Tag: 9/11
9/11, Do You Long For 9/12?
Twenty two trips around the sun, since that fateful day… In my simplistic observation of surroundings, the actions and words of others, I might boldly claim that we have forgotten much about our country, and especially so, about each other. Before I detail this thought further, I must state that I long for who we became as a country on 9/12. To take it one step further I would rather take an eraser to 9/11/2001, engage the grand experiment of “ripples in life” from each and every person lost that day, and those lost well before their time, stemming from injuries and grave illnesses that came from it. Their families and loved ones would most certainly agree. It is immeasurable as to what was lost in their contributions, what each would have gave of themselves to those they loved, their families, their professions, and to our society as a whole.
There was a 9/12 that I vividly remember long ago, that our favored political party did not matter, struggles of the races did not matter, income equality did not matter, who we slept with did not matter, what set of sex organs we sported in our underwear did not matter, and what each other believed or said in thought did not matter at all.
We did not need diversity training, reparations, talking heads, cults of personality, or well paid pundits to tell us, to guide us in understanding what was in our hearts and what we felt in our guts -that we are Americans.
Since then we have become complacent in the import things, in what matters first and foremost. Far too many engaged in turning everything upside down in the quest to seize control over our daily lives, down to the smallest and most trivial items. It is something I never expected to see in my lifetime from elected officials, even from each other in our daily lives. In all irony of an unbecoming display of hyperbolic partisan politics, the use of any pro American term is somehow un-American. I submit that those from this ideological camp have lost their way and for the most dishonorable intentions.
Twenty Two years ago, and one day later with great cause, we rallied for each other, and had each other’s backs. We demonstrated what is awesome about us, our country.
Twenty Two years later, demonstrated daily, we are easily be pitted against each other, with little effort to shore up perverse narratives.
We have a solemn obligation to honor those innocent victims of 9/11 and those fallen who have served us. They deserve better, we deserve better from each other. What we, you and I fail to do enough of, is to seize the smaller opportunities of moments of kindness, to forgive more easily as we did on 9/12/2001, and the days and months that followed.
For those of you that disagree, I can still envision our mutual betterment in life with us being of the same great America that we love, warts and all.
I have not forgotten:
The memories and the feelings from that day have not faded, nor diminished. It was to be a perfect bluebird day in September.
The near-perfect September day morphed, shattered for thousands of victims in mere seconds for many, some in agonizing, terror-filled minutes, hours yet for others.
In the ripples of life, our greatest loss is to never know or benefit from what great deeds and accomplishments of all those lost.
That we came together as Americans. We were united as Americans. We still are Americans. Many have forgotten this very fact in recent times.
Those that perished on this fateful day of September 11th, 2001.
Those that gave all in order to save lives. Heroes that walk among us to this day.
Those who survived only succumbed to it days, months, and years later.
That we are all equal by way of our maker
This is republished each year as I find it so important to include:
On each anniversary of 9/11, my thoughts return to two fellow NWTF members Cynthia Giugliano & Walter Weaver that we lost that day. A memorial webpage can be found at http://www.turkey-talk.com/9_11_01_memorial.htm
As you toe up on the start line of your favorite road race or triathlon or enjoy another fall season hunting our nation’s forests, fishing the lakes and streams of our great land, I ask that each of you give thought to those that serve us. In your travels, I ask that you take the time to thank those that serve us, and continue to support what they do for our country.
Along with counting your blessings, say a prayer for all innocent victims, and that you do something on your part to make the world just a little bit better for those around you. We can all benefit from a little emphasis on random acts of kindness.
-MJ
© 2023 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
PR Book Release: Random Musings from the Left Hemisphere by Mike Joyner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Joyner Outdoor Media Proudly Announces the Book Release of Random Musings of The Left Hemisphere by Mike Joyner
CORTLAND, N.Y. – April 19, 2023 – The author’s latest book release is a collection of random musings made over the past decade in response to the many societal skirmishes and forays of maligned and upside-down positions taken by increasingly radical liberals and leftists of a divided country. The book features personal reflections and personal testimony of bearing witness to a profound event of survival. The new release is currently available in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle.
