Okay, I need to rant. I was just watching the news, and I caught part of a report on Michael Jackson. As we all know, Jackson died the other day.
I understand that his death would affect a lot of people, and I respect those people who mourn his death, but that isn't the point of my rant.
When a man dies whose contribution to the country was to ENTERTAIN people, the American people find the need to flock to a memorial in Hollywood, and even Congress sees the need to hold a "moment of silence" for his passing?
Am I missing something here? All of a sudden he's a freaking martyr because he entertained us?
What about all those SOLDIERS who have died to give us freedom? All those Soldiers who, knowing that they would be asked to fight in a war, still raised their hands and swore to defend the Constitution and the United States of America. Where is their moment of silence?
Where aren’t the people flocking to their graves or memorials and mourning over them?
Why is it when a Soldier dies, there are more people saying "good riddance," and "thank
God for IEDs?" When did this country become so calloused to the sacrifice of GOOD MEN and WOMEN, that they can arbitrarily ignore their deaths, and instead, throw themselves into mourning for a "Pop Icon?"
I think that if they are going to hold a moment of silence IN CONGRESS for Michael Jackson, they need to hold a moment of silence for every service member killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
We will never make millions of dollars. We will never star in movies, or write hit songs that the world will listen too.
We only shed our blood, sweat and tears so that people can enjoy what they have.
Remember these five words the next time you think of someone who is serving in the military; "So that others may live..." Only two people have ever effectively given their lives for you.
Jesus Christ and The American G.I.
One died for your sins, the other died to give you freedom.


------------------------------

I agree with everything you've written except this line. <Why is it when a Soldier dies, there are more people saying "good riddance," and "thank God for IEDs?" >
MOST people do not feel that way. I'll use this as a Soap Box, but I will not include this line unchallenged.
Blame the modern day media, & ratings, & ad sales for the sensationalistic coverage of people with this, at the very least, unpopular viewpoint.
It gets down to how media executives with little if any true love of, and devotion to, our country can make a quick buck in the early stages of the 21st century.
Granted, there are a small percentage among us that might believe it's "good" when a soldier dies, but you know what,
that soldier died to protect every American's right to feel any way they choose. Those people are delusional idiots, and we must allow them the right to be wrong. That's called freedom. Freedom means the God given right to feel and believe any way you like. But we seem to forget that as Americans we have the right to let our opposition to lunacy be loudly known. Many do voice that opposition, but the clown draws a bigger crowd, so that's where the news crews are dispatched.
Our main problem is our apathy and distraction. Too many otherwise good Americans allow themselves a set of misplaced priorities. and neglect the need to stand shoulder to shoulder with our hands solemnly over our hearts giving thanks to almighty God, and pledging allegience to America, for our rights and our freedoms, while expressing unwavering gratitude for the soldiers standing quietly in the field between good and evil, between right and wrong, between day and night.
In my house, we are well aware of the faithful guard dogs that stand between the wolves and the flock.
MOBY