I DISAGREE…PLEASE GO ON

There are many ways to commemorate Memorial Day, arguably the most American of our Holidays.

Because while Independence Day made the American Experiment a reality, and the Founding Fathers were visionary in their design of the Governmental structure and our rights/protections as Americans, those who made the ‘ultimate sacrifice’ ensured America would survive and thrive.

And continue to survive and thrive, critics be damned, thank you very much.

So, our primary commemoration should be of today’s honorees.

Fortunately, my Father was “Thanked for his Service” in November, and he was incredibly proud of his WW2 Coast Guard service.

But he loved this holiday, and spent much of the day at graveside commemorations – an honor repaid at his own burial by a 21 -gun salute.

He also remained service connected through his VFW and American Legion memberships, a way to maintain the bond veterans felt, but didn’t talk much about – at least with those of us lucky enough not to have had the experience…

So, for non-Vets, our moment of silent thanks a small token of our appreciation.

Unfortunately, war back in the global conversation – as if it ever left – and while we’re fortunate no American “boots are on the ground” (at the moment), there is much being said/shouted about how war is being waged.  

Which means today’s other ‘Commemoration Activity’ should be an appreciation of our right to say/shout whatever we want about war – or anything.

A right so foundational to America it was specified as the first amendment to our Constitution, the lede to the Bill of Rights, along with freedom of religion, press, assembly and petition.

That last thing “permits us to ask government to address a need or concern through legislation or policies”, though it appears they quit listening years ago…

Unfortunately, displacing Freedom of Paninis, lobbied hard for by the Italian Restaurant Association, and the most popular app at the Bill of Rights after-party.

I don’t know when you last read the Bill of Rights, and the remaining amendments to the Constitution, but take it as a civics lesson well worth the time.

Even a cursory read reminding how visionary the Bill of Rights have proven to be – As George Washington said, “James Madison is a real baller!” – the specified individual rights and protections setting us apart from the rest of the world.

But current events reminding once again: War sucks.

Easily forgotten as the world inanely urges the most inhumane of human behavior be waged ‘more humanely’…

But free speech sucks, too.  

Because practiced humanely, it requires us to respect the right of others to say/shout whatever they want – no matter how we disagree -unless violence inciting.

And done correctly, to engage ‘respectfully’ and not threaten to “kill” someone for their opinion.

Even while Kids Today (Shakes Fist Angrily!) shout things like “Intifada” “Free Palestine” and groups hold hunger strikes by rotating skipping a meal (really – didn’t make it up!), we must respect their right to say them.

But remain vigilant as speech veers toward urging the extermination of the Jewish people – – Is “From the River to the Sea” not violence inciting? – – because what happened in 1938 is never that far from happening again…

And if today’s honorees could exercise their free speech right they might say “I disagree, please go on…I gave my life to protect your privilege – but please think hard about what you’re saying”.

But balance it with action if necessary – our way of life worth preserving.

And if necessary, worth dying for.

For 230 more posts like this –each with a wish for a hint on what Intifada really means– go to beersatthenifty.com. Your phone will display every post, and you can waste an hour or two.

Or send me an email to the site, and I’ll add you to my Sunday distribution.

And I’m now on Substack at justluckytobehere.substack.com. Same stuff, but a different location.

ENHANCE YOUR ENJOYMENT OF THIS POST, PAIR IT WITH THE FOLLOWING ‘AGING HIPSTER MUSIC’:

We’ve previously featured The Pogues, one of my favorite Irish bands, but today I add ‘The Band Played Waltzing Matilda’, perhaps my favorite anti-war song, ‘(What’s So Funny ‘bout) Peace, Love and Understanding?’ the Elvis Costello cover,  ‘Road to Joy’ Bright Eyes (When you’re asked to fight a war about nothing, better make sure you’re on the side that’s going to win), ‘Generals and Majors’ XTC (arguably the finest band of the ‘80s), and ‘19’ Paul Hardcastle ( A very cool send-up of the Vietnam war) to the BATN playlist. Happy Memorial Day!