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Name: John Sides
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Very Simply, Thank You

Posted by John Sides on Friday, November 09, 2007 2:06:50 AM
That sums up my feelings about Veteran's Day.  What more can be said that has not already been said? 

"Thank You" to me encompasses everything I can say or feel about the awesome men and women who serve in our Armed Forces and their families who have sacrificed, especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

At age 42, I stand in awe at the outstanding men and women I have met who have served in the military.  Many I have met are half my age or even younger.  They are some of the most intelligent, dedicated, mature, and professional people I have ever met. 

My dad and his 3 brothers all served in different branches during World War 2 and beyond.  Listening to their stories when I was young and now reflecting back now that I am older, I am incredibly humbled at what the men and women in uniform do. 

One of my regrets in life, looking back from where I am now, is I didn't serve in the military.  However, that regret makes me appreciate even more what our veterans have done. 

Not everyone agrees with the policies that put our troops in harm's way.  That's fine, we can all discuss and debate policy.  But please let us all unite in honoring those who serve and have served our nation in uniform in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard who fought for and protect the very freedoms we enjoy today.

Finally, from me and my family,  a humble and appreciative Thank You.
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Context, Context, Context

Posted by John Sides on Friday, October 27, 2006 12:47:02 AM
As I post my first entry on this blog, I find myself shaking my head at the negative and downright dirty campaigning on both sides of the aisle (unless you are in Minnesota, in which case, there are 3 sides in some races).

I'm entertained and disgusted at the same time when campaign ads pull statements, vote history, and political views out of context and create what amounts to a lie to smear an opponent solely for political gain and political power.

We need to hold candidates accountable for the context for statements made about the opposing candidate(s).  Not to mention the unflattering photos and video footage that accompanies those ads.

When a statement, vote history, or stand on an issue is pulled out of context, it has the strong potential to perpetuate a lie against an opponent. 

If you have to perpetuate a lie to get elected, you don't deserve to be elected to an office that demands (or should demand) the highest level of conduct and integrity.   With that elected office comes responsibility.

Some of my friends and I used to make the joke, "Are you lying?  Do you know where liars go?"  and we would respond jokingly, "Yeah, Washington."

With recent scandals in both parties in power, that joke is not funny anymore.  These are serious times.  We need to hold our elected officials accountable to a higher standard of conduct and integrity.  We need leaders that are above reproach.

Truth will always win out in the end.  It may lose a few battles along the way, but it will win the war (sorry, it's late when I'm writing this and that is the only analogy I could come up with).

If anyone actually reads this post among all the great blogs that are already on this forum, please feel free to comment.  Just please be cordial, friendly, and civil when commenting as I will if I were to comment on your posts. 

Thanks for listening. 
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