tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88773407585269579172024-02-19T01:06:04.292-05:00Living Near the FieldMy ongoing life near Gettysburg, and its everyday trials and tribulationsDuanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16316361297063801542noreply@blogger.comBlogger202125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877340758526957917.post-26775240891114135022022-12-30T18:25:00.001-05:002022-12-30T20:06:16.926-05:00Proof That History is Nearly Everywhere…<img id="id_4d75_eed_fcce_4ba" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/zKJoq8wHPSGHeOpjW17xXjNVIOIq870tdHkmngznwMFO_TNz3KYI7KcamyYczx9fV-k" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><img id="id_9619_ceda_37da_ffc7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/J7WjGhmbbe4byS_ECI0j1PYlwifCOPXTEfQ6SKA-h6Zo6m6jtsiFAABjYcbU4R8WMC4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_f770_1452_b2e7_bcce" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/PXqpM9ywiW_jJogg2yTLmRJ8mBDPjUbHUNY32_WCXQIaDEKr3if2PRVifEwseseJ8Lc" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><div><img id="id_e96a_eec3_dbf2_1d2d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/9SxLEDUj_BXRbM-Aan3Gidka8KVFjoOrJ2xzihFChBjjKCxo_y4ZSPghIBD3QwmbTIc" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">The name Hollie Tatnell is a name that few, even students of history, have ever heard of. It’s safe to say that even fewer of those who have ever heard of her have actually ever seen her grave, or even know where to look for it. </span><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Born in 1859, Hollie was the daughter of slaves. Her family lived and worked the fields in the area of Hearne, TX. Hearne was known at the time as the crossroads of Texas, since several highways and railroads converged in the area. Goods needed by nearby residents were brought in. Cotton, and other products from the region were loaded on trains and shipped out. At one time, it was a busy area. </span></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Hollie died in 1911, and was buried in what was the African American Cemetery on the edge of Hearne. The cemetery contained the graves of slaves from the area, and many of their family members. In 1912, the cemetery closed. No new graves were allowed to be dug there. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1947, real estate developers purchased the land containing the cemetery. They quickly forced out residents of the area, and went so far as to try to force families of those buried in the cemetery to exhume the remains of their loved ones, and to bury them elsewhere. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">While most complied, one family remained diligent. Georgia Carter and Andrew Hunter, the children of Hollie, fought. They refused to move their mother’s grave. The developers wanted rapid and vast expansion of their properties, so they decided on a compromise in an effort to avoid a long, and costly court battle.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">They left Hollie’s grave in place, and diverted the street around it. Hollie’s children had won. They placed a plaque next to their mother’s headstone. The street diverted in an almond shape, with a small median where Hollie still remains. In 2007, the state of Texas designated the site as an historic area, and placed another marker on the median. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">At 506 Wheelock St, in Hearne, TX lies Hollie Tatnell, a small but visual reminder of the area’s history, and of the many African Americans who once were buried here, but whose graves were lost to developers. </span></div>Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16316361297063801542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877340758526957917.post-5822925030460270112022-04-29T08:31:00.001-04:002022-04-29T08:31:10.219-04:00We had an attempted hostile takeover……but order has been restored. I am back in control. Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16316361297063801542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877340758526957917.post-71370245246740101262020-12-11T23:19:00.001-05:002020-12-12T12:29:39.422-05:00Shutting Down<div><img id="id_1fb2_5681_e628_984" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/DRAKuhGFfFp37XnnVfb--qKp2bPTVyileBANUSbUvX3Vt4MrEzNxzXHwp5cMdts" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div><div><br></div>I’ve tried. I’ve posted. We get very few readers, and I have yet to see a comment on anything. Due to lack of interest, this post, which is the 200th post on this blog, will be the last one. It’s been a fun ride. Thanks to those who actually read it. I’m sorry for taking it away from those who enjoy it, but with 2-5 post views per day and no comments, it’s not worth the effort.<div><br></div><div>Bye!</div><div><br></div><div>All effort will be focused on the other blog, “Smashes, Bashes, and Kits.” It will primarily be about 1/6 scale, but will also cover WWII history, reenacting, and some other areas.</div>Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16316361297063801542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877340758526957917.post-19607568214533459092020-12-07T10:01:00.001-05:002020-12-07T16:59:34.870-05:00“A Date That Will Live In Infamy”<img id="id_79b1_573c_ad64_462a" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/J7VsMoqBWhhbgdN_LeAylzi-Mg_hJjFterLIFtLGCmArvSt9CiBD0vnKejyQ43Q" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_48b4_de7d_105c_1c97" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/wIquwPTc0MBy6iLI5UA7a9TeaEY_YoolBt0mJH5ibmLSQuhBgK9BGVuwai7KZR4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_b07e_a029_5b5b_7bb6" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/ag2Jf9ozTMowk3ZedCDwTwkdvpe2T149IdRxkdiEEe8B9uVQm3GQMTdBfvau6GE" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_1dd7_19db_3823_e7e7" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/o2f878bkFJhbKqjI5YMuggtCj4vbBSRgrOYX7_5vE40gPTXztcjCN_lTNmM1Vhs" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_28bf_ecb8_100c_3508" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/6TRhL7oSC0_AEOUy7kKcquh_NPz6rLiUgRk-vfdRNyzS651jfwddZ8ELx9Jz5dM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">A date that will live in infamy. Nearly 2,500 of our men and women were lost in the deadly attack by the Japanese on the US fleet at Pearl Harbor. This attack brought the US into WWII. The very next day, President Roosevelt gave one of the most noteworthy speeches in US history when he asked Congress to declare war against the Empire of Japan. Shortly afterward, Hitler declared war on the US, and we became one of the Allies. The arsenal of democracy that had been helping to supply the World with vehicles, weapons, rations, and equipment was now a participant in the conflict.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">We’d suffer nowhere near the damage that Britain had suffered during the Blitz, and we’d lose nowhere near the number of troops that the Russians did against Germany, but we would contribute to the victory in more ways than providing manpower. Weapons and equipment would continue to flow into the countries at war. Our factories would produce goods at a rate never seem before. Our transports would get the materiel where it was needed. Our people would sacrifice, our men would fight, and our men and women would die, but ultimately, freedom would prevail. Italy, Germany, and Japan would suffer incredible defeats, and the outcome would set up the Cold War. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">The day after the Pearl Harbor attack, President Roosevelt gave his speech. At the bottom of this post, there is a link for a timeline of events that led up to the attack. The text of Roosevelt’s address to Congress follows below:</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">“</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"> Mr. Vice President, and Mr. Speaker, and Members of the Senate and House of Representatives:</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"> </span><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><lb></lb></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><lb></lb></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><lb></lb>YESTERDAY, December 7, 1941 a date which will live in infamy the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. <lb></lb></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><lb></lb></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><lb></lb>The United States was at peace with that Nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American Island of Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack. <lb></lb></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><lb></lb></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><lb></lb>It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. <lb></lb></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><lb></lb></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><lb></lb>The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu. </p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya. <lb></lb>Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong: <lb></lb>Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam. <lb></lb>Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. <lb></lb>Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island. <lb></lb>And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island. </p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><lb></lb></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><lb></lb></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><lb></lb>Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our Nation. <lb></lb></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><lb></lb></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><lb></lb>As Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. <lb></lb></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><lb></lb></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><lb></lb>But always will our whole Nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. <lb></lb></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><lb></lb></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><lb></lb>No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory. <lb></lb></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><lb></lb></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><lb></lb>I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us. <lb></lb></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><lb></lb></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><lb></lb>Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger. <lb></lb></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><lb></lb></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><lb></lb>With confidence in our armed forces with the unbounding determination of our people we will gain the inevitable triumph so help us God. <lb></lb></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><lb></lb></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><lb></lb>I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.”</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br></p><a href="https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4206060&fbclid=IwAR3p0lmnYDjtvmwhZrSnjF5lCGEmrqE7K5NDT9mVwMMv5_ecgkM1fwaS_5s">https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4206060&fbclid=IwAR3p0lmnYDjtvmwhZrSnjF5lCGEmrqE7K5NDT9mVwMMv5_ecgkM1fwaS_5s</a></div><div><br></div><div>Never forget!<br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br> </div>Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16316361297063801542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877340758526957917.post-19507181813737287992020-12-05T14:30:00.001-05:002020-12-05T14:30:15.678-05:00Trivia Time: Answer in the comments if you can...<img id="id_8ca7_c6e6_4245_89d4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/72r9Wc_K5u2TGDeyJV6guX7PutSGoNCEAt_HL9TYgIqe8IVwev1G46L5qOTrZqE" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_d2c0_98e2_93c5_fe11" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/zghcradV8bgGG4nSWvF9IC96esJini5MEsHw1Em1rOKHmZPwSjiGiyciof_Ovr4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_1515_1fa2_6791_f931" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/6QEw-_x6eqsS66MPKPsXzUK6euT-CW4H8Au25jxaA3XSqQOz6srsJrH1TtCOen0" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_ca4f_7838_42cd_ec91" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/QAtrd5rLjgOjuyEl_FqIvopd2J9hNFnrWHRzcp4JP6semnQ5ZOMjY1GqBIj3vJM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Ten trivia questions. See how many you can get right...