friends. People who have the same wishes and desires as those who would seek their destruction. Except they do not seek destruction, only peace and understanding.
It is here that I shall end this session on the soapbox. But this is not finished by any means.
Peace be unto those who seek it.
8 Oct 2003
Kellyville, OK
Human Relations V: “The Sins of My Father”
OK… those that were able to get through HR IV are probably about to skin me alive. Take a number. And it will be at least 5 digits in length and Kate owns the first 1000 tickets.
I can envision that some who read it perceives that the HR Program was focused at the white Marine in order to coddle the other races within the Corps. If so, it is only because of the way I wrote it. I’m not into giving a dozen examples, when I believe one will be adequate for the job.
There were several things about those Discussion Groups that would totally mess with the minds of many folks I have met in my years of eating from the military trough. One is the fact there was no training schedule, except that Discussions began at 0800 and carried through 1700 hours daily for a period of one week as specified. No lesson plans, no exams or tests. Next was that even though everyone was in uniform, rank was left at the door. Only person with authority in the Groups were the Group Leaders. Boy, it sure kept things interesting!!
Having been raised in a home where racial prejudice was almost unheard of, I did have many questions of those of darker skin. Don’t get me wrong here, I knew about prejudice and it’s stench. Father was rarely home due to his work and Mother was usually on her pedestal, looking down on those less fortunate. And in school you heard it all the time from other students. I just never could understand how a person could hate another due to color of skin and other assorted factors.
Many of the arguments used in the 1970’s by one group against another dated back even before 1900. Sort of like the wife remembering something that happened on our third anniversary and shoving it in my face on our thirtieth. Sorry, that horse don’t ride.
When it came right down to it, most misunderstandings came from the lack of knowledge of one another. Here again we become the victim of our environment. If we are raised hearing about how a group of people are, without taking the time to look closely, we accept that situation as correct and continue on. In ignorance.
I have heard time and time again about how others are getting free this or free that while we cannot get anything we do not work for. May I point out one central fact here. They folks that passed the laws, set up the programs, usually manage the programs, fund the programs and change them according to cost of living and such, have historically been white. My father’s generation at work.
You can get pissed off all day long about the freebies others receive, but remember who is responsible for those freebies. Politicians. Not the individual or group receiving them perks. And remember, we elected the current ones to office.
Sadly, one of the problems with our government from day one has been that once a program is started, it is nearly impossible to get it stopped. It takes on a life of it’s own and continues to breed.
So one day I was setting in my Human Relations Group, sipping a cup of coffee, listening to a young, black Marine tell how oppressed the black race was, based on historical knowledge. Yeah, he had history down pat. Knew all the buttons to push. Was well versed in the propaganda of the 1960’s and 70’s.
But he forgot one very important thing.
I am not responsible for the sins of my Father.
13 Oct 03
Sapulpa, OK
Human Relations VI
"THOUGHTS"
(Copyright 1987)
I know not who I am. But the lyrics of the Byrds' "Turn, Turn, Turn" keep running through my mind. Why am I?
I search for the truth in dark corners and try to view it with an enlightened mind. Always aware of the darkness within. how can I?
I realize that I am a mortal man, bound to this earth by flesh and blood. Yet I look to the heavens and feel the stars calling. Calling me to look deep into the darkness. Should I?
The mind is a delicate thing, able to recall memories of joy and suddenly bring forth memories best left in the darkness. Memories of days both future and past, living within my minds eye. Again I ask: Why am I?
I look upon the faces of the children and see who I am. I listen to their questions and know that I should.
I look at the starts and return their wink, then smile. For I am man and I was placed here to learn, grow, and teach, so that someday, the children can say ------- I knew him.
********** Notes: *************
I was not going to send this one out today, but as I set here listening to the radio, trying to decide which of my humble attempts I would dispatch, guess what tune began to play on the radio. Yeah, the Byrds doing a Turn. So, who am I to tempt fate?
Words are a magical thing. They can heal or destroy. Bring forth joy or sadness. Ignite love or fuel hate. I hope that somewhere, somehow, I can set forth into motion nothing but good with these tidbits of my past that I shall submit for your consideration.
Ask not where these stories or poems come from. You really do not wish to know or venture into such a place.
17 Oct 03
Kellyville, OK
Human Relations VII
I was going to send out another of my Short Stories today. But as life is fluid, so is that which determines my actions from day to day. I once had a job where the daily schedule was determined by what was in the mail. Made planning a bitch.
