HAPPY NEW YEAR

By DELL ARTHUR

            As it so swiftly passed the year 2015 will soon be history. During the past 12 months so much has happened that it seems almost impossible to focus on one event that could be considered the most important news maker. As the result the memory of all of the past year’s events that changed our lives one way or another merely lingers on.

This time last year everyone was buoyant about the future and wishing each other “Happy New Year.” But as it turned out, like preceding years, it seemed almost daily another news story was reporting a shooting somewhere in our nation taking the life of an undefended victim, or another terrorist attack—the last one at San Bernardino, California, where a ISIS affiliated Muslim wife and husband teamed together to kill 15 innocent people, or some natural disaster. Nothing too different it seemed, from what happened from the preceding year.

Just a few weeks before San Bernardino there was the attack on Paris, France where another group of ISIS killers murdered some 115 people. While this senseless war in the name of “Allah “continues to rage throughout the Middle East there seems no end in sight. Now with the dawn of another New Year the possibility of another attack seems almost certain. It’s only a question of where and when.

            The old adage “…Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it,” seems to be a fulfillment of prophesy.

            Looking back a 100 years ago the United States was on the verge of entering the First World War. President Woodrow Wilson, who promised that America would not participate in the European conflict, nevertheless sent troops to France to die and bleed in the mud saturated poppy fields. This was to be the war to end all wars.

            It was scarcely 25 years later that the world was again in a war that would prove to be the most horrific conflict in the history of mankind. In Europe country after country fell into the hands of Germany’s tyrant Adolph Hitler who saw to it that millions of civilians—primarily Jews—would find themselves enslaved in death camps and end their lives in ovens.

            But it mattered little. Everyone who opposed this madman was subject to elimination. Hitler promised his Third Reich would last 1000 years. As it turned out it lasted less than 15. Millions upon millions died in the few years the war lasted. Not only members of armies—German, Italian and Japanese, but the allies of all nations fighting for their freedom and future also entered eternity. This did not count the numbers of innocent civilians, men women and children who also brutally died as a result of this insane folly.

            And the beautiful cities that had come down through the magnificent days of history and architecture once at the end of the fighting were left nothing but rubble. Buildings that were considered works of art appeared as lonely standing walls, windowless, broken, and demolished beyond repair. It took months of excavation following the signing of surrender to recover bodies buried under the pile of bricks and mortar.

            But the most horrific result of World War II was the opening of Pandora’s Box when a lone B-29 flew over Hiroshima, Japan and unleased the first atomic bomb in history on an unsuspecting population. Shortly after the first bomb exploded killing over 70,000 people a second atomic bomb was unleashed over the town of Nagasaki. The morality of such an action is debated even to present time.

            But this was war and that is what war is all about.

            Not five years passed when again an unwanted conflict started when North Korea attacked their neighbor South Korea and American soldiers and airmen and navy were nearly pushed back to the sea. This war, or better known as a United Nations “police action,” lasted nearly three years after the Chinese became involved and an armistice was agreed to. As far as the “war” is concerned, it never ended and only a fragile “peace” accord keeps both sides on their own side of the border. How long it will last is anyone’s guess.

            And then there was Vietnam. This was a politician’s war.

            Men who served in all branches of the military were greeted home by the “hippy” generation who spat on them and called them “baby killers,” and much more wherever these brave men wore their uniforms in public. It mattered little to those who did not serve or ran to Canada to avoid the draft that the misery of battle left so many of those who did serve with scars that would never heal. Some came home without legs or arms or paralyzed or burned or in a casket. None of them wanted to leave their homes and families to fight “an Asian war,” but they went when called and paid the price.

            At the end of this conflict there was hope of peace in the world. Yet even during this interlude small wars continued to break out throughout the world. And then the Middle East erupted when Saddam Hussein decided to take over his small neighbor Kuwait for their oil fields. This ignited a brief battle when American forces were called in and ran over Iraq in less than three days.

 This “victory” lasted only a short time when a second “Desert Storm” erupted and the politicians decided that a change of the government of Iraq was needed. The result was the occupation of Iraq and the execution of Saddam.

            But that wasn’t to be the end of it.

            When the current President of the United States, Barack Obama ascended to the presidency of the United States he implemented policies that started a spiral downward for America and its security. He pulled troops out of Iraq that has left a vacuum of power which opened the door to the fanatics. Today we see the results of his foolish foreign policy decisions.

            All that can be said is “so much for a community organizer.”

            With 2016 only hours away the world can only hope. What is in store for the next 12 months is anyone’s guess. Only He who is the creator of all knows the answer.

HAPPY NEW YEAR.

