A Pagan Perspective

From: "Keith" <winterwolf>
Date: Wed Apr 27, 2005 10:38 am
Subject: Back in the wire again.....From Baghdad

Hello friends, Just me, the old wolf comin back into the wire again. Got finished with another run today. It got a little more than hair raising at certain points, but Im thinkin all the positive energy and prayers that those of you have have been sending my way have been helping keep my carcass reasonably safe. Me, Ive been kind of working hard on another angle of this campaign. I see too many people over here gettting into a bad attitude towards the local nationals here. So, Ive been trying to gently remind those whom I hear being negative that it isnt the locals fault and that they are humans who need to be treated with as much dignity and respect as we do. Its not easy, Ive been accused to having too much sympathy for them more than once by a few that are pretty ignorant. Its a shame that such foolishness is perpetuated here, but I try not to let it go un noticed. I see another problem occasionally too. This having to do with the negative attitude towards the Gay/Lesbian community from within the military. Im sometimes far too progressive I think for my own good within the institution which I operate in. I suppose I take it a little personal as I was raised by a Gay parent who has brought me up to be a fairly decent adult. I had to even get into it with a good friend of mine over some of his bigoted attitudes towards Gay men. Its difficult I guess. But I believe in saying whats right and whats wrong. Of course this sometimes runs me into issues with some of the command here, but I cant stand by when I think something is wrong. Of course there are a few things that even I back off of, especially when its foriegn policy, but thats a whole different can of worms. So when I can, if I see ignorance I do the best I can to try to show a more enlightened way. Now Im not always successful, part of it I suppose is because Im a little lacking in the tact department. But I just cant see that its fair to try to single some one out because of thier race, religeon, orientation, gender or whatever. I really feel strongly about taking a person for what they contribute as a whole rather than superficial judgements. Right, Im soapboxing, I know. Still...these are some of the things I end up dealing with on a regular basis. But I always see hope, especially with everyone here on this group. I see so much togetherness and helpfulness, it gives hope to a guy who walks in a rougher world. Keep being the fine people you are, it makes it so worth it to do what I have to do when I know there is goodness in the world from people like you all. A special Hail to Windy, Laura, Fallon, Jennifer, Vitorria...you all make my walk over here so much easier!! Ok, nuff said, Ill be having the day off tommorow to relax a bit, Im gonna go drink down some near beer, grab a bite to eat and relax a while. Take care one and all!!! Winterwolf

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