December 31, 2009 — I think a good topic for my final blog of 2009 is to make some resolutions for the coming new year. One hears so much about resolutions sometimes...things like oh you shouldn't make resolutions you can't keep and resolutions can be a good thing because it's like setting goals. I think the latter is true. But before I write my new year resolutions I want to honor my Mother in this final 2009 blog.
Yesterday was Mom's birthday. She was born in 1904. She was a great Mom and loved her family dearly. To so many in our family she was known as Granny B...having so many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. There is a closeness in our family that sometimes is hard to explain. Actually it needs no explanation as it is shown almost daily. All of us owe that closeness to my Mother. It is from her that we have learned to love and care about one another. No greater gift could be given by a mother then this love and caring. Happy Birthday Mom!
Now about those resolutions. I make these knowing full well that there will be much work to be done on my part to carry them through. I accept that challenge.
Resolution #1 - I resolve to take better care of my health...without good health I have nothing.
Resolution #2 - I resolve to be a better husband and friend to my wife Karen (no more Wanda). Without her life would not be near as full as it is nor will be.
Resolution #3 - I resolve to grab each moment that I can to be with those in my family...to share our joys and our woes.
Resolution #4 - I resolve to spend as much time with my grandchildren as I can, so they will know me and I will know them.
Resolution #5 - I resolve to be a loving and caring friend with those that are in my life.
Resolution #6 - I resolve to love and care for our dog MollyB and our cat Boots. They need us and we need them...they give us great joy.
Pretty simple reolutions really. I've got the talkin' done...now it is time for action. This is GOOD STUFF as my brother John would say and I look forward to 2010 with great anticipation...it's what really matters!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas 2009
December 25, 2009 — There is magic in this night and there has been since the birth of Christ over 2000 years ago. The magic and beauty of a Christmas season shines in all our faces and is in all of our families. It is especially so in the children...it is such a joy to see the happiness and excitement they feel. It is such a blessing.
The following is something I have written and of course you will immediately recognize from where it comes. I am not a poet and certainly Clement Moore does not need any improvement on what he wrote in 1822. It is, however, an expression of what I am feeling this blessed night.
'Twas the Night Before Christmas In Our Little House
'Twas the night before Christmas in our little house,
I'd finished my chores and had kissed the spouse.
And now snuggled in bed like a big sleepy head,
MollyB was with me having just been fed.
I slipped into a light sleep and began to dream,
Dreaming of all sorts of wonderful things.
And then I was nudged by a faint little sound,I
thought maybe my son was up and moving around.
But no it couldn't be that I thought to myself,
He'd been asleep for an hour...or was it three.
Then the sound came again and MollyB's ears perked up,
I was alerted now by my good little pup.
As I arose to go look MollyB beat me there,
And when I got there all I could do was just stare.
The fireplace was all aglow with red and white,
it was really an eerie sight.
I looked at the tree and it was sparkling all covered in snow,
Just how did that happen I wanted to know.
So I said to my pup, "let's just go outside and have a look,"
I kept thinking to myself I had read this in a book.
The night was quiet and not a soul to be seen,
and I looked at Molly and knew her senses were keen.
We then both looked to the sky above,
To the stars burning bright and the one in the East,
Shining a dome of light that has never ceased.
Then our gaze turned to the moon and a silhouette that passed,
Of a man in a sleigh behind his reindeer not moving to fast.
And his "Ho-HO-Ho Merry Christmas" gave us no doubt,
St. Nick had come to visit our little house.
Then off in the distance MollyB and I heard,
A Dickens like voice clearly saying each word.
"God Bless Us...Everyone."
And May God Bless you and your house...Merry Christmas! It's what really matters!
Terry
The following is something I have written and of course you will immediately recognize from where it comes. I am not a poet and certainly Clement Moore does not need any improvement on what he wrote in 1822. It is, however, an expression of what I am feeling this blessed night.
'Twas the Night Before Christmas In Our Little House
'Twas the night before Christmas in our little house,
I'd finished my chores and had kissed the spouse.
And now snuggled in bed like a big sleepy head,
MollyB was with me having just been fed.
I slipped into a light sleep and began to dream,
Dreaming of all sorts of wonderful things.
And then I was nudged by a faint little sound,I
thought maybe my son was up and moving around.
But no it couldn't be that I thought to myself,
He'd been asleep for an hour...or was it three.
Then the sound came again and MollyB's ears perked up,
I was alerted now by my good little pup.
As I arose to go look MollyB beat me there,
And when I got there all I could do was just stare.
The fireplace was all aglow with red and white,
it was really an eerie sight.
I looked at the tree and it was sparkling all covered in snow,
Just how did that happen I wanted to know.
So I said to my pup, "let's just go outside and have a look,"
I kept thinking to myself I had read this in a book.
The night was quiet and not a soul to be seen,
and I looked at Molly and knew her senses were keen.
We then both looked to the sky above,
To the stars burning bright and the one in the East,
Shining a dome of light that has never ceased.
Then our gaze turned to the moon and a silhouette that passed,
Of a man in a sleigh behind his reindeer not moving to fast.
And his "Ho-HO-Ho Merry Christmas" gave us no doubt,
St. Nick had come to visit our little house.
Then off in the distance MollyB and I heard,
A Dickens like voice clearly saying each word.
"God Bless Us...Everyone."
And May God Bless you and your house...Merry Christmas! It's what really matters!
Terry
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Some Kids Are Imps and Some Parents Are The Problem
December 23, 2009 — I have helped raise a few kids in my day. I have done some good things in doing so and then there were some things I did not do correctly. I don't recall being a parent that was constantly haranguing my children about this, that, or the other thing. What I mean here is that it is always important to teach a child what is right and wrong and what is and is not acceptable behavior. Correcting a child or haranguing them for being a child however is not important nor the thing to do and it absolutely irks me to no end when I see a parent do that.
