Author: mookyj

Hunting & Fishing Seasons COVID19 State Closures & Restrictions 4/2 Update

Standard / by mookyj / April 2, 2020 / No Comments

Update of currently impacted state turkey hunting and fishing seasons that are now an unfortunate reality. I will continue to update this as more states follow suit and when states ease and or rescind restrictions entirely.

Alaska– current 14-day mandatory quarantine order in place until April 21st. Hunters should not plan to travel to or arrive in Alaska before this date. https://gov.alaska.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/COVID-19-Health-Mandate-010-Travel-Declaration.pdf added 4/1

California– Hunting, fishing on base is suspended until further notice. https://www.pendleton.marines.mil/Unit-Home/COVID-19/ added 4/2 Edwards Air Force Base – restricted to mission-essential personnel only. https://www.edwards.af.mil/coronavirus/ added 4/2 Fort Hunter Liggett- All 2020 Fishing and 2019-20 Hunting permits sales have been suspended. https://fthunter.isportsman.net/default.aspx added 4/2

Arizona– San Carlos Apache Reservation turkey hunts canceled https://www.huntingfishing.com/index.php/2020/03/28/san-carlos-apache-tribe-cancels-spring-turkey-hunts-due-to-covid-19-concerns/

Colorado– all playgrounds, campgrounds, dispersed camping and camping facilities (including yurts and cabins) at Colorado’s state parks as well as camping at State Wildlife Areas are closed. Spring turkey hunters now are able to return their license for a refund at any time before the opening day of turkey season. https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/COVID-19-Response.aspx#HuntFish updated 4/1 San Juan County-all public lands closed updated 4/2 Fort Carson- hunting is NOT available on Fort Carson or Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site updated 4/2 USAF Academy “official business only”. Fishing the 5 lakes closed https://usafa.isportsman.net/Default.aspx updated 4/2

Delaware– All out-of-state residents traveling into Delaware to immediately self-quarantine for 14 days https://6abc.com/health/delaware-covid-19-death-toll-rises-to-10;-319-confirmed-cases/6068140/ updated 4/2

Florida– 30-day stay-at-home order. those who fly or drive into Florida from states with substantial community spread to self-isolate in Florida for 14 days or the duration of their trip, whichever is shorter. Some resources are closed https://myfwc.com/recreation/notices/ added 4/1

Georgia– Fort Benning- Restricted to Authorized personnel only https://ftbenning.isportsman.net/default.aspx added 4/2 Fort Gordon- close 1 Apr 2020 – 6 June 2020 https://ftgordon.isportsman.net/default.aspx added 4/2

Hawaii– All arriving residents and visitors will immediately go into a 14-day quarantines upon entering the state https://www.staradvertiser.com/2020/03/30/breaking-news/watch-live-gov-david-ige-discusses-coronavirus/ added 4/2

Illinois– all state parks, fish and wildlife areas, recreational areas and historic sites closed, hunting and fishing prohibited on public areas https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/news/Pages/Illinois-Department-of-Natural-Resources-Guidance–for-Spring-2020-Turkey-Seasons.aspx

Kansas – travel quarantine from the following: International– China, South Korea, Japan, Italy and Iran States- California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York and Washington https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/NewsRelease/PDFs/3-27-20%20travel.pdf https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/When-to-Hunt/Turkey

Kentucky– All Fort Campbell iSportsman activities including hunting, fishing and general outdoor recreation are closed. https://ftcampbell.isportsman.net/default.aspx added 4/1 People traveling to Kentucky from out-of-state will now be placed under quarantine for 14 days due to an executive order https://www.glasgowdailytimes.com/news/out-of-state-travelers-to-face-14-day-quarantine/article_5fb57cd6-7531-11ea-beb2-039ce4407c47.html added 4/2

