I WANT PEACE AND FREEDOM (I do!! I really, really do.)
Wednesday, May 19th, 2010Author Tony Demaio
I don’t think so. You may fool yourself, but you don’t fool me. You want peace and freedom like you want a new BMW or you want to be rich, or you want to be healthy.
You say you DO want a new BMW? I don’t think so. You may fool yourself, but you don’t fool me. You say that you do? Okay. Are you willing to pay for it? Are you willing to ask your boss for a raise so you can afford the payments? You won’t risk your job? Well, are you willing to get a part time job to buy the car? Oh, you don’t have the time. How about not taking a vacation for a few years and saving the money to buy the car? I see, you need the stress reduction. Can you cut out the smoking, drinking, gambling, and carousing for a few years? Yes, I understand. You already told me about stress reduction. How about if you sell your present car, buy an older one and invest the money? Ah, yes. You need a nice car for dating.
I don’t think you really want a new BMW. I think you WISH you had a new BMW. You don’t want to EARN the BMW, you want someone to GIVE it to you. I wish you well, and I hope you get it, but I don’t think you will. You see, you’re not willing to pay the price.
You say you DO want to be rich? I don’t think so. You may fool yourself, but you don’t fool me. You say that you do? Okay. Are you willing to pay for it? Have you studied the history of those that “made it” so you know how it is done? Oh, you don’t read very often. Have you studied the stock market so you know how to invest wisely? I see, too risky. Have you saved some money and looked for some run down property to renovate and rent? Yes, of course—you don’t have the skills. Have you considered investing in yourself by furthering your education and training so you will be more valuable? Ah, of course, you never were very good in school. What about a business, can you cut down expenses, save your money and buy a business? Oh, you need every cent now, what with dating, new car payments, vacations, credit card bills, and all. How about a part time job and investing all you make or working overtime? Yeah, I could have guessed—no time.
I don’t think you really want to be rich, I think you WISH to be rich. I wish you well. I hope you get rich, but I don’t think you will. You see, you’re not willing to pay the price.
You say you want to be healthy. I don’t think so. You may fool yourself, but you don’t fool me. You say that you do? Great!! I can give you some help there since I know a bit about it. Have you studied what it takes to make a balanced diet? Oh, you were never taught that. What are you doing to get to your ideal weight? Oh, you don’t know your ideal weight. What do you do for exercise? Oh, I see, you don’t have time. When was your last physical? Oh, of course, too much money and you can’t afford it.
I don’t think you really want to be healthy, I think you WISH to be healthy. I wish you well and I hope you stay healthy, but I don’t think you will. You see, you’re not willing to pay the price.
You say you DO want to peace and freedom? I don’t think so. You may fool yourself, but you don’t fool me. You say that you do? Okay. Are you willing to pay for it? Have you studied the history of the world and know what must be done to secure peace and freedom? Oh, you don’t think ancient history is relevant.
Well, have you studied the history of the United States, the revolutionary war, the war of 1812, the Mexican War, the Civil War, the Spanish American War, World War I and II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the two Gulf Wars? Some of the wars “good”, some of them “bad”, but all of them ugly. Have you looked at the periods of peace? You say it is too complicated?
Have you looked at their causes and “cures”? Have you told your children about “Washington crossing the Delaware?” Do YOU know about “Washington crossing the Delaware”? Do you know that many children in this country think that July 4 celebrates “some war”; and have no clue as to what “Memorial Day” is? Have you educated your children in just what it MEANS to have “peace and freedom”? Have you thought much about it yourself? Or is it just a slogan? You say it is too difficult?
Have you given any thought as to the price folks paid for this country? Do the names “Heartbreak Ridge”, “Hanoi Hilton”, “Iwo Jima”, “Normandy”, “Bull Run”, “Verdun”, “Ardennes Forest”, “Midway” mean anything to you? If so, you would never have voted for a man that wrote a book that mocked and debased raising the flag on Iwo Jima or betrayed and blasphemed the American Soldier in Vietnam—yet half of you did. Does “Remember the Maine” have any meaning to you? Sure, it sounds familiar—but does it have any MEANING to you? How about “Make the world safe for democracy?” Did it work? Why not? Do you have an opinion? Oh, I see, it’s too depressing and violent.
Roughly half of the American people register to vote; of those about half DO vote. Do you care enough to study the candidates and issues? Or do you just vote the party line. Do you know what your party stands for? Have you read the party platform? What is the history of your party in pursuing the platform? Do you care? Or is it “too much trouble”? Do you hold the elected candidates to their election promises? Do you KNOW the candidate’s election promises? Do you even know the candidates? Have you read the Constitution or the Declaration of Independence in the past ten years? How many laws does the federal government pass each year? Ten? A hundred? A thousand? Ten thousand? Do you know? Do you care? Will you find out? Do you take time to participate in local government? What do you know about the “United Nations”—besides “the name sounds good”? You say you are too busy.