I very recently encountered a parent that harangues his children just because that what the child is doing at a particular moment irritates them. The children were just being...well children...playing outside and having a good time. Maybe it was that they were laughing too loud or running too fast or climbing into the back of a parked pickup...it irritated this parent and he had to correct them at every move. Earlier the parent had mentioned that his "demon" child was back from a week long visit to his Aunt's house. This child is certainly not a demon, an imp sometimes and what child isn't, and I know that the parent does not really think of the child that way. It was just the parents way of saying that his vacation from not having to feel the need to constantly correct the child was over. This parent needs to go take a long look in the mirror and he will see where the problem lies.
Another issue arises here that just irks me. When I have talked with this parent about child rearing, I have often times heard "...my Dad was that way and therefore that's the way I am." The next time I hear this I am going to ask this parent or whoever that if their father had been Jack the Ripper would they feel a need to be Jack the Ripper II. I can't tell you how many times I have heard this and it makes me sick. Come on parent take responsibility for your own actions and don't hang the blame on your Dad or your Mom. What a cop out!
We all have the right and responsibility to raise our children. Hopefully we do so in a solid family manner and give emphasis to good moral and social behavior. The parent I have been describing certainly has that capability and does some things as a parent really well. I just hope they will let their children be children and do less haranguing on them just because it irritates them...it's what really matters!
I very recently encountered a parent that harangues his children just because that what the child is doing at a particular moment irritates them. The children were just being...well children...playing outside and having a good time. Maybe it was that they were laughing too loud or running too fast or climbing into the back of a parked pickup...it irritated this parent and he had to correct them at every move. Earlier the parent had mentioned that his "demon" child was back from a week long visit to his Aunt's house. This child is certainly not a demon, an imp sometimes and what child isn't, and I know that the parent does not really think of the child that way. It was just the parents way of saying that his vacation from not having to feel the need to constantly correct the child was over. This parent needs to go take a long look in the mirror and he will see where the problem lies.
Another issue arises here that just irks me. When I have talked with this parent about child rearing, I have often times heard "...my Dad was that way and therefore that's the way I am." The next time I hear this I am going to ask this parent or whoever that if their father had been Jack the Ripper would they feel a need to be Jack the Ripper II. I can't tell you how many times I have heard this and it makes me sick. Come on parent take responsibility for your own actions and don't hang the blame on your Dad or your Mom. What a cop out!
We all have the right and responsibility to raise our children. Hopefully we do so in a solid family manner and give emphasis to good moral and social behavior. The parent I have been describing certainly has that capability and does some things as a parent really well. I just hope they will let their children be children and do less haranguing on them just because it irritates them...it's what really matters!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Sometimes It's A Matter of Faith
December 22, 2009 — I have on occasion in this blog written about my youngest son who is 20-yrs old. I have written about some of the trials and tribulations he has put himself and his family through over the last several years. There is no doubt that like so many young people now days he often times displays little knowledge about respect or taking responsibility for his words and deeds. Unfortunately I have seen this all to often in his everyday life. The lack of respect for authority and the thinking he can live by his own rules in everything he does has been most troubling.
I have spoken with him many times on these subjects and to little avail. Those of us that are parents experience this with our children...some more than others. The frustration of it all can become overwhelming and one might get to the point where they throw up their hands and try to commit to an attitude of not caring. I have approached that point many times and then I have gone back to reality and realized something. I know this young man and I know where he comes from.
I saw the reality of that just the other day with my son. We were at my step-sons house having a cookout and enjoying their new baby boy. He is just a little over a week old and is as precious as can be. My son sat for a long while holding his new nephew in his lap as he sat in the family easy chair. His gentleness and handling of the baby was a sight to behold. And it confirmed to me what I have always known and believed...I know my son and I know where he comes from.
Is this a matter of faith? I believe that it is. If we have faith and believe in what we know to be true, then we are never lost in the chaos that sometimes attempts to envelop or lives. It is faith that brings us through the trials and tribulations of life. I saw that so clearly on this particular day. It is this faith that has brought an ease to me in how I feel about the relationship I have with my son... it is what really matters!
I have spoken with him many times on these subjects and to little avail. Those of us that are parents experience this with our children...some more than others. The frustration of it all can become overwhelming and one might get to the point where they throw up their hands and try to commit to an attitude of not caring. I have approached that point many times and then I have gone back to reality and realized something. I know this young man and I know where he comes from.
I saw the reality of that just the other day with my son. We were at my step-sons house having a cookout and enjoying their new baby boy. He is just a little over a week old and is as precious as can be. My son sat for a long while holding his new nephew in his lap as he sat in the family easy chair. His gentleness and handling of the baby was a sight to behold. And it confirmed to me what I have always known and believed...I know my son and I know where he comes from.
Is this a matter of faith? I believe that it is. If we have faith and believe in what we know to be true, then we are never lost in the chaos that sometimes attempts to envelop or lives. It is faith that brings us through the trials and tribulations of life. I saw that so clearly on this particular day. It is this faith that has brought an ease to me in how I feel about the relationship I have with my son... it is what really matters!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Is This The Right Thing To Do?
December 15, 2009 — Anyone that knows me or reads my blog or emails I send occasionally understands that I am pro veteran. I am one of so many that stands up for and strongly supports veterans and the laws and benefits that affect veterans. Well today's edition of the Austin American-Statesman is carrying an article titled "Travis County is looking to set up court for veterans" that caught my eye and raises a few questions. The article describes how county officials are looking at creating a court docket to handle crimes committed by veterans suffering from mental illness and substance abuse that would channel these veterans into treatment and social services instead of sending them to jail. Hmmm...now wait just a minute. Before reading further I suggest you read the American-Statesman article here http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/2009/12/15/1215veterans.html.
