That may be, but once it stops I think the alternative will be worse. My Stepfather was a Korean War Combat Vet and he told me the story of riding trains when returning home from that war. He said as a Korean War Vet crossing the country, he and his fellow Vets were not treated very respectfully, even by some WW2 Vets. This was only a few years after WW2 when Veterans had been revered. My point is that people in this country are fickle. They need to be reminded and retaught continuously about the important things. The recognition gestures for Vets at baseball games are also necessary for those giving the recognition.

I am a WASP heterosexual male and people think I should be ashamed of what I am. I have also been a victim of reverse discrimination. We all have crosses to bear.

Something for you to consider. It is not intended to slight anyone's beliefs.

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.

My confession:

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat...

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.

In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.
In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc.. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school... The Bible says thou shalt not k**l; thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave, because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about.. And we said okay..

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to k**l strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Are you laughing yet?

Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.

Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.

Pass it on if you think it has merit.

If not, then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.

My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully, Ben Stein

Back in the 1970s, we had a parade in Pasadena that preceded the Rose Parade. It was an irreverent event called the Doo-dah Parade and it was hilarious with such things as a synchronized marching men's briefcase drill team. Men in bathtubs pushed along the route. F**e Pigeons that pooped on parade watchers. Shopping cart drill teams and bag ladies. It was all great fun. I believe they still have the penis parade and festival in northern Japan. Begs the question, what is the definition of a parade?

To each their own. The thing I h**e is the "Thank you for your service." It has become so common that it almost sounds trite. Very few said, "Thank you for your service" to Vietnam Vets upon returning when they should have. Most were not professionals but were drafted to serve.

Now it is an everyday occurrence. I live in San Diego and attend baseball games. Every Sunday is Military Appreciation Day, which is fine. Marine recruits from MCRD are at the game. But at every game, they also ask all who have served to please stand and be recognized. I considered it an honor to serve my country and I don't need special recognition. Some think it is a nice gesture, and it is. But it does get old and begins to take on an insincere tone from overuse.