IN HONOR OF HIM WHO REDEEMED THE WORLD

By DELL ARTHUR

            It was 2,000 years ago a babe transformed the world by His birth. And on this December 25, the world will celebrate Him who came into this world to redeem mankind and open the gates of heaven by his death and resurrection.

            But you wouldn’t know it by watching television or listening to the radio.

            It seems the world is too wrapped up in its secular lifestyle. Neighborhoods and stores glisten with brilliant colored lights and there are trees decorated with ornaments and lots of packaged gifts scattered around the base. Also to be seen are beautiful windows and doors and porches with wreaths and other decorations in keeping with the pagan idea of Christmas. Here and there someone displays a manger scene but for the most part businesses and homes are decorated with stuffed Santa Clause figurines and reindeers' and Frosty the Snowman.

            If you do watch programs advertised as “Christmas” themes you will most likely be disappointed. Movies usually show how a couple finally find romance or some unfortunate single mother and child are adopted just in time by some friendly people who take pity on her circumstances. This altruistic benevolent gesture insures that the family will indeed have plenty of presents to offset their dismal situation. It’s enough to make you shed a tear. There is usually an “angel” who appears to make the “holiday” a happy event for some unfortunate or homeless person. All this is to encourage a sense of joy—at least for one day.

            Both on the radio and television music pours out celebrating what is commonly termed “the Christmas season.” Songs as “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” or “Jingle Bells,” or “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer,” fill the airways. Only occasionally—and usually on conservative stations—will you hear the songs of memory as “Silent Night,” or “Noel, Noel.” What the term “Happy holidays” has to do with the birth of Jesus Christ is a puzzle. Christmas has nothing to do with New Year’s or any other celebration that others may observe. Christmas is reserved only for CHRIST and none other.

            Memory takes me back to the times of how Christmas was celebrated in our home by my parents. Sure we had a decorated tree with presents carefully wrapped and put around the bottom. But there was something else that permeated through our home. It was a sense of gratitude to Him who made it all happen. On Christmas morning our family would attend Mass and then return home to open our gifts.

            These were the times of the 1940’s. It was a much different world than today.

  

            Today it seems such homage to the Savior of the World is politically incorrect.

            Yet it seems okay for places as Oklahoma City, to allow a permit to a Satanist group to put up a counter display of a Christmas manger scene erected in front of a Catholic Cathedral and allow them to desecrate a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary with false blood and ash—all part of their heathen services.

            For those who profess a belief in the Virgin birth or who believe that a Savior was born explicitly to redeem mankind they are mocked by a world that believes that only man can solve the world by their own creation. As a result the true meaning of Christmas has been transformed into an economic holiday. Some stores will even remain open for package exchanges on this hollowed day. Few will bother to attend a church service unless some sort of entertainment is performed. Homage from the soul to Him who loves all is replaced by a false joy.

            The true meaning of Christmas should be the exchange of love for one another. That is what Christ brought to the world. It is a gift that is, for the most part, unappreciated. But it is only one gift.

            The other gifts Jesus gave to the world with his birth were redemption and forgiveness. And this gift he gave was on a cross. Yes, Christmas is special in many ways but for us humans—the creation by God the Father—it is necessary to express our love and appreciation to Him that we honor on Christmas Day.

            So in closing allow me to be politically incorrect and wish all of you a very, very Merry Christmas in the name of Him who made it all possible.

            

YOU GET WHAT YOU GET

            Census records reflect that only about 50 per cent of Americans vote. And that may be good for the country if a recent “on the street” interview conducted by Jessie Watters who appears on the Fox News Channel is any indication of how informed most people think. Hopefully the people he questioned will skip their right to vote and stay at home!

Unfortunately most of the “enlightened” people he interviewed last week will most likely do so. And if they do it is a good bet that they will resort to subjective rather objective reasons for picking a candidate—especially for President. But if applying any smarts after watching this particular interview by Watters exemplifies the wisdom and intelligence of the average “man on the street” then all that can be said is “Lord help us!”

Americans brag about their public schools. The teacher unions tout how grand they accomplish their task in educating the children entrusted to their care and what a marvelous education these youngsters benefit. Yet the answers of those interviewed by Watters may reflect the true product of such education.

And this is the reason why.

With the Presidential election heading towards the final months of November 2016, you would think that folks would be seriously pondering who to vote for. I must admit that I am a bit prejudiced since I favor conservatives so if this column seems to favor the right you have fair warning. What caught my attention of Watters interview actually staggered me. I have for years thought that there wasn’t anyone more obtuse than the average American voter but Watters questions to the “man on the street” proved it—at least for me. Here are a few questions he asked.

