Living Our Core Values

 Common Sense is a disappearing trait

Written by Gary Wonning

Suppose your daughter came to you and asked you to go to a daughter/father dance.

In today’s culture, you knew there would be foul language, drugs, bad behavior and song lyrics straight out of weird land, with negativity, depression, violence and all the many other negative aspect of today’s society.

To support her, would you go?

You know deep down this is not the culture you would like for her to be exposed to, but you want to show her your support and that you are actually very hip and understanding.

If you decide to go, you are condoning and approving her behavior, if you don’t go you are old fashioned and square.

If you don’t go you stand the possibility of alienating your daughter and being looked at as old fashioned.

Most would cave to their core values and go just to be hip and looked upon by their daughter to be progressive and modern, ignoring what would be best in the long run for his daughter.

So, which is the best option?

I think we all know what the best option is, but how many would actually choose that option? 

If we, as parents choose to go to the dance, how can we expect our young to grow up with a decent set of values when they see us bending in the wind and caving to what is popular in society today? 

While kids will always be subject to the whims of society and we cannot and should not shield them from it, we need to create options, where decency and good ethics are practiced. 

That is where our churches and fraternal organizations come into play. Those very organizations we have taken out of our daily lives when we became a secular society.

Those organizations that were at the very heart of the founding of our country, especially the teaching of our Christian churches and the masonic lodges. In those days almost everyone professed a belief in God, and many of the founders were of the masonic order, whose principles our  nation was founded upon. 

Those values that have been carried down from time immemorial to the present day, the ethics of morality and brotherly love upon which all lasting societies are founded. 

Those values, which when lost, a great nation can no longer long endure. 

We can see in our own life how much our country has deteriorated, how much longer do you want it to continue? 

The only way for our nation to continue in the long run is for us to return to what made us great, and soon it will be up to our descendants to carry the baton. Are they equipped with the proper tools? 

Most of us feel helpless to do anything. We all can do something, regardless of how insignificant it may seem. 

The Masonic Influence on World History

Gary has been a writer/photographer for over thirty years. Specializing in nature and landscape photography, while studying native cultures.

His travels have taken him to most of the United States, as well as Australia, Belize, Egypt and the Canary Islands.

He has studied the Mayan culture of Central America and the aborigines of

Australia. Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in various parts of the world.

He has observed that many of the forgotten cultures had spiritual beliefs that were stronger than ours in modern times.

In technology, we have made advances far superior to those that came before us, but, we have lagged behind in gaining or maintaining our spiritual knowledge.

For us to advance as the human race, we need to combine the spiritual knowledge of those that came before us, not only that of the ancients but the knowledge of our direct ancestors as well, with the technical knowledge we have today for us to propel into the twenty-first century and beyond.

He has published several books about his adventures, and is available for book signings, and speaking engagements.

For more information, please consult his website,www.journeysthrulife.com.

 

 

 

 

 

Liberty’s Secrets

 

 

For anyone interested in how our founders thought , I highly recommend this book

The secrets our founders knew

As much of the world looks at the United States with disdain and distrust, it is time for us to take a cold, hard look at what we have become. John Adams said, Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other. We have strayed from our clear moral beginnings to become an egotistical culture that glorifies self. We try to set our own standards despite Thomas Paine s warning that man cannot make or invent or contrive principles. He can only discover them, and he ought to look through the discovery to the Author. As our society celebrates injustice against people who stand for their convictions, it s hard to forget the words of John Adams who wrote, justice is a great Christian as well as moral duty. With the decline of virtue in so many areas of our culture from twerking on stage to cheating scandals at universities to corporate theft by aggressive bankers we should take heed of George Washington s warning that liberty, when it degenerates into licentiousness, begets confusion, and frequently ends in tyranny or some woeful catastrophe. Liberty s Secrets exposes readers to the Founding Fathers as never before. They believed in God, Judeo-Christian values, and the freedom and necessity of religion in order to have a free and prosperous society. They believed in a free press and knew, as John Adams argued, when a people is corrupted, the press may be made an engine to complete their ruin. They believed in a limited government, strong education, and private property.Liberty s Secrets is like having a front row seat to the congresses and conventions where these leaders hashed out the profound issues of life and society. Charles has cataloged all of the Founding Fathers writings and in Liberty s Secrets provides an exposé of their profound yet glossed-over insights, delving into the subjects most important to maintaining a free society at a time when we most need to recover them. In so doing, Liberty s Secrets equips readers to use the Founders’knowledge and understanding to neutralize the cultural myths currently undermining American liberty. It is hard not to wonder whether catastrophe is upon us. If ever there was a time to grow up as a nation, now is the time. It is time to recover the morals and moorings of our Founders. It is time to rediscover Liberty s secrets.