If you want “freedom” you must have control over your life. Since you trade your life for money, by implication you must have control over your money. Do you know how much you pay in taxes? Sure, I know it’s too much—but how much is enough? Do you know how your tax money is spent? Do you CARE how your tax money is spent? Have you studied any economics? Most wars are over economic issues. What is the effect of a public deficit or debt? How much IS the deficit and debt? What is inflation and how does it affect you? Does the term “Not worth a Continental” mean anything to you? How about “Sound as a dollar?” Are they still relevant? That’s right, I remember, you were not very good in school.
I don’t think you really want peace and freedom. I think you WISH you had peace and freedom, but you do not want to EARN them; you want someone to GIVE them to you, or to DEMAND them. I wish you well, and I hope you get them, but I don’t think you will. You see, you’re not willing to pay the price.
I’ve got to go now—I’ve got a lot to do. I’m sorry I distracted you from your T.V. program. Half time is over, and I know you want to get back to watching the game. Let me leave you with this thought. You didn’t say it, and maybe it’s not appropriate for ME to say it, but because you’re not willing to pay the price for Peace and Freedom, the rest of us can’t have them either.
Please do not tell me you want to go to heaven.
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CheriVNB says:
May 19th, 2010
6:27 pm
Thanks Dad err… I mean Tony!
What you say is VERY true. Unpleasant to hear, for sure and definitely holier-than-thou, but needed saying. Appeasement and placation (not a contraction of play and vacation!) are poor substitutes for conflict resolution.
What do you get for a score of 40% to 50% on your test? Kicked out the ring? I hope not, I still have much to learn.
I wonder if the fine essays here at TTR or W&G, move the target audience or just the choir? Do they deliver that reality jolt to those not so inclined or interested?
Cheri
Cheri
Desertrat says:
May 19th, 2010
7:05 pm
Cheri, I’ve seen a few comments at W&G which indicate some folks don’t have a firm grip on reality.
Economics? I spent the summer of 2008 with folks calling me weird because I pointed out the problems of our recent history of monetary policy, and was predicting no change, just more of the same idiocy. Haven’t had any apoloogies…
History? Well, at my age, I’m sort of a fast-forward Elmer Keith: “Hell, I was there.” Pearl Harbor day was clear and cold, in Austintatious. I took photos in 1949 of the remains of structures on Corregidor. Y’know the problem with “realistic” war movies? They aren’t filmed in “Smellavision” to bring real reality to the audience.
Taxes? In another life I was a number-cruncher, and some things are never forgotten.
Vote? 13 presidential elections, so far. Plus off-year. Plus bond-issue. I’m tired of voting against. I want “None of the above.”
‘Rat
Linda Brady Traynham says:
May 19th, 2010
9:01 pm
Tony…you just keep getting better and better and you were so good to start with!
lynne says:
May 20th, 2010
11:51 pm
How is this article holier than thou? Reality just is. Yes, I want riches without effort. But since I’m not a trust fund kiddie I guess I’ll have to work for it or do without.
I joined the military and offered to place myself in harms way. I was paid to do a job and I thought it was a job worth doing. I was injured and disabled and I think I deserve my medical bills paid for those injuries, but nothing more. It was my choice and my life to risk. I’ll do it again in a heart beat.
I need no one else to give my life meaning besides myself and my God.
Great post, funny about the differences of wishes and effort.
Kurt says:
May 21st, 2010
1:25 am
ROTFL
Hits a little too close to home for some people. I love ta watch them squirm hehehehe
Desertrat says:
May 21st, 2010
10:14 am
“Wish in one hand, poop in the other; see which fills up first.”
CheriVNB says:
May 21st, 2010
12:40 pm
Lynne,
I loved this article. When thinking how I might use it, or it being delivered to someone who desparately needs to hear it, I believe it might come off “Holier-than-thou” to the recipients ears. While you are absolutely correct that “Reality just is.” not everyone has good and true perception. Sometimes “truths” have to be delivered sublingually, if you will, to be absorbed quietly and directly rather than swallowed whole to be digested and shat out potentially unused.
Talking to a wall is a waste of time.
Most posters here have compatable ideas and values. Us slapping each other on the back and lining up our “I told you sos.” is well and good but to have impact, minds HAVE to be changed. Though it is tempting and expedient to use the 2X4 to the head of a mule trick, you are still left with a mule.
I read these articles and posts to feel a sense of commarderie (I live in CA, I don’t get many warm fuzzies for my way of thinking.)gain a clearer vision and to collect AMMO for the war of ideas.
I figured out long ago that I wasn’t willing to do what it takes to be monitarily rich. I have tried to collect things that last and have intrinsic value. I have a BS, I love my work, it has allowed me many things I would never have conceived of on my own; travel, chanllenges physical and mental, impact to peoples lives and business, etc. I do vote and encourage my husband to do so(when he agrees with me ; ).
Best Wishes, (I do! I really really do!)
Cheri
Lynne says:
May 23rd, 2010
12:03 am
I’m sorry Cheri,
I did not relize you among the heathens.