Massachusetts – MassWildlife canceled all 2020 Youth Turkey Hunt Seminars. Only those who have completed Basic Hunter Education and the Youth Turkey Hunting Seminar allowed to participate in the Youth Turkey Hunt on April 25. https://www.mass.gov/news/masswildlife-covid-19-response All travelers arriving in the Commonwealth are instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days, https://whdh.com/news/baker-all-travelers-arriving-in-mass-by-plane-train-or-car-will-be-asked-to-self-quarantine/ added 4/2

Maryland– strict w/penalty stay at home directive. recreational boating is banned. Subsistence hunting and fishing — limited hunting and limited recreational fishing and crabbing for sustenance only. No permits for fishing tournaments, Commercial fishing deemed essential https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2020/03/30/dnr-issues-guidance-on-governor-hogans-stay-at-home-order/

Missouri– Fort Leonard Wood – Restricted to Authorized personnel only https://ftleonardwood.isportsman.net/default.aspx added 4/2

Montana– travelers arriving from another state or country to Montana for non-work-related purposes undergo a 14-day self-quarantine. The Directive follows the governor’s prior travel advisory and last week’s Stay at Home Directive http://fwp.mt.gov/covid19 added 4/1

Nebraska– suspended the sale of nonresident spring turkey hunting permits immediately. http://outdoornebraska.gov/wildturkey/

New Hamshire– no longer issuing kid’s fishing derby permits or any bass tournament permits. Online sales only for licenses and permits https://wildlife.state.nh.us/about/covid19.html https://www.1011now.com/content/news/Nonresident-spring-turkey-permit-sales-to-end-immediately-569248661.html

New York– West Point, Outdoor Recreation CLOSED or CANCELLED (until further notice) All reservations cancelled through 30 Apr 2020 https://westpoint.armymwr.com/covid19 added 4/2

North Carolina– multiple boat access, camping, public land closures see: https://www.ncwildlife.org/News/NCWRC-Coronavirus-related-Closings-and-Alerts#107242136-public-fishing-access-area-closures Dare County- Resident only travel. https://www.darenc.com/departments/emergency-management/entry added 4/2

North Dakota– All travelers arriving to North Dakota from international locations and states with widespread coronavirus outbreaks must quarantine immediately for 14 days https://www.cbs58.com/news/here-are-the-states-restricting-travel-from-within-the-us added 4/2

Ohio– stay-at-home order until May 1. People traveling into Ohio to self-quarantine for 14 days. https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/governor-mike-dewine-ohios-stay-at-home-order-extended-until-may-1/95-5c687939-2c07-4bc0-925b-91e44dfdd9ef added 4/3

Oklahoma– order requiring travelers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, Louisiana and Washington to undergo a 14-day quarantine. https://www.sos.ok.gov/documents/executive/1924.pdf added 4/2

Oregon– recreational fishing for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River closed https://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2020/03_mar/032520c.asp added 4/2

Rhode Island– all out-of-state travelers will be stopped at the border and told to quarantine for 14 days if they intend to stay in the state. Order extended to all states because of the rate of infection in other areas, mentioning New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and New Hampshire by name https://www.cbs58.com/news/here-are-the-states-restricting-travel-from-within-the-us added 4/2

South Carolina– travelers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and the city of New Orleans will be ordered to isolate or self-quarantine for 14-days or the duration of their trip. The order does not apply to people employed by airlines, performing or assisting with the military, health care or emergency response. https://www.wyff4.com/article/live-at-4-pm-sc-governor-health-officials-give-update-on-coronavirus-cases-states-response/31957513 added 4/2

Texas– Joint Base San Antonio – Hunting closed until further notice https://jbsa.isportsman.net/default.aspx added 4/2 14 Day travel quarantine from the following: flying into Texas from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and the city of New Orleans, driving from the cities of Miami, Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta. Also included in the order are the states of Washington and California. https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-mandates-14-day-quarantine-for-road-travelers-arriving-in-texas-from-any-location-in-louisiana added 4/2