YOUR GOTO ONLINE PATRIOTIC STORE

The blogger has been a writer/photographer for over thirty years. Specializing in nature and landscape photography, as well as studying native cultures.

His travels have taken him to most of the United States, as well as Australia, Belize, Egypt and the Canary Islands.

He has studied the Mayan culture of Central America as well as the aborigines of Australia. Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in various parts of the world.

He has published several books about his adventures.

For more information, please consult his website,www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments are welcome

Be Who You Really Are

It’s much easier to not know things sometimes.

Things change and friends leave. And life doesn’t stop for anybody.

I wanted to laugh. Or maybe get mad. Or maybe shrug at how strange everybody was, especially me.

I think the idea is that every person has to live for his or her own life and then make the choice to share it with other people.

You can’t just sit there and put everybody’s lives ahead of yours and think that counts as love.

And we could all sit around and wonder and feel bad about each other and blame a lot of people for what they did or didn’t do or what they didn’t know. You just can’t. You have to do things.

I’m going to do what I want to do. I’m going to be who I really am. And I’m going to figure out what that is.

Maybe it’s good to put things in perspective, but sometimes, I think that the only perspective is to really be there. Because it’s okay to feel things. I was really there.

And that was enough to make me feel infinite. I feel infinite.

 The author has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature, landscapes and studying native cultures. Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt, the Canary Islands, much of the Caribbean. He has studied  the Mayan Cultures in Central America and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different parts of the world!

He has published several books about the various cultures he has observed.

For more information and a link to his hardcover and Ebooks, and contact information: please check his website, www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments appreciated

There is an extreme shortage of common sense in today’s world, When looking back in history, I soon discovered this has always been a problem, Benjamin Franklin once said, ”Of all the senses, common sense seems to be the one that is used the least.” As obvious as it may seem, many seem to be totally oblivious to it. Most, if not all of the problems the world faces today could be solved if people would just sit back and think about what would seem to be the most obvious and simple solution to any issue. Often times people tend to overcomplicate the issues. I often think back to what my parents and grandparents believed and said, at the time I thought they were totally out of their mind and ignored it. I now wish I would have listened and followed their advice. It is now evident they were a lot smarter than we gave them credit for. Many times, in today’s world, the schools and universities can no longer be counted on to teach truth and values that will guide someone through life.

Available in both hard copy and ebook format.

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Should Sea World be Closed?

Written by; Gary Wonning

The politically correct crowd has targeted another business for extinction. 

This is just one of the many problems we face as I bring out in my book,”The Wisdom of our Ancestors.”

Sea World has come under fire for the way it treats their whales and dolphins. The claim has been made the animals are treated unfairly and to keep them in captivity is cruel and unusual punishment. 

To the contrary, no proof of mistreatment has been substantiated. From all indications, the animals are treated humanely,  well fed and protected from their natural predators. They are loved by not only their caretakers but by the general public as well.

Thousands of children come every year to enjoy their antics and to learn more about the world around them, something that is sorely needed in today’s society.  

There has been no proof presented the animals suffer because of their captive environment. In fact the animals would benefit from the attention and care they get from their human counterparts. They receive none of that in the wilds of the deep blue sea where they constantly have to be on guard so they don’t get eaten. 

Many say it is cruel to keep them penned up so they are unable to roam the seas freely, I’m not so sure. 