Publisher’s Summary – “Random Musings of The Left Hemisphere” is a collection of personal opinions, reflections, and epiphanies gained from decades of hands-on living. A worldview fully grounded in compassion and sound reasoning is expressed that in stark contrast, refutes common false narratives perpetuated by the far left, academia, and a sympathetic media that has abandoned professional journalism in favor of activism and influencer self-gratification. We are over-saturated with utopian thesis-driven views formulated in a vacuum and regurgitated in never-ending echo chambers.
The latest offering from the author is a unique departure from his well-known outdoor book titles. A random glimpse into the thoughts, and observations of a left hemisphere dominant thinker. As an engineer, awarded worldwide patents, a passionate outdoorsman, and conservative by nature, these attributes are a natural fit for the project. The reader will find a frank and honest rendering of ideas and observations to ponder and consider.
Hardcover, paperback books, and Kindle – available now on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2R2ST1Q
Joyner can be made available for media requests by emailing: info@joynerourdoormedia.com
For further information on the author: www.mikejoyner.com
-MJ
© 2023 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Do We Recognize Ourselves, Our Country 21 years later, Post 9/11?
There was a 9/12 that our voter party card did not matter, white privilege did not matter, struggles of the races did not matter. We did not need diversity training, or reparations to understand in our hearts and our guts that we are Americans. This week our president in office declared half of the country in the goulish Neo Nazi period correct backdrop as extreme, violent, and a most undesirable segment of America. A self-projecting fascist, drunk in the despicable art of propaganda, in my view. It is something I never expected to see in my lifetime from the highest office in the land. In all irony of a most distasteful, insulting and unbecoming display of hyperbolic partisan politics, the use of the term MAGA, Ultra MAGA is somehow un-American. Those that have a problem with “Make America Great Again” have lost their way and for the most dishonorable intentions. Orange Man Bad has huge equity in rent-free space of the craniums of these deranged folks. MAGA would have resonated just as well on 9/12/2001.
We demonstrate daily that we can easily be pitted against each other, at will, for political aims. I submit to each of you, that we can just as easily rally for each other, and have each other’s backs as we did 21 years ago. We can demonstrate what is awesome about us, our country. In doing so, we honor those innocent victims of 9/11 and those fallen who have served us. They deserve better, we deserve better. from each other.
What was made clear to me in my near death experience last year and again last week, is that we know enough to seek forgiveness for our major offensives. What we, you and I fail to do enough of, is to seize the smaller opportunities of moments of kindness, to forgive more easily. We can impact the lives of others in the most profound ways through the accumulation of small acts of kindness. The big things are obvious and easy. It is the daily implementation of it when we are off our game, don’t feel well, or are pissed off at the news. Speaking for myself, I still have a bit of work to do there…
For those of you that are polar opposite to my conservative thoughts, I can still toast to our mutual betterment in life with us being of the same great America that we love, warts and all.
I have not forgotten:
The memories and the feelings from that day have not faded, nor diminished. It was to be a perfect bluebird day in September.
The near-perfect September day morphed, shattered for thousands of victims in mere seconds for many, some in agonizing, terror-filled minutes, hours yet for others.
In the ripples of life, our greatest loss is to never know or benefit from what great deeds and accomplishments of all those lost.
That we came together as Americans. We were united as Americans. We still are Americans. Many have forgotten this very fact in recent times.
Those that perished on this fateful day of September 11th, 2001.
Those that gave all in order to save lives. Heroes that walk among us to this day.
Those who survived only succumbed to it days, months, and years later.
That we are all equal by way of our maker
This is republished each year as I find it so important to include:
On each anniversary of 9/11, my thoughts return to two fellow NWTF members Cynthia Giugliano & Walter Weaver that we lost that day. A memorial webpage can be found at http://www.turkey-talk.com/9_11_01_memorial.htm
As you toe up on the start line of your favorite road race or triathlon or enjoy another fall season hunting our nation’s forests, fishing the lakes and streams of our great land, I ask that each of you give thought to those that serve us. In your travels, I ask that you take the time to thank those that serve us, and continue to support what they do for our country.