First of all, who would be the authority that identifies that a veteran committed a crime because of mental distress/illness or substance abuse caused by their military service? Would it be the Veterans Administration (VA), county health officials, the individuals military health record...who? There is recent evidence (Fort Carson, Colorado and Fort Hood, Texas) that military medical personnel and even the VA do not fully understand and correctly identify those that suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and/or the use of illegal drugs to "self medicate." The system they work under often times does not readily allow them to effectively identify and treat those that are suffering. Manpower is an issue here and there is possibly too much "rubber stamping" going on to keep the flow of patients moving. Furthermore, how is someone in the military suffering from PTSD any different from a teenager dealing with the stresses of peer pressure or an adult that has lost their job and is stressed? To me there is no difference. For those that "self medicate" (a politically correct term for doing drugs), I have no sympathy. The body of evidence on what happens when one abuses drugs is huge and very clear and has been for a long time.
What crimes would be handled by such a court? Only misdemeanors? Could a veteran that committed a felony such as sexual abuse or burglary or car theft end up in this court because it was deemed that they committed the crime because they were mentally stressed or on drugs? This is dangerous ground here. There needs to be clear evidence that whatever crimes are handled by a court such as this are not repeated by an individual and the treatment and/or social services received were the reason that it was so and not because the individual was incarcerated. The above article presents no such evidence.
The Statesman article cites a 90-day study conducted through a Travis County program called "Veterans Intervention Project." This was a "self-reporting through questionnaires" study that reported various statistics on veterans jailed during the period of the study. The most significant statistic of this limited study is that only 35% of those veterans eligible to receive help from the VA for mental health and substance abuse issues had done so. The study noted that one reason for this is the stigma in the military against seeking mental health help. I am sure this is true, but the problem goes much deeper. There apparently is still a huge mistrust of the VA among Vietnam veterans especially. How do I know this? By talking with vets at VA clinics and VA hospitals here in Texas. This mistrust is due primarily because of past problems vets have had with the VA such as delays in getting treatment, mistakes made in treatment, and also because the vet himself is not yet over the war in Vietnam. This is an education problem and there needs to be ways of better educating veterans and the general population on what the VA is doing to improve (they are making great strides) and more importantly what treatment and services are available.
So the county is just beginning to talk about this court. No money to fund such a court has been identified and that is going to be a bone to chew. I personally have no problem with some of my county tax dollars being used for such a court, but then again I am a veteran. My neighbor next door could take issue however. That again is an education issue and the county would do well to lay that ground work down early.
I am in favor of such a court being established as long as it is carefully administered with strong, competent oversight, i.e. no "rubber stamping." Maj. Darren Long of the Travis County Sheriff Office and a member of a veterans task force stated it rather clearly in the last paragraph of the article when he said there needs to be more understanding of the issues facing veterans, especially those fresh from combat tours. "We come across them when they are in a mental health crisis," he said. "We owe it to them. They take care of us and our freedoms. Now it's our turn to take care of them when they come back home." It's what really matters!
First of all, who would be the authority that identifies that a veteran committed a crime because of mental distress/illness or substance abuse caused by their military service? Would it be the Veterans Administration (VA), county health officials, the individuals military health record...who? There is recent evidence (Fort Carson, Colorado and Fort Hood, Texas) that military medical personnel and even the VA do not fully understand and correctly identify those that suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and/or the use of illegal drugs to "self medicate." The system they work under often times does not readily allow them to effectively identify and treat those that are suffering. Manpower is an issue here and there is possibly too much "rubber stamping" going on to keep the flow of patients moving. Furthermore, how is someone in the military suffering from PTSD any different from a teenager dealing with the stresses of peer pressure or an adult that has lost their job and is stressed? To me there is no difference. For those that "self medicate" (a politically correct term for doing drugs), I have no sympathy. The body of evidence on what happens when one abuses drugs is huge and very clear and has been for a long time.
What crimes would be handled by such a court? Only misdemeanors? Could a veteran that committed a felony such as sexual abuse or burglary or car theft end up in this court because it was deemed that they committed the crime because they were mentally stressed or on drugs? This is dangerous ground here. There needs to be clear evidence that whatever crimes are handled by a court such as this are not repeated by an individual and the treatment and/or social services received were the reason that it was so and not because the individual was incarcerated. The above article presents no such evidence.
The Statesman article cites a 90-day study conducted through a Travis County program called "Veterans Intervention Project." This was a "self-reporting through questionnaires" study that reported various statistics on veterans jailed during the period of the study. The most significant statistic of this limited study is that only 35% of those veterans eligible to receive help from the VA for mental health and substance abuse issues had done so. The study noted that one reason for this is the stigma in the military against seeking mental health help. I am sure this is true, but the problem goes much deeper. There apparently is still a huge mistrust of the VA among Vietnam veterans especially. How do I know this? By talking with vets at VA clinics and VA hospitals here in Texas. This mistrust is due primarily because of past problems vets have had with the VA such as delays in getting treatment, mistakes made in treatment, and also because the vet himself is not yet over the war in Vietnam. This is an education problem and there needs to be ways of better educating veterans and the general population on what the VA is doing to improve (they are making great strides) and more importantly what treatment and services are available.
So the county is just beginning to talk about this court. No money to fund such a court has been identified and that is going to be a bone to chew. I personally have no problem with some of my county tax dollars being used for such a court, but then again I am a veteran. My neighbor next door could take issue however. That again is an education issue and the county would do well to lay that ground work down early.
I am in favor of such a court being established as long as it is carefully administered with strong, competent oversight, i.e. no "rubber stamping." Maj. Darren Long of the Travis County Sheriff Office and a member of a veterans task force stated it rather clearly in the last paragraph of the article when he said there needs to be more understanding of the issues facing veterans, especially those fresh from combat tours. "We come across them when they are in a mental health crisis," he said. "We owe it to them. They take care of us and our freedoms. Now it's our turn to take care of them when they come back home." It's what really matters!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
A Different Christmas Poem...A Veterans Perspective
December 8, 2009 — There are a number of different articles, poems, etc making the rounds on the Internet at this time of year that point to the sacrifices are armed forces make for our freedoms. Some are factual and some present some individuals view of what it must be like for the men and women that are making those sacrifices. Certainly A Different Christmas Poem is one of those that fits in one of these categories.
