September 11 Reminiscing

September 11, 2001 I was in the Pentagon and we were all dealing with everything that day brought. Since then, so very much has happened to both me, you, and our great nation. However in thinking about the subject of today's blog, I came to the realization that it's all about our future generations and for me specifically it's about the kids pictured in the above picture.... my dearest Ann's grandchildren.

So, its now September 11, 2009 and I find myself a civilian working to help ;in a huge international effort to stabilize the police capacity in Afghanistan... yet another monumental challenge. Actually, some would call it an insurmountable endeavor. After a little over two months here, I've learned a lot about myself (so much more to learn) and some about the Afghan culture and many of its people. While we (Americans in general) definitely have tremenendous advantages over the Afghans in so many ways, I find their spirit and desire to develop their country inspiring. Whether or not that's achievable is questionable, but their aspirations are noteworthy. Indeed, President Obama addressed our efforts over here in his press conference yesterday, but I found his position beyond optimistic, but holding out that he knows more than I do. Well, I hope he knows more than I do... oh please, let him know more than I do.

The Koran burning issue. Here's what I think: that "pastor" in Florida has the right to burn the Koran, protecting that right is why I served so many years in our military. But just because he has the "right" doesn't make his actions right. Why inflame any more hatred than already exists... is this "what Jesus would do"? I don't think so; actually, I know he wouldn't. I'm so very thankful for the national/international condemnation which appears to have stopped what I consider a heinous act. In addition to inflaming hatred during times when many of our American citizens (not just military either) are risking their lives to build bridges between our cultures, he's endangering both our efforts and our lives even further. Bottom line: I defend the "pastor's" right to burn, but abhor his behavior in using his rights. Guess I have an opinion, huh?

We will be hunkered down pretty tight for the next few days in anticipation of violence... no travel to the ministry today. If the Koran burnings do take place, we'll be hunkered down tight for quite a while. Needless to say, this does not help me in my development efforts nor my quality of life which is already limited.

This blog hug goes out from your Granty to all Grammie's kids: Nick, Kaelyn, Elena, Maddie, Seb, and Eli... XXXOOO