</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">1). Ulysses Simpson Grant, Civil War General and US President, went by the name Ulysses Simpson, but that was not his real name. What was it?</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">2). What was the name of General Patton’s dog?</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">3). What was the name of Robert E. Lee’s favorite horse?</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">4). This Civil War cavalry general, known as the Wizard of the Saddle, was also the first Grand Wizard of the KKK. Who was he?</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">5). On September 17, 1944, the Allies in Europe launched an airborne and armored assault on occupied Holland. What was the codename given to this operation?</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">6). What July 1863 Civil War Battle is called the High Water Mark of the Confederacy?</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">7). During the battle of Midway, in June of 1942, US naval forces sunk four Japanese aircraft carriers. The US Navy lost one of its own aircraft carriers in the battle. Which ship did the US Navy lose?</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">8). This future US President led the charge of the Rough Riders up San Juan Hill during the Spanish-American War. Who was he?</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">9). The current US Armed Forces main battle tank, the M1 series of tanks, is named after which Vietnam War era US General?</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">10). This famous actor, who played roles such as the Sergeant in the movie, “The Big Red One”, and Major Reisman in “The Dirty Dozen” was a WWII USMC veteran who was wounded in action and received a Purple Heart. Who was he? (Bonus if you know where he was shot?)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Have fun with it.<br></span><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br> </div>Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16316361297063801542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877340758526957917.post-58283859389886483432020-12-02T11:50:00.001-05:002020-12-02T11:50:45.723-05:00A Larger Than Life Texas Hero<img id="id_9b4a_26b5_6892_d684" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/e2ECVnPwxBFK35c_xpUel_Vx29C1UvYIUGsta856GdfYzkALfi2RVatvzlXICrw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_f5fa_7240_7903_d8ab" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/G-cszD_zoUuxI4f6uG8bTDAa74XgplniV-8ugrO7-bQeTfnlKRSDfHDIS4K6S_k" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_e232_848_5f50_65c5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/D57_FinmEnw6WEEGA7HbgTuZiKR1EStmy_UDUQV4IDFlfy5_NWZI1Hn-A3-cmoE" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_a978_fcaf_f73d_57e2" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/6WQdYfeLjU6mYjnVcwGz8tDmlJMITaTThOFLLyLWRElIV-IxXszZ4wTv-6PS__Y" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">This statue of Stephen F. Austin sits along Texas Highway 288 near Angleton, TX. The statue stands 76 ft tall. Austin is 66ft tall, and he stands on a 10ft base. This statue is 1 foot shorter than the Sam Houston statue near Huntsville, TX. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In reality, Austin was slightly shorter than Houston. However, that is not why this statue is shorter than the Sam Houston statue. By a gentlemen’s agreement made when Sam Houston was put on his base, no statue of any Texas hero can be taller than Sam Houston. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Austin and his 300 hundred were the first successful settlers from the United States to make it in Texas. A previous attempt ended in failure. “Austin’s 300” were 300 families who were given the ability to settle in Texas due to an empresarial grant originally given to Moses Austin, Stephen F’s father. Moses caught pneumonia shortly before the expedition to Texas was set to begin, and he then decided that his son should take over. Stephen F was very reluctant to do do at first, but he was ultimately persuaded by a letter from his mother that she wrote two days before Moses died.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Stephen F. Austin was born in the area of Wytheville, VA. He first moved to Missouri, and then to Arkansas before beginning his Texas expedition. He and his 300 at first attempted to maintain good relations with the Mexican government, but tensions began to flare when Austin introduced slavery in Texas. The Mexican government was in strong opposition to the institution of slavery, and let Austin know this in no uncertain terms.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">As tensions between Mexicans and settlers grew, Emperor Santa Anna had Austin arrested in 1834. No charges were filed, because no court would take jurisdiction. Austin was eventually released after spending time in several different prisons. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">When the Texas War of Independence began, Austin took control of forces during the siege of Béxar in late 1835. The revolution officially began in Gonzales, TX in October of 1835. It ended after the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836, after the army commanded by Sam Houston defeated and captured Santa Anna.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Texas was now a free country. The constitution created on March 2, 1836 was enacted, and Texas was now able to self-govern. In the first Presidential race, Sam Houston narrowly defeated Stephen F. Austin. Houston appointed Austin as his Secretary of State, but Austin would not serve for long. He died of pneumonia in what is now West Columbia, TX. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Stephen F. Austin’s last words before his death were, “</span><span style="font-size: 16px; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> The independence of Texas is recognized! Don't you see it in the papers?”</span></div><div><font color="#202122" face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#202122" face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Sam Houston, after hearing of Austin’s death, was quoted as saying, “</span></font><span style="font-size: 16px; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> The Father of Texas is no more; the first pioneer of the wilderness has departed.”</span></div><div><font color="#202122" face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#202122" face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Houston and Austin were political rivals. They had a cordial relationship, but they never were what you would call friends. They tolerated each other when it came to business, expressed the usual amount of decorum during political events and ceremonies, and then each went their separate ways.</span></font></div><div><font color="#202122" face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#202122" face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> During the revolution, Austin often questioned Houston’s military tactics, and was very critical of Houston when he retreated after the siege of the Alamo and the Goliad massacre. All doubts were erased when Austin was informed that Houston had won the Battle of San Jacinto, and also had taken Santa Anna as his prisoner. </span></font></div><div><font color="#202122" face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#202122" face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Austin was first buried in Gulf Prairie Cemetery in Brazoria County. In 1910, he was re-interred and moved to the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, the capital city that was named in his honor.</span></font></div><div><font color="#202122" face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#202122" face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">He was not married, and he had no children. His sister, Emily Austin Perry was his sole heir. <br></span></font><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br> </div>Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16316361297063801542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877340758526957917.post-86877179011910587652020-11-29T15:32:00.001-05:002020-11-29T15:32:58.750-05:00Check out a different blog...<img id="id_6d56_62eb_e59d_f5f1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/aowCjSH6eSA5FjzETMG4xrlbzKovHzRBrdGNA3KwEjjXxIh3MNGHmrTd9W-dxEY" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_33f5_bbda_130b_3b40" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/__qL-Yzlzb8AElRCTwyySby-YO7peLgF2TnZmcdDzZ88StGuaKltvQeVnS2TWZg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">We are going to be taking a short break, getting the other blog up and running, and then alternating posts between the two. The goal is 3 posts a week on each blog.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Check it out here. There’s more to it than just 1/6 scale, by the way. I’m just posting some things on the other blog that I feel are more appropriate there. There also will be a monthly contest with what I feel are nice prizes. Enjoy!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><a href="https://kitbashingnearthefield.blogspot.com/2020/03/geronimo.html">https://kitbashingnearthefield.blogspot.com/2020/03/geronimo.html</a></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br> </div>Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16316361297063801542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877340758526957917.post-87847619115015981072020-11-25T10:37:00.001-05:002020-11-25T11:13:14.064-05:00Burp the Bayou!<img id="id_4655_4508_d056_c2a2" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/HX1Jbz-RN-9ExAsoD72e3bYt5Ne_mUxst_f2rzWz7EqvIsrZUlb5uiWuktNAoXs" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_b9a4_b911_a636_f28a" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/y0EiK25d-BR6mvihxFk9sPUAFJw_iMrJE4FucqiQ4yLMLQ7XwtebHCTbCLNurgA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_93a7_a58b_4310_d3b1" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/2Um7d3RR-6fvQz54gW4S4VRpIYgB-2EN9xHI89OqfOIFREzINuyvjrWkED98-14" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Have you heard about the Big Bubble in the Buffalo Bayou? Have you seen the mysterious red button on the <a href="http://www.houstontx.gov/civicart/bigbubble.html">Preston Street Bridg</a><a href="http://www.houstontx.gov/municipalart/bigbubble.html">e</a>? We heard about this shortly after we moved here, and I had to look into it to find out what it was.</span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"></span><br></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">In the middle of the brick column on the south side of the Preston Street Bridge, is a little red button. When you press it, the water in the bayou will bubble for several seconds. I realize that this is just a button and some bubbles, but if you are going to visit it, you really have all the materials you need for a great adventure.</span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"></span><br></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">First off, there is no sign above this little button. It is just a mysterious red button in the middle of Downtown Houston. You don’t know whether you should press it or not. And if you do press it, what will happen? Where should you look? And say you see or hear the bubbles, what is causing it? Did you wake a bayou monster? And if a boat is traveling down the river, what would happen if you timed the bubbles just right?</span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"></span><br></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">For best results, tell your kids you hear there is a mysterious red button in Downtown Houston and you need to find out what it does. Get them close to the bridge and see if they can find it. </span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"></span><br></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Once you find it, ask for ideas on what it might do and see who is brave enough to push it.</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Once pressed, try to find the bubbles and ask what could be causing them? Finish up with several minutes of pressing the button, running to the side of the bridge, watching the bubbles and giggling with delight.