Along with counting your blessings, say a prayer for all innocent victims, and that you do something on your part to make the world just a little bit better for those around you. We can all benefit from a little emphasis on random acts of kindness.
-MJ
© 2022 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
I have not forgotten 9/11, The Meaning Of Sacrifice
As the anniversary of 9/11 arrives. 17 years have passed…
2,977 were murdered for simply being at work, six thousand+ injured. seventy five thousand firefighters, police officers, paramedics and rescuers risked their own lives to save others. Heroes showed up for work in uniform, some not in uniform on their day off for a noble purpose, also perished.
Everyday heroes, two thousand+ first responders, skilled trades, volunteers to aid rescue and recovery have died from illnesses caused by toxic cocktails of retched air. Thousands more currently battle related post event cancers and other life threatening maladies. The current estimate is predicted that sometime before the 18th anniversary, the related death toll from those aiding post event will surpass those murdered or perished in the acts of saving others on that day. Ground zero still claims lives involved with the rescue effort so long ago.
We are reminded on this solemn remembrance of what sacrifice truly is. Sacrifice comes in service to our country, to our family, to our friends and to our fellow citizens. Sacrifice is selfless for noble causes. Many times selfless sacrifice is all, the ultimate sacrifice of the life of one who gives it for the lives and freedoms of others. If we are to remember we are to honor these very people.
Sacrifice is not an agenda, or magnifying a problem of bad acts over the daily, weekly stacking of murdered victims bodies in the streets in many of our major cities. Sacrifice is not represented by a self entitled millionaire athlete having to switch making millions on the field to a corporate board room. It is a bastation of the meaning of sacrifice to tap into discourse, to push agendas only to sell more, gain more market share of those too young to directly recall what real sacrifices were made a generation ago, and ignore those made in present day. The shifting of revenue streams of grandstanding social warriors fails to meet the meaning of sacrifice. Sacrifice has a far different meaning to those on the battlefield, serving us in uniform, those in service to others, and to single parents working three jobs just to make it to the end of each month. They would describe sacrifice in a more meaningful way.
To those of us that understand what the flag stands for, what it was truly intended to represent. The blood of hero’s in battle, hero’s we hear of or witness first hand in our daily lives we give thanks and our adoration in tribute to them. The hyped up disrespect is more than disingenuous, and yet hero’s will continue to give all for the right to be so offensive, and counter to those of us, that value all that the flag represents. 9/11 represents all the evil that we could imagine in a single day and yet brought out the good in so many more. So many of us saw that good in us, of each other in the days following that horrible day. We can only pray that there will be a time that those who hate and disrespect the flag see it as we do.
I have not forgotten:
The memories, the feelings from that day have not faded, nor diminished. It was to be a perfect blue bird day in September.
The near perfect September day morphed, shattered for thousands of victims in mere seconds for many, some in agonizing, terror filled minutes, hours yet for others.
In the ripples of life, our greatest loss is to never know or benefit from what great deeds and accomplishments from all those lost.
That we came together as Americans.We were united as Americans. We still are Americans. Many have forgotten this very fact in recent times.
Those that perished on this fateful day of September 11th, 2001.
Those that gave all in order to save lives. Heroes that walk among us to this day.
Those who survived only to succumb to it days, months, and years later.
That we are all equal by way of our maker
This is republish each year as I find it so important to include:
Each anniversary of 9/11, my thoughts return to two fellow NWTF members Cynthia Giugliano & Walter Weaver that we lost that day. A memorial webpage can be found at http://www.turkey-talk.com/9_11_01_memorial.htm
As you toe up on the start line of your favorite road race or triathlon or enjoy another fall season hunting our nation’s forests, fishing the lakes and streams of our great land, I ask that each of you give thought to those that serve us. In your travels I ask that you take the time to thank those that serve us, and continue to support what they do for our country.