Snopes.com provides what one could say is the truth about this particular poem. What they have to say can be found here http://www.snopes.com/holidays/christmas/glurge/different.asp. Regardless of who wrote this poem what is important is what it has to say and what it depicts. Read the poem (Snopes.com) for I believe it has deep meaning for those that wear the uniform of our armed forces and those that have worn the uniform and can proudly call themselves veterans.
During Christmas time 1970 my flight crew was in Utapao, Thailand flying missions in support of the war in Vietnam. Beginning on Dec 18th we flew eight straight 12-hour missions...the last ending on Christmas Day that year. There were 12 of us in that flight crew and we had a closeness of a family especially being away from our own loved ones at that time of year. Did we view our duty as the soldier depicted in the poem? While I cannot speak for the others, I can say with all honestly that I did not...at least not in that perspective. We knew we had a job to do and we did it. It kept us strong in purpose and in our togetherness. Could we have held the exact perspective of that lonely soldier standing guard on Christmas Eve? Yes we could have and maybe we did.
When I read A Different Christmas Poem the memories of Christmas 1970 came flooding back to me. On Dec 18th my daughter Kelly was born. I was notified of her birth by American Red Cross telegram after landing from our mission on the 23rd. I was so proud and happy. My crew, my extended family helped me celebrate. It was not until the following May that I first got to hold her. My story is not unique as we all have read or heard of the all too many similar stories. My point is that the poem and my own real life events helped me put this in the perspective of that lonely soldier.
There should be no doubt in any of our minds that this Christmas Eve there will be thousands and thousands of service men and women standing that lonely vigil. They are indeed lonely and scared. There should be no doubt that they want more than anything to be home with their families and loved ones and yet they stand that watch and do their duty. Regardless of your religious and political beliefs I ask that you remember these young men and women and if you pray or whatever guidance you seek...you ask that their safety be first...that they are held out of harms way...and that they soon return safely home. It's what really matters!
Snopes.com provides what one could say is the truth about this particular poem. What they have to say can be found here http://www.snopes.com/holidays/christmas/glurge/different.asp. Regardless of who wrote this poem what is important is what it has to say and what it depicts. Read the poem (Snopes.com) for I believe it has deep meaning for those that wear the uniform of our armed forces and those that have worn the uniform and can proudly call themselves veterans.
During Christmas time 1970 my flight crew was in Utapao, Thailand flying missions in support of the war in Vietnam. Beginning on Dec 18th we flew eight straight 12-hour missions...the last ending on Christmas Day that year. There were 12 of us in that flight crew and we had a closeness of a family especially being away from our own loved ones at that time of year. Did we view our duty as the soldier depicted in the poem? While I cannot speak for the others, I can say with all honestly that I did not...at least not in that perspective. We knew we had a job to do and we did it. It kept us strong in purpose and in our togetherness. Could we have held the exact perspective of that lonely soldier standing guard on Christmas Eve? Yes we could have and maybe we did.
When I read A Different Christmas Poem the memories of Christmas 1970 came flooding back to me. On Dec 18th my daughter Kelly was born. I was notified of her birth by American Red Cross telegram after landing from our mission on the 23rd. I was so proud and happy. My crew, my extended family helped me celebrate. It was not until the following May that I first got to hold her. My story is not unique as we all have read or heard of the all too many similar stories. My point is that the poem and my own real life events helped me put this in the perspective of that lonely soldier.
There should be no doubt in any of our minds that this Christmas Eve there will be thousands and thousands of service men and women standing that lonely vigil. They are indeed lonely and scared. There should be no doubt that they want more than anything to be home with their families and loved ones and yet they stand that watch and do their duty. Regardless of your religious and political beliefs I ask that you remember these young men and women and if you pray or whatever guidance you seek...you ask that their safety be first...that they are held out of harms way...and that they soon return safely home. It's what really matters!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Abilene High School Eagle Football: On To State
December 5, 2009 — As I was checking the scores online of the Texas High School football playoff games played Friday night, I briefly read an article about the local high school powerhouse, the Lake Travis High School Rebels, and how they had just won their 44th game in a row. They are indeed a very good football team and as the consecutive win record shows they have been one for some time now. That number "44" immediately brought back in my mind another consecutive win streak for a Texas high school football team...a streak of "49" consecutive wins by the Abilene High Eagles of 1954-57.
The Eagle football teams of this era were coached by Chuck Moser. Beginning in 1953 through 1959, Coach Moser was "The Coach" and became a legend in those few years in Texas high school football along with the likes of Coach Gordon Wood at Brownwood, Texas high school. He had succeeded another legend at Abilene High Coach P.E. Shotwell. What made these men legends and reach the success they did in their profession? It was nothing less than taking a group of young men and instilling in them the true value of hard work...believing in your school...having fun...and having faith in God. Coach Moser instilled this also in the community. In his seven years as the coach his win/loss record was 78-7. He moved on to become the Abilene School District Athletic Director.
Abilene High's win streak started in 1954 with a regular season win over Borger High School 34-7. The streak included all regular season and state playoff games from that point in 1954 to the 1957 state 4A semi-final game against the Highland Park High School Scotties of Dallas, Texas. That game ended in a tie on the scoreboard 20-20. The first tie breaker used at that time was what was known as penetrations...that being when your offense moved the ball inside the opponents 20-yard line. Highland Park advanced to the state final game (which they won) by winning on penetrations 5-3. It was a great football game played in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. It was heartbreaking for those of us in the stands that were Eagle fans. I remember that my brother and I were just so sick and disappointed. It was the end of what at that time was recognized as the longest high school football win streak ever in the nation.