</span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"></span><br></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">To get here, drive or take METRO Rail to the Preston Station. Walk a few blocks west towards the <a href="https://www.jillbjarvis.com/2012/01/downtown-aquarium-houston/" id="id_bbca_5bd4_b42_fa5">Downtown Aquarium</a> until you are over the water. On the southeast side of the bridge you will see the little red button. The water on the south side of the bridge will bubble.</span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"></span><br></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">The bubbles are to aerate the slow moving water. The water is aerated automatically throughout the day and whenever a brave passerby presses the button. </span></p><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br> </div>Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16316361297063801542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877340758526957917.post-46729720059492570472020-11-24T10:56:00.001-05:002020-11-24T16:12:53.138-05:0020 People You May Not Have Known Were From Houston<img id="id_f3ac_d7fd_90f0_1cfd" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/FzOvMsnIlWYio98JvUvKRgT42pIA0tJ7VHcz9MIz8STmOcHUiajiVFK_o9Eb6NA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">*Randy Quaid as, “Cousin Eddie”*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_21dc_78fa_7e56_9ccd" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/tG6aOF-BcGugN1X0aI_FJKWceOOve5b8kz3zGO6I4ssBVFyjTJPF4e5oRQuyIvU" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">*Patrick Swayze in “Red Dawn.”</div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_6f25_2cab_2eda_e824" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/4jp45-GorLdwqmrt4zlNWcPISAqETm0PE7s7msAa68-7OKfstycDiaThltGqjOw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">*Gary Busey in, “The Buddy Holly Story”*</div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_8ff6_a049_bec4_508a" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/8qCaxP_tf_Xbv9AzEGIEin9vzlRF8dKoPJCuA-vDGX8I-gv8u6KgmURwnySkIsI" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">*Shelley Duvall as Olive Oyl in “Popeye.”*</span></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Like all major cities, Houston has had its share of famous celebrities, actors, and athletes. Here’s my list of 20 that you may or may not have known were born in Houston, or the Houston area.</div><div><br></div><div><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Beyoncé was from Houston’s Third Ward</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Patrick Swayze, whose most notable role was in “Dirty Dancing.” He was taken from us when he was way too young!</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Randy Quaid, everyone’s favorite cousin. “Shitter’s full!”</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Dennis Quaid, who played Jerry Lee Lewis in the movie, “Great Balls of Fire”, among numerous other roles.</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Gary Busey, from Baytown, just outside of Houston, gave the best movie portrayal to date of the legendary Buddy Holly.</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Kenny Rogers, the Gambler! What more needs to be said?</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Hilary Duff, the actress.</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Travis Scott, rapper and significant other of Kylie Jenner.</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Howard Hughes, the eccentric and reclusive billionaire.</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Jennifer Garner, actress and one of the spouses of Ben Affleck. </span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Michael Strahan, former NFL Star and current TV host.</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Shelley Duvall, actress from, “The Shining”, “Popeye”, and several other movies.</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Vince Young, former NFL quarterback.</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Anna Nicole Smith. We all know her tragic story.</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Jaclyn Smith, one of Charlie’s original Angels.</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Phylicia Rashād, wife of Ahmad. Also known to most of us as Clair Huxtable. </span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Billy Gibbons, from the Double Z Ranch, and one of the beards of ZZ Top!</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Billy Preston, musician who gave us, “Nothing From Nothing”, and, “Will It Go Round In Circles?”</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">AJ Foyt, champion NASCAR and USAC race car driver and owner.</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Tilman Fertitta, owner of the Houston Rockets, and founder of the Landry’s Seafood chain of restaurants. He’s actually from Galveston, but that’s close enough!</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"><br></span></p><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br> </div></div>Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16316361297063801542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877340758526957917.post-51981893039533413112020-11-21T11:47:00.001-05:002020-11-21T17:53:40.035-05:00The Bissonnet Track<img id="id_763e_ac96_b04_62b1" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/JPAvc0xbR9rWcp1stFQNH-rzFax0sUbrigNB1kfxbDPzN8QRhJ9CubN7VCLCvNY" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_9eda_aef1_38f7_e65" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/YbFOVDbsStP2ar84d50FhGeeunSD5c7ZTbQFJIbgYtJz7uTPMfBBrk70foIgzNY" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_7f37_10c4_4fda_276a" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/EIHi1h4kxIsY-wmQ4ZLsu8_n5DGwmU3eLQUNfMJn0clWen49qwCQapI9gvwnWPA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Bissonnet Street in Houston is a 19 mile thoroughfare that begins in the museum district and runs primarily west to the county line. It once was noted as one of the nicest drives in the city due to the various historical and culturally diverse neighborhoods that it passed through.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">My how things change. Today, the area of Bissonnet that runs between the Sam Houston Tollway and I-69 is known as the Bissonnet Track, and it has become world famous. It’s one of the largest sex trafficking hubs in the country. It also has a reputation worldwide as being “the place you go for a young girl when you are in Houston.”</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">On any given night, the areas in the turn around under the highways, and in many of the other parking lots or street corners are lined with prostitutes, some as young as 11 years old. Nearly all are victims of trafficking. Nearly all are drug addicts and crackheads. Nearly all say they would get out of the life if they could, but many of them cannot. They take their drugs, sell their bodies, and live a life of torment and deprivation.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">We’ve seen them by day as we drive through the area. One of the places we shop for our business is just outside of the track.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">The street is crumbling. The sidewalks are in shambles. Garbage lines both sides of the street. The businesses all have bars on the windows and gates on the doors. Many employees of nearby businesses have said that it’s not uncommon to see people on benches at bus stops having sex, to see people in the bushes having sex, to see pimps beating up girls in the parking lots, and to see an influx of drug dealers coming into the area. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Sadly enough, one of the largest schools in the city is just outside the Track. Children walking to and from school often interact with the girls on the Track, and even at a young age, they become well aware of what goes on there. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Employees have been robbed in the parking lots of their businesses. Many businesses close early because they’ve repeatedly been robbed. Women leaving stores are often solicited. Some have even been raped or sexually assaulted. It’s become a cesspool of lowlifes, drug users, drug dealers, brutal pimps, prostitutes, and victims. The city apparently is doing nothing to make it better, to help the victims, or to make the drug dealers and gangs go away.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">The Track, as it’s called, is in MS-13 territory. In case you don’t know, MS-13 began in El Salvador and has quickly spread. There are now members in nearly every major US city, and they are one of the most brutal gangs in existence. They often torture and mutilate their victims in an effort to teach a lesson to anyone who would even think of opposing them.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">They also seemingly control the drug and sex activity on the Track. The pimps are brutal. They pick up runaway children or </span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">bring in victims abducted in other cities, get them hooked on drugs, and turn them out into the streets to earn their living. Girls who try to escape are taught a vicious lesson. Pimps who invade rival turf are generally not given a second chance. The same is true with drug dealers. Girls who don’t earn enough are often beaten and cast out to be victimized by others.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">As we drive through the area, my wife and I can spot the working girls. We also can spot the dealers and some of the gang bangers. This begs the question, “If we as Houston outsiders are aware of the problem and can spot those responsible for the problem, why isn’t local government doing anything about it? Why do they continue to allow women and children to be brutalized and exploited?”</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">The “Houston Chronicle”, our city’s local newspaper, ran a series of articles on the Track. The link to the first part is below. It’s very interesting and informative reading, but be advised; it tells tragic stories in a brutal way, and it doesn’t have a happy ending</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><a href="https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Houston-prostitution-human-trafficking-Bissonnet-13780542.php">https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Houston-prostitution-human-trafficking-Bissonnet-13780542.php</a></div><div><br></div><div><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br> </div>Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16316361297063801542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877340758526957917.post-86766780076001379522020-11-20T11:37:00.001-05:002020-11-20T23:48:29.728-05:00On this date in history: November 20<img id="id_cf85_29e2_2e5_532" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/L-ml6UHrKu9Y7o3UrZ3OGF5-9SqHi7YgpvVrrp4KW7Us_izrkgN-y6fv3S635Bo" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_f481_608d_4baf_c930" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/wKPuDmhIvzpShQUK5TF7CqvwiNQxsTStPP3mpLCtA1W-pCAjR3ZJtq1z5mqmCeo" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_a3d2_3704_f905_af4d" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/c9TH3xPGjMgYBai9isBZ1BpofN_Urx8epQaPQ1zoH85Mnl9KWpQDSrIcQCkE9L8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1789, New Jersey becomes the first state to ratify the Bill of Rights.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1815, the Second Treaty of Paris is agreed upon. After the Battle of Waterloo, France agrees to pay reparations. The Napoleonic Wars end.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1815, Russia, Prussia, Austria, and England also sign an alliance “for the maintenance of peace in Europe.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1817, the First Seminole War begins in Florida.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1861, Kentucky’s Confederate Government files an ordinance of secession.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1862, the Confederate Armies of Mississippi and Kentucky merge to create the Army of Tennessee under Braxton Bragg.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1910, Revolution, led by Francisco I. Madero, breaks out in Mexico.