Along with counting your blessings, say a prayer for all innocent victims, and that you do something on your part to make the world just a little bit better for those around you. We can all benefit from a little emphasis on acts of kindness.
© 2018 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
I have not forgotten 9/11
As the anniversary of 9/11 arrives. 16 years have passed… 2,977 were murdered for simply being at work, 6000+ injured for also showing up for work. Heroes in uniform, some not in uniform also perished or died later on from various cancers and fatal lung diseases believed to be caused from conditions at ground zero.
‘The memories, the feelings from that day have not faded, nor diminished. It was to be a perfect blue bird day in September,‘ as I wrote this time last year. This near perfect September day morphed, shattered for these ten thousand (more to be counted as time marches on) victims in mere seconds for many, some in agonizing, terror filled minutes, hours yet for others. Our world view, my world view would change from what would be learned later as we begun to understand the evil that transpired. In the ripples of life, our greatest loss is to never know or benefit from what great deeds and accomplishments from all those lost. All too clear for their families, their lives changed beyond our comprehension.
I have not forgotten… It holds far more relevance as we witness a great divide among us now. Have we forgotten how we felt having fellow citizens mass murdered as a political, psychotic twisted religious statement? We united as Americans. We still are Americans, you just wouldn’t know it by the constant barrage of Trump Derangement Syndrome afflicted pundits, reporters and domestic terrorists such as Anti-Fa with the liberal left actually supporting the likes of Anti-Fa , or even more surprising, supporting the suppression of free speech. Who knew?
With too many similarities to the very terrorists that slaughtered thousands of innocent fellow Americans, It is incomprehensible that we have not retained, and held close to our hearts the lessons taught in blood, that of unity, empathy and compassion for one another in the most adverse circumstances. The willful ignoring, even embracing these left winged. marxist terrorists groups for political gain is a national disgrace. We condemn the extreme right such as the KKK and other supremacist groups and yet we have an ideology (liberal, left) prevalent in our country that cannot bring itself to condemn all groups that promote extreme hate and violence. 9/11 painted a stark face on hate based in irrational ideology, religious extremism that depicts one superior over the other. Even the national disasters of epic hurricanes evokes politicizing while innocent lives perish. We are far better people than this.
We are Americans. With God, Family, and Country as our foundation, there is no room for party affiliation or Ideology to be first above our most important priorities. We came together in the aftermath of 9/11.
I have not forgotten those that perished on this fateful day of September 11th, 2001.
I have not forgotten those that gave all in order save lives. Heroes that walk among us to this day.
I have not forgotten those who survived only to succumb to it days, months, and years later.
I have not forgotten that we came together as Americans.
I have not forgotten that we are all equal by way of our maker.
This is republish each year as I find it so important to include:
Each anniversary of 9/11, my thoughts return to two fellow NWTF members Cynthia Giugliano & Walter Weaver that we lost that day. A memorial webpage can be found at http://www.turkey-talk.com/9_11_01_memorial.htm
As you toe up on the start line of your favorite road race or triathlon or enjoy another fall season hunting our nation’s forests, fishing the lakes and streams of our great land, I ask that each of you give thought to those that serve us. In your travels I ask that you take the time to thank those that serve us, and continue to support what they do for our country.
Along with counting your blessings, say a prayer for all innocent victims, and that you do something on your part to make the world just a little bit better for those around you. We can all benefit from a little emphasis on acts of kindness.
© 2017 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
9/11, Not Forgotten
I have chosen to write this a little bit before hand, as we are in the mean season of elections and the political noise will rise predictable so as the anniversary of 9/11 arrives. 15 years have passed now since that awful day. I have not forgotten… It weighs on my thoughts at times. Usually from a passing comment, video clips that I may randomly come across. The memories, the feelings from that day have not faded, nor diminished. It was to be a perfect blue bird day in September. It was such a day until shattered by the first report to get out across the airways, across the internet. It changed my world view. For the victims, their families, their lives changed far more than I could possibly comprehend. It is to our great loss to never know or benefit from what great deeds and accomplishments from all those lost.