Virginia– Langly AFB outdoor recreation canceled https://www.jble.af.mil/Coronavirus/ added 4/2 Marine Corps Base Quantico- outdoor recreation canceled https://www.quantico.usmc-mccs.org/QuanticoMCCS/assets/File/MCCS%20COVID-19%20Update%2031%20Mar.pdf added 4/2

Washington– Fishing closed, youth turkey hunt canceled. Six game management units that were scheduled to open on April 1 for spring bear hunting closed pending further evaluation. Nearly 90 percent of spring bear permit holders traveling from outside the area. A decision on regular spring turkey may come by 4/6 https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/covid-19-updates

West Virginia– 14 Day travel quarantine from the following: Louisiana, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Italy and China https://www.cbs58.com/news/here-are-the-states-restricting-travel-from-within-the-us added 4/2

Vermont– 14 Day travel quarantine from any state https://www.cbs58.com/news/here-are-the-states-restricting-travel-from-within-the-us added 4/2

Canada– inaugural New Brunswick spring turkey season canceled https://www.facebook.com/251311101719404/photos/pcb.1360785240771979/1360796154104221/?type=3&theater US Border currently closed to all non-essential travel updated 4/1

Not listed, check your state of interest as many have their park buildings and camping and restroom facilities either closed altogether or not taking reservations until later this summer. Also noted that some states are banning overnight camping on public lands or designated primitive sites.

HUNTING & FISHING SEASONS COVID19 STATE CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS 4/1 Update

Standard / by mookyj / April 1, 2020 / 3 Comments

Arizona– San Carlos Apache Reservation turkey hunts canceled https://www.huntingfishing.com/index.php/2020/03/28/san-carlos-apache-tribe-cancels-spring-turkey-hunts-due-to-covid-19-concerns/

Kentucky- All Fort Campbell iSportsman activities including hunting, fishing and general outdoor recreation are closed. https://ftcampbell.isportsman.net/default.aspx added 4/1

Nebraska– suspended the sale of nonresident spring turkey hunting permits immediately. http://outdoornebraska.gov/wildturkey/

Washington- Fishing closed, youth turkey hunt canceled. Six game management units that were scheduled to open on April 1 for spring bear hunting closed pending further evaluation. Nearly 90 percent of spring bear permit holders traveling from outside the area. A decision on regular spring turkey may come by 4/6 https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/covid-19-updates

Not listed, check your state of interest as many have their park buildings and camping and restroom facilitates either closed altogether or not taking reservations until later this summer. Also noted that some states are banning overnight camping on public lands or designated primitive sites.

Hunting and Fishing Seasons COVID19 State closures and Restrictions

Standard / by mookyj / March 31, 2020 / No Comments

COVID19 , Corona Virus, China Virus, etc. will have an impact on your turkey hunting and fishing seasons in more than a few states. upon publishing prior related post earlier today, it became apparent that more than a few statewide decisions were made known yesterday and today. This is an update of currently impacted state turkey hunting and fishing seasons that are now an unfortunate reality. I will update this as more states follow suit and when states ease and or rescind restrictions entirely.

Arizona– San Carlos Apache Reservation turkey hunts canceled https://www.huntingfishing.com/index.php/2020/03/28/san-carlos-apache-tribe-cancels-spring-turkey-hunts-due-to-covid-19-concerns/

Colorado– all playgrounds, campgrounds, dispersed camping and camping facilities (including yurts and cabins) at Colorado’s state parks as well as camping at State Wildlife Areas are closed.

Nebraska– suspended the sale of nonresident spring turkey hunting permits immediately. http://outdoornebraska.gov/wildturkey/

Canada– inaugural New Brunswick spring turkey season canceled https://www.facebook.com/251311101719404/photos/pcb.1360785240771979/1360796154104221/?type=3&theater Ontario is also rumored to have changes, unable to confirm at this time.

Hunting and Fishing Seasons Still On With COVID19?