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1917, the first successful use of tanks in warfare occurs. The British use tanks to break the German lines in the battle of Cambrai.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1928, Boston Garden opens. The Canadians beat the Bruins 1-0.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1940, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia join the Axis Powers.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1942, the British 8th Army recaptures Benghazi, Libya.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1943, U-538 is sunk in the Atlantic.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1943, US forces land on Tarawa and Makin Atoll in the Gilbert Islands.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1945, the Nuremberg War Trials begin. 24 former German leaders are put on trial, most for war crimes related to the Holocaust.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1949, the Jewish population of Israel reaches 1 million.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1962, Mickey Mantle wins his third AL MVP award.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1962, the USSR removes bombers from Cuba. The US lifts the blockade.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1966, the Dallas Cowboys sack Pittsburgh quarterbacks an NFL record 12 times in one game.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1967, Tom Seaver is named NL Rookie of the Year.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1968, the US performs a nuclear weapons test in Nevada.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1969, Willie McCovey barely beats Tom Seaver for the NL MVP Award.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1971, Richard Petty wins the 21st NASCAR Sprint Cup.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1975, Ronald Reagan announces his candidacy for the Republican Presidential nomination.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1975, Walter Payton rushes for an NFL record 275 yds in one game.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1977, Cale Yarborough wins the 27th NASCAR Sprint Cup.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1982, 7-yr-old Drew Barrymore hosts Saturday Night Live.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1984, Dwight Gooden wins NL Rookie of the Year.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1985, Don Mattingly win the AL MVP Award.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1989, Robin Yount wins the AL MVP Award.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1990, Rickey Henderson wins the AL MVP Award.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1992, Windsor Castle, home of the British Royal Family, catches fire.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1995, the “Beatles Anthology, Vol. 1” is released.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1995, Princess Diana admits in an interview that she cheated on Prince Charles.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 1997, Eric Lindros of the Philadelphia Flyers tries to bite Marty McSorley.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 2016, Jimmie Johnson wins his 7th NASCAR Sprint Cup, equaling Richard Perty and Dale Earnhardt </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In 2019, Britain’s Prince Andrew gives in to public outcry over his friendship with Jeffry Epstein, and announces he’s stepping back from public duty.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">November 20 is a busy day. There were many more, but this is a brief synopsis.<br></span><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br> </div>Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16316361297063801542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877340758526957917.post-36487007403810839872020-11-19T10:45:00.001-05:002020-11-19T15:54:44.392-05:00Who wants a prize? <img id="id_5864_b01_ec52_b7c0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/WhZ9Az1EHPb1SjdXB2Mht31CKu8p2d1YKf-YcOzpgSwhk5D9SAN2wNJHWjcQEAA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Post the answer in the comments. To give everyone a fair chance, I’ll stop comments at 9:45am CST tomorrow, and will randomly pick a winner from those who posted the correct answer.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Who am I? (The picture is the Civil War ancestor, not the person the post is about).</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><div>1. I am named after my grandfather, who was killed in the American Civil War.</div><div><br></div><div>2. I learned a lot about horses and warfare from John Singleton Mosby in my early years. He and I often reenacted Civil War battles.</div><div><br></div><div>3. I was an Olympian, but lost my chance for gold in my strongest area of competition when the judges said I completely missed the target on a few of my shots. I argued that I didn't miss, but rather that the shots in question passed through holes in the target.</div><div><br></div><div>4. I first met my future commander during tank training exercises in Gettysburg.</div><div><br></div><div>5. I believed in the tactics of fast mobility, and always hitting hard and being on the offensive.</div><div><br></div><div>6. I also believed that an officer's job was not only to ask the impossible of his men, but to get it out of them.</div><div><br></div><div>7. I died in a car accident after the war ended in Europe, and I am buried with my men in Luxembourg.</div><br> </div><div>Good luck!</div>Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16316361297063801542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877340758526957917.post-39499288158030828922020-11-18T10:10:00.001-05:002020-11-18T10:10:41.333-05:00Buffalo Soldiers<img id="id_4448_e3c9_3dae_bb8c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/UY2WlGdyL7lctXJpaBdhSrll21Uwt1Sq5lChe1bwwrZtHu07R0sZBbWvrbawmiM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_8206_3419_9f81_45a" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/Qhikl5DjZ4B1gLcaNy-WEk30EVNRgLiaHh3hk6g_ODaimmH3p-SUEeEMrQDfeqc" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_5d9_40c4_7742_f665" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/0I0GXu_EyZDXGgfDj7uOJxV-wykbSDMIYW8hZ6LTAoNplIRx0OctnaeGn5VZVsA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Today’s post comes from a Facebook friend of mine, Allenz Strickland. Allenz tells the story well, so here it goes:</span></div><div><br></div><div><div>“This post is about the nickname given to African American U.S. Army personnel. For the Bob Marley song.</div><div><br></div><div>Buffalo Soldiers originally were members of the 10th Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army, formed on September 21, 1866, at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. This nickname was given to the Black Cavalry by Native American tribes who fought in the Indian Wars. The term eventually became synonymous with all of the African-American regiments formed in 1866:</div><div><br></div><div>9th Cavalry Regiment</div><div>10th Cavalry Regiment</div><div>24th Infantry Regiment</div><div>25th Infantry Regiment</div><div>Second 38th Infantry Regiment</div><div>Buffalo Soldiers of the 25th Infantry Regiment in 1890</div><div><br></div><div>Active:</div><div>1866–1951</div><div> </div><div>9th Cavalry Regiment</div><div>10th Cavalry Regiment</div><div>24th Infantry Regiment</div><div>25th Infantry Regiment</div><div><br></div><div>Engagements</div><div>American Indian Wars</div><div>Spanish–American War</div><div>Philippine–American War</div><div>Mexican Border War</div><div>World War I</div><div>World War II</div><div><br></div><div>Although several African-American regiments were raised during the Civil War as part of the Union Army (including the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry and the many United States Colored Troops Regiments), the "Buffalo Soldiers" were established by Congress as the first peacetime all-black regiments in the regular U.S. Army] On September 6, 2005, Mark Matthews, the oldest surviving Buffalo Soldier, died at the age of 111. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.</div><div><br></div><div>Systemic prejudice:</div><div><br></div><div>John J. Pershing</div><div>General of the Armies John J. Pershing is a controversial figure regarding the Buffalo Soldiers. He served with the 10th Cavalry Regiment from October 1895 to May 1897, starting as a first lieutenant when he took command of a troop of the 10th in October 1895.</div><div><br></div><div>In 1897, Pershing became an instructor at West Point, where he joined the tactical staff. West Point cadets upset over Pershing's disciplinary treatment and high standards took to calling him "(N*) Jack," because he had learned to have full respect for black soldiers while leading them. Later during the Spanish–American War, where Pershing served with the 10th for six months in Cuba, the press softened the term to "Black Jack", which they continued to use in World War I.</div><div><br></div><div>At the start of the Spanish–American War, First Lieutenant Pershing was offered a brevet rank and commissioned a major of volunteers on August 26, 1898. He fought with the 10th Cavalry (Buffalo Soldiers) on Kettle and San Juan Hills in Cuba and was cited for gallantry.</div><div><br></div><div>During World War I, Pershing was the Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) on the Western Front. While earlier a champion of the African-American soldier, at this time he did not defend their full participation on the battlefield, but bowed to the racist policies of President Woodrow Wilson, Secretary of War Newton D. Baker, and the Southern Democratic Party with its "separate but equal" philosophy.</div><div><br></div><div>Baker was cognizant of the many problems of domestic and allied political involvement in military decision-making during wartime, and gave Pershing unmatched authority to run his command as he saw fit, but Pershing practiced realpolitik carefully where black participation was concerned, not engaging in issues that might distract or diminish his command. Even so, Pershing allowed American soldiers (African Americans) to be under the command of a foreign power for the first time in American history.</div><div><br></div><div>The Punitive Expedition, U.S.–Mexico border, and World War I </div><div>World War II </div><div>Korean War and integration </div><div><br></div><div>Medal of Honor recipients (1866–1918) Edit</div><div><br></div><div>Memorial to Medal of Honor recipient Corporal Clinton Greaves, 9th US Cavalry, at Fort Bayard, New Mexico</div><div><br></div><div>Sgt. John Harris of the 10th U.S. Cavalry with a Sharps rifle, c. 1868.</div><div><br></div><div>This list is of the officers and men who received the Medal of Honor due to service with the original units called "Buffalo Soldiers".</div><div><br></div><div>Edward L. Baker, Jr.</div><div>Dennis Bell</div><div>Thomas Boyne</div><div>Benjamin Brown</div><div>George Ritter Burnett</div><div>Louis H. Carpenter</div><div>Powhatan Henry Clarke</div><div>John Denny</div><div>Pompey Factor</div><div>Clinton Greaves</div><div>Henry Johnson</div><div>George Jordan</div><div>Fitz Lee</div><div>Isaiah Mays</div><div>William McBryar</div><div>Adam Paine</div><div>Isaac Payne</div><div>Thomas Shaw</div><div>Emanuel Stance</div><div>Freddie Stowers</div><div>William H. Thompkins</div><div>Augustus Walley</div><div>George H. Wanton</div><div>John Ward</div><div>Moses Williams</div><div>William Othello Wilson</div><div>Brent Woods</div><div><br></div><div>This list is of other notable African Americans who served in the original units as "Buffalo Soldiers" from 1866 to 1918.</div><div><br></div><div>John Hanks Alexander</div><div>Allen Allensworth</div><div>Lewis Broadus</div><div>Henry Ossian Flipper</div><div>Edward W. Pearson, Sr.</div><div>Charles Young</div><div>Cathay Williams</div><div><br></div><div>Today is Buffalo Soldiers Day–proclaimed by President George Bush on 24 July of 1992 and celebrated on 28 July annually thereafter to celebrate the all-black Army regiments’ “outstanding legacy of service.” The Buffalo Soldiers, as Bush acknowledged, are a historically important group best remembered for fighting on American’s western frontier. But “their achievements were not limited to the western United States,” Bush said: Members of the Buffalo Soldiers served in other parts of America and “in places as far-flung as Cuba, Mexico, and the Philippines.” The Buffalo Soldiers fought through both world wars and a number of other conflicts. Throughout all of this, as Bush acknowledged, because of racism “they often received the worst food and equipment and labored without the respect and recognition that were their due.”