I wish I could remember all of the players from those great Abilene High Eagle teams. There were so many good players. Some I will never forget...the backfield of QB-Harold "Hayseed" Stephens, HB-Jimmy Carpenter, HB-Glenn Gregory, and FB-James Welch. Then there was an End by the name of Twyman Ash...geesh what a great name. The QB Stephens had his leg broken in the final regular season game of 1956, so the QB duties fell on a young man named Gervis Galbrieth...and he filled the bill well and on into the next season. The offensive line was made up of great players and unfortunately their names escape me now. If you wanted to know who played defense you only had to wait until the other team got the ball and the Eagle offense became the defense. There were few, if any, one-way players in those days. In 1999 the Dallas Morning News designated the Abilene High Eagle football teams of 1954-57 as The Team of the Century.
Abilene High played in District 1-4A in these years...4A being the highest classification in the state at the time. For a look at what schools were included visit this website http://www.fridaynighthistory.com/abilene.html. This district became known as "The Little Southwest Conference." The now defunct NCAA Southwest Conference was made up of the major universities in the state plus the University of Arkansas and the conference was noted for its rough and tumble football. It was the same in District 1-4A and therefore the moniker. District alignment in the state of Texas is controlled by the University Interscholastic League (UIL) which governs academic, athletic, and music competition for high schools in the state. For background on the UIL I invite you here http://www.uil.utexas.edu/.
The district winner in football at the time was awarded the district victory bell. This was a good size bell mounted on a two-wheel cart complete with a handle for rotating the bell or a bell team member could grab the clapper and clang away. Ever present on the sideline at the following years football games, one could hear the bell from miles away. When I think of Eagle football, the sound of that victory bell comes through loud and clear. Oh the number of times I stood on the front porch of my Mom's house and heard the bell at the game being played in Fair Park Stadium a couple of miles away. It was traditional that the final regular season game was played against the arch rival San Angelo Central High School Bobcats. The game was played on Saturday afternoon and they would start ringing the bell around 8 a.m. and continue until the victory celebration ended. I can hear it now.
One historical record shows that from 1920 through 2000 Abilene High School has won six state football championships and played in eight state title games (http://www.alicecoyote.com/football2/texas_football_state_championshi.htm). There last championship and appearance in the title game was in 1956. So what about the Eagle football team of today? There record is 13-0 having just defeated last night Arlington, Texas Bowie High School 35-7 in one of the 5A Divison II quarterfinal games. Next weekend they will play in one of the 5A Division II semi-final games...for the 14th time in school history. Win that one, and they should, then it is the state title game. Coach Moser and the Eagles of 1954-57 have to be smiling and proud of these Eagles.
I am not a graduate of Abilene High. I graduated from "the other high school" Abilene Cooper which opened in 1961. I am the only member of my family that resided or currently resides in Abilene that did not go to AHS. I've taken a lot of good natured ribbing over the years on this fact. What I do have is a healthy respect for Abilene High School Eagle football and its history. So, to the Warbirds of today I say ON TO STATE...its what really matters!
* Some material for this blog was obtained from the linked web sites and the online editions of the Austin American-Statesman and the Abilene Reporter News.
The Eagle football teams of this era were coached by Chuck Moser. Beginning in 1953 through 1959, Coach Moser was "The Coach" and became a legend in those few years in Texas high school football along with the likes of Coach Gordon Wood at Brownwood, Texas high school. He had succeeded another legend at Abilene High Coach P.E. Shotwell. What made these men legends and reach the success they did in their profession? It was nothing less than taking a group of young men and instilling in them the true value of hard work...believing in your school...having fun...and having faith in God. Coach Moser instilled this also in the community. In his seven years as the coach his win/loss record was 78-7. He moved on to become the Abilene School District Athletic Director.
Abilene High's win streak started in 1954 with a regular season win over Borger High School 34-7. The streak included all regular season and state playoff games from that point in 1954 to the 1957 state 4A semi-final game against the Highland Park High School Scotties of Dallas, Texas. That game ended in a tie on the scoreboard 20-20. The first tie breaker used at that time was what was known as penetrations...that being when your offense moved the ball inside the opponents 20-yard line. Highland Park advanced to the state final game (which they won) by winning on penetrations 5-3. It was a great football game played in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. It was heartbreaking for those of us in the stands that were Eagle fans. I remember that my brother and I were just so sick and disappointed. It was the end of what at that time was recognized as the longest high school football win streak ever in the nation.
I wish I could remember all of the players from those great Abilene High Eagle teams. There were so many good players. Some I will never forget...the backfield of QB-Harold "Hayseed" Stephens, HB-Jimmy Carpenter, HB-Glenn Gregory, and FB-James Welch. Then there was an End by the name of Twyman Ash...geesh what a great name. The QB Stephens had his leg broken in the final regular season game of 1956, so the QB duties fell on a young man named Gervis Galbrieth...and he filled the bill well and on into the next season. The offensive line was made up of great players and unfortunately their names escape me now. If you wanted to know who played defense you only had to wait until the other team got the ball and the Eagle offense became the defense. There were few, if any, one-way players in those days. In 1999 the Dallas Morning News designated the Abilene High Eagle football teams of 1954-57 as The Team of the Century.
Abilene High played in District 1-4A in these years...4A being the highest classification in the state at the time. For a look at what schools were included visit this website http://www.fridaynighthistory.com/abilene.html. This district became known as "The Little Southwest Conference." The now defunct NCAA Southwest Conference was made up of the major universities in the state plus the University of Arkansas and the conference was noted for its rough and tumble football. It was the same in District 1-4A and therefore the moniker. District alignment in the state of Texas is controlled by the University Interscholastic League (UIL) which governs academic, athletic, and music competition for high schools in the state. For background on the UIL I invite you here http://www.uil.utexas.edu/.
The district winner in football at the time was awarded the district victory bell. This was a good size bell mounted on a two-wheel cart complete with a handle for rotating the bell or a bell team member could grab the clapper and clang away. Ever present on the sideline at the following years football games, one could hear the bell from miles away. When I think of Eagle football, the sound of that victory bell comes through loud and clear. Oh the number of times I stood on the front porch of my Mom's house and heard the bell at the game being played in Fair Park Stadium a couple of miles away. It was traditional that the final regular season game was played against the arch rival San Angelo Central High School Bobcats. The game was played on Saturday afternoon and they would start ringing the bell around 8 a.m. and continue until the victory celebration ended. I can hear it now.
