Not being a conformist sheep type Old Knudsen doesn't play by the rules or at least he just does what he wants.
Today in the good old US of Americy its memorial day, a day to reflect on those who serve their cuntry with bravery and honour and those who have paid with their lives while doing so.
I have combined a post with the Mute Monday theme of courage because too many people are mute when it comes to courage.
For most of my life I have struggled with the concept of courage, when to stand up and say "NO THIS MUST STOP!" even though its not a popular thing to say and everyone else bows their heads keep quiet and just go along with the crowd.
To say the taboo word 'nigger' to make a point about racism knowing that a lot of people won't get past the word to see the point and will condemn me as a racist because I uttered it. Or to call Abraham Lincoln a war monger who cared nothing for liberty of Americans and the rights of slaves when he is turned into some kind of deity by romantic ill-informed historians. Adding JFK and Martin Luther King jr as others whose shit doesn't shink anymore.
My biggest fear is having my courage fail, having the fear infect me so much that my fight or flight reaction chooses flight, lucky I don't do running.
I have not done cowardly things so much but things an average person would do such as look the other way and not get involved, not in major things but in little everyday ways that chip away and I don't feel proud about. I hold myself to higher standards than most people do.
I have also done extremely brave things when afraid to do them but I face them anyway for that is true bravery.
I have done many brave things automatically and then have thought "What was I thinking?" which led me to the conclusion that courage and stupidity are kissing cousins.
There are many people with far more courage than I and I hope I will never be tested in that way.
Dealing with terminal illness, knowing you won't be there when yer kids are growing up, having yer kids taken by a stranger and never to be seen again, I don't know how some people can carry on with good grace and true courage like that.
Americans are spiritually absent for the most, on Memorial day and any other holiday they hold sales. 
Celebrate the deaths of millions by buying something nice for yer yard, you know that's what they would want.Courage:
Out living yer children and being strong enough to carry on after the loss of a loved one who meant the world to you.
Just hanging in there and wondering why it wasn't you.
The disgrace of failed courage and wishing you had done it differently.
Not giving into the Nazis or the Ragheads. The bastards can bomb us but we'll never falter, "Tis but a flesh wound."
Overated courage, John Smeaton helped 'others' subdue a chinky terrorist but he was made a hoosehold name because he had character.
Still having pride because you did yer job and did what you believed in.
False courage, she was captured in Iraq after getting lost and never having fired a shot and was rescued by special forces. She gets turned into a hero.
Speaking out against governments such as China (above) Burma, Zimbabwe, Pakistan and Iran etc.
Serving with the Americans and their 'Friendly fire' with friends like that.............
It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to, than I have ever known. She knew what was waiting for her.
Drawing a cartoon that criticizes fanatics who 'will' try to kill you.
Running into burning buildings when most people would run out.
13 comments:
I'm glad to see the soldiers getting the support they need after the war to get them back on their two legs; it's all a question of balance; getting into the right frame of mind: the comfort in knowing the likes/leaders Blair, Bush, Donald are happy in their retirement with all their grandchildren jumping, and frolicking around.
Thank you all you men who gave what they gave for us, and .... O! sorry I have to go, the girlfriend is calling me, and you know boys when you got-a go you got-a go;-)
Chin chin!
In Canada, we wear red each Friday to honour our troops, and to show our support, well, not last Friday, it was in the wash, but I put it on Saturday.
I will never forget.
Witchypoo's a Canuck?
"I will never forget."
Ditto for me.
MM Whatever help they get will never be enough but they did their job. At least the leaders will never have to know of losing their legs and their millions are safe, thats the main thing. Oh yer gurlfriend is calling me gotta go.
psychicgeek a red what do you wear? I know I'll never forget either.
MJ Yes she is and has a son serving as written about on her blog.
Amen
False courage - good point and nice Non Mute Monday.
Nice Post Knudsee....xx
I find it amazing (though not surprising) that those soldiers who DO make it back home alive but broken, are just now starting to get the medical care that they so-so-much deserve (at the very least that!!) and maybe a little over half will recieve that......But most likely wouldn't have had it not been for the publicity covering the "sub-standard" conditions & sorry treatment they were getting before.......
I'd be interested to see the U.S. draft become necessary again (For men & women)and watch just what kind of excuses would be made for the exemption of the presidents OWN girls from being called on.....
"Heldengedenktag" ... if one needs heroes.
The topic of (moral) courage is front and center in today's culture. Corporate corruption, abusive priests, cheating students, domestic violence -- all these remind us that taking ethical stands should be every individual's highest priority.
Unfortunately most people will never take the "Hard right against the easy Wrong".........
Rich awoman
a boxer well I do try.
kimberly Its always been disgusting how wounded soldiers get treated, as for the draft it shows you the state of the nation when people won't sign up.
mago I think its best to remember them as flawed people than golden heroes but the Nazis were good at that.
kimberly The lack of morals and not just the couragous ones scare me these days.
I simply do not like uniforms and always refused to wear one. As you remarked, military courage and sheer stupidity are kissing cousins.
To keep moral and ethical standarts sadly today IS courage. Politicos, business people, people with responsibilioty - thex failed on a larger scale than normal: Slowly but surely here in Germany the "economical elite" of the last ten years gets jailed for fraud, corruption and plain thiefdom. The assholes that brag about moral responsibility and ethical standarts when firing people are caught redhanded. Tax fraud is common and on the other hand people scream about the underfunding of the school and higher educational system. It makes me vomit. all those bastards should get the ten commandments shoved up their bloody arse. Sorry for the stains on yer clean blog.
A lot of bravery is stupid but its a better world for some of it, like love and hate they are all just an inch away from each other.
I liked the uniforms but not being told what to do.
The corrupt economical elite that make the rules they break are everywhere, those out of touch stupid cunts who take from education then complain about the state of things run most countries.
You need to invest in people and keep putting back in to the community, thats business.
You need to invest in people and keep putting back in to the community, thats business.
if only more people understood this concept, sugar! we'd be in a hellva better situation! xoxo
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