Watching on live TV that day did not take on the feel of a video game, there was no reset, respawn, play level 3… Knowing instantly that hundreds of innocent people died as each of the three planes hit their intended targets, the fourth plummeting to the earth despite one last struggle to regain the cockpit. As each building collapsed you knew again in an instant you were witnessing the senseless death of hundreds of more innocent people. We would learn later of the deaths of first responders doing a heroes job, of Nobel calling. Officially 2,977 were murdered, 6000+ injured, and it has been revealed just as many have died later on, from various cancers and fatal lung diseases believed to be caused from the toxic cocktails of smoke and burning debris at ground zero.
This evil act committed on our soil resonates with my condemnation of a twisted ideology, a barbarism, a savagery that was prevalent around the world a very long time ago. It has persisted as a cancer, a scourge upon humanity. Do you not as I, loathe the spread of hateful, evil views and those that commit heinous, cruel acts? Islam a peaceful religion? It raises reasonable doubts.
This not an indictment of peaceful Muslims. In all of the world’s religions it is a moral imperative to speak out against those that mutate and twist their faiths into radicalized, and violent interpretations of their core origins and beliefs. To those Muslims and other faiths embracing peace, please stand along side us in unity.
100’s of years of radical Islam, Jihadists, unabated evil, murder without remorse (in fact radical followers rejoice in it), defiling, and demeaning of women, and we as the human race permit this to not only exist among us, but to even flourish? Our leaders, liberal elitists are more concerned with political correctness, and not offending rather than standing up, relying on our founding principles, making precise, expedited decisions. Politics first may yet be the greater danger.
I choose to republish some from prior years as I find it important to repeat:
Each anniversary of 9/11, my thoughts return to two fellow NWTF members Cynthia Giugliano & Walter Weaver that we lost that day. A memorial webpage can be found at http://www.turkey-talk.com/9_11_01_memorial.htm
As you toe up on the start line of your favorite road race or triathlon or enjoy another fall season hunting our nation’s forests, fishing the lakes and streams of our great land, I ask that each of you give thought to those that serve us. In your travels I ask that you take the time to thank those that serve us, and continue to support what they do for our country.
Along with counting your blessings, say a prayer for all innocent victims, and that you do something on your part to make the world just a little bit better for those around you. We can all benefit from a little emphasis on acts of kindness.
© 2016 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
9/11 -Most Tragic Event, Heroes Profoundly Awesome, Have We Quickly Forgotten?
14 years now since that day. In my singular view it is the most awful event and profoundly awesome event.
Awful, Most Tragic Event:
Without question a day of tragedy, horrible, and most certainly an evil act committed on our soil. Does it no longer resonant with our condemnation and fill our hearts of disdain for those that spread their twisted views and commit heinous, cruel acts? Islam a peaceful religion? Surely, not all are the barbaric animals such as I point out. Muslims that see themselves as peaceful get a daily black eye from these violent followers. 1000’s of years trend line is not indicating a big change anytime soon.
Same as the last anniversary- I am tired of the political correctness and ass kissing. Not a fan of appeasement, not going to kiss your ass because you cannot accept others except those that believe as you do. I believe what I believe, and I am happy to coexist and let you live your life in what you believe. If how I live makes you interested in my beliefs then we can talk, works both ways. I’ll lend a helping hand because your human, not withhold assistance because I call my god a different name. Infidel and Proud? I guess so, put that on the shelf next to my white privilege trophy.
Profoundly Awesome, Have We Quickly Forgotten?:
We will celebrate the lives of heroes that ran towards the explosions, the burning buildings. First responders, fireman, policeman, bystanders, that reacted, and made a difference. So many paid with their life doing so. We honor them on each 9/11 as the years pass. I’ll up it one more and suggest that we would be better off honoring them, and those that die for our country by living the best life we can each day and make their sacrifices a testament of our greater good. We owe them and ourselves bigger efforts in how we live every day, and how we treat one another. Anyone else out there think there is room for improvement?