The same goes for the animals in zoos and the circus. Most of the animals are well maintained and fed properly. The owners have too much money invested in them to do otherwise. There are probably a few instances where this isn’t true. Those cases should be handled on an individual basis, we need to stop punishing everyone for the actions of a few. 

I would ask these same people if they have a pet such as a dog, or cat. 

I would remind them that dogs and cats at one time roamed the outdoors freely and were not domesticated. 

How about goldfish, or parakeets? They are also held in a captive environment. 

Maybe we should turn these animal loose also to roam freely and be subject to the whims of their predators.

I see no difference in domesticating whales and dolphins than I do in domesticating dogs or cats.

In both cases, people and the animals themselves benefit. Humans get much joy from having domesticated animals near them, they have much therapeutic value.  The animals themselves benefit from being cared for, all their nutritional needs are met, they no longer have to defend themselves from other animals that would want to turn them into dinner, and their health needs are also well taken care of. 

It’s time we stand up to these organizations that spread false information about well-meaning companies that provide an enjoyable, educational entertainment venue to us.   

Keeping whales and dolphins in captivity is no different than having a pet dog or cat. 

To think differently is ridiculous and narrow-minded. 

It has been reported that the attendance at the Sea World parks is down by seventy-five percent, to lose Sea World and other such parks would be an injustice not only to the parks, but humanity as well. Let’s stop the madness.

 The author has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature, landscapes and studying native cultures. Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt, the Canary Islands, much of the Caribbean. He has studied  the Mayan Cultures in Central America and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different parts of the world!

He has published several books about the various cultures he has observed.

For more information and a link to his hardcover and Ebooks, and contact information: please check his website, www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments appreciated

There is an extreme shortage of common sense in today’s world, When looking back in history, I soon discovered this has always been a problem, Benjamin Franklin once said, ”Of all the senses, common sense seems to be the one that is used the least.” As obvious as it may seem, many seem to be totally oblivious to it. Most, if not all of the problems the world faces today could be solved if people would just sit back and think about what would seem to be the most obvious and simple solution to any issue. Often times people tend to overcomplicate the issues. I often think back to what my parents and grandparents believed and said, at the time I thought they were totally out of their mind and ignored it. I now wish I would have listened and followed their advice. It is now evident they were a lot smarter than we gave them credit for. Many times, in today’s world, the schools and universities can no longer be counted on to teach truth and values that will guide someone through life.

Available in both hard copy and ebook format.

 

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10 Quotes From a Sioux Indian Chief That Will Make You Question Everything About Our Society

I found this really great article, I never saw an author’s name so here it is. My thanks to the author, wherever he may be. I tried to bring about some of these same issues in my book, Wisdom of our Ancestors.

10 Quotes From a Sioux Indian Chief That Will Make You Question Everything About Our Society

1) Praise, flattery, exaggerated manners and fine, high-sounding words were no part of Lakota politeness. Excessive manners were put down as insincere, and the constant talker was considered rude and thoughtless. Conversation was never begun at once, or in a hurried manner.

2) Children were taught that true politeness was to be defined in actions rather than in words. They were never allowed to pass between the fire and the older person or a visitor, to speak while others were speaking, or to make fun of a crippled or disfigured person. If a child thoughtlessly tried to do so, a parent, in a quiet voice, immediately set him right. 

3) Silence was meaningful with the Lakota, and his granting a space of silence before talking was done in the practice of true politeness and regardful of the rule that ‘thought comes before speech.’…and in the midst of sorrow, sickness, death or misfortune of any kind, and in the presence of the notable and great, silence was the mark of respect… strict observance of this tenet of good behavior was the reason, no doubt, for his being given the false characterization by the white man of being a stoic. He has been judged to be dumb, stupid, indifferent, and unfeeling.

4) We did not think of the great open plains, the beautiful rolling hills, the winding streams with tangled growth, as ‘wild’. Only to the white man was nature a ‘wilderness’ and only to him was it ‘infested’ with ‘wild’ animals and ‘savage’ people. To us it was tame. Earth was bountiful and we were surrounded with the blessings of the Great Mystery.