One historical record shows that from 1920 through 2000 Abilene High School has won six state football championships and played in eight state title games (http://www.alicecoyote.com/football2/texas_football_state_championshi.htm). There last championship and appearance in the title game was in 1956. So what about the Eagle football team of today? There record is 13-0 having just defeated last night Arlington, Texas Bowie High School 35-7 in one of the 5A Divison II quarterfinal games. Next weekend they will play in one of the 5A Division II semi-final games...for the 14th time in school history. Win that one, and they should, then it is the state title game. Coach Moser and the Eagles of 1954-57 have to be smiling and proud of these Eagles.
I am not a graduate of Abilene High. I graduated from "the other high school" Abilene Cooper which opened in 1961. I am the only member of my family that resided or currently resides in Abilene that did not go to AHS. I've taken a lot of good natured ribbing over the years on this fact. What I do have is a healthy respect for Abilene High School Eagle football and its history. So, to the Warbirds of today I say ON TO STATE...its what really matters!
* Some material for this blog was obtained from the linked web sites and the online editions of the Austin American-Statesman and the Abilene Reporter News.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Whatever Happened To Unity?
December 3, 2009 — United We Stand...Divided We Fall. I am not sure where that comes from, but it is so true...and even more so in today's times. Whatever happened to the unity we felt as a country immediately following 9/11? Where has the resolve as a nation to fight terrorism gone? It's gone far away and partly caused by the writings of such people as George F. Will the noted Op-Ed columnist of the Washington Post.
Mr. Will's response http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/02/AR2009120202044.html to the President's speech is just bottom line wrong! While Will makes some very good points in his article, to me it represents all that is negative and does nothing for the sake of unity...something that is sorely need in this country right now. My case in point is what he writes in the past two paragraphs:
"A case can be made for a serious -- meaning larger and more protracted -- surge. A better case can be made for a radically reduced investment of resources and prestige in that forlorn country. Obama has not made a convincing case for his tentative surgelet."
"George Orwell said that the quickest way to end a war is to lose it. But Obama's halfhearted embrace of a half-baked nonstrategy -- briefly feinting toward the Taliban (or al-Qaeda, or a "syndicate of terror") while lunging for the exit ramp -- makes a protracted loss probable."
Surgelet indeed (how quaint)...Mr. Will seems to have all the answers. Using such words and terms as "radically reduced investment", the aforementioned "surgelet", "halfhearted embrace of a half-baked nonstrategy" and "protracted loss probable" are sickening and just flat out wrong. While we may not always agree with the President and his administration on many political issues, and I certainly fall into that category, his speech on Tuesday was NOT half-baked nor delivered halfheartedly. Failure has not been proven.
Mr Will earlier in his article indicated he seemed to know where al Qaeda resides and in what numbers. Maybe he is in the wrong business and should become an intelligence consultant for DoD and make the really big bucks. Now there's a thought...indeed he should be onsite in Afghanistan.
After the President's speech, Gen. McChrystal conferred with his commanders and his troops telling them he was more confident than ever that they could now get the job done. Interviews with troops themselves show that they are now more hopeful that they can get home sooner. Are these points lost on Mr. Will? Indeed they are!
Will's article was written for one reason and one reason only and that is sensationalism. Let's keep stirring the pot. Well George, I use to have respect for your writing, however that respect has been seriously diminished because of this drivel. To be crude for a moment...you can STUFF IT George! As I stated earlier, I do not support this President and his administration on many issues, but on this issue I stand firmly behind him and Gen. McChrystal until, and if, they prove otherwise...it's what really matters.
Mr. Will's response http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/02/AR2009120202044.html to the President's speech is just bottom line wrong! While Will makes some very good points in his article, to me it represents all that is negative and does nothing for the sake of unity...something that is sorely need in this country right now. My case in point is what he writes in the past two paragraphs:
"A case can be made for a serious -- meaning larger and more protracted -- surge. A better case can be made for a radically reduced investment of resources and prestige in that forlorn country. Obama has not made a convincing case for his tentative surgelet."
"George Orwell said that the quickest way to end a war is to lose it. But Obama's halfhearted embrace of a half-baked nonstrategy -- briefly feinting toward the Taliban (or al-Qaeda, or a "syndicate of terror") while lunging for the exit ramp -- makes a protracted loss probable."
Surgelet indeed (how quaint)...Mr. Will seems to have all the answers. Using such words and terms as "radically reduced investment", the aforementioned "surgelet", "halfhearted embrace of a half-baked nonstrategy" and "protracted loss probable" are sickening and just flat out wrong. While we may not always agree with the President and his administration on many political issues, and I certainly fall into that category, his speech on Tuesday was NOT half-baked nor delivered halfheartedly. Failure has not been proven.
Mr Will earlier in his article indicated he seemed to know where al Qaeda resides and in what numbers. Maybe he is in the wrong business and should become an intelligence consultant for DoD and make the really big bucks. Now there's a thought...indeed he should be onsite in Afghanistan.
After the President's speech, Gen. McChrystal conferred with his commanders and his troops telling them he was more confident than ever that they could now get the job done. Interviews with troops themselves show that they are now more hopeful that they can get home sooner. Are these points lost on Mr. Will? Indeed they are!
Will's article was written for one reason and one reason only and that is sensationalism. Let's keep stirring the pot. Well George, I use to have respect for your writing, however that respect has been seriously diminished because of this drivel. To be crude for a moment...you can STUFF IT George! As I stated earlier, I do not support this President and his administration on many issues, but on this issue I stand firmly behind him and Gen. McChrystal until, and if, they prove otherwise...it's what really matters.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
President Obama's Speech at U.S. Military Academy, West Point, N.Y.