In our country today we are so divided, black vs white, Christian vs Muslim, atheist vs believers, straight vs gay, conservative vs. liberal and the list goes on. Now the hatred is so embolden that we tolerate calls for killing police. Militant groups walk the streets calling out for pigs in a blanket. To those folks I say go back and watch the 9/11 footage, the after stories. would the haters suggest the police looked only for Caucasian victims to rescue from the towers? Is there any thought that any of those heroes running up those stairs were concerned about who had what voter card, what color, what religion, what gender, straight or gay? I’ll stick my neck out on this one and say hell no, *#)$ no Those on the job put it out there every day, and are the ones we call for help when things go bad. In the aftermath of the twin towers coming down, there were volunteers from all over trying to find/rescue survivors. Again If my memory serves me correctly I don’t recall it an all “whitey” block party rescue effort.
On 9/11 we feel it, we know it. We are Americans…. Just as we are all the rest of the days on the calendar. Although I profess 9/11 is the most horrific tragedy to occur in my lifetime, we as Americans came together. Truth is we do so during other tragedies of weather events, and other catastrophes. We have before us, great examples of what we do as Americans. Do we need a war, tornado, a flood, or riots in the streets to do great things that we have proven we can do time and time again? Well as an army of one, If I come upon you in a time of need, I won’t be concerned about what discerning/defining attributes you may have. No evil intentions, good, human, we’re good, I’ll help you. Hope you do the same for me.
I choose to republish some from prior years as I find it important to repeat:
Do we all hold our breathes some on 9/11, and hope to not get some horrible breaking news report? Do we rely on statistics and probability to comfort our fears? Has Homeland Security got this? As Americans, as a nation of people from many different backgrounds are we not thinking of these things in varying degrees? In all reasoning, what’s to stop them from picking a new date to have at it?
I freely admit, I don’t “get” the Middle East perspective. Our enemy’s there still hate us, our way of life, and the discussions about it go on forever. It is my hope that on one of these anniversaries that I can write about resolution, and healing. Given the thousands of years of conflict in the region, it may not occur in my lifetime.
Each anniversary of 9/11, my thoughts return to two fellow NWTF members Cynthia Giugliano & Walter Weaver that we lost that day. A memorial webpage can be found at http://www.turkey-talk.com/9_11_01_memorial.htm
As you toe up on the start line of your favorite road race or triathlon or enjoy another fall season hunting our nation’s forests, fishing the lakes and streams of our great land, I ask that each of you give thought to those that serve us. In your travels I ask that you take the time to thank those that serve us, and continue to support what they do for our country.
Along with counting your blessings, say a prayer for all innocent victims, and that you do something on your part to make the world just a little bit better for those around you. We can all benefit from a little emphasis on acts of kindness.
© 2015 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
9/11 – 13th Anniversary
Here we are at the 13th anniversary of a tragic, horrible, and most certainly evil event. It is so easy to fall into the rhetoric and fill our hearts of hatred for obviously skewed and fanatical groups of terrorists that spread their twisted views and commit heinous, cruel acts, all in the name of Islam. Over the course of history there have been other atrocities committed in the name of different faiths. Not that it excuses our plague of current barbarism. Frankly I am tired of the political correctness and ass kissing that cause our leaders to not directly confront this scourge that is upon us. If you proclaim yourself as a follower of Muhammad and profess your belief of the peaceful religion of Islam, then you have a dog in this fight. The radical factions are doing more than giving Islam a black eye amongst the people on this planet who believe in the popular version of peaceful existence.