</div><div><br></div><div>There is a great deal more to know about these extraordinary Soldiers as individuals, see my future post that will include more detailed dedications to these individual Soldiers that were essential in the shaping of our Great Nation, ‘Enjoy your Saturday morning Cup of Joe.’”</div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br> </div>Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16316361297063801542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877340758526957917.post-56167964517051926712020-11-14T17:40:00.001-05:002020-11-14T17:40:57.679-05:00Assassination<img id="id_8281_25d4_29a8_ea57" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/e1binfM-QIs88c4jst6skM6237B8vxd_rQQx5-C39gh-L--Bv7GEgMklMcbb4HU" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><div><img id="id_4c98_314f_98f7_b5ea" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/LH9YXof4uIK8BimJNjRsUJpVmFp-zNXoomYJt5Rx7rQxy55dKsXDgfSfKjjvSvQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br><br><br> <div>JFK won the election of 1960. After his inauguration, he appointed his brother Robert F. Kennedy (Bobby) as Attorney General. Bobby was tough, and he vowed to go hard after all elements of organized crime in the US, including the Mafia.</div><div><br></div><div>This didn’t actually sit well with their father Joe. Joe Sr. had great political power during the FDR Administration. He also made many contacts with organized crime bosses, most notably Sam Giancana, Santo Trafficante Jr, and Carlos Marcello. Giancana was the boss of the Chicago Outfit, one of the most powerful and influential Mafia organizations of the time. </div><div><br></div><div>It has been speculated by many, but never actually proven that Sam Giancana made a deal with Joe Kennedy to get the Chicago dock workers and labor unions to support JFK in the election. Joe is also said to have worked similar deals with people like Trafficante and Marcello. The deal with Giancana, brokered by Frank Sinatra came with a promise; Giancana and the other Mafia bosses would push their people into voting for Jack, and as a result, the Kennedy Administration would basically give the Mafia a free pass to do as they please. It was basically a, “Vote for my son, and I promise that my son will leave you alone!” type of deal.</div><div><br></div><div>However, Jack and Bobby didn’t see it that way. Bobby, as Attorney General, started an organized crime task force, and was going after any and all organized crime syndicates. While Joe made the deal that said that organized crime would be left alone, Jack and Bobby were doing all they could to bring down organized crime syndicates.</div><div><br></div><div>As you can expect, this didn’t go over well with people like Trafficante and Giancana. They began to feel that Joe Kennedy was using his son to go after and eliminate all rivals and anyone to whom he owed favors. Instead of having a free reign in which to operate, Mafia bosses were being taken down at near record pace. Bobby’s task force was both ruthless and highly successful in its war on organized crime, and the mob bosses planned to retaliate. </div><div><br></div><div>At 12:30pm local time on the morning of November 22, 1963, Lee Harvey Oswald fired on the Kennedy motorcade from a grassy knoll near a book depository in Dallas, TX. Kennedy was in a car with his wife Jackie, Texas Governor John Connally, and Connally’s wife Nellie when Oswald opened fire.</div><div><br></div><div> As they were driving through Dealy Plaza, Nellie Connaly turned to JFK and said, “Mr. President, you can’t say Dallas doesn’t love you.”</div><div><br></div><div>“No, you can’t!” was The President’s reply.</div><div><br></div><div>They were the final words he ever spoke. Shots rang out from the grassy knoll. Kennedy was hit. The same shot that hit the President also hit and severely wounded Governor Connally. A second shot hit the President in the back of his head, and was devastating. Pieces of his skull and brains, and a great deal of blood covered the back seat of the limo.</div><div><br></div><div>First Lady Jacqueline started to climb out the back of the limo, though she later said she had no recollection of ever doing so. After she was back in her seat, Jackie turned to the Connally’s and said, “They have killed my husband. I have pieces of his brain in my hand.”</div><div><br></div><div>The motorcade quickly sped to nearby Parkland Memorial Hospital. The President was pronounced dead on arrival, nearly thirty minutes after the first shot was fired.</div></div>Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16316361297063801542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877340758526957917.post-27402770745964175392020-11-11T23:47:00.001-05:002020-11-11T23:49:06.252-05:00 The Great War<img id="id_7fef_3458_8786_8cea" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/krgQ-9befS0FOxU1lJqnZ9Vxfvl4fzGabKGufWpyglLDXZIAeJm8jWZFFdru_tA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">This is a well written piece by my good friend, Paul Driscoll. It is being shared with his permission. Paul also chose the picture.<br></span><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><div>“The end of the Great War is largely ignored here in the US, and isn't recognized as a Federal holiday like Memorial Day is in May. It's quite the different attitude in Europe and other parts in the world, where the Great War forever changed the landscapes which are now permanantly scarred with the shell holes and trench lines of over 100 years ago. Unexploded munititions continue to pose a threat in places like France and Belgium, and geopolitically we still live in a world bearing the rotten fruit of the consequences of that war. Nowadays I don't think we do much reflecting on the impact of the Great War and how we live in as much a post-WW1 world as we do a post-WW2 one. </div><div><br></div><div>Personally I'm always inspired by how veterans of the Great War chose to remember it and how the war influenced entire artistic movements in its wake. The Dada and subsequent Surrealist art movements attempted to convey the horror of that war and the existentialist philosophies that stemmed from it and continued to blossom after the Second World War. Some of the greatest anti-war novels of our time were penned in the 1920's and 1930's by veterans such as Remarque and Chevallier. The earliest post-apocalyptic writings also came out of the Great War, as some veterans saw mankind's potential to annihilate itself completely, while other veterans like J.R.R. Tolkien applied their observations and experiences to create fantasy realms who were equally gripped in the throws of total war. The then-burgeoning field of psychology was heavily influenced by the influx of combat veterans suffering from physiological problems caused by "shell shock," and others who were perpetually haunted by nightmares and hallucinations stemming from their traumatic combat experiences. </div><div><br></div><div>And today just as then, we haven't learned any of the lessons of that war. It never was "The War to End All Wars," in fact quite the opposite. The Great War has been the catalyst for many other small and larger conflicts throughout the 20th century and into the 21st. We will always have the scars of the war, and sadly we might continuously be making the mistakes we made back in 1914. </div><div><br></div><div>Lest We Forget.”</div><br> </div></div>Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16316361297063801542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877340758526957917.post-26163275827789155762020-11-11T01:40:00.001-05:002020-11-11T09:56:51.272-05:00On the 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month...<img id="id_ee58_7028_72ec_faec" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/tc2klsFr8N_weaMKbex6g3cAKm2F3zkrxT-NPPndm4qt1cm1pCr6yq4Mt1I3nKM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_e56e_90f6_26f7_162b" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/f19EgHDw6plcTKQq5kopspJHTffUeueaWGIps6trUwitOQoCaBvNJH8c2vriKeE" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_73a2_abcb_9854_aa91" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/rSzjr8sErGV7ozZYY42_-iOoCXzYQdyu-ytVzRyh8CWqf9_RgoSC_N-lzMoaPTw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">...the Armistice took effect. The Great War was over. The Allies were victorious, and the World would once again be at peace. In Europe, foes came together and shared cigarettes, stories, comradeship, and wine. The people rejoiced. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">In the US, this day would be celebrated as a national holiday. Armistice Day, as it was called was recognized a year later by President Woodrow Wilson, who wrote a message that said,</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: none; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);">ADDRESS TO FELLOW-COUNTRYMEN</p><p style="margin: 0.5em 0px 1em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: none; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);">The White House, November 11, 1919.</p><p style="margin: 0.5em 0px 1em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: none; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);">A year ago today our enemies laid down their arms in accordance with an armistice which rendered them impotent to renew hostilities, and gave to the world an assured opportunity to reconstruct its shattered order and to work out in peace a new and juster set of international relations. The soldiers and people of the European Allies had fought and endured for more than four years to uphold the barrier of civilization against the aggressions of armed force. We ourselves had been in the conflict something more than a year and a half.</p><p style="margin: 0.5em 0px 1em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: none; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);">With splendid forgetfulness of mere personal concerns, we remodeled our industries, concentrated our financial resources, increased our agricultural output, and assembled a great army, so that at the last our power was a decisive factor in the victory. We were able to bring the vast resources, material and moral, of a great and free people to the assistance of our associates in Europe who had suffered and sacrificed without limit in the cause for which we fought.</p><p style="margin: 0.5em 0px 1em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: none; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);">Out of this victory there arose new possibilities of political freedom and economic concert. The war showed us the strength of great nations acting together for high purposes, and the victory of arms foretells the enduring conquests which can be made in peace when nations act justly and in furtherance of the common interests of men.</p><p style="margin: 0.5em 0px 1em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: none; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);">To us in America the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service, and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of nations.</p><p style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: none; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);">WOODROW WILSON. </p><p style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: none; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);">The Tradition was established. Armistice Day would be celebrated annually until 1947.</p><p style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: none; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);"><br></p><p style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: none; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);">In 1945, WWII veteran Raymond Weeks had the idea to expand the holiday to celebrate all veterans from all wars. Weeks formed a delegation and presented his idea to General Eisenhower. Ike was in favor of a National Veterans Day. </p><p style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: none; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);"><br></p><p style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: none; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);">Weeks led the first national celebration in 1947, and did so every year until he died in 1985. Elizabeth Dole declared that Weeks was “the Father of Veterans Day.” </p><p style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: none; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);"><br></p><p style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: none; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);">A bill establishing Veterans Day as a national holiday passed in Congress. On May 26, 1954 now President Dwight Eisenhower signed the bill into law. Veterans Day was now officially recognized as a national holiday. Congress amended the bill on June 1, replaced the word “Armistice” with “Veterans”, and officially created the day that we now celebrate as Veterans Day.