Prophets are never welcome.
Keep the faith sister and you will reach the promised land. Or if nothing else you may outlast the bastards.
Lynne says:
May 23rd, 2010
2:55 am
I have a book that talks about Islam and Europe after Roman Empire’s fall. It said Peace is warfare by other methods. I think that covers a lot of what the UN does. What we see a lot nowadays.
War is not nice, it should be prosecuted as nasty as possible. You don’t want civilians killed don’t wage war. It’s not clean, it’s not neat, its organized mayhem and not well organized. I want war to be ugly, despicable and vile. No matter what I want innocent folks will be killed. That is war and the nature of the beast. You don’t want that don’t go to war.
You go to war with me. I will wage total war. I’m not shooting your serfs, or poor folks to be nice. I will kill and maim. I only want the war to end and survive. John Kerry ain’t see nothing yet. You think Nam vets were bad. You soiled their honor. I’ll do my damnedest to win the war. If you don’t think Nam vet’s don’t know how to win a war. Keep looking at all those medals you flung in shame and then rebought. Ask Blumenthal about misspeaking. It’s called a lie Senator where I come from, and I was in the military and I know heroes. I don’t expect everyman to be a hero but I do know men and women that are heroes.
So I never served in combat, I will make it clear and beyond a shadow of a doubt because of you. You little puke, Blumenthal. I don’t mind, I thought it went without saying.
For you and other pond scum obviously not. You have different rules for yourself.
Desertrat says:
May 23rd, 2010
9:24 am
Fair fights are for schoolyards and sports fighting. Otherwise? Hair, teeth and eyeballs.
Very few wars between nations have been begun for other than economic reasons, if you delve deeply enough into the background. It holds true for revolutions, as well. Even the US Civil War was a reaction to economic stresses from taxation policies.
The trouble for the grunt begins with a Powerful Optimist In Charge, who buys into the ancient and erroneous, “The boys will be home by Christmas.”
Lynne says:
May 25th, 2010
8:17 pm
I’d like for folks to play by the law of war but they won’t.. They behead captives on TV hell even the Nazi’s tried to hide crimes no the Talliban throws barbarity in our face. Not much mention of compultion in religious convertion, mention. Keep digging that hole you goombas some one will stop you again just like the 15th century . So bring on your people crushing religon. We win, We’ll play that. You may say the covenamt of Jesus has no place. I’ll back Jesus against Mohammad anytime.
Lynne says:
May 25th, 2010
9:28 pm
Of course we all want peace and freedom. Of course I want my land to be protected by my government. Unless Kelo and some priviate intrests wants my land. Then I must give way for the public intrest. Funny all ind. rights must give way to the state. Welcome to NYC burroghs. But your Politicians really care about you all the papers say so….
Lynne says:
May 27th, 2010
6:49 pm
I can’t remember if was Goebbles or Goering, That said of course folks only want peace. Well the grave offers peace.
Lynne says:
May 27th, 2010
10:00 pm
don’t let your children join the military. for years I thought it was a great idea and I did good in the military but now it is nothing more than a social experiment. I’m sure you will like the ability of a low level conflict and your child being suspect by FEMA and the DHS. It should be good enough do you want your child living with to and showering from someone that sees them sexually? Cuase it it is embracing diversity.
Hell I’d do better with coed showers at least I know what to expect. But Nancy Pelosi says it will be okay and if you disagree you are a racist homophobe.
CheriVNB says:
May 28th, 2010
10:26 am
Ah Lynne, there you go again, trying to have a standard. Tsk. Tsk.
One aspect of intelligence is the ability to see differences and similarities. So if children are trained and a populace forced to accept the false premise that people are all the same, religions are all the same and we all want the same things, etc., is it any wonder the US has trouble identifying the correct cause and source of problems?
We can fix anything as long nobody is offended. Spend all the money in the world so people who are different don’t feel different. How evil is it to teach children to ignore their own instincts and observations? To teach them that all conclusions are already known and the “best” ones were ignored or hidden by the rotten ignorant greedy sneaks who came before them? Sadly our children have a lot of really tough lessons ahead.
Oldmanriver says:
May 28th, 2010
10:58 am
Lynne,
by that rationale you shouldnt send your kids to college either cause they will have to live with and shower with homosexuals there as well. The thing is that the homosexuals are already in the armed forces. They have always been there, you just didnt know it. Forcing people to lie is wrong.
Tony says:
May 29th, 2010
3:54 pm
Cheri,
WHYISIT that I ALWAYS become the father, brother, grandfather, etc of the lovely chicks??
It is quite disconcerting.
always,
tony
Tony says:
May 29th, 2010
4:02 pm
Lynn,
“Prophets are never welcome”
Even Jesus had to emigrate before he was taken seriously.
always,
tony
Desertrat says:
June 6th, 2010
3:32 pm
“The meek shall inherit the earth.”
Yeah, well, they won’t get the mineral rights…
‘Rat