We Are Better Than This…

The past year has been a trial of sorts…for the red, for the blue, for the left, for the right, for men and women and…for ourselves, seriously looking in the mirror in the morning.  The elections have been held and our legitimate president is now Donald Trump.  Yup, it’s legal, despite some grumblings about electoral college vs. popular vote.  No need to remind.

allegiance

Naval recruits pledging allegiance to the United States of America

But…things are different now, whether you’re red or blue, left or right.  And for about twenty seconds, I ask you to recall something you may have forgotten.  Do you remember, way back when, in grade school, high school, how the Pledge of Allegiance went?  Do you remember?  No bullshit, do you?  I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, One Nation, Under God, with Liberty and Justice…for All.

 We don’t have that now.  Or, we’re right at the tipping point of not having it.  “ALL” doesn’t mean, All, except for people who we don’t like or who disagree with us, or…who are the wrong gender (women) or the wrong color (anything other than pure white).  Quite simply, All means ALL.  We okay on that?  Or are we changing the Pledge of Allegiance?

aaa constitution

The Bill of Rights and the Constitution of the United States…as sacred a document as an American can have

The Constitution of the United States:  Up until, let’s see a month or so ago, the Constitution was the absolute BACKBONE of what we, as a nation are.   These were words not to be fiddled with, modified, “improved” by one single person.  Remember???  Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, for all.  These are the concepts we all learned and memorized, and now they are up for debate and up for fiddling with or outright deleted.

 

aaa statue

 

 

 

 

 

Remember the words on the Statue of Liberty?  Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free… to BREATHE FREE!  Did you forget this?

FAMILY

My wife, My Mom, My daugther-in-law, Melissa, My son, Cameron and my grandson, Gryffin. Grope any one of them and you are dead meat.

Last of all, and please, please, please, read these words carefully.  Our mothers, our wives, our daughters and our sisters:  Allow me to ask a personal question:  Would you have a problem with a man grabbing your wife’s, your daughters, your sister’s, your mother’s private parts?  Would you have a problem with someone grabbing them between their legs?   You sure as hell would.  And if you don’t have a problem with this, please leave this site and never return.  But as of today, 29% of the GOP have gone on record as saying that “this is not a big deal.”  Already, the congressman from Connecticut of all places, had put his dirty hand where his mind is and grabbed a woman between the legs and then said, “Not a big deal.”  Is this really the route you want to take?  Would you mind very much if someone in the GOP groped your daughter, your wife, your mother, your sister?

Telling the TRUTH:  Well now, this is just very blase and a grey issue.  Who is to say what the truth is?   Good Lord…  Think about that answer.  If you ask your son, did you steal that stereo from Walmart?  There is the truth, and then everything else (a form of lie).  If your son says, “I’m gonna give you an alternate truth.”  What do you think that means?  If you ask your mate, “Were you cheating on me?”  Are there viable truths and alternate truths?  Have our ethics sunk this low???

clock

The Doomsday Clock. We are currently THAT CLOSE

Dooms Day Clock:   Some will remember this.  Some will not.  It was started more than half a decade ago.  It was a theoretical clock set to see how close we are to Doomsday…the end of planet Earth.  In less than a month we have gone back 50 years.  We are there.  Mexico, our neighbor, is no longer our ally.  Canada is on the brink and Russia, our eternal neighbor, is up for grabs, though even they realize we are back at a doomsday potential.

Are the Democrats happy with all this?  HELL no!  Is the GOP happy with this?  HELL No!  They are as worried as the Democrats.  Europe is up against the wall and…….remember NATO?  Know what it stands for : The NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION.   Now, our illustrious president wants to can it.  Vladimir Putin is VERY happy.    For the love of GOD,  it’s time to wake up and think about these things.  If you love your wife, your daughter, your sister, your mother, the Pledge of Allegiance and the Constitution of the United States, WAKE UP!    If you don’t care about any of the above, please leave this site and don’t return.

I served my country and I love my country.  I did NOT get five deferments for an ingrown toenail, and I am not concerned only about myself and how I appear, moment by moment.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.  And to the Republic, for which it stands, ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.

Henry

aaa747

This is the cockpit of a modern airliner. Would you like to stir the pot and let someone unqualified take you up for a little ride? The job of President of The United States is not the same as picking a drinkin’ buddy at your local tavern.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P.S.  I hear this statement a LOT:  “Ah, let’s just give this guy a chance…see what he does.”  Let me send that one back to you.  You’re fastening your seatbelt on a 737, getting ready to fly to California for a reunion.  You hear that your pilot has never flown a jet before, never gotten his pilot’s license…but boy he talks a great game!  Why don’t we just let this guy give it a shot…see how things go?”  As a pilot from the age of 17 till now, plus a jet fighter pilot, I can tell you, that doesn’t work…at all.  It’s a good way to kill yourself.  It’s a good way to break the back on what is still the best country on the planet.  Stirring the pot with an incompetent is not the way.