“Who is buried in “Grant’s Tomb” he randomly asked a few people. Their answers varied. One person about 30 paused and then answered, “George Washington?” He then asked another lady—I won’t guess her age, replied “Ronald Reagan?” Then Watters showed a map of the world and asked “Where are we?” Some people pointed to Canada, some South America. One person even picked out Africa! Not one person identified the United States!

But the one question that really stuck out for me was when people were asked, “Where was Jesus Christ born?” A young women simply responded, “…I’m not religious.” Another said Asia. One man who put a great deal of thought into the question answered “…In a hospital?”

Some time back I ran across a test on the internet that asked if a person could pass a simple eighth grade test that was required in 1910. I doubt that most average public school students could pass it. If your memory serves you then you will recall that in those days government had no involvement or control over public education!

In those days local school districts were the ones who hired quality teachers and saw to it that students received education in subjects as geography, math, English, curser writing, civil civics (and its responsibilities), reading and spelling. Teachers were hired on their ability and if they didn’t produce they were out the door. There were no teacher unions to protect the most incompetent.

But times have changed. Students are no longer taught the basics as illustrated above. Instead political correctness it now the vogue and anyone deviating from it is immediately punished. The simple basics of education is replaced with computers, altruistic concerns and unproven science.

I recall one school district administrator who objected to a calendar that merchants in town were selling as a school fund raiser that illustrated the birth dates of people who played a historical part in American history. What she objected to was a picture of General Robert E. Lee on his birth date. I must admit that after spending a great deal of time in the south and visiting many of the battle fields including Gettysburg, I can sympathize with both sides of the “War Between the States” commonly, and erroneously termed “the Civil War.” Again propaganda plays a part in distorting history. The old adage of “the spoils go to the victor” justifies such a slant of truth as professed by this administrator. And in schools today it’s the students who pay the price.

As a result of this abysmal situation there has been a push for charter schools, home schooling and private schools. But again “government” finds it necessary to shut down the majority of these forms of education. They are too much competition for bureaucratic domination.

Where will all of this lead?

For the more fortunate who can enroll in schools that DO teach they have the advantage. It is from this crop that the doctors, engineers, architects, and others will raise to the top. For those who have vocations in services as carpenters, plumbers, auto mechanics and every other such industry, they also will be providing a needed service.

But what about lawyers, politicians and community organizers—don’t we also need them? All I can say is look at the results of what we have today.

You get what you get.

ANOTHER HERO LOST TO TIME

By DELL ARTHUR

America has lost another hero this past week with the death of Joe Moser who died at the age of 94. Moser may not be a household name but his experiences during World War II earned him one of the highest decorations awarded to an airman—the Distinguished Flying Cross, second only to the Congressional Medal of Honor. His exploits and endurance's during combat can only be remembered as incredible.

As a 22-year old First Lieutenant he flew the famed twin-engine Lockheed P-38 fighter-bomber in Europe and as a member of the 429^th Fighter Squadron his mission was to destroy German convoy troops and equipment moving up to counter attack the Allied troops following the Normandy invasion.

But on his 44^th mission his luck ran out and he was shot down over France. He had dropped down to about 200 feet and lined up with a road where there appeared several enemy trucks parked in a row. It was a trap! The Germans had hid anti-aircraft guns in the woods waiting for some unsuspecting fighter to take the bait. And sure enough Moser fell for it. The German fire riddled his airplane and set afire one engine. With the remaining “good” engine running at full power he managed to climb to about 3000 feet, rolled the airplane on its back and safely ejected. This was no simple feat since the twin-boom fighter was noted for snagging pilots trying to bail out. Usually the unfortunate airman’s parachute caught on the horizontal stabilizer so using his head Moser elected to flip the plane over, eject the canopy, push with all his might with his feet against the seat and safely get out.

When he landed he managed to elude the enemy soldiers but only for a short time. Finally he was caught and taken to a local French jail where he languished for a few days before being taken along with about 170 other American airmen to a rail yard where they were to be transferred to Germany. All of the men thought they were going to be held in a prison of war camp but what they faced was more dramatic and repulsive than they could have ever imagined. Rather than being detained by the German Luftwaffe the prisoners were turned over to the Gestapo.

Forced into cattle cars the men had little or nothing to eat or room to maneuver. If lucky a person could find room to sit down but that was about it. The doors of the cars were bolted shut and German sentries rode atop to make sure no one could escape. Anyone trying would immediately be shot.

After arriving at their destination the men were shocked to learn that this was no POW camp—it was the famous death concentration camp Buchenwald!

Herded inside the electric wires surrounding the camp Moser was shocked at what he saw. Corpses lying outside buildings and inmates in rags, with little flesh on their bones staring at the new arrivals, he wondered what kind of a place this was. None of the inmates appeared to be military men.

