Kid Rock - taking care of our wounded vets

I love to see our vets and their families taken care of.  Great story from Fox News today: Wounded war veteran receives new home from nonprofit, Kid Rock | Fox News http://t.co/TDUvQqgY via @foxnews

Article 8 of the Constitution - Time to bring our troops home from Afghanistan

I'm studying the Constitution. In Article 8 it reads " The Congress shall have Power To...

To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;

To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;" (Source http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution_transcript.html)

The goal of the War in Afghanistan was to disrupt the Taliban and seek out Osama Bin Laden.  We have been there 10 years. Both stated goals have been accomplished, isn't it time to bring our troops home?

Anita MonCrief speaks at C-PAC regarding Acorn

Anita MonCrief speaks at C-PAC sharing her experiences at Acorn and their mission and tactics to socialize America.

Part 1 of her presentation
Part 2 of her presentation

I love her quote "Sunlight is the best disinfectant".

Leatherneck leaders celebrate Ramazan with Muslim brothers in arms Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/92909/leatherneck-leaders-celebrate-ramazan-with-muslim-brothers-arms

One of the primary efforts of our men and women in uniform is to bridge cultural and political gaps that divide citizens of the world. This is a great story of our Marines fulfilling this role in sharing in the celebration of Ramazan in Afghanistan.  Summary "CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan –Coalition leaders, provincial governors and Afghan elders met aboard Camp Leatherneck to share in the celebration of Ramazan at the Afghan Cultural Center, Aug. 7. During the monthlong celebration, Muslims around the world fast during the daylight hours and eat only after the sun sets. The meal breaking the fast is known as iftar and can be shared with others as a form of charity, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. “This dinner shows the unity of all the forces here tonight,” said Abdul Karim Barahawi, Nimroz provincial governor. Helmand Provincial Governor Mohammad Gulab Mangal also joined in the meal.(Read the STORY)"

"Ugly Angels" - a legacy of defending our country

Completing 60 years of service, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362, known as the 'Ugly Angels,' completed a memorial flight over Helmand province, Afghanistan, Aug. 9. The squadron was created in 1952 and holds the distinction of being the first Marine helicopter squadron to arrive in country during the Vietnam War.

I'm proud to say my brother Mike Sedrick is one the Ugly Angels. I am so proud of him and the other men and women fighting for our country. I would be remiss if I did not give a special nod to the families they leave behind who sacrifice silently in the background. THANK YOU all for your service, devotion and sacrifice!

Afghan, Marine partnership bears fruit through progress, transition in southern Helmand

I often find myself in discussions of how long will our soldiers remain in Afghanistan. Here is a story that highlights some of the transition efforts. 

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/92375/afghan-marine-partnership-bears-fruit-through-progress-transition-southern-helmand#.UCdBasie6iI#ixzz23J8CCm4O

Afghans kill three NATO, three US soldiers in one day

A sincere wish of gratitude to those individuals and their families that paid the ultimate sacrifice for the fight freedom.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/08/11/afghans-kill-three-nato-three-us-soldiers-in-one-day/?test=latestnews#ixzz23FAgC3X0

Beauty, Athletics and Sexual Purity

Photo from the New York Times - Steve Dipaola/Reuters

For the past two weeks the world has been captured by the Olympics. My family LOVES the Olympics and the Olympics become a focal point of our nights together.

The Olympics have always served as minute glimpse of what the world could be - a world where athletes, coaches, citizens and world leaders come together in a spirit of competition, good will and unity.  It's a time when excellence is expected and seen.

The last few days Lolo Jones has caught the attention of the media. The New York Times ran an opinion piece "For Lolo Jones, Everything Is Image" http://nyti.ms/OB8lp2 written by Jere Longman that has sparked much debate about Lolo's treatment by the media.

Much of the debate has centered around her decision to stay true to her commitment to remain a virgin until she is married.  She has boldly stood in the cross hairs admitting that her decision has not always been easy but it's a covenant she made with God. There was a time in our culture that such personal commitment was lauded, admired and even encouraged. Now days standing firm on a religious principle, especially one related to a personal commitment to sexual purity, attracts the ridicule of many in the media and public today.

We are so pressured to relent to our basest desires that rare is the call for personal mastery, integrity, morality, purity and even a true commitment to God. Many have asked why Lolo would make such an "old fashioned" commitment especially in a world where "if it feels good, it's ok". Those person who share similar values have learned that while choosing to live a higher moral standard may lead to mockery and ridicule it never leads to regret, shame and embarrassment.

What would happen if Lolo relented? What if she abandoned her commitment?  Would she be welcomed to the party as an "enlightened soul"?

By some yes. But I suspect the majority, even those currently mocking, would be disappointed, disheartened and disillusioned at the fall of another hero.

Origins of "Echoes of Freedom"

For some time I have watched with great interest the growing divide in our country on almost every key issue. It seems the very fabric of our society is being torn by each side, by each personal interest. One can't express disagreement with an issue without raising the ire, disdain and verbal affront of those on the other side.

Two or three weeks ago I had a discussion with a business associate regarding whether it was wise to express personal opinions on an issue via Twitter or FaceBook. He said that at a recent networking meeting one of the businessman shared an experience where he had expressed an opinion about a political issue on FaceBook. He was amazed at the verbal confrontation the ensued. He was more amazed that he lost 50% of his customers due to his expressed position on the issue. He said, "I learned expressing your opinion isn't worth the potential negative impact on your business." My associate agreed.

This conversation and the conclusion of these two businessman, that it is safer to sit quietly by to perserve relationships both personal and professional rather than to be engaged, has gnawed at my soul. We live in the Land of the Free where we should be able to express our opinions, beliefs and values without being viewed as a hate monger or intolerant. But that is the ideal. I realize that to stand for truth often fuels the flame of disagreement, content and unfortunately even hatred of those who would circumvent and even destroy our freedom.

The challenge is how do you express your opinions with civility and respect so that a good dialogue can take place.

This blog is a forum to share my thoughts on freedom. Since I believe strongly our freedom is founded in a moral and a righteous people my thoughts will span freedom, God, religion, the family, military efforts, and more.  In some small way I guess this is my personal echo of the Title of Liberty raised by the Book of Mormon Captain, Captain Moroni:

 12 And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—^aIn memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.

 13 And he fastened on his head-plate, and his ^abreastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor about his loins; and he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the ^btitle of liberty) and he ^cbowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of^dChristians remain to possess the land—

Reference: Alma 46:12-13 (http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/46.12-13?lang=eng#11)

I look forward to sharing my thoughts and invite a respectful discussion among friends.