 

 

36 Responses to "We Are Better Than This…"

  1. Henry Harvey says:

    PUZZLED! I TRIED TO COMMENT ON YOUR FACEBOOK SITE AND THE WHOLE THING DISAPPEARED! WHAT IS GOING ON?
    Ike Bender

  2. Henry Harvey says:

    Ike, no one is more puzzled than I am. I tried five different ways to post this blog and got thwarted every time. I just posted it in a backwards manner…so it’s up, but you have to work to get to it. Is this the beginning of the end for Freedom of Speech?
    Henry

  3. Henry Harvey says:

    Amen, Henry! I am terrified.

    Chris F.

  4. Henry Harvey says:

    If you’re not sure how this whole thing plays out, look at history. Look at Germany in the 1930s and see how a country with good people can be completely taken over. First goes freedom of speech for the press. Then goes freedom of speech for the people. Then people begin informing on their neighbors, and it becomes a political witch hunt. America is MUCH better than that. But these are politically dangerous times. If you can’t speak your piece…or peace, this isn’t America anymore.
    Henry

  5. Henry Harvey says:

    This is your best article. Period.The American people will not stand for oppression. We are blessed with the Constitution, something that no other country in the world can claim. We have seen Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot, and there are citizens here, today, who were there, either being persecuted, or else they witnessed the oppression.
    For a president to throw a tantrum because not enough people turned out for his “coronation” is almost laughable. If he made a collage of all of the protesters across the USA, he would have the turnout he desired.

    My family had a vineyard, and an equestrian estate with two beautiful houses in Hungary. The soviets confiscated both properties during the war. The soviets thought this was a good deal….yea, for them.
    We have all read history and seen film footage from WWII. We are not of a single race or nationality, as was Germany. Our melting pot is what can save us. BTW, Trump’s father came here, to America, from Holland.
    I guess after he came, we should slam the door to anyone else who wants a better life……not.

    Pamela Bolgar Harvey

    • Henry Harvey says:

      Pamela,

      You make an extremely good point. With the exception of the American Indians, every one of us came here, mostly from Europe and the first thing they saw upon arrival was the Statue of Liberty with the famous words written on the statue. Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.
      Like most Americans, I am something of a mutt. My lineage is English, Scottish and German. What does that make me? A loyal American, and I bet there are millions upon millions of loyal Americans who are also “mutts”.
      Henry

  6. Henry Harvey says:

    Thanks. That means a lot.
    Henry

  7. Henry Harvey says:

    Henry,
    I’m so scared. I hate turning my phone on and news
    flashes on my screen. I’m more afraid of that than the
    anxiety of my pending CT scan. Awaiting results to rule out
    Hernia, lymphadenopathy or tumor.
    Hoping for a door number four….none of the above.

    If this election was God’s way of keeping my mind
    off my own issues, He has been a success. I’m not sure which is scarier.
    Pam F.

    • Henry Harvey says:

      Hi Pam,

      Thanks for writing in. Hoping for “door #4” for you as well. To be fair, I think there are many many folks who voted for Trump, mostly because they just wanted some sort of change. And now they are realizing that they’re getting much more of a change than they bargained for.

      I still have to believe that most Americans are loyal to their country and to the laws and the rules that have been hammered out over the decades. Freedom of Speech tops the list.
      Henry

  8. Henry Harvey says:

    Thought you might find this interesting.

    The Pledge of Allegiance

    The Pledge of Allegiance was written in August 1892 by the socialist minister Francis Bellamy (1855-1931). It was originally published in The Youth’s Companion on September 8, 1892. Bellamy had hoped that the pledge would be used by citizens in any country.

    In its original form it read:

    “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
    In 1923, the words, “the Flag of the United States of America” were added. At this time it read:

    “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
    In 1954, in response to the Communist threat of the times, President Eisenhower encouraged Congress to add the words “under God,” creating the 31-word pledge we say today. Bellamy’s daughter objected to this alteration. Today it reads:

    “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
    Section 4 of the Flag Code states:

    The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag: “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”, should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove any non-religious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute.”
    The original Bellamy salute, first described in 1892 by Francis Bellamy, who authored the original Pledge, began with a military salute, and after reciting the words “to the flag,” the arm was extended toward the flag.