5) With all creatures of the earth, sky and water was a real and active principle. In the animal and bird world there existed a brotherly feeling that kept the Lakota safe among them. And so close did some of the Lakotas come to their feathered and furred friends that in true brotherhood they spoke a common tongue.

6) This concept of life and its relations was humanizing and gave to the Lakota an abiding love. It filled his being with the joy and mystery of living; it gave him reverence for all life; it made a place for all things in the scheme of existence with equal importance to all.

7) It was good for the skin to touch the earth, and the old people liked to remove their moccasins and walk with bare feet on the sacred earth… the old Indian still sits upon the earth instead of propping himself up and away from its life giving forces. For him, to sit or lie upon the ground is to be able to think more deeply and to feel more keenly. He can see more clearly into the mysteries of life and come closer in kinship to other lives about him. 

8) Everything was possessed of personality, only differing from us in form. Knowledge was inherent in all things. The world was a library and its books were the stones, leaves, grass, brooks, and the birds and animals that shared, alike with us, the storms and blessings of earth. We learned to do what only the student of nature learns, and that was to feel beauty. We never railed at the storms, the furious winds, and the biting frosts and snows. To do so intensified human futility, so whatever came we adjusted ourselves, by more effort and energy if necessary, but without complaint.

9) …the old Lakota was wise. He knew that a man’s heart, away from nature, becomes hard; he knew that lack of respect for growing, living things soon led to a lack of respect for humans, too. So he kept his children close to nature’s softening influence.

10) Civilization has been thrust upon me… and it has not added one whit to my love for truth, honesty, and generosity.

 Gary has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature, landscapes and studying native cultures. Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt, the Canary Islands, much of the Caribbean. He has studied  the Mayan Cultures in Central America and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different parts of the world!

He has published several books about the various cultures he has observed.

For more information and a link to his hardcover and Ebooks, and contact information: please check his website, www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments appreciated

There is an extreme shortage of common sense in today’s world, When looking back in history, I soon discovered this has always been a problem, Benjamin Franklin once said, ”Of all the senses, common sense seems to be the one that is used the least.” As obvious as it may seem, many seem to be totally oblivious to it. Most, if not all of the problems the world faces today could be solved if people would just sit back and think about what would seem to be the most obvious and simple solution to any issue. Often times people tend to overcomplicate the issues. I often think back to what my parents and grandparents believed and said, at the time I thought they were totally out of their mind and ignored it. I now wish I would have listened and followed their advice. It is now evident they were a lot smarter than we gave them credit for. Many times, in today’s world, the schools and universities can no longer be counted on to teach truth and values that will guide someone through life.

Available in both hard copy and ebook format.

 

Native American Proverb Photo Print by lifejourneysimages
Make your own photo poster prints

You Can't Legislate Morality

Written By : Gary Wonning

It’s been tried many times and it never works.

There are  always those who think they can control people’s behavior by passing laws against such things as alcohol,drugs,and even abortion.

Prohibition in the 1920s should have taught us something,but seemingly it didn’t. Laws were passed banning the production and sale of alcohol. What happened? People began making it themselves,sometimes with disastrous results.

Many people died from alcohol that was produced in a way that it became poisonous, making people sick and even killing some.

When are we going to learn that more government interference and excessive laws help no one.

The path to a better life is not following the laws of man,but the laws of God. His laws are the only laws that make a difference.

Only when an individual has a strong moral and spiritual base do they have a moral compass that will guide them and keep them out of harm’s way regardless of the path and the difficulties they may encounter on life’s journey.

Morality is entirely an individual choice, government can’t and shouldn’t try to legislate it.

Government needs to stay out of the morality business and begin only doing what it was designed to do,protect us from invasion, provide a monetary system and only make laws that guarantee our right to life,liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

We can get along just fine without their help.

 Gary has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature, landscapes and studying native cultures. Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt, the Canary Islands, much of the Caribbean. He has studied  the Mayan Cultures in Central America and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different parts of the world!