There are those who do not believe in a “God” without consideration as to which version. Yet, they understand what peace is meant to be. We are human and without regard to belief or non belief, we have the same needs as to food, shelter, and desire to succeed and achieve peace and happiness. As a christian, it is my solid belief, that whether you believe in the God that I do, or not, following the ten commandments will get you through life pretty well. All the while treating others fairly as you would care to be treated yourself would make for better days. It is not so much utopia as it is practical. Most people respond well to a smile, a kind word, a helping hand. Do we really enjoy the constant conflict, the awful things we do to each other? It may be too idealistic to think we’ll all set around the campfire enjoying simple songs and s’mores. Our latest foes currently in the news are busy with big threats, and cutting off the heads of our citizens. Not a very peaceful religion in my view. Believe as I do or you will die in a very painful grotesque way. It is this thinking I cannot come to grips with. I am not obsessed with controlling the very beliefs of others. Would I like to share some that we may have in common, absolutely, but if you should disagree with me or I with you, I do not reach for a very large knife or a gun. I would assert that more of us think alike in this regard. My comments here are from my brief experience on the planet, and what I speak against is thousand of years, hundreds of generations of twisted hatred and cruel intentions from those that have been at war too many centuries, too far back to accurately know.
Do we all hold our breathes some on 9/11, and hope to not get some horrible breaking news report? Do we rely on statistics and probability to comfort our fears? Has Homeland Security got this? As Americans, as a nation of peoples are we not thinking of these things in varying degrees? In all reasoning, what’s to stop them from picking a new date to have at it?
I choose to republish some from prior years as I find it important to repeat:
Thirteen years have passed marking the horrible events of 9/11. I have made it a point to comment each year as it passes. One would think that over time, the depth and impact of any event would soften, become more a matter of historical record, and less of an emotional response. I suspect like many of you, like myself felt the day coming on long before it got here. I woke this morning with some measure of sadness, and possibly another level of measure of anger
I freely admit, I don’t “get” the Middle East perspective. Our enemy’s there still hate us, our way of life, and the discussions about it go on forever. It is my hope that on one of these anniversaries that I can write about resolution, and healing. Given the thousands of years of conflict in the region, it may not occur in my lifetime.
Each anniversary of 9/11, my thoughts returned to two fellow NWTF members Cynthia Giugliano & Walter Weaver that we lost that day. A memorial webpage can be found at http://www.turkey-talk.com/9_11_01_memorial.htm.
As you toe up on the start line of your favorite road race or triathlon or enjoy another fall season hunting our nation’s forests, fishing the lakes and streams of our great land, I ask that each of you give thought to those that serve us. In your travels I ask that you take the time to thank those that serve us, and continue to support what they do for our country.
Along with counting your blessings, say a prayer for all innocent victims, and that you do something on your part to make the world just a little bit better for those around you. We can all benefit from a little emphasis on acts of kindness.
© 2014 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
9/11 – 12th Anniversary
Twelve years have passed marking the horrible events of 9/11. I have made it a point to comment each year as it passes. One would think that over time, the depth and impact of any event would soften, become more a matter of historical record, and less of an emotional response. I suspect like many of you, like myself felt the day coming on long before it got here. I woke this morning with some measure of sadness, and possibly another level of measure of anger.
Twelve years is a significant period of time to take it all in, digest it, and understand the what, whom, why’s of the matter. Despite all that, despite wanting to be a forgiving member of the human race, it boils my blood as an American that there are those that rejoice in the attack and murder of our innocents. I can understand having positive feelings towards the death of those who commit heinous acts, but to be filled with happiness over the deaths of people that were simply going about their daily lives and in varying measures contributing to the greater good is incomprehensible.
They pick Boston, Bengazi, and wherever to commit these cowardly acts. All without justification are inflicted on innocent people. This is done in the absence of honor, heroism, duty to county. It is nothing short of a religious genocide against all non-believers. It is a scourge upon the human race. It is a twisted radical view to think that you must convert all people to your beliefs or kill them.
My anger in this is rooted partly in my ignorance. I was raised by very hard working and loving parents just like many of you. It is/was a blessing, and I never forget that. I was taught to gauge people for their actions, what they choose to do or not to do. Because of my upbringing, I don’t care about your color, your slang, your religion (or no religion). I don’t buy into the race baiting, the religious campaigns, any of that. I care that as I interact with you that you are moral person, that you strive to do good, and to contribute while spending time on the wonderful rock we call planet earth. I don’t care if you are Muslin, Christian, Jew, ect. However use the suffix of radical in combination, I now have a problem.