    At a signal from the Principal the pupils, in ordered ranks, hands to the side, face the Flag. Another signal is given; every pupil gives the flag the military salute — right hand lifted, palm downward, to a line with the forehead and close to it. Standing thus, all repeat together, slowly, “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands; one Nation indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.” At the words, “to my Flag,” the right hand is extended gracefully, palm upward, toward the Flag, and remains in this gesture till the end of the affirmation; whereupon all hands immediately drop to the side.

    The Youth’s Companion, 1892
    Shortly thereafter, the pledge was begun with the right hand over the heart, and after reciting “to the Flag,” the arm was extended toward the Flag, palm-down.

    In World War II, the salute too much resembled the Nazi salute, so it was changed to keep the right hand over the heart throughout.

    Barbara D.

  9. Henry Harvey says:

    Thanks for the back-story on the pledge! It’s been a convoluted path and I can understand the modification so as not to resemble Nazi Germany in any way.

    thanks,
    Henry

  10. Henry Harvey says:

    Thank you Henry. Peace
    Catherine H.

  11. Henry Harvey says:

    And thank you, Catherine. You summed it up beautifully… in one word.
    Henry

  12. Henry Harvey says:

    Great post Henry!
    These are scary times we live in right now. The past two days I haven’t even wanted to check the news because it’s just been too depressing. We must continue to fight for everyone’s rights and the freedom of speech.
    Melissa

  13. Henry Harvey says:

    Thanks for your input, Melissa! This just came in on the news. One week into his first 100 days and he’s already been declared the worst “president” in the history of the US.

    At least he’ll be remembered, just not for the right stuff.
    Henry

  14. Henry Harvey says:

    Yes, Henry! And thank you.
    Ruth

  15. Henry Harvey says:

    There’s a time for everyone when they must step up and be counted. America is too precious and too special to let it just slip away into mediocrity.
    Henry

  16. Henry Harvey says:

    Great post Henry!
    These are scary times we live in right now. The past two days I haven’t even wanted to check the news because it’s just been too depressing. We must continue to fight for everyone’s rights and the freedom of speech.
    Rosemary T.

  17. Henry Harvey says:

    I think we all feel that way…off and on. But this is your country, Rosemary. It’s a lot like your kid or your husband or your weird buddy. When the chips are down…you have to decide where you stand.
    Henry

  18. Henry Harvey says:

    Oh WOW! We are in a real pickle aged in Ghost Pepper sauce.
    I WILL NOT LEAVE THIS SITE AS YOU SPEAK THE TRUTH!
    Bruce H.

  19. Henry Harvey says:

    Well Bruce… I don’t know what the heck you’re saying…but I guess that wouldn’t be the first time. I hope you enjoyed the perspective.

    Henry

  20. Henry Harvey says:

    Yes. Hi Henry. Moving passionate writing. I agree wholeheartedly with your words and sentiments. Your friend, Bob.

  21. Henry Harvey says:

    Hey Bob,

    It’s good to hear from you! Thanks for your kind words. I haven’t heard much about what is going on down in Florida. How is your life? What’s happening? How is your family? How is your love life? Are you happy?

    I know no one can sum things up in a paragraph or two, but I’d really like to hear how you’re doing, what makes you laugh…

    Henry

    Still have fond memories of the old and much more innocent days at F&M

  22. Henry Harvey says:

    Brilliantly written! So sad we’re in this position; silence is no longer an option for anyone who values our country (y’know the one that was never perfect but already was – and always has been great . . . at least, pre-Trump).

    As always, thank you for using your platform to address such critically important issues.

    Best always,

    Laura

  23. Henry Harvey says:

    Hi Laura,

    It’s wonderful hearing from you. I’ve been wondering how you’ve been doing. The thing that frustrates me most is that in most cases the people who really need some help and support have gotten suckered by a person selling a “con” so basic that it goes under their radar. Most people are good. And most people believe what they see on TV or read in a Tweet…..if you hit them with it over and over. I think their minds reason, “I keep seeing this. It just has to be true.” These are, for the most part, people who themselves or for the sake of their families really need health care when a catastrophe strikes. 20+ million people will get a terribly rude awakening and they don’t really deserve it just for being naive. Anyway, thanks for reading. America is still a GREAT country. But it’s under attack now.

    Henry

  24. henry harvey says:

    All I can say is AMEN HENRY…AMEN.
    Lorelle

  25. henry harvey says:

    Thank ya kindly, Miss Bacon!