He has published several books about the various cultures he has observed.

For more information and a link to his hardcover and Ebooks, and contact information: please check his website, http://www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments appreciated

Throughout man’s long history on earth,there has been one group of people who have carried the torch of liberty and freedom throughout the ages , from time immemorial until the present day. In these days their counsel is need more than ever.

 

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The Greatest Threat to America

Written by: Gary Wonning

The biggest concern among thinking Americans today is the threat of terrorism, more  especially home grown terrorism.

While terrorism  is a major threat to our safety and wellbeing there is another threat even more dangerous.

We have become our own worst enemy. Our freedom and prosperity has created an environment  that promotes our own demise.

In our rush to create a society with many luxuries of life we have forgotten what is important .

While our technical  advances are unequaled in history, we have neglected our spiritual  foundation.

We are our own homegrown terrorists. We resort to drugs and alcohol so we don’t have to face up to who we are or the truth of our existence. Some statistics state 75% of the American population is on painkillers, and

People over 75 average being on at least 5 prescription drugs. This is alarming! Instead of relying on our inner guidance and natural healing when  did we begin to want quick cures that many times create more illnesses than they could ever cure?

Often times a little exercise and proper diet would alleviate an health issues we may have.

Instead of working on core issues and getting to the heart of the issue, we often pop a pill or illegal drug and think that will solve our problems . This only makes the problem worse, now, not only did we not solve the initial issue, we have become addicted to drugs and or alcohol.

Somewhere and somehow we have forgotten what is important in life.

I remember growing up, God and church was the foundation of our life. Everything centered around our religious values. People then, like now weren’t perfect, but they tried to live by a code of ethics instilled by their ancestors. Even the most ruthless individuals had a line they wouldn’t cross, even to them some behavior just wasn’t acceptable.

There was honor among thieves, now there is honor among no one, the only thing that matters is instant gratification and a feel good result.

Growing up there were very few people who didn’t go to church at least occasionally, now most don’t go and in many areas churches are closing.

Most no longer have anything to believe in, they have placed their trust in an unstable foundation, either fame, fortune, or drugs. When that foundation finally collapses and it will, there is no rock for them to lean on.

People are floundering aimlessly in life, worshiping one false prophet after another. Instead of going within for answers, they are seeking something outside themselves for gratification.

In this environment, can we wonder why our society has tumbled in decay like it has? Can we wonder why the Islamic faith is growing? For right or wrong,they haven’t abandoned their God, we have abandoned ours.

If and when we once again discover our true values and spiritual foundation, the threat of terrorism will be no more.

 

 Gary has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature, landscapes and studying native cultures. Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt, the Canary Islands, much of the Caribbean. He has studied  the Mayan Cultures in Central America and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different parts of the world!

He has published several books about the various cultures he has observed.

For more information and a link to his hardcover and Ebooks, and contact information: please check his website, http://www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments appreciated

There has been much debate over the years about what the founding fathers meant about the separation of church and state. In recent times there has been much disinformation about how they actually believed, especially George Washington. In this short Ebook the author tries to explain how they actually felt.

 

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Why Do People Fear Sarah Palin?

Written by : Gary Wonning

When people discuss Sarah Palin why do some on the left describe her as scary?

Recently while discussing politics with someone I had known for years made the statement that Sarah Palin scared him. I was dumbfounded,I suddenly realized what he was saying. I asked him why she scared him so. I might add he is part of the younger generation.

He didn’t have an answer.

Sarah Palin is part of the tea party, the tea party only wants the country to follow the constitution, protect our borders, stop terrorism and believe in God. What is so scary about that?

She believes in the second amendment and hunts. Is that what scares people,hunting and carrying a gun?

Has the younger generation been so overprotected they are insecure about their ability to protect themselves and been taught to believe the government is the only one who has the ability and right to protect them?

Many in my generation grew up with guns. Ours were stacked in the corner of the kitchen and the ammunition was in the kitchen drawer. No one touched either,we knew better.