For the next eight months and two weeks Moser would be in the hands of these vicious killers and there appeared no hope.

Moser recalled one incident when he and a group of other American airmen were being marched across the compound escorted by an armed German soldier. The guard who spoke English, offhandedly pointed to the crematory chimney and commented that the only way he and his fellow captives would ever leave the camp would be as ashes!

Buchenwald was designed as a “work camp.” However, working in the camp usually meant that the prisoners would be underfed, overworked and usually died in a short time from illness or starvation. When Moser entered the camp he weighed a little over 180 pounds. During the time he was held captive he lost 40 pounds. Records later recovered indicated that he and his companions were scheduled to be executed. He was only days from facing a firing squad.

But then a miracle happened.

The area surrounding the concentration camp had been heavily bombed by the Americans. As it happened two German Air Force Luftwaffe officers visited the camp and surrounding town to examine the bomb damage. Receiving permission to visit the camp they ran into the American airmen. Taking a chance which could have resulted in instant death one of the American pilots who spoke fluent German broke ranks and approached the German airmen. He told them that he was an American flyer and he and the others were being held as prisoners. He told them that they were not allowed to be treated as prisoners of war but as criminals—all against the Geneva Convention.

Since they were held as prisoners there was no record forwarded to the Allies. The men were simply considered by the Americans as “missing in action.” Their fate would never be known.

Even though they were enemies there was a certain degree of chivalry between them. Airmen were airmen and even in combat there remained a certain respect for each other. The German officers said that they couldn’t promise anything but they would do all they could to help the captured men.

The Gestapo was adamant that Moser and his comrades would never leave their control but a few days later orders came down and Moser and the others were taken to a barracks where the clothes they had been captured in was returned. Then they were released to the Luftwaffe where they were transported to a prison of war camp. The camp they were taken to was no picnic but at least they were given food, Red Cross packages and the Americans notified that they were alive.

Finally the camp was freed by the advancing American infantry. When questioned by Army military intelligence Moser said they couldn’t believe the experience he had endured. Since there was no official record his account of captivity his account was ignored. It wasn’t until sometime after the war when German records were examined that proof of Moser’s account was verified. But by that time people lost interest.

Like so many military men who fought in World War II, Moser was reluctant to talk about his experiences. Even the award of the Distinguish Flying Cross was delayed 63 years before being officially certified. Yet this mild-mannered American was grateful to return home and resume a normal life.

But one thing for sure—he never forgot the horrors of the Buchenwald concentration camp nor the comradeship of the two Luftwaffe officers who saved his and his friends lives.

A FLOPPY EAR BALL OF FUR

By DELL ARTHUR

            Everyone who has a pet knows the joy they bring into your life. The time spent with these special friends is priceless and the bond that connects can’t help but pull at your heart strings. But over time our special friend’s age and their health declines to the point that they begin to suffer. Finally you are confronted to make the awful decision if it is time to make a final visit to the vet. This is probably one of the most excruciatingly painful experiences anyone can face.

            Toby was my “better half’s” constant companion for 15 years. He was always by her side and gave nothing but unconditional loyalty and love. When walking him people would stop and pet him and say how cute he was. Then, invariably, they would ask his breed. Our stock answer was “… he’s Corgi on the bottom and handsome stranger on top.” And it was the truth. He was the sweetest little guy who never once in his life barked! But then the final day came and an incredible emptiness and sorrow entered into our lives.

            We swore we would never own another dog—Toby was it! The pain of separation was too much to ever endure again.

            About two months passed when I got a call on my cel phone. It was my “better half.” “Hey,” she greeted me, “…I’m on the computer and looking at some little pups and they are adorable,” she said. So the hook was set! But before making a decision we called our son who is a breeder of standard poodles, groomer, trainer, dog show judge and author of a published dog book, “How Much is That Doggie in the Window.”

“Heck, if you and mom want a pup I can get you anything you want,” he said. We thought about it and decided we wanted a “pure bred” alright but the breed we wanted was a “pure bred mutt.” And that is how Jake came into our lives.

            He was only about five months old when he was running wild around San Diego, California fields. Trying to catch him was an adventure in itself we were told, but finally he was caught and placed in a “kill” shelter awaiting the inevitable. But a small miracle occurred. Someone from a rescue shelter came across him and took him to a safe home operated by Maria Brunetto for placement.

Jake and his favorite squeaker toy.
You will never win a tug-of-war!

Soon after my “better half” was again on the computer and contacted the shelter. She saw one little pup that might fill the bill, she thought, but after talking with Maria she was advised to take this little floppy ear ball of fur who now runs our lives and house. It turned out that this little guy was the worse of two breeds Havanese and poodle and weighed in at 18 pounds. The reason I say he is the