    Hope you and Kenn and a Five-Star Super Vacation!

  26. henry harvey says:

    I completely agree; people are good. Many are for whatever reason ignorant and/or naive. They bought snake oil and for the most part, don’t realize it, yet. And, yes, while we’re under attack (to use your very appropriate words), we still live in a great country. If we weren’t convinced of that, both of us and the millions of others raising their voices would remain silent. Please keep up the good fight; it’s all we can do – and what we MUST do.

    I’ve missed corresponding with you and truly hope you and Pam are settled and well – and that Pam’s enjoying much improved health!

    All my best,

    Laura

  27. henry harvey says:

    Thank you once more for your kind and erudite comments.

    For what it’s worth, up till right this second, I have never put a double communication up on the website. It can get claustrophobic for everyone.
    However, your validating the truth that, for the most part People Are Good. Bad people on both sides of the aisle can attempt to break us up as a country…which would make us weaker and more vulnerable. As much as is humanly possible, we should rekindle relationships with old and new friends and look to the VERY BIG PICTURE.

    911 showed us that the destruction of two buildings can deeply wound our country.

    We need to really try to find common ground. I am on the left and I am liberal…and I deeply love my country. I know there are diametric opposites, with whom I probably won’t agree on anything…except we both love and would die for America.

    Anyway, thank you so much for your comments, Laura!
    Henry

  28. Henry Harvey says:

    Henry,
    You bet we are better than this as you so elegantly said.  As a person who served honorably in the military, 45’s (that’s how we refer to him) vile words, vulgar actions, contrarian paranoid behavior and his outrageous braggadocio must really stick in your craw.  I worked my entire career for the Navy in an advanced R/D facility doing a different job than you but with the same end objective.  It sticks in my craw too!

    Ask a pro-45er if they believe in the pledge of Allegiance.  The answer will decidedly be …yes.   Then ask them what is a Republic?  A shoulder shrug is the answer you can expect.  That’s a pity and pathetic.

    When I see 45 salute the military when boarding a plane or what ever, vomit comes up in the back of my throat.  I know…he’s CIC….so?

    This morning at the National Prayer Breakfast, he spent the first ten minutes talking about his accomplishments with the apprentice show and how bad Arnold is doing….really!?  Then he says pray for arnold!  He contradicts himself within one sentence. The late night comedians are exhausted.  45 provides more material in one day than they can possibly use in a month….and there is 4 years of this ahead of us.

    Henry, your anger was leaping off the page.   I share that with you as you know.  I can only hope we will get out of this because I believe we really are better than this.
    P.

  29. Henry Harvey says:

    Hello my friend,

    Without putting any spin on it whatsoever, SNL could just play tapes of what “45” does in any ten minute period and play that. 
    Inserting a businessman in ahead of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, just makes me stare off into space and shake my head.  Or perhaps he could put in his son-in-law….just sort of as an extra duty when he isn’t busy.
    I don’t condone anyone taking the law into his or her hands…period.  But, I wonder aloud, how many people on this planet are concerned to the point of thinking on the topic.   …..Did I say that benignly enough?

    I used to have to give a 7am briefing on those 18 Titan II ICBMs every friggin morning at Davis Monthan AFB.  Some days, the weightiness of the whole thing was truly hard to handle. 

    Anyway…
    For what it’s worth, my friend, I received a huge number of responses, via e-mail, via FaceBook and via the site.  People care.  It can’t go on like this for years.  Something’s gotta give.

    Henry

  30. Henry Harvey says:

    YES!!!

    Carolyn B.

  31. Henry Harvey says:

    Hey Carolyn!
    Good to hear from you. Hope you and John are doing well…up yonder. Looking forward to hearing a bit of live entertainment in the near future!
    Henry

  32. Deb says:

    Hi Henry and Pamela, First I want to say what a pleasure it was to meet you, for many different reasons. What you say here is spot on, how in the world did this happen? The man paid to have sex with a child for crissakes! The inanities are endless I fear, and neither side is all good or all bad, as each side is jumping on all the negativity. Let’s face it the R’s were immovable with Obama, and showed him very little respect, and some D’s went along with that, so now they get it back. What has happened to agreeing to disagree and finding common ground to move the country forward? During the civil rights era, I was in school, I refused to say the Pledge because it wasn’t true, was called to the principals office, we had a long discussion. I refused to pretend but agreed to to stand silently while everyone else spoke words that seemingly had no meaning for them. Now it seems they are forgotten, or bundled together with misguided ideals of patriotism.

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