holiday

October 12, 2015April 18, 2020

The Time For Columbus Day Is Over

Today, in my part of the world, is Columbus Day. It’s suppose to honor Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas in 1492. Like alot of holidays observed in this country Columbus Day is full of myths and missing history. In Columbus’ case the history that tends to be overlooked should not be overlooked. I think it’s time to stop with Columbus Day and replace it with a holiday that honors the people who were in the New World first – the Native Americans.

Christopher Columbus was known as the Donald Trump of his era – a tireless self-promoter who used sometimes unethical methods to advance himself. Columbus was also ignorant of the Indigenous people he met and started the systematic subjugation and genocide of the native population of the islands he visited.

November 27, 2014April 18, 2020

Where Did My Thanksgiving Parade Go?

Jack Lord hosting the Aloha Floral Parade in 1979 on CBS

So I got up earlier than usual on Thanksgiving morning specifically to watch the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. I turn on the TV to watch but where is the parade? It is suppose to be on two networks and I see bits of the parade in the background but the hosts act like they are somewhere other than a parade. When did the Macy’s parade become just an advertising vehicle for NBC and CBS? Where did my Thanksgiving Parade go?

Watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade was a ritual growing up. It would be on at Grandma’s house as we kids tried to pass the time before we could eat. We would sneak cheese from the cheese plate as we watched the floats and balloons go by.

December 4, 2013April 18, 2020

I really wish saying ‘Happy Holidays’ would in fact make Christianity disappear.

This about sums up my views on the so-called ‘War on Christmas’

September 2, 2013April 18, 2020

This Labor Day Thank The Unions

Today, Monday, is Labor Day in the United States. The reason it isn’t on May 1st like the rest of the world is because of the Haymarket Massacre in May of 1886. President Grover Cleveland feared a Labor Day in May would reignite the violence. This Labor Day thank the unions for giving us many of the work related benefits we all, union or not, enjoy.

image showing benefits we all enjoy from efforts of the Labor Movement

November 11, 2012April 18, 2020

My Thanks To Our Veterans

My Dad was a US Marine in Vietnam and my grandfather served in the 100th Infantry Division during World War II. Much to the chagrin of my mother I was interested in military service growing up. I thought the uniforms and equipment were cool and I like to camp, right? I had no idea about the mental and physical costs to paid serving in the military. It is nothing like the Hollywood version of war (Platoon, Saving Private Ryan, and Band of Brothers excepted). I tip my hat to all those who serve or have served in the military.

Here is the Marine Corp Band playing “Stars and Stripes Forever”