Standard / by mookyj / March 31, 2020 / No Comments

COVID19 , Corona Virus, China Virus, whatever label you prefer, it has or will have an impact on your turkey hunting and fishing seasons. For those of you with early seasons down south, you have enjoyed a geographic advantage that the rest of the country will see less of or maybe not at all. You have my envy for time afield.

Before I comment further it is prudent to say that health concerns, the well being of family, friends, neighbors, fellow humans rise well above our beloved pursuits of fin and feather. It may be painful to put our favorite seasons on the back burner, however the reasons for measures taken are stark and very clear although we may or may not agree on the severity or extent of some measures. We defer to our healthcare experts and those in charge of protecting the public. Fisherman, turkey hunters may know a lot of stuff, know it all according to some opinions, but let us leave this to the healthcare professionals as the go-to experts…

I will defer as to what is open or legal to engage in to each of your respective states as it changes daily if not hourly. Some states are temporarily closing public lands, gun stores,sporting good stores and waterways. Fishing in the state of Washington closed just recently. Please check with your local and state governments and respective DNR’s, DEC’s. etc Some states are recommending fishing, hiking, using open spaces as a means to decompress, work off stress, engage in healthy exercise without being in proximity of others.

For us in the northern states trout seasons open tomorrow in many places, turkey hunting opens mid April or May 1st for much of the North East. Maybe…

Turkey hunting and fishing can be enjoyed as a singular pursuit and with minimal interactions with others, easily beyond the six foot social distancing rule currently in place. Trips to the diners, restaurants after a great morning hunt, or day on the water are not allowed currently here in NY. The comforts that we might enjoy during epic fishing and hunting trips now have to be planned and in some cases discarded as non-essential services, businesses are either not open, or pickup and delivery only. Gatherings at hunting and fishing camps are now either temporarily banned or strongly discouraged. Again, you have to check with your respective state. Guiding and charter businesses are taking an especially hard hit in this shutdown.

Those that have planned trips, self guided, outfitters, fishing charters, any of you that have plans to travel may have to reschedule or absorb the costs of canceled hunts, and fishing charters well into early summer. We know it will open back up, but when is the billion dollar question.

For me, the trip to Maryland in late April looks to be a non starter. I am pledged to help the land owner take care of a nemesis gobbler on a great property that needs to be dealt with and it is a personal matter, a vendetta if you will. First fish camp for me in May is postponed, possibly canceled til next May. Just got word that the NYSOWA Spring safari for NY writers is canceled and to be combined in the fall. A trip to Maine later in May is sketchy as well. It is all very understandable, yet terribly disappointing. Like most of you, Spring seasons are a time of rejuvenation, recharging the batteries, a time we more than look forward to.

Should there be a travel ban which keeps coming up as a solution for mitigating the spread of the virus, it would put a big damper on racing from one hot spot to another to find a hot gobbler or from one body of water to another in the quest to find where the fish are biting . It would stop out of state travel all together from NY. Should the news turn from bad to something worse on this pandemic, you can see it happening.

As sportsmen we are driven each season sometimes with reckless abandon. As we are morally and legally obligated to follow the emergency measures in place and that has to be checked daily. We should be mindful of the spirit of the laws/orders put in place. The health and well being of our families, ourselves. any and all those we share this planet with can be greatly affected by our failure to do our part to reduce the spread, and the unfortunate impacts of the foe we currently face.

Stay safe, care for your families, and we’ll see you on the other side of this.

-MJ

Reapercide

Standard / by mookyj / January 14, 2020 / No Comments

Reapercide

ˈriːpə-cide

(Noun)

The intentional act of provoking a lethal response from another turkey hunter. Achieved by donning a life-like or real turkey tail fan, whole or in part 3D decoy or taxidermy and carried/worn in front of their position for concealment while stalking, belly crawling, otherwise moving on lands designated for hunting. Other variations include gun barrel or archery mounting apparatus and hat mounted decoys or fans. Mimicking the calls of a wild turkey is often used while “reaping.”