Many kids today have never seen a gun up close and personal much less fired one.

Today kids are supposedly protected from every hazard imaginable. In many cases they aren’t even allowed to climb a tree or bounce on a trampoline. Has this made them so paranoid that when someone like Palin starts talking about self responsibility and defending oneself does it make them uncomfortable because it seems unnatural to not have someone else protecting them and looking out after their welfare?

They have been conditioned to believe someone else, in particular the government has their best interests at heart, nothing could be farther from the truth. There isn’t anyone who will look after your interests like you will.

Bureaucrats have no ones interests in mind but their own. Sitting at a desk in Washington they have no idea what goes on in the hinterlands or how anyone feels and could care less.

When did we come to a point in time when the common sense of yesteryear would strike fear into the hearts of men of today?

 Gary has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature, landscapes and studying native cultures. Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt, the Canary Islands, much of the Caribbean. He has studied  the Mayan Cultures in Central America and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different parts of the world!

He has published several books about the various cultures he has observed.

For more information and a link to his hardcover and Ebooks, and contact information: please check his website, http://www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments appreciated

There is an extreme shortage of common sense in today’s world,not only today, but looking back in history, this has always been a problem, Benjamin Franklin once said,”Of all the senses, common sense seems to be the one that is used the least.”
As obvious as it may seem, many seem to totally oblivious to it. Most if not all of the problems the world faces today could be solved if people would just sit back and think about what would seem to be the most obvious and simple solution to any issue. Often times people tend to over complicate the issues, when a easy and simple solution should be obvious.
I often think back to what my parents and grandparents believed and said, at the time I thought they were totally out of their mind and ignored it. I now wish I would have listened and followed their advice more often.
It is now evident they were a lot smarter than we gave them credit for. Many times, in today’s world, the schools and universities can no longer be counted on to teach truth and values that will guide someone through life.
Their teachings have become convoluted and are no longer sensible. Because so many have lost sight of the basic universal truths ,they think these truths no longer apply. Mention age old values and many people would have no idea what you were talking about.

Available in both hard copy and Ebook format

 

Freedom Flask by lifejourneysimages
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Nature Finds a Way

Written by :Gary Wonning

As is human nature, we are often in a hurry to accomplish a certain task. In this day of instant gratification, we tend to always want everything right now.

We have become so accustomed to our cell phones, computers and other modern devices giving us instant gratification, that  we have forgotten that most of the really important things in life take time, we don’t get results instantly. 

Most of the things that are really important in our life we need to work at for a time. We can’t rush Mother Nature or God. The things we want or need in life will come to us at the proper time and place. 

By allowing some time for our wishes to come true, it gives the universe time to sort out what is best for us, and it also gives us, the individual, time to think, and contemplate what this would mean. Sometimes the best prayers are the ones that are unanswered.

 

 Gary has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature, landscapes and studying native cultures.Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt, the Canary Islands, much of the Caribbean. He has studied  the Mayan Cultures in Central America and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different parts of the world!

He has published several books about the various cultures he has observed.

For more information and a link to his hardcover and Ebooks, and contact information: please check his website, http://www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments appreciated

An inspirational message canvas print by lifejourneysimages
Browse Boat Canvas Prints

There is an extreme shortage of common sense in today’s world, I often think back to what my parents and grandparents believed and said, at the time I thought they were totally out of their mind and ignored it. I now wish I would have listened and followed their advice more often.
It is in this light I have decided to publish some of my random thoughts based on the views of our ancestors.

Why Do So Many Returning Veterans Have Mental Problems?

Recently there was a situation in Michigan where an individual boarded an Amtrak train and stabbed four people.

I saw a post this morning where a family member stated that he needed help and he has never been the same since returning from military service.

I think it’s pretty obvious he needs help, but the question is, why?

The rigors of war can be traumatic, and I understand why soldiers returning may need some counseling, but where are the family members? I will never forget the scene in Crocodile Dundee where Sue was talking about seeing a counselor. Mick asked why she was doing that, and she replied,”To talk over her problems.”

