Hey all,
I just wanted to touch base and let you know I am still running a couple ideas around. I am looking at doing a bit on Old Glory. To keep in the spirit of that topic, here is a video that explains the Star Spangled Banner. Enjoy
God Bless
Travis
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Memorial Day
Good Morning All,
I know that you were all probably expecting a post for Memorial Day. I tossed the thought of writing a post off and on all day yesterday. I chose not to because I know that there are so many wonderful tributes going on during the holiday to cover all my thoughts. I have written today to give a post Memorial Day thought.
Freedom - According to Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary
I know that you were all probably expecting a post for Memorial Day. I tossed the thought of writing a post off and on all day yesterday. I chose not to because I know that there are so many wonderful tributes going on during the holiday to cover all my thoughts. I have written today to give a post Memorial Day thought.
Freedom - According to Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary
1
: the quality or state of being free: as
a : the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action
b : liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another : independence
c : the quality or state of being exempt or released usually from something onerous <freedom from care>
d : ease, facility <spoke the language with freedom>
e : the quality of being frank, open, or outspoken <answered with freedom>
f : improper familiarity
g : boldness of conception or execution
h : unrestricted use <gave him the freedom of their home>
2
These are exemplified in the American way of life. However, we often take this freedom for granted with the thought that it will always be this way. I feel that we should consider our freedom a daily blessing from the Creator and that we should give thanks where it is due. We, also, have an obligation to those who came before us, releasing this freedom upon us, to defend this freedom with all of our might. I leave you with two quotes from Thomas Paine.
Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/t/thomas_paine.html#EDmobqgZZRPprYTL.99
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/t/thomas_paine.html#EDmobqgZZRPprYTL.99
Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/t/thomas_paine.html#EDmobqgZZRPprYTL.99
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/t/thomas_paine.html#EDmobqgZZRPprYTL.99
Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.
Society in every state is a blessing, but government, even in its
best stage, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable
one.
God Bless
Travis
Monday, May 19, 2014
Melting Pot
Good Morning,
I have been pondering over this past weekend on what I want to talk about first. Patriotism, Founding Fathers, Revolution, or Family were all running through my mind. I want to talk about all those things but as I pulled up my internet news and started reading articles and seeing what was making the front page, I realized there was another topic rolling around in my head. The topic is what I titled this page, Melting Pot. I know that the first thing that pops into your mind is immigration or possibly assimilation. I will be talking a little about immigration but there is another word that is thrown around so much these days that I believe it is causing the reverse affect of the term Melting Pot.
Before I get into that word I would like to define Melting Pot and what I feel it brings to the table. Melting Pot as the second definition from Dictionary.com is defined as: 2. a country, locality, or situation in which a blending of races, peoples, or cultures is taking place. If you are standing off at a distance this is a good definition of the people of America, right? Going through school in the 80's and 90's I was taught that this is one of the defining features of America and that because of it we are one nation standing united under Old Glory. When we stand united as Americans, we cannot be defeated, we will continue to prosper, and nothing will be able to separate us! I still believe in that American principle and as I sit here typing that sentence my sense of Patriotism swells inside and I remember that I am one of those Americans. I have always had a sense, although a little naive, that unity of purpose in the American spirit was why people decided to immigrate here. Unity of purpose to better ourselves through the pursuit of the American Dream.
Now on to the word that I believe is having the reverse affect of the Melting Pot. Racist not racism is the word that is destroying the American unity. This word is thrown around more often then a baseball on a beautiful spring day. It is used to describe anyone who does not hold the same beliefs on the current issue of the day. It is thrown out to discredit anyone who stands up for the unpopular moral issue. It is thrown out to keep long dead writers to be given a memorial. The question is are there racist people in America, YEP! I will not try to hide the fact that there are people out there who just cannot see past the color of someone's skin, religion, or sex. Just like I don't hide the fact that I hate broccoli. The problem is that the majority of people I see being called racist today are more than likely not. Some of them may be and I don't have any proof either way. We have public figures who are looked up to, idolized, televised, and have every word hung on to as gospel that spout out racism in what seems to be every second public appearance. These people are leaders of today's youth and instead of the bringing people together as leaders ought to do, they are bringing division because they spout racism at every turn. They claim that by bringing to light the faults of all these people it will make us stronger but all it does is bring division between young and old, this race and that race, and this group and that group. This does not make us stronger but it makes us bitter, breeds frustration, and eventually hate. A house divided will not stand and great will be the destruction.
I have been pondering over this past weekend on what I want to talk about first. Patriotism, Founding Fathers, Revolution, or Family were all running through my mind. I want to talk about all those things but as I pulled up my internet news and started reading articles and seeing what was making the front page, I realized there was another topic rolling around in my head. The topic is what I titled this page, Melting Pot. I know that the first thing that pops into your mind is immigration or possibly assimilation. I will be talking a little about immigration but there is another word that is thrown around so much these days that I believe it is causing the reverse affect of the term Melting Pot.
