[January 20, 2022] I firmly believe that the greatest civil rights issue of the 21st Century is protecting unborn children from death. There is no greater noble cause than to stand with the innocent. There is no excuse not to. My view in a post-modern world is wildly unpopular, and I openly admit it. Many see my stance… Read More »
[January 19, 2022] Occasionally, I offer some not-so-random thoughts in writing that I’ve stored away in my mental rucksack. My “rucksack” will never be retired. Today, I’m pulling out a number of these for comment. I like them. Regular readers will instantly recognize the list. Some have taken to calling them “Dougisms.” Dougisms: Tell the truth or you’ll… Read More »
[January 17, 2022] One of the many advantages of living outside the big city is a close connection to the local government. Early this month, those newly elected politicians are taking their rightful seats. They earned it. Issues in their election were local and will now play a role at the beginning of their tenure. But, there is… Read More »
[January 16, 2022] For the common good. When someone asked why they visited disgrace upon those Spartans among them who lost their shields but did not do the same thing to those who lost their helmets or breastplates, the Spartan King Demaratus is said to have replied: “Because the latter they put on for their own protection, but… Read More »
[January 15, 2022] Shortly after returning from my first deployment to Iraq in 2005 (documented in my recent book), I was notified of another pending deployment. 2006 and 2007 would find me again in Iraq with about a year off for “good behavior.” A good friend told me that I should be happy ‘getting after it again. He… Read More »
[January 11, 2022] Growing up, it was a weekly event to play team sports in the elementary schoolyard. Our teacher would choose two (either a boy or girl) as the team leader. The team leaders would take turns picking team members. A basic rule was to pick the strongest first. Likewise, as a leader of Infantry Soldiers, I… Read More »
[January 8, 2022] As regular readers of my website know, this is not a medical blog. But I do, on occasion, draw attention to issues within the medical community. Visiting my physician for my annual checkup last month, she told me something everyone needs to hear, especially politicians who set policy on mask mandates. Consensus within the medical… Read More »
[January 7, 2022] An often-quoted rule in combat is to don’t assume nuttin’. As soon as you do, your world will begin to fall apart, and people will know you failed to do your homework. Facts matter; suppositions don’t count for anything. Making assumptions in combat will get you or your buddy killed. “Don’t assume nuttin’ … the… Read More »
[January 5, 2022] A couple of nights ago, I had the opportunity to be on the Veterans Breakfast Club radio show.1 Hosted by Todd DePastino, the show2 features veterans and highlights those who have witnessed war and its aftermath. Todd and his crew are giving us stories that are rapidly lost in our hectic, social media world. His… Read More »
[January 4, 2022] This sounds like advice from my maternal grandmother, Bigmama (yes, that is what we really called her). She was keen on her grandkids not doing stupid stuff (see her advice here and here). Likewise, Jocko Willink, retired U.S. Navy SEAL, tells us the same thing; adopt discipline and stop doing stupid things. Sounds easy. Well,… Read More »