Conceptually reflects of the hunter’s state of mind, and desire to end their own life, which can be difficult to determine post mortem. A suicide note may not be present or intent verbalized prior to the event. Research indicates an observed phenomenon of an absence of fatalistic thoughts and attributed to a hyper-focused psychosis to harvest wild turkeys with an acutely inhibited basal response of self-preservation. A suppressed cognitive awareness for the safety of others is also observed.

Hunter Safety PSA’s and hunter safety education materials state that hunters must clearly identify their target, and strongly cautions against stalking as an increased foreseeable risk. Reaping compromises commonly known safety practices by direct imitation, mimicking target animal sought after in legal seasons.

Also, see:

Suicide by turkey hunter

ˈsuəˌsaɪd bɪ ˈtɜrki ˈhʌntər

(adjective)

Turkey Fanicide
ˈtɜrki fanni cide
(Noun)

For a representative reenacted example see video below:

Turkey Fanning from Brian Flowers on Vimeo.

Turkey Fanning & Reaping, Not Legal In All States

Standard / by mookyj / January 12, 2020 / No Comments

Three years ago I posted an update to an original post three years prior to that in regards to stalking, fanning, and reaping. Since then five states now have an outright ban on the practice with corresponding violation statutes and penalties. Almost half of all US states either ban or strongly warn against stalking which encompasses fanning and reaping methods. The states are listed at the end of the this.

The NWTF and most if not all hunter safety education curriculums promote hunter safety in their published materials in all states which cautions specifically against the practice of stalking (fanning/reaping.) It can be claimed in all states but I have not confirmed that. As hunting regulations are governed by each state, the list is based on the premise of what is officially published.

It is popular among some hunters and prominently shown on some TV hunting shows. For calling it out, one can expect the usual pushback, attacks and trash talk. Nonsense, as a valid criticism of a practice laden with foreseeable risk, I’ll not apologize...

I get plenty of flack from those that subscribe to “any means possible.” A few decoy companies catering to the practice will not be sending christmas cards any time soon. I get that some see it as exciting and possibly the only thing that might work for gobblers that won’t leave a field, won’t budge. Outwitting a gobbler on its own terms might be fodder to be accused of elitism by these folks.

From personal experience, outwitting a stubborn gobbler by having the right set up, convincing the gobbler to forgo his natural instincts, and making calls that the bird wants to hear is a satisfaction you long remember.

Hate to break the news, that in the act of fair chase, the gobbler does win out sometimes. It is actually ok when it happens. We all have our nemesis, project birds that cause many hours of scheming and frustration. The reward of reaping or fanning a gobbler to a successful conclusion fails to outweigh the chosen and foreseeable risk.

Many of us find it an unacceptable risk with the exception of wide open fields/spaces where rifles are not allowed. As trespassing is far too common, the private land argument claiming it to be be safe holds no weight. The chaotic gun handling during a reaping, fanning stalk shown in videos is enough to make any hunter safety instructor cringe. It should make us all cringe.

Each year stories appear across the USA of a turkey hunter being shot. Sometimes a fatality, others a painful removal of dozens of leaded or tungsten shot, surgery, scarring, loss of sight or disfigurement. Details in nearly all reporting is sketchy, lacking in details as reporters are not intimate with our sport. Far too often it is called an accident which is a misuse of the term.

I am happy to report that fanning and reaping fatalities are not growing in epidemic numbers… At least by what can be researched online. There have been a few, each tragic and of course 100% avoidable. It is entirely preventable with the golden rules we are to abide by each time we head to the turkey woods. Zero incidents is the acceptable number as it is 100% preventable.

My opinion has not lessened or moderated on the idea of stalking or stalking with a manufactured or taxidermy decoy/fan of a gobbler carried in front, on the barrel, or as a hat decoy. Stalking of any kind plagues our sport and has for many years. The method is identified as one of the leading causes of turkey hunting incidents and fatalities.