Before I get into that word I would like to define Melting Pot and what I feel it brings to the table. Melting Pot as the second definition from Dictionary.com is defined as: 2. a country, locality, or situation in which a blending of races, peoples, or cultures is taking place. If you are standing off at a distance this is a good definition of the people of America, right? Going through school in the 80's and 90's I was taught that this is one of the defining features of America and that because of it we are one nation standing united under Old Glory. When we stand united as Americans, we cannot be defeated, we will continue to prosper, and nothing will be able to separate us! I still believe in that American principle and as I sit here typing that sentence my sense of Patriotism swells inside and I remember that I am one of those Americans. I have always had a sense, although a little naive, that unity of purpose in the American spirit was why people decided to immigrate here. Unity of purpose to better ourselves through the pursuit of the American Dream.
Now on to the word that I believe is having the reverse affect of the Melting Pot. Racist not racism is the word that is destroying the American unity. This word is thrown around more often then a baseball on a beautiful spring day. It is used to describe anyone who does not hold the same beliefs on the current issue of the day. It is thrown out to discredit anyone who stands up for the unpopular moral issue. It is thrown out to keep long dead writers to be given a memorial. The question is are there racist people in America, YEP! I will not try to hide the fact that there are people out there who just cannot see past the color of someone's skin, religion, or sex. Just like I don't hide the fact that I hate broccoli. The problem is that the majority of people I see being called racist today are more than likely not. Some of them may be and I don't have any proof either way. We have public figures who are looked up to, idolized, televised, and have every word hung on to as gospel that spout out racism in what seems to be every second public appearance. These people are leaders of today's youth and instead of the bringing people together as leaders ought to do, they are bringing division because they spout racism at every turn. They claim that by bringing to light the faults of all these people it will make us stronger but all it does is bring division between young and old, this race and that race, and this group and that group. This does not make us stronger but it makes us bitter, breeds frustration, and eventually hate. A house divided will not stand and great will be the destruction.
The proper way to lead is to bring together by illustrating the strengths of each group and bringing them together in harmony under a common goal or cause. I have been talking about the American Melting Pot so let us join under the banner of Americans. Instead of claiming I am an Irish American or African American or Asian American let us stand proud and say we are Americans. A multi-stranded cord will not easily break. Americans don't look at others for their faults and mistakes. Instead, they look at the strengths and pick them up during the trials.
This is the point where you start thinking what about my history and my ancestral roots? Do I just abandon my immigration history because I am a 2nd or 3rd generation American? No, be proud of your history and your roots. Be proud of your families that made the sacrifice to leave their homelands to pursue a freedom that is greater than anywhere else in the world. Remember, those but don't allow your history to overshadow the fact that you're an American. Use what you learn about your roots to make a difference in your life and in the life of others. Share your stories of family struggles and successes to build upon the melting pot. Use it to fuel your passion for reaching the American Dream. The dream thatdrives you to become the best and strongest version of yourself.
The next time you are asked who you are or what you are, be proud, stand tall, and proclaim "I Am An American!"
God Bless
Travis Miller
Friday, May 16, 2014
Welcome to Today's American Thoughts
Good Morning Americans,
I welcome you to my new blog that is designed to bring thoughts on the American way of life, American Ideals, and American History. These are my thoughts and opinions that I plan on backing up with historical facts and data.
You may be asking why do we need another person spouting their opinions and thoughts on what it is to be an American and to live in America? The only answer I have for that is that because this is America and America was founded on common people giving their opinions and thoughts on the current state of affairs in the American life. This country would not have been separated from the oppression of the King of England if there were not brave men and women who were willing to face treason and death in order to speak out against tyranny and in justice. It was these common people who became the change they wanted to see in their communities, States, and Country. It was these common men who stood up and became great leaders and legends.
My overall purpose for this blog is to be the change that I want to see in my community and to help others to be the change they want in their own communities.
Feel free to comment and let me know what you think and any ideas that you have for topics. I want to speak to you and the way for me to do that is to listen to what you have to say.
God Bless
Be The Change
Travis Miller
I welcome you to my new blog that is designed to bring thoughts on the American way of life, American Ideals, and American History. These are my thoughts and opinions that I plan on backing up with historical facts and data.
You may be asking why do we need another person spouting their opinions and thoughts on what it is to be an American and to live in America? The only answer I have for that is that because this is America and America was founded on common people giving their opinions and thoughts on the current state of affairs in the American life. This country would not have been separated from the oppression of the King of England if there were not brave men and women who were willing to face treason and death in order to speak out against tyranny and in justice. It was these common people who became the change they wanted to see in their communities, States, and Country. It was these common men who stood up and became great leaders and legends.
My overall purpose for this blog is to be the change that I want to see in my community and to help others to be the change they want in their own communities.
Feel free to comment and let me know what you think and any ideas that you have for topics. I want to speak to you and the way for me to do that is to listen to what you have to say.
God Bless
Be The Change
Travis Miller
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