Most of us have finally allowed the state of the union address to dim in our minds, but there is still something I have a hard time dealing with and that is gratitude.
How hard is it to show gratitude, apparently for our current administration very hard. It is easy to talk a good game when the cameras are on or when you need a few popularity points. You go to the patriotic well and take a big ole sip of that preciousness.
In case some have forgotten the lessons from childhood; gratitude is a feeling in acknowledgement of a benefit that one has received or will receive.
Having lived a good majority of my life in the service of others while on active duty it is not an easy job. Aside from the physical hardship and time away from family there is always the very real fact that you may not come home. But, the real hardship is in trying to provide for your family. Many military families struggle to make ends meet, but they often do so without complaint.
These families deserve better, much better than how they have been treated by our government. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize we are moving through difficult times, for everyone. When we hear about trying to spark the job market by raising the minimum wage and yet at the same time hear about military cuts that affect pensions and other military benefits I have to ask where is the gratitude.
My hope is that folks realize that every decision has consequences, some good and some bad. What is the bad to military cuts; quite simply our ability as a military fighting force to maintain our effectiveness globally. When tough decisions have to be made, it seems the military is always getting the short end of the stick. Maybe it’s because we are a voluntary force and as such should not be held at the same level as public sector jobs/employment. I for one find that thought to not only be insulting, but cowardice.
If we as a country had to tighten up the belt to spread the economy’s problems over all sectors I believe most while not crazy about it, would be more likely to understand. I don’t like that thought any more than most, but I sure as hell don’t like the idea of more military cuts towards retirements and other benefits. It seems as though it is easy for government officials to abuse the patriotism of our service members. The quite professionals, just grin and bear it, look for ways to make do or in some cases really struggle.
There is a beautiful video on the internet, more of a tribute to our nation’s military members as they reunite with their loved ones. It should be mandatory viewing by those who are contemplating cuts that affect benefits or quality of life. I don’t pretend that other families throughout our country are suffering, these are very trying times, my hope is that government officials show a little bit more gratitude while making their decisions.
Here is the video, please watch and share;