My ignorance comes from that I cannot relate to killing, maiming someone for other political or religious views. I could opt for discussion, or even arguing, but it stops there. Would I like you to see my god as I do? Most certainly. If not, I will assume that you love yours as much as I do mine. If you are an atheist, fine as long as you believe in doing good in the world (those that I do know are as kind and good natured as you could ask for). I was taught the value of life, and how precious that gift is.
My other reasons for anger is our current administrations ineptness and the dancing around the “radical Muslim” issue. Glad that Bin Laden was taken out, glad that the effort was not dropped between Bush and Obama. Like many of you, I want things to be called as they are, and not worry about offending their sensibilities or feelings. Identify the problem and fix it, we have heard enough, and had it up to our ears with posturing, and leadership via news polls. Current events stirs up many emotions over 9/11, opening up old wounds for our country.
I freely admit, I don’t “get” the Middle East perspective. Our enemy’s there still hate us, our way of life, and the discussions about it go on forever. It is my hope that on one of these anniversaries that I can write about resolution, and healing. Given the thousands of years of conflict in the region, it may not occur in my lifetime.
Each anniversary of 9/11, my thoughts returned to two fellow NWTF members Cynthia Giugliano & Walter Weaver that we lost that day. A memorial webpage can be found at http://www.turkey-talk.com/9_11_01_memorial.htm.
As you toe up on the start line of your favorite road race or triathlon or enjoy another fall season hunting our nation’s forests, fishing the lakes and streams of our great land, I ask that each of you give thought to those that serve us. In your travels I ask that you take the time to thank those that serve us, and continue to support what they do for our country.
Along with counting your blessings, say a prayer for all innocent victims, and that you do something on your part to make the world just a little bit better for those around you. We can all benefit from a little emphasis on acts of kindness.
© 2013 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
9/11 – 11th Anniversary
Tomorrow marks the eleventh anniversary of 9/11. A fellow triathlete, Molly English-Bowers posted something yesterday on facebook that gave me cause to think and ponder. She wrote: “Watching 9-11 specials used to just make me sad. Now they also piss me off. So many missed opportunities.” That statement can lead one’s thought in several directions. What if we had gotten Bin Laden earlier, is one direction. The direction I took, and what I found most significant in thought was the loss of “potential”, “opportunities” of each of those who perished. No doubt their families suffered this loss, Very likely the businesses that employed them suffered a significant loss of talent, and capabilities. It is true that as a society, we all suffer from this loss due to the death of all innocent victims. It is hard not to wonder eleven years later, what potential, or what great things or deeds that could have been realized had those planes never left the ground and the threat averted. All too often “the good die young”
Each year I have commented on this occasion, and I find it prudent to repeat some of it here, as it accurately describes my thoughts:
Like many of my fellow runners, triathletes, and outdoorsmen, I am immersed in preparation for another season of racing, chasing wild turkeys, whitetails, and a ruffed grouse or two. I get to worry about lessor things. I have no doubt that my little worries would be considered things to dream about while camping out in a sand bunker in the Middle East. I grew up understanding and appreciating what our military does. It is not easy for most military families. The wars continue, many are now coming home. Many have come home to their final resting place. Many that serve us remain. As with all wars, young men and women give the ultimate sacrifice to our country, and afford us the freedoms we have.
Each anniversary of 9/11, my thoughts returned to two fellow NWTF members Cynthia Giugliano & Walter Weaver that we lost that day. A memorial webpage can be found at http://www.turkey-talk.com/9_11_01_memorial.htm.
As you toe up on the start line of your favorite road race or triathlon or enjoy another fall season hunting our nation’s forests, fishing the lakes and streams of our great land, I ask that each of you give thought to those that serve us. In your travels I ask that you take the time to thank those that serve us, and continue to support what they do for their country.
Along with counting your blessings, say a prayer for all innocent victims, and that you do something on your part to make the world just a little bit better for those around you. With all the buzz these days about “cloud” this, and “cloud” that, A little emphasis on acts of kindness as a function of “cloud” culture wouldn’t hurt.
© 2011 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
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