List of States, Provinces

In a review on the various DNR’s, DEC’s, DWR’s etc, the following States enacted a ban on the practice of stalking, fanning, reaping, and specifically stated in their turkey hunting regulations:

Michigan New Jersey Pennsylvania South Carolina (WMA’s only) Rhode Island

The following States, and one Canadian Province issue a statement of caution specifically in their hunting regs and or species specific guides against the practice of stalking as a matter of safety:

Alabama Arkansas California Connecticut Idaho

Kentucky (specifically fanning/reaping) Maine Maryland Missouri

New York New Hampshire North Carolina Oklahoma Oregon

Ontario, Canada Vermont Washington Wisconsin

There may be more that publish separately as safe hunting tips, and hunting education courses. For my research I used the published hunting regs for each state or province. I will edit the list as others become known.

I would not expect states with predominantly wide open spaces to adopt such restrictions. Should there be an uptick in reckless events, fatalities, I would expect more states to take a more conservative position on this.

-MJ

New York Sportsmen & Gun Owners- Give a Damn about Constitutional Rights?

Standard / by mookyj / December 28, 2019 / 1 Comment

The expected answer would be yes, hell yes, of course, without question…

A preemptive disclaimer- There is no sugar coating it, no regard for moderate compromise or apologists in this commentary. For those offended, not sorry. We cannot be sidetracked about the likability of the truth or the notion of being politically correct.

An automatic ‘Yes’ response serves no one when it comes down to ideology, core principles put to action. As a whole, gun owners, hunters, archers, trappers competition shooters and sportsmen in New York State fail miserably. Despite a large demographic and cross section of the population in the Empire State, we effectively neuter ourselves and there is no valid reason to justify that being the case

To be fair, there are those among us that vote, participate in the political process, petition and spread the word, you know who you are and it is not intended to insult your sensibilities. Sadly too many sit on their hands when push comes to shove.

Despite the fly by night passage of the ‘Safe Act,’ an egregious assault on second amendment rights and further restriction on law abiding citizens, Our Governor was reelected with little opposition by our ranks.

We tolerate increasing restrictions by the state, counties and towns in firearm laws and those pertaining to hunting, fishing and trapping and we are being dictated to by those that have little to no understanding or working knowledge and generally allow us to pay our way while putting a virtual thumb on every aspect of our activities and inalienable rights. It is also to our further dismay that those that are bent on removing the first and second amendments and to end all hunting and fishing get ample access to our political system and yet we are far too apathetic. As a group we allow this as we decry downstate politics. Sorry, but it’s total bullshit. We failed to see it through.

All eyes are on Virginia for a possible showdown between a tyrannical governor/administration and second amendment rights. Calls for violent confrontation are more frequent and alarming. 85 of Virginia’s 95 counties have declared themselves as Second Amendment sanctuaries, modeled after immigration sanctuaries which are the unintended outcome of defying federal law. When by the stroke of a pen you declare firearm owners felons by merely owning a legally purchased firearm, it will end badly if it is not struck down. It can be argued that treason is being committed against the citizens of Virginia and entirely unconstitutional on its face.

The framers intended that the second amendment be written purposely to defend against a tyrannical government and acts of treason upon us. It is that plain and simple. One can reasonably argue that Virginia is on a collision course here. New York, California and a few others are predicted to follow suit.

Why do we care in New York? You can be sure that what happens in Virginia if successful in taking away these rights, New York in all its levels of government will follow suite and waste no time in doing so. As such, only one county in NY has followed the examples in Virginia in declaring themselves a Second Amendment Sanctuary. One has to ask why only one? Are we asleep at the wheel?