December 2, 2009 — The long awaited response by the President on the war in Afghanistan was delivered last night at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. The text of his message can be read here http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34231058/ns/politics-white_house/ and I would recommend that it be read by every American. A video of the speech can be linked from this page also. It was, in my opinion, a very good speech and can be broken up basically in six major areas. Each of these I will discuss below. If nothing else, this President is an excellent orator.
Part 1 - History
The President clearly defined what caused us to enter into the war in Afghanistan. How the brutality of the acts of 9/11 brought forth a resolve in America to fight back against terrorism and put an end to it at every turn. He reminded us of our resolve by stating..."Just days after 9/11, Congress authorized the use of force against al Qaeda and those who harbored them - an authorization that continues to this day."
He continued with the historical perspective by discussing the war in Iraq and how it has taken away from resources for the war in Afghanistan. I felt this was a clandestine effort to take a slap at the previous administration. He did not dwell on this point, but it was included and while it may yet prove to be true I will leave that for the military historians to vet out in the years to come.
His presentation of the history behind our involvement in Afghanistan was clear, concise, and well done.
Part 2 - The Review Process
The area the President has taken the most criticism for by his critics, including me, is why he has taken so long to answer directly the request of his military commanders in the field. He noted the situation in Afghanistan had deteriorated and acknowledged that Gen. McChrystal found "that the security situation is more serious than he anticipated. In short: the status quo is not sustainable. " More importantly the President told the Corps of Cadets this:
"As cadets, you volunteered for service during this time of danger. Some of you have fought in Afghanistan. Many will deploy there. As your Commander-in-Chief, I owe you a mission that is clearly defined, and worthy of your service. That is why, after the Afghan voting was completed, I insisted on a thorough review of our strategy. Let me be clear: there has never been an option before me that called for troop deployments before 2010, so there has been no delay or denial of resources necessary for the conduct of the war. Instead, the review has allowed me ask the hard questions, and to explore all of the different options along with my national security team, our military and civilian leadership in Afghanistan, and with our key partners. Given the stakes involved, I owed the American people - and our troops - no less."
He then went on to say this:
"This review is now complete. And as Commander-in-Chief, I have determined that it is in our vital national interest to send an additional 30,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan. After 18 months, our troops will begin to come home. These are the resources that we need to seize the initiative, while building the Afghan capacity that can allow for a responsible transition of our forces out of Afghanistan."
In my book he gets a BRAVO for this although I do not agree with the setting of an arbitrary withdrawal timeline. When in a time of war has withdrawal deadlines been set? He later when on to say "...we will execute this transition responsibly, taking into account conditions on the ground." A good point!
The President stated he did not take this decision lightly and provided the reasons why...the burden it was causing on our military and their families, the disunity of the people in America over the war and our loss of resolve that was so strong immediately after 9/11.
It was clear in the speech that the President recognizes the threat of terrorism is as strong or stronger today as it was at the time of 9/11. It is also apparent from the speech of his resolve to fight terrorism during his presidency.
For myself, I now have a better understanding of why his review took so long.
Part 3 - Objectives
The President clearly defined three objectives for the action that he is taking and how those objectives will be met:
1) Increased military action against the Taliban and al Qaeda.
2) Pursue a more effective civilian strategy in Afghanistan through the UN and our other allies.
3) Strengthen our relationship with Pakistan.
Objective #1 is best left to the military commander's in the field and I believe and hope it is the President's intention to do so. NATO countries must take on more responsibility and commitment so that the burden is not solely on our military and their families.
Objective #2 is a tough one. In my opinion, the UN and some of our other allies are forever reluctant to take a strong stand through concrete action in addressing problems in our world. They are strong in word...but are lacking in action. We must demand there affirmative action in meeting this second objective. They are affected by terrorism as much as we are and must take responsibility for stopping it wherever it occurs.
Objective #3 can only be accomplished if we and other nations quit treating Pakistan with kid gloves. They either become part of the solution to the problem or suffer the consequences for being a part of the problem.
Part 4 - Answering the Critics
The President answered three points that his critics, again myself included, have called him to account on. These are:
1) Comparison of this war to the Vietnam War.
2) Maintain the status quo; stay, but no more troops.
3) Opposition to a timeline.
He answers these starting on page 4 of the above linked article. I can agree with his answer to #1 as along as he and his administration stay out of making tactical military decisions. I agree with all the points he made in answering #2. I oppose a timeline, but do understand that from the standpoint of making it clear to the Afghans that at some point this all ends and they have to take responsibility for their own security. But what about al Qaeda? What if we have not completed the job of making them ineffective when the timeline end arrives? Would this all be for naught then? It would be such a terrible waste and tragedy that surpasses the events of 9/11 that started it all.
Part 5 - A Call for Responsibility and Unity
The President could not have made it more clear to the Afghan people when he looked directly into the camera and told them that our commitment in their country is not boundless. He was clear on what is expected from the Afghan government and that we will move forward to forge a partnership and not as a patron.
He was clear to the American people that now is the time to better understand the importance of all of this, how it affects us economically, how the threat of terrorism has not gone away and the threat must be answered, and how it is through the strength of unity that we stand tall in the world and can shoulder our burdens and carry on successfully.
Part 6 - Conclusion
The conclusion of his speech is noteworthy and provided here:
"It is easy to forget that when this war began, we were united - bound together by the fresh memory of a horrific attack, and by the determination to defend our homeland and the values we hold dear. I refuse to accept the notion that we cannot summon that unity again. I believe with every fiber of my being that we - as Americans - can still come together behind a common purpose. For our values are not simply words written into parchment - they are a creed that calls us together, and that has carried us through the darkest of storms as one nation, one people.
America - we are passing through a time of great trial. And the message that we send in the midst of these storms must be clear: that our cause is just, our resolve unwavering. We will go forward with the confidence that right makes might, and with the commitment to forge an America that is safer, a world that is more secure, and a future that represents not the deepest of fears but the highest of hopes. Thank you, God Bless you, God Bless our troops, and may God Bless the United States of America."