Mik responded, “ Why would you do that? That’s what I have a mate for?” Good point.

But the issue goes even deeper. For generations we have had troops returning from war and although many did suffer mental problems and need assistance returning to civilian life because of the horrors they have see, I don’t think it has ever approached the levels we see today.

I believe there are several reasons for that.

First off, a lot of kids today are raised believing they are entitled to everything their heart desires. Early on in life they are programmed into believing they are “special”.While this is good up to a point, they also need a reality check occasionally and need to learn you don’t get a prize just for living.

Participation trophies lead them to think they don’t have to work to be rewarded. They never learn that failure is a part of life, every one fails more than they succeed. A professional baseball player can earn millions by striking out, failing, two times out of three.

Many times well meaning parents send grandparents wish lists for Christmas, and well meaning grandparents, maybe even with a tige of guilt because they can’t be there in person at Christmas, check something off the list and send it to them. Little Johnny gets everything he wants, with no emotional attachment to the person who gave it whatsoever.

Unsuspectingly, we have all contributed to the entitlement philosophy.

Most young people have been taught no coping skills, every time an issue presents itself, some well meaning adult steps in and takes care of it for them, thereby cancelling any good learning experience the child may have learned.

Wouldn’t it be better to let the youngster try to figure it out on his own, and only helping if he gets in a real jam, by giving advice, instead of money or doing it for them.

By bailing out our kids every time they get in a jam, we are depriving them of real learning experiences which would help them when life throws a curve at them. My dad and mom always told me, “You were smart enough to get into this mess, I’m sure you’re smart enough to get out of it.”

Man! I hated it when they told me that, but you know what? They were right.  I didn’t realize it at the time, but they were  there , supporting me every minute of the day. But they were in the background helping in ways I never realized. Just their confidence in my ability to solve the problem was all I really needed.

Also, many kids and adults alike no longer have a belief in a Supreme Being. Because of this they put their trust in government or drugs and alcohol.When both fail them, they don’t have anywhere to turn and the end result can only be disaster.

In the end the reason so many returning veterans have issues in life are no different than many of the challenges the average citizen faces.

Another issue facing the vet, he or she often wonders what they are really fighting for. In the wars previous to Korea, we fought the war and defeated the enemy. We came home victorious and fought to win.

In today’s world , the troops go into combat with one arm tied behind their back and a lawyer on each side.

We no longer fight to win wars, we, as a country take an excuse me attitude. Going to war is a serious undertaking, many lives are going to be lost. But once that decision is made we go in to win.  All is fair in love and war. There are winners and losers , we need to be a winner.

The current policy leaves troops confused, why are they giving up their lives for something when the government, the press and others aren’t   supporting them wholeheartedly?

We will always and rightfully so have dissent. That is a good thing in a free society, but it has become the custom in recent years to support and uphold the ones in society who would destroy and tear down the defenders of liberty, while throwing the defenders under the bus, and we wonder why the veterans  have issues.

 Gary has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature,landscapes and studying native cultures.Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt,the Canary Islands,much of the Caribbean. He has studied  the Mayan Cultures in Central America, and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different parts of the world!

He has published several books about the various cultures he has observed.

For more information and a link to his hard cover and Ebooks,and contact information: please check his website, http://www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments appreciated

 

There is an extreme shortage of common sense in today’s world, When looking back in history, I soon discovered this has always been a problem, Benjamin Franklin once said, ”Of all the senses, common sense seems to be the one that is used the least.” As obvious as it may seem, many seem to be totally oblivious to it. Most, if not all of the problems the world faces today could be solved if people would just sit back and think about what would seem to be the most obvious and simple solution to any issue. Often times people tend to overcomplicate the issues. I often think back to what my parents and grandparents believed and said, at the time I thought they were totally out of their mind and ignored it. I now wish I would have listened and followed their advice. It is now evident they were a lot smarter than we gave them credit for. Many times, in today’s world, the schools and universities can no longer be counted on to teach truth and values that will guide someone through life.

Available in both Hard Copy and EBook format.