Getting back to the assertion that we do not act in mass as a Tour de Force…

For decades as a group we decry that downstate dictates all things within the state politics and laws that are passed. In the case of issues of interest to gun owners and sportsmen there is simply no truth to it. In the past election had just firearm owners voted in mass, Cuomo would have been defeated by an 700K-1.1M margin depending on what numbers you believe. There is no plausible excuse, especially if all gun owners, hunters, fisherman, trappers, archers voted consistently. Had we or in the future vote as a group, in mass, infringements on our rights including first and second amendments, our beloved pursuits would see a return as unpinged and free from the constant assault and harassment that we continue to endure. There is much to be upended, reversed, null/voided and restored.

On social media we present ourselves as all badass, full of bravado… cold dead hands before ever surrendering… Sounds good, seen the movie… How many will cut and run at the first shots fired, as the first bodies hit the ground? Surely not the best outcome we might all agree. Clamoring for a civil war means many atrocities, countless dead, and families forever torn apart and irreparably changed. No reasoned person wants this as we view life as priceless. If we believe in living as free persons of this country, neglecting to vote is irresponsible.

If this social media warrior energy, bravado were redirected to the voting booth, the political process, we might affect change that is needed and not fast enough I might add. It may end up with the Supreme Court squashing this before critical mass. Without regard to that outcome, we can act together collectively and suspend the infighting and bickering to save what is most important and dear to us.

None of us alive today were born into servitude or as serfs to kings whom we broke away from in our founding. If you do give a damn about your rights and freedoms and that of your loved ones, your neighbors, your brethren, the passive response, sitting out elections is not a responsible choice, and you must exercise your rights as a citizen.

We cannot afford to continue letting others do our bidding…

-MJ

The Ghost Gobbler Of Lone Spur Hollow

Video / by mookyj / October 4, 2019 / No Comments

I Have Not Forgotten 9/11, I Remember 9/12

Standard / by mookyj / September 10, 2019 / No Comments

As the anniversary of 9/11 arrives. 18 years have passed…

Am I at a crossroads with this? Are you? Your families? Your neighbors? Your friends? Your ideological opponents?

I’ll start…. no, on second thought, hell no…

Each of you can reflect, answer for yourselves…. I hope we agree on this…

I bring myself to watch the documentaries, the special coverage shows every year, whenever it is aired. The reading of the names is deeply moving, deeply upsetting and profoundly sad. I weep each remembrance, every anniversary, I will tomorrow, and in the years I have ahead that I am gifted, blessed to rise on this solemn day. Nearly 60 now, I have days that many never get to see. 2,977 are among them

2,977 innocents were murdered as infidels, targets of a hateful twisted sect of Islam, to the joy of many who claim to be peaceful followers of their faith. There is no sugar coating it… Politically correct does not apply. To say this or to observe it for what it is, is not Islamophobia, bigotry, racism or and other”ism” you can create. It is the raw ugly truth, signed in innocent blood.

9/12 not so many years after, do we fail to honor the lives lost on this fateful day, those lost while serving us in war, our daily lives? We hate each other by party affiliation, by whom we vote for, align ourselves with, we are nasty and uncivil to strangers and to those that love us. We are actually capable of being far better than this. I can remember a time…

Are we so entrenched, reverted, emotional zealots that we forgo the ideal that we honor the fallen by living the American Dream and all that it stands for? That they can no longer pursue? That we take on the daily challenges, carry on as it is the greatest honor to others whom sacrifice for us, for us to live well and in service to each other?

I’ll answer for you… Yes, hell yeah!

For those of you that are polar opposite to my conservative thoughts, that we might not share a strong Irish Stout together, I dedicate the following from my Irish roots to your betterment in life and to the hope we return to the land of united bloody Americans (as the Brits would call us) I fondly remember:

Irish Blessing

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

May God be with you and bless you;
May you see your children’s children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings,
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.

May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And may the hand of a friend always be near.

May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.

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.

Choices

Standard / by mookyj / June 9, 2019 / No Comments

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Author: mookyj

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