</p><p style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: none; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);"><br></p><p style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: none; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);">At various times and for various reasons, the day of the actual Veterans Day observance was changed, but in 1978 it was officially changed back to November 11. It has remained on that day ever since. </p><p style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: none; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);"><br></p><p style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: none; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);">If you see a veteran, thank him or her for their service. We couldn’t be who we are today if they weren’t who they were when called to serve. </p><p style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: none; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);"><br></p><p style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: none; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);">To Mike Nugent, Mike Conklin, Kayla Kreeger, Bob Klokis, Nick “Gunny Pop” Popaditch, CJ Brucker, Shawn Brucker, Rob Field, Chad Sokol, Chuck Van Voorhis II, Dale Dye, Ken Dickson, Little Chad Sokol, Laura Garver, Patrick Gorman, and every other veteran I know, I say thank you! God bless you! </p><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br> </div>Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16316361297063801542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877340758526957917.post-33251252105277406762020-11-10T13:56:00.001-05:002021-02-23T18:37:56.919-05:002 Flags, 2 Photos, 9 Men, and a Lot of Controversy!<img id="id_82fd_1ba4_3aa_3c4e" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/yBsqKd1UqCz5dTsNCJP2PzY-h48hGH2KWmWOD70Idbj2cXEIUHgsPTmRl3H7Bcc" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_32b5_8ecb_1b64_4b7f" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/3mFufuprVE1rbipfSzHc0yUX8hUlfu36f9hhl3uWYdvjjDCm6j39K5MHhNizlxo" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_8c7d_ea6d_ca57_4761" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/zO8azD94bLm2qln1sjEXByE1tLQMTQqPconEIyIoCVrfKsyKELD49cUoSMuyd0s" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_26f8_bab6_c200_973c" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/d0E2j_zO6OSXt3AUU7FBxg__0P5PFDu3y-GPC_FwP3_0gQ2ydMic75D3ybhdioA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">The Marines raised a flag on Suribachi. The Marines then raised another flag on Suribachi. Joe Rosenthal took a picture of the second flag raising. The Secretary of the Navy requested the first flag. Marine Commander “Howlin’ Mad” Smith said, “Like Hell!” The Secretary of the Navy also praised the flag raising, saying, “...the raising of that flag on Suribachi means a Marine Corps for the next five hundred years!”</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Fighting on Iwo would last for 31 more days. Nearly 6,000 Marines and Naval personnel would die. Of the original 21,000+ Japanese defenders of Iwo, 214 would be captured, and an estimated 300 would flee. The rest were either killed in battle or committed suicide to avoid capture. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Of the 6 flag raisers initially identified in the photo of the second flag raising, Mike Strank, Hank Hansen, and Franklin Sousley would die fighting on Iwo Jima. They would not get to participate in the pomp and circumstances that the other three would be forced to participate in.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">17 hours after Rosenthal took his photo a copy was transmitted to AP headquarters in NYC and distributed to media entities throughout the US. Associated Press photo editor John Bodkin first saw the photo and said, “Here’s one for all time!”</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">President FDR saw the photo and decided it would be a valuable tool in the effort to fund the war effort. The US had been supplying our Allies worldwide for nearly six years, and waging war for 3 and 1/2 years. In spite of the six previous war loan drives, the Treasury was nearly bankrupt. More money was needed, but the feeling was that it would be difficult to raise the money needed now that Germany had been defeated. Many people seemingly lost interest because they thought it was soon going to be over. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Controversy of another kind in regard to the Rosenthal photo also began to develop. After shooting the second flag raising photo, Rosenthal posed some of the men around the flag and took what is now called “the Gung Ho Shot”. It was marked with the identies of every man in the photo, and no one at the time knew how vital this photo would become in the future in regard to correcting mistaken identities.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Word began to spread throughout the US, after people were told that the famous photo was of the second flag raising, that Rosenthal staged the shot, and that it wasn’t as spontaneous as the people were being led to believe. A few days after the photo was taken, Rosenthal was back in Guam. He was asked if he had posed the flag photo, and he said, “Sure!” He thought the question was in regard to the “Gung Ho!” Photo, and not the photo of the flag raising.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Many in the US now began to feel that the photo was a phony, and that it was indeed staged. Robert Sherrod, from Time-Life went so far as to say that Rosenthal should be stripped of the Pulitzer Prize that he had won with his photo.Rosenthal denied the claims and insisted the photo was indeed spontaneous.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Investigations by the media, the War Department, and the Marine Corps itself proved the fact that the photo was legitimate. The 7th War Loan Drive began in earnest.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Ira Hayes, Rene Gagnon, and Doc Bradley were recalled from their duty stations and participated in numerous fund raisers throughout the country. They staged the planting of the flag in DC, NYC, and even at Chicago’s Soldier Field. Crowds were large, and excitement was rampant. The three soon became legendary figures. More importantly, the money began pouring in. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Ira Hayes began having serious issues with the bond drive and how it was being presented to the public. Speculation now was that he was suffering from severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, though that diagnosis was undetermined at the time. Hayes felt that he abandoned his buddies who were still fighting. He also mourned the loss of so many of his fellow Marines, most notably Mike Strank. He was an Indian from the Pima Reservation in AZ, and he didn’t want to let his people or his heritage down. He began drinking heavily in an attempt to escape his fears, his loss, and his sadness. He was often drunk during the bond drive, and often was in trouble. One particular instance saw a drunken Ira attacking the owner of a diner and some other people with a chair because the diner didn’t serve Indians. Doc Bradley saved him from arrest by telling the police who they were. </span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Hayes’ commanders, however, weren’t impressed with his behavior. They decided that he was a risk to the entire operation, so they sent him back into combat before the war drive was over.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Rene Gagnon had a girlfriend who accompanied the men on the drive. He acknowledged his part in the flag raising, but said he only played a minor part in it. However, he relished the fame the men were gaining on the war drive, and hoped to use it to his advantage when the war was over. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Doc Bradley reluctantly participated in the war loan drive. He also said that he only played a minor part in the war. He said he was no hero, and that the true heroes were the men who never came home. He never talked about his war experience to his family, he avoided requests for speaking engagements after the war, and he refused to do interviews with the media. His family would turn away reporters at the door, and would tell anyone who called that he wasn’t home. Only after he died did his son James learn about his father’s wartime legacy.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">It was during the war loan drive that additional controversy started to arise. There were questions over the identity of the flag raisers. Bradley and Hayes both said that one of the men was misidentified.They said that Hank Hansen was not in the photo. Both said that a Marine named Harlon Block was the true man in the photo. The drive organizers and the Marine Corps dismissed the claim. Block had also been killed in action. Also, it was too late to change things. They would continue under the premise that Hank Hansen was indeed in the photo. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">After he returned from his service, Ira Hayes walked and hitchhiked 1300 miles, from the reservation in AZ to Welasco, TX. He went to the home of Harlon Block, where he met Mrs. Block and told her correctly that her son was in the photo. She said that she knew it all along. She recognized Harlon when she first saw the photo, but no one she told believed her. The Marine Corps ignored her, and she felt that nothing could be done.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Shortly afterward, the Marine Corps gave into pressure and conducted an internal investigation. Belle Block,Harlon’s mother, had sent a letter to her Congressman telling him what Hayes had told her. She pled with him to not ignore her, and to ask the Marines to investigate. An inquiry was begun. In January of 1947 the Marine Corps officially admitted the mistake. They acknowledged that Harlon Block was indeed in the photo. Hank Hansen was not. This came in large part from an interview they formally conducted with Ira Hayes. They concluded that;</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">“</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> Ira remembered what Rene Gagnon and John Bradley could not have remembered, because they did not join the little cluster until the last moment: that it was Harlon [Block], Mike [Strank], Franklin [Sousley] and [Hayes] who had ascended Suribachi midmorning to lay telephone wire; it was Rene [Gagnon] who had come along with the replacement flag. Hansen had not been part of this action.”</span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br></span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">During the dedication of the Marine Corps monument on 10 November 1954, Belle Block was invited to and attended the ceremony. Hank Hansen’s mother was not invited. </span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br></span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">This was not the end of the misidentification controversy. In 2016, it was determined after a thorough investigation that Corpsman John “Doc” Bradley was not in the flag raising photo. Franklin Sousley was in the place originally accredited to Bradley. Marine PFC Harold Schultz was now identified as the 6th Marine in the photo. </span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br></span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">This still was not the end of the misidentification controversy. Further investigation revealed that another mistake was made. In October of 2019, the Marine Corps admitted the mistake. Rene Gagnon was not in Rosenthal’s photo, and was not one of the flag raisers. Marine PFC Harold Keller was now put into Gagnon’s place in the photo.