Anyway, today we are going to tackle a growing pain in the keester that afflicts the Internet. Whoa, you say!! This is a Human Relations segment, not a Technology segment!! Relax, all will made apparent in due course.
Urban Myths & Legends. What more needs to be said here? Plenty. Oh, but where to start? We have discovered with just 15 minutes of research that the Lee Marvin email is bogus. That Private Marvin was back in the U.S. at the time of the Iwo Jima landings and therefore could not have witnessed Captain Kangaroo earning a Medal of Honor. Plus Bob Keeshan is not listed on the USMC website as a holder of the Medal.
Now we have the “Wrath of the Eagle” email. You know the one. Ok, I’ll refresh your memory.
“Saddam should have read up on his Muslim passages; the following verse is from the Quran (the Islamic Bible):
Quran ( 9:11) -- For it is written that a son of Arabia would awaken a fearsome Eagle. The wrath of the Eagle would be felt throughout the lands of Allah and lo, while some of the people trembled in despair still more rejoiced; for the wrath of the Eagle cleansed the lands of Allah; and there was peace.
(Note the verse number!!!!!)”
Recognize it now? Well, if after reading this you felt so much better about sending troops to kick the crap out of the Taliban and Saddam, I hate to ruin your day. This is a full load of bovine waste material.
No where in the Quran does this scripture exist. And to confuse things even more, there are actually two passages within the Quran listed as 9:11. But neither makes reference to the above quote. This is nothing more then the result of a fertile mind.
Don’t believe me? No problem. But I’ll make it easy on you, since I’m sure you do not wish to procure a copy of the Quran and read it. Just go to the Google Search Engine, type in Type in +quaran +"9:11". It will bring up several references - Go to the 3rd one titled Urban Legends Reference Pages: Politics (Quaran). Towards the end of the first page will give you the quote, then the exact true verse in the Quaran.
I do love my research department!!!!!!!!!!!
Next we have a new letter making the rounds. Cute thing about this is that it is accompanied by a picture that seems to lead credibility to the attached email. It is titled: “Email from Iraq” Here is that mail:
"How are you all doing? The proud warriors of Baker Company wanted to do something to pay tribute to our fallen comrades. So since we are part of the only Marine Infantry Battalion left in Iraq the one way that we could think of doing that is by taking a picture of Baker Company saying the way we feel. It would be awesome if you could find a way to share this with our fellow countrymen. I was wondering if there was any way to get this into your papers to let the world know that "WE HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN" and are proud to serve our country."
Semper Fi
1stSgt Dave Jobe”
Anyone see anything wrong with this email? Let me give you a tiny hint. There are No, None, Zero, Zilch units within the Marine Corps that call themselves Baker Company. The term Baker has not been used by the US Military in over 40 years to specify a unit. Now in all fairness, I went to www.usmc.mil and looked through it for such a unit. None to be found.
Then you have the situation of why a First Sergeant is sending this out for publication when the Corps has a superb Public Relations team for such activities?
Now, I must admit that the attached picture was damn nice. Hard to say if it was a Marine unit due to distance. And as far as being taken in Iraq, well, I could come up with at least a half dozen stateside locations that would fit the terrain.
So, in summary, we continue to send junk mail back and forth across the Internet. Mostly cause what we read touches our heart with it’s sadness and plea for assistance, or because it touches that warm, fuzzy feeling inside.
Just because we got it off the Net does not make it factual. I can come up with hundreds of Web Sites predicting revolution, civil war, race war, government conspiracies and on and on and on. Most are the rantings of a mind sicker then my own. And we know how sick that is!
It would be easy for me to produce a heart rendering email from a sick child needing a kidney and asking folks to send the email around the world, collecting signatures so he/she/it can be placed higher on the waiting list. And damn thing is, no one receiving this email would know who wrote or started it.
And just because a name, address, phone number is at the bottom of the letter does it mean it is accurate. Notice that most of those phone numbers do not have an area code attached?
Also, since when does the Department of Homeland Security send out a warning by email instead of the news? Hint, UPS destroys all uniforms as they do their trucks in order they do not get into the hands of criminals to be used illegally. Been that way since the Brown truck first rolled out to loose your package. One or two may find their way to eBay via a former employee, but 2000 or more will not.
Well, I do believe I have spoken more then I should. And there is still so much to be said about some of the bull manure transmitted over the Internet. Gee, did I just shoot myself in the foot!!!!
So, have a nice weekend. Consider life is like a wonderfully, sweet bowl of cherries. Once devoured, all you have left is the pits.
24 Oct 2003
Sapulpa, OK