All-in-all I believe this to be a speech clear in purpose and statement and a resolve to support our military as it wages this fight against terrorism. It further demonstrates why we as Americans should stand together in this fight. Together as one people...it's what really matters!
Part 1 - History
The President clearly defined what caused us to enter into the war in Afghanistan. How the brutality of the acts of 9/11 brought forth a resolve in America to fight back against terrorism and put an end to it at every turn. He reminded us of our resolve by stating..."Just days after 9/11, Congress authorized the use of force against al Qaeda and those who harbored them - an authorization that continues to this day."
He continued with the historical perspective by discussing the war in Iraq and how it has taken away from resources for the war in Afghanistan. I felt this was a clandestine effort to take a slap at the previous administration. He did not dwell on this point, but it was included and while it may yet prove to be true I will leave that for the military historians to vet out in the years to come.
His presentation of the history behind our involvement in Afghanistan was clear, concise, and well done.
Part 2 - The Review Process
The area the President has taken the most criticism for by his critics, including me, is why he has taken so long to answer directly the request of his military commanders in the field. He noted the situation in Afghanistan had deteriorated and acknowledged that Gen. McChrystal found "that the security situation is more serious than he anticipated. In short: the status quo is not sustainable. " More importantly the President told the Corps of Cadets this:
"As cadets, you volunteered for service during this time of danger. Some of you have fought in Afghanistan. Many will deploy there. As your Commander-in-Chief, I owe you a mission that is clearly defined, and worthy of your service. That is why, after the Afghan voting was completed, I insisted on a thorough review of our strategy. Let me be clear: there has never been an option before me that called for troop deployments before 2010, so there has been no delay or denial of resources necessary for the conduct of the war. Instead, the review has allowed me ask the hard questions, and to explore all of the different options along with my national security team, our military and civilian leadership in Afghanistan, and with our key partners. Given the stakes involved, I owed the American people - and our troops - no less."
He then went on to say this:
"This review is now complete. And as Commander-in-Chief, I have determined that it is in our vital national interest to send an additional 30,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan. After 18 months, our troops will begin to come home. These are the resources that we need to seize the initiative, while building the Afghan capacity that can allow for a responsible transition of our forces out of Afghanistan."
In my book he gets a BRAVO for this although I do not agree with the setting of an arbitrary withdrawal timeline. When in a time of war has withdrawal deadlines been set? He later when on to say "...we will execute this transition responsibly, taking into account conditions on the ground." A good point!
The President stated he did not take this decision lightly and provided the reasons why...the burden it was causing on our military and their families, the disunity of the people in America over the war and our loss of resolve that was so strong immediately after 9/11.
It was clear in the speech that the President recognizes the threat of terrorism is as strong or stronger today as it was at the time of 9/11. It is also apparent from the speech of his resolve to fight terrorism during his presidency.
For myself, I now have a better understanding of why his review took so long.
Part 3 - Objectives
The President clearly defined three objectives for the action that he is taking and how those objectives will be met:
1) Increased military action against the Taliban and al Qaeda.
2) Pursue a more effective civilian strategy in Afghanistan through the UN and our other allies.
3) Strengthen our relationship with Pakistan.
Objective #1 is best left to the military commander's in the field and I believe and hope it is the President's intention to do so. NATO countries must take on more responsibility and commitment so that the burden is not solely on our military and their families.
Objective #2 is a tough one. In my opinion, the UN and some of our other allies are forever reluctant to take a strong stand through concrete action in addressing problems in our world. They are strong in word...but are lacking in action. We must demand there affirmative action in meeting this second objective. They are affected by terrorism as much as we are and must take responsibility for stopping it wherever it occurs.
Objective #3 can only be accomplished if we and other nations quit treating Pakistan with kid gloves. They either become part of the solution to the problem or suffer the consequences for being a part of the problem.
Part 4 - Answering the Critics
The President answered three points that his critics, again myself included, have called him to account on. These are:
1) Comparison of this war to the Vietnam War.
2) Maintain the status quo; stay, but no more troops.
3) Opposition to a timeline.
He answers these starting on page 4 of the above linked article. I can agree with his answer to #1 as along as he and his administration stay out of making tactical military decisions. I agree with all the points he made in answering #2. I oppose a timeline, but do understand that from the standpoint of making it clear to the Afghans that at some point this all ends and they have to take responsibility for their own security. But what about al Qaeda? What if we have not completed the job of making them ineffective when the timeline end arrives? Would this all be for naught then? It would be such a terrible waste and tragedy that surpasses the events of 9/11 that started it all.
Part 5 - A Call for Responsibility and Unity
The President could not have made it more clear to the Afghan people when he looked directly into the camera and told them that our commitment in their country is not boundless. He was clear on what is expected from the Afghan government and that we will move forward to forge a partnership and not as a patron.
He was clear to the American people that now is the time to better understand the importance of all of this, how it affects us economically, how the threat of terrorism has not gone away and the threat must be answered, and how it is through the strength of unity that we stand tall in the world and can shoulder our burdens and carry on successfully.
Part 6 - Conclusion
The conclusion of his speech is noteworthy and provided here:
"It is easy to forget that when this war began, we were united - bound together by the fresh memory of a horrific attack, and by the determination to defend our homeland and the values we hold dear. I refuse to accept the notion that we cannot summon that unity again. I believe with every fiber of my being that we - as Americans - can still come together behind a common purpose. For our values are not simply words written into parchment - they are a creed that calls us together, and that has carried us through the darkest of storms as one nation, one people.
America - we are passing through a time of great trial. And the message that we send in the midst of these storms must be clear: that our cause is just, our resolve unwavering. We will go forward with the confidence that right makes might, and with the commitment to forge an America that is safer, a world that is more secure, and a future that represents not the deepest of fears but the highest of hopes. Thank you, God Bless you, God Bless our troops, and may God Bless the United States of America."
All-in-all I believe this to be a speech clear in purpose and statement and a resolve to support our military as it wages this fight against terrorism. It further demonstrates why we as Americans should stand together in this fight. Together as one people...it's what really matters!
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