</span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br></span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); font-family: "Linux Libertine", Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Ira Hayes had a few speaking engagements to Native American support groups, schools, and other such organizations, but he never could escape his PTSD and his alcoholism. He had a small part portraying himself in the movie, “The Sands of Iwo Jima.” On 24 January 1955, Hayes was found dead in a ditch near an adobe hut on the Pima Reservation near Sacaton, AZ. He is buried in Section 34, Grave 479A of Arlington Cemetery. At his funeral Rene Gagnon said of Ira, </span><span style="font-size: 16px; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> "Let's say he had a little dream in his heart that someday the Indian would be like the white man — be able to walk all over the United States."</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 16px; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 16px; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Hayes was depicted in various movies throughout the years. In 1960, he was played by Lee Marvin in the movie, “The American”. In 1961, he was played by Tony Curtis in the movie, “The Outsider”. In 2006, he was played by Adam Beach in the movie, “Flags of Our Fathers”. He also was the subject of the song, “The Ballad of Ira Hayes.”</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 16px; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 16px; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: rgb(32, 33, 34); font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">What can we learn from all of this? We can learn that no matter how much research is done, mistakes can be made. We also can learn never to stop studying history. Even those who were there can sometimes get it wrong. Question, study, and learn.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">I forgot to add that the 7th War Loan Drive was the most successful of all. While the goal was to raise $9 billion, the six-week drive raised more than $26 billion. </span></div><div><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br> </div>Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16316361297063801542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877340758526957917.post-44709915863933193622020-11-10T11:48:00.001-05:002020-11-10T22:26:19.416-05:00Raising the Flag on Suribachi!<img id="id_3b1a_285e_e525_a00d" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/dxrX5HZrLIkfnQHwv-ErGOolfMgkVrPW77iV_Rnma1ENcqXzsV-Ax1pk2RYHPMk" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_28f3_b36d_bf3c_a966" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/1ldoUjMm5-VgE55Fmjf9DyHtNqKIPHfUGofLuBpyGi3klpEtPgUkTvl4Z-23U9g" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_b5d9_3a5c_5d6b_f3c9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/TRyQHirwHDgKh4DQKHe7wFKPS8fZODq_TPWA0Z9V0A_6r5JeAkPm8CvQlYWm9cE" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">On 19 February 1945, the USMC began the assault on the island of Iwo Jima. This small, volcanic island would at first glance appear to be insignificant, but it had on it an airfield, and US commanders knew that the airfield would be necessary as a safe haven for any aircraft participating in the aerial assault of the Japanese islands. Iwo also was considered sovereign Japanese territory, so by invading Iwo Jima, the US was actually invading Japan.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">The Japanese defenders on Iwo had crafted a great defense system. Throughout the island, there was a series of bunkers, trenches, foxholes, and tunnels. Marines found that as they defeated the enemy in a certain area and moved on, they would often again be attacked from the rear by other Japanese soldiers who moved in from the tunnels. The 21,000+ Japanese defenders were well prepared and willing to fight to the death to secure the island from invasion.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Mt. Suribachi was the most prominent feature on the island. Standing at 546ft above sea level, occupiers of Suribachi had a commanding view of the entire island, as well as the area around it. Japanese used it as an observation point from which to call in artillery strikes on invading Marines, so it became the initial focal point of the attack.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">On February 23, a platoon of Marines made it to the top of Suribachi. They had brought with them an American flag. They used pipe and rocks, and a few of them raised the flag atop Suribachi. This brought a great amount of cheering from the Marines and other US forces on the island, and ultimately every naval ship in the invasion force joined in by blowing their horns, while the crews cheered and waved.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">The Japanese near and in the tunnels on Suribachi were alerted, and the Marine patrol soon came under fire. They neutralized the fire and pushed the Japanese back in short order, and the celebrations continued.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">The Secretary of the Navy, James Forrestal saw the flag, and decided that he wanted it as a souvenir. Upon hearing this, the commander of the 2nd Marine Battalion, Holland “Howlin‘ Mad” Smith said, “To hell with that!”</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Forrestal went ashore with Smith and said, “Holland, the raising of that flag on Suribachi means a Marine Corps for the next five hundred years!”</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">The first flag had been raised by a patrol of 40 men under 1st Sgt. Harold Schrier. The patrol left at 8am, and the first flag was raised at around 10:15. Schrier would later receive the Navy Cross for his actions on Iwo Jima.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Marine Sergeant Mike Strank was given orders by “Howlin’ Mad” Smith to find a replacement flag, take a few men up the hill, replace the first flag, and bring it back to him. At 54 inches by 28 inches, the first flag was difficult to see from afar. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Strank sent PFC Rene Gagnon on a mission to find a new flag, and Gagnon delivered. He found a flag that was 96 inches by 56 inches on one of the ships moored at the beach and was given permission to take it.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Strank, Gagnon, and three other Marines went up Suribachi. They were running a phone line to the top of the hill. They also were going to replace the first flag. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">When they reached the top, Strank told the Marines there to find a pole and give him a hand. They found a long section of pipe, tied the flag to it, and took the first flag down.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">A group of five other Marines assisted Strank in raising the second flag. Photographer Joe Rosenthal was with the Marines, and managed to take one of the most iconic photos in US history. He captured on film the raising of the second flag, but at the time, he had no idea how famous his photo would become.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">When asked about later it, Rosenthal remarked, “</span><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> Out of the corner of my eye, I had seen the men start the flag up. I swung my camera and shot the scene. That is how the picture was taken, and when you take a picture like that, you don't come away saying you got a great shot. You don't know.”</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">The 6 Marines in the flag raising photo were later identified as:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">USMC Sergeant Mike Strank</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> Hank Hansen</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> Franklin Sousley</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> </span><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Ira Hayes</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> Rene Gagnon</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">USN Corpsman John “Doc” Bradley</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">No one knew at the time the legacy that this photo would create, and ultimately the controversy that would be generated as a result.</span></div><div><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br> </div>Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16316361297063801542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877340758526957917.post-47552234837927837702020-11-10T10:14:00.001-05:002020-11-10T10:14:11.426-05:00“Happy Birthday, USMC!”<img id="id_267d_f135_151a_80d3" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/8IAUbMlE59gIq27VR6aYJ6tedz650RN31Vw_QvXFmUF3pnZTXOsN_eOvVdktXaA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Chesty wants to remind you that today is the 245th birthday of the USMC. Formed in 1775 in the Tun Tavern In Philadelphia, PA, the Marine Corps legacy lives on today. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Happy Birthday, USMC! You’ve aged well. Here’s to 245 more years!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">By the way, look for a two-part post on the Iwo Jima flag raising, the resulting controversy, and the 7th War Bond Drive later today.<br></span><br> </div>Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16316361297063801542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877340758526957917.post-63794369089433389482020-11-09T12:26:00.001-05:002020-11-09T12:26:24.427-05:00Birthday of the USMC and Veteran’s Day...Due to 10 November being the birthday of the United States Marine Corps, and 11 November being Veteran’s Day, we will be taking a break from our ongoing Kennedy series of posts. Parts 4 and 5 (required due to the scope of the narrative) will resume on Thursday.Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16316361297063801542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877340758526957917.post-33902238840461489372020-11-09T09:03:00.001-05:002020-11-09T11:26:41.251-05:00JFK and the Election of 1960<img id="id_1d8f_ddc2_ce72_f2c2" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/HWkrjyo9OjO-nBX9ty7yjRGP5naDweJsgTv4gWJ1NLoRubF9Nli0WBC9PMz7kNk" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br> <div>John Fitzgerald Kennedy, also known as JFK, or Jack was the second oldest of the Kennedy sons. His father Joe had his Presidential hopes come to an end when his pro-Nazi sentiments were leaked to the Nazis. His plan to have his oldest son, Joe Jr elected to the Presidency ended when the younger Joe had his plane shot down by the Germans and died.</div><div><br></div><div>What now? JFK was also serving in the US Armed Forces. He was serving in the Pacific, and became a national hero after the sinking of his boat, PT-109, and his subsequent rescue. He received a Purple Heart while in the service of his country, but refused the Bronze Star Medal. When asked how he became a famous war hero, Jack often answered, “I let the Japanese cut my boat in half!”</div><div><br></div><div>But, as is often the case, there is more to this story. He had applied for enlistment in the Naval Academy in 1940, but was rejected due to back troubles. He lobbied his dad, who had great political power in the FDR administration, to get him in. After repeated pressure by Joe, young Jack was finally admitted. </div><div><br></div><div>Joe Sr. hoped to use his son’s war service for political gain. He first became a US Representative, and later a junior Senator, but Joe wanted more. He wanted his son in the Oval Office, and was willing to do whatever it would take to get him there. </div><div><br></div><div>Getting JFK in the White House was a major project, as the Republican nominee in 1960 was Richard M. Nixon. Nixon was Eisenhower’s Vice President, and was the favorite in the race. JFK also had a few things going against him. He was only 42, and his experience was questionable. He also was Catholic in a time when Catholics were looked upon with great scorn. JFK’s boyish good looks won over many, and he ultimately won a highly contested and very close race against Nixon. His age made him the youngest President elected to the office. </div><div><br></div><div>His younger brother Bobby was his campaign manager, and he ran a marvelous campaign JFK and Bobby seemingly disagreed on only one thing. Bobby was highly against having Lyndon B. Johnson as JFK’s running mate. He saw Johnson as being anti-labor union, and knew that Jack would need the support of the unions to win the election. </div><div><br></div><div>Joe Sr didn’t care. He had connections in the labor unions, he had great wealth, he had numerous contacts in organized crime syndicates, and he was willing to do whatever it would take for JFK to win the election. </div><div><br></div><div>More to come...