[January 24, 2022] The Greeks had a maxim, “know thyself.” This maxim, of course, was not new in the time of the Greeks. The importance of knowing yourself as the basis of a successful life goes back into the darkness of human antiquity. It is a story that repeatedly resonates. Why? Because it’s true. How do we come… Read More »
[January 23, 2022] Since America’s stunning self-inflicted debacle in Afghanistan, there has been a growing interest in the Soldier. What is he thinking, what are his deprivations, his fears and desires, loves, and why would a person ever consider the role of a soldier, Marine, sailor, airman, or coastguardsman? This thinking is wrapped up with the “woke” military… Read More »
[January 22, 2022] A message for men. You have only two choices in life. Be a real man and walk with the Devil or be a wimp and live a life of hatred and misery. There is no in-between. American hero James Megellas of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment decided that walking with the Devil was not enough. … Read More »
[January 21, 2022] I’m sick of wokism. Wokism, a pernicious ideology that has wrecked grief and misery upon all of us because it requires, at its very core, a soft tyranny bordering on fascism, destroying the unfaithful and crushing our souls. It is the forced acceptance of race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual preference as the fundamental defining characteristic… Read More »
[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 18, 2022] In the iconic holiday movie, A Christmas Story (1983), a young boy named Ralphie is harassed by local bully Scut Farkus and his toadie Grover Dill. Spoiler alert, Ralphie figures out how to stop bullying and live his life as an innocent kid, having fun with friends and loving his family. The more serious topic… 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 »