More On Gates Issue and Other Matters

July 25, 2009 — I guess I am like the media...I just can't let go of this Gates and so called racial profiling incident that is garnering the majority of the media's attention right now. Here is why:

1) This educated and noted authority on problems of black men in this country continues to use center stage to rage about racial profiling. However, his attorneys are now weighing in and apparently getting him to quiet down so as not to jeopardize any civil action they may choose to take. Good...go ahead and sue and let a court decide if you have been wronged.
2) The white arresting officer has been characterized by his superiors as being an outstanding police officer. Furthermore, black officers he has worked with have recommended that he provide training to his fellow police officers on how to avoid racial profiling incidents and he did so in an apparent outstanding manner. Now this police officer may not have the academic credentials of Mr. Gates. but what he does have is common sense and a devotion to his duty. Mr. Gates needs to pick up a few classes in these areas.
3) The President allegedly spoke with the arresting officer and told him his choice of words in the statements he as made on this issue have not been the best. He didn't apologize to the officer, his police department, and other police departments across this country as he should, he just said his choice of words were not correct. Mr. President are you above apologizing because of your lofted position? If so, then I don't want you as my President!
4) Now the President is inviting both parties to the White House for a little chat. I guess his intention is to teach them both how this should have been handled. Why does he not just let the police do their job? Is this meeting to be like a President Carter, Manchem Begin, and Anwar Sadat get together. Now that was a meeting well worth everyone's time. This proposal by the President is ridiculous and is just adding fuel to the fire. Just apologize for your huge mistake and deal with the health care issue and other things much more important for a person in the office you are in.

Okay, enough of that. I am returning to being active in my VFW Post. I was once the Post Commander, but resigned that position in support of some unfair accusations brought by one particular Post member against my wife. Wanda was working as the Canteen manager at the Post and this particular member took upon himself to accuse her of wrong doing while working. His motive was to get her removed and someone else in the position of his choosing. I as the Post commander had no authority over the firing and hiring of Canteen employees and that is as it should be. However, I felt at the time that I needed to stand by my wife and I would do the same thing again today. What I have been missing in the past five to six years is the opportunity to actively help my fellow veterans. I can forget about the politics that go along with being in a Post administrative position, and believe you me there are many political wranglings that go on in the VFW, and in doing so I can return to what is really important and that is helping others...veterans and their families. I am glad to be back!

The newest member of our family, MollyB, the four-legged blondhaired little Golden Retriever is coming along nicely. She is a very energetic and loving dog. When she was rescued she had the parvo virus and was a very sick puppy. She has been cured of the virus, but its effects ravaged her intestinal system. So slowly she is returning to normal and is getting over a rather sever case of diarrhea. Through all of it she has not lost her spunk and wanting to give and receive love. Next week we are having her spayed, then the following week she will have her last round of puppy shots, and Wanda and I will then officially adopt her. The Gold Ribbon Rescue people have been great and very supportive to her needs. I am now a firm believer in rescue groups such as this one. They really care and give of themselves to care for dogs that desperately need someone. It's what really matters!