</div>Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16316361297063801542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877340758526957917.post-72008149668260757902020-11-08T10:20:00.001-05:002020-11-08T10:23:20.274-05:00Joe Kennedy, Sr.<img id="id_e74b_4176_c978_cca0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/DKwEoLLCwtaPY5yTN3PdDTKBlEpUX_f9IiDdzb1DqJh43hcT91h6o-DFhSqmeEE" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br> <div>Joe Kennedy was the patriarch of the wealthy and powerful Kennedy political family. I’ll probably catch flak for this, but we all know how Joe made a large share of his money. Internet sites like Wikipedia will surely dismiss the claims, but during Prohibition, Joe made his money bootlegging. He bought, distributed, and sold illegal alcohol. </div><div><br></div><div>He wasn’t alone. Many people during the time did exactly the same thing. However, dealing in an illegal and highly lucrative activity required a lot of friends. Joe acquainted himself with many organized crime bosses. It’s speculated by many that Joe had dealings with people like Al Capone and Lucky Luciano. Joe used these dealings to establish strong ties to Mafia bosses. Names like Sam Giancana and others would become common when mentioning Joe Kennedy. (Mob boss Sam Giancana called Joe, “the biggest crook who ever lived”).</div><div><br></div><div>After Prohibition ended, Joe kept control of three large alcoholic beverage corporations. He also became heavily involved in the stock market. He became chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission under FDR, and was said to have used knowledge gained from his position to cash out big before the stock market crash of 1929.</div><div><br></div><div>At the start of WWII, Joe took criticism for his desire of appeasing the Nazis and trying to force non-intervention by the US. These desires would later come back to haunt him. Joe had been named by FDR as Ambassador to the Court of St. James. At first, the British welcomed him and openly supported his appointment. However, as word of his pro-Nazi sentiment spread, Joe was vilified and demonized by the British population. He was described by a British <span style="font-family: "Crimson Text", serif; font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">senior Foreign Office figure as “a very foul specimen of double-crosser and defeatist (who) thinks only of lining his own pocket”.</span></div><div><br></div><div>Joe had political aspirations. He had hoped to challenge FDR for the Presidency, but those hopes were thwarted when it was learned that confidential letters from Joe to FDR that expressed his pro-Nazi sentiments had actually been leaked to Germany itself.</div><div><br></div><div>Joe’s political aspirations, with the eventual goal of occupying the White House now fell upon his oldest son, Joseph Jr,. Joe Jr, however, was killed in action when he was shot down over Britain by the Germans after the US entered the war.</div><div><br></div><div>Joe Sr. didn’t give up. He had other sons. His next-in-line son was John Fitzgerald Kennedy. JFK was in the war, served in the Navy, and received heroic accolades after the PT-109 incident. The nation now knew who he was. </div><div><br></div><div>Joe was determined to put JFK in the White House, and was willing to do anything in his power to make it happen!</div>Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16316361297063801542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877340758526957917.post-54173261007078605872020-11-07T08:16:00.001-05:002020-11-09T12:11:22.607-05:00The Kennedy Family<br><img id="id_624d_c2de_ce84_8636" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/qB1zm0xpk_D0F8QHK9KruEBppiwTLKIvauHO1h4chpTPX9qEm3VKspIviOMB33w" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_fa0_ad89_a9b4_efdb" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/vpcfnwy5Pl8T7_vt8vShex1KNAR2aLXu648S2yAd5WcfmDOoxP_szafXaIQgj40" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br><br><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Before we get into any of this, let me remind you all that a lot of what I’m going to post is personal opinion. Also, due to complexity of the topic, this story will be covered in four parts. First will be the intro. Second will be a bio of Joe Sr. Third will be the story of JFK and how he won the election. Finally, we’ll conclude with my personal theory of the assassination. Feel free to question it. Feel free to post your own theory in the comments. Feel free even to say that I’m wrong. It is a topic of great debate.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">By the way, I didn’t just go out and decide this on my own. Instead, have drawn my own personal conclusions from years of research, and from talking to people, like my parents, who were there. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">I feel that these posts are relevant due to our current election and potential scandal, but that’s not where I’m going. We will wait until this one is resolved before I say anything about it. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">However, corruption in US elections is nothing new. Some say it doesn’t happen or is exaggerated. Others say it’s a common occurrence that we’ve been conditioned to accept. As in many things, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">The 1960 Presidential Election is one of the most significant elections in our history. John Fitzgerald Kennedy, a wounded, decorated war hero beat Richard Millhous Nixon, another WWII veteran and a man who had served as Vice President under Dwight Eisenhower. By winning, Kennedy became the youngest elected President in our nation’s history. He also was the first catholic elected to the office.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Kennedy’s election was contentious at best. He also, as we all know, was assassinated shortly into his term. Conspiracy theories of all types abound in regard to the Kennedy assassination. Who ultimately was responsible for his death? Why was he killed? Was the assassination of his brother Bobby Kennedy in 1968 related to JFK’s assassination? Many theories exist, but no one can say what happened with any real degree of certainty. We know three things. JFK was elected. JFK was assassinated. Lee Harvey Oswald, JFK’s killer, was killed before he could stand trial. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">By all accounts, Nixon was the favorite in the 1960 election. He was Ike’s VP, and Ike ran a successful Presidency, ending the Korean War, upgrading our infrastructure, and setting the basis for our nationwide interstate highway system. Ike was relatively free of political scandal. </span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Nixon was hoping to use the momentum gained from his partnership in Ike’s administration and easily be elected. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Yet, he lost. Kennedy won a very close race. How did it happen? More in Part 2. <br></span><br><br></div></div>Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16316361297063801542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877340758526957917.post-69714055207690865302020-09-24T08:28:00.001-04:002020-09-24T08:28:04.289-04:00Back in business!<img id="id_d016_a455_f145_87b3" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/SpoS1TyNq6Z330rrYKvqd96tW_UNUZsx6arHw1VTNnytMv7HXCgDqix4MCGHs_4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br> <div>Due to more than a few requests, the blog is back up and running. I’ll be blogging from the Lone Star State, and though I can’t guarantee a post every day, I’ll try for 3 or 4 a week. There will be a variety of new topics and adventures, and though it might have a lost or two about current politics every once in awhile, it won’t be political. </div><div><br></div><div>Enjoy it!</div>Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16316361297063801542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8877340758526957917.post-77138196915275434882020-02-06T12:53:00.001-05:002020-11-09T11:25:03.433-05:00This is political...you are warned..,<img id="id_a5bd_43ef_262a_9423" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/dSqHdm2yFnUwBtV6rrRMysXxk0zSrkxL-jlOED-ejVv1nC3xy1onvo1pPYkcoy4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br> <div>The President was acquitted. So be it. Some say it’s the end of an absurdity and of a farce. Others say the outcome was a farce. To me, it doesn’t matter. It happened; it’s over; move on.</div><div><br></div><div>None of this is the point of this post, however. I have social media and personal friends on all sides of the political spectrum. Some love the President. Some hate the President. Some couldn’t care less. So be it. That’s their right. If they have a social media page, it’s their right to post on it whatever they want. It’s no different than writing a letter to the editor in a newspaper, or posting on a blog.</div><div><br></div><div>If what I post clogs up your news feed with things you don’t agree with, it’s not my job to limit what I post so as not to upset or to offend you. It’s up to you to either scroll past it, or to unfollow it. </div><div><br></div><div>All throughout the day, I see a lot of people threatening to block others over political posts. I read news pages where people are lashing out at others they don’t know in the comments. Clearly, they are saying things on social media that they wouldn’t say to someone’s face.</div><div><br></div><div>I see people who seem to take great joy in blocking/unfriending/unfollowing others, and who seem almost disappointed if they don’t get to do it enough. Threats are made. People are in some cases even being singled out by name. So be it if that’s what makes you happy. I really couldn’t care less. The attitude of many seems to be, “If that’s how you feel, I don’t need you anyway.” Well, that’s my thought as well.</div><div><br></div><div>If you’re willing to give up friendships over social media posts, maybe the friendships weren’t that strong to begin with. Telling others what they can or cannot post on social media so as not to offend you doesn’t make you stronger. It shows intolerance.</div><div><br></div><div>If you don’t like it, scroll on or unfollow. If you decide to block or unfriend, do it and move on; don’t do it, use it as a status symbol, and brag.</div><div><br></div><div>I see history posts, hobbies, etc that I don’t like, and I move on. I don’t tell people not to post them. </div><div><br></div><div>I see political posts I don’t agree with. I move on.</div><div><br></div><div>I see posts criticizing hobbies I like, sports teams I like, or athletes I like, and I don’t care. We don’t all think alike. We all don’t like the same people or the same things. That’s what makes us unique. Sometimes I read them. Sometimes I move on.</div><div><br></div><div>I see posts promoting or singing the praises of sports teams that I despise, or athletes I don’t like, and I don’t care. Sometimes I read them. Most times I move on. It’s your page, your wall. Post what makes you happy.</div><div><br></div><div>No one posts on social media to fill your newsfeed with things you don’t like. They post things they like that sometimes show up in your newsfeed. That’s how it works. They aren’t doing anything wrong. They have the right to use social media as they see fit, just as you do. </div><div><br></div><div>If you don’t like what’s on tv, you turn the channel. If you don’t like what’s on social media, scroll on by. It’s simple. It doesn’t have to be used to cause hatred or divisiveness. It should be used to do whatever makes you happy.</div><div><br></div><div>Just as I don’t have a right to tell you what to post, you don’t have a right to tell me what not to post. To borrow a saying from a friend, “My page! My rules!” We all should remember that. Most importantly, we all should remember tolerance and diversity. We also all should remember what is most important. </div><div><br></div><div>If you see yourself in any of what I have posted here, maybe you should step away from the mirror, try to fix what troubles you, and look again. Most likely, however, you’ll just cry foul and unfollow or unfriend.</div>Duanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16316361297063801542noreply@blogger.com0