[Looking at history and why our area has its unique political and religious attitudes.]

What was the most memorable event of last week?

Decoration Day, May 30, 1868. Former General James Garfield addressed a group at Arlington, on the seized farm of General Lee. What was the event? Decoration of the graves from the carnage of the War Between the States.

What can you say or do when you are a 40-year-old mother and your 19-year-old son will never return to the home he left while in the picture of health, with dreams to do, and a pretty girlfriend down the road?

So many promising young men, nay older boys, released their life in a ridiculous war that was unnecessary for reasoned and unselfish people, but came anyway. General Lee was opposed to the affair and penned, “…though I do not believe in secession as a constitutional right, nor that there is sufficient cause for revolution, then I will follow my native State with my sword, and, if need be, with my life.” Similar sentiments were on both sides.

But war came. Arrogance of others pushed a war to punish those who disagree.

How many barely-shaving young privates or sparkling-eyed young lieutenants were deprived of their thirtieth birthday? Why?

The young do not know what they cannot do, so they do it.

In 418 AD, Augustine wrote of ‘just war’ in an effort to justify conflict with a righteous cause. Unfortunately, every politician who advocates intervention in affairs of other people has attached their cause to Augustine, claiming to be the avengers of God, when the Almighty had nothing to do with their situation.

Come forward in time. During Viet Nam, the majority were opposed to involvement. But war came.

The radicals ran and hid. The very same individuals are now advocating involvement in another interminable loss of always young men.

How are conflicts avoided? The USAF Strategic Air Command, while flying around with the ultimate destructive weapon had the motto, “Peace is our profession.”

If you have a big enough hammer, no bully will bother you. People who do not want to fight make sure they have the advantage. Since Roman Emperor Hadrian in the second century, leaders adverse to conflict have repeated “peace through strength.”

It is apt and it works, so why have politicians dismantled overwhelming power? Why have the same politicians then advocated involvement in yet another war?

Look at conflicts, just in recent years: Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Ukraine. What was accomplished?

Go back a few years for the answer. On January 17, 1961, General Dwight D. Eisenhower ended his presidency with an admonition to the country about the increasing power of the military-industrial complex. He was warning that wars are instigated and fought to grow the military, to empower the vendors, and to enrich the politicians at the expense of the young lives of the military.

The General, who commanded the Army in Europe during World War II, urged his political successors to forge a balance between a strong national defense and diplomacy. Generals who have lived in war, know the value of superior power and diplomacy.

My dad was a sage. He oft observed wars are started by progressives and are ended by conservatives. The terms are not a political party issue. Both philosophies exist in both major parties. The difference in philosophical approach to life and government is the problem. It is the conflict between ‘government must solve all issues’ by progressives versus ‘personal responsibility’ to take care of your own by conservatives.

So, what did General Eisenhower see in the future? Follow the money.

Promoting involvement in another war is selfish. If one has true value, he does not sell the nation’s soul to build political power and wealth. See who is profiting?

Is it for the people of the country or for a few government contractors? Is it for the young men who have left an empty spot at the family table or to enrich a few powerful politicians? How is it possible that a largely non-productive person can tell a good tale, go into political office, and retire wealthy beyond imagination? How can a few so easily dispatch those with so much potential with so little concern?

Decoration Day has become Memorial Day remembering other young.  Honor the fallen. Yes, they are heroes.

Think about not so many years ago, integrity was presumed. Now, do you believe the media or politicians? The Christian tradition was mistaught and turned the other cheek. That admonition was to a personal affront. The same Admonisher armed himself with a whip, a weapon of the day, and attacked those stealing money using the law. He was not meek and mild. Remember peace through strength? One person made the difference. The problem can be corrected. To a grand future.

Send us your histories, stories, and traditions including memories or twists. We would like to bring them along.