Happy Memorial Day!?

Every year, when Memorial Day comes around, I think the same thing... What exactly are people 'celebrating?' I understand the idea of remembering those who have served in the military, but I always try to look at the entire picture... When I think of Memorial Day, I don't just think about the soldiers that have fallen while 'protecting this country,' I think about why those people died, what their families feel, if they killed anyone themselves, how did they impact another familie's life (the 'enemy')? These are the things that I believe people should start thinking of... And the questions that we need to start raising... I understand the notion that it is 'admirable' to serve your country, but what exactly are these troops fighting for? Why are people dying? Is it to 'protect our freedom,' like the Gov't says? Is it to protect our democracy? (Do we even have a democracy? other conversation...)

I do not know the answer to any of these questions... And I am not saying that we shouldn't remember those who served; however we should begin to question things and understand why things are... And even once we do, we should look at the entire picture and realize that a lot of these so called 'heroes' are considered murderers and villains to others... And those people are neither wrong nor right.

I will stop here, because I do not want to ramble about my dislike of U.S armed forces... But remember that there are always multiple sides to a story and it is not fair for us to only look at the side that 'idolizes' those closest to us.

Open your eyes and see the world for what it truly is, not what you think it is...

Thanks for tuning in...

Jose

Langston Hughes'

'Mother to Son'

Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor --
Bare.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's,
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So boy, don't you turn back.
Don't you set down on the steps
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now --
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin',
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.


It's May 9th today, Mother's Day. A day that is solely dedicated to the women that have taught us all the lessons we have learned and have paved the way for us to succeed. My mom did not live a fantasy life, in fact it was rough. But she never let that show. She always held her head up high and would strive each day to provide myself and my siblings with a better life. This poem reminded me of my mother and all the memories we have created and shared together. Regardless of how hard things were, she never let that affect us and that has helped me become the strong young man that I am today.

For that, I love you mom. Although while I am away at school I am often disconnected from the world back home, I know that it will pay off in the future. As of now I am focusing on building the foundation that will hold up the rest of my life. My family is the fuel that keeps me going and I hope that I can provide for them, the way they have provided for me.

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful women out there. You are the true heroes of our world and your contributions to this world do not go unnoticed.

Thank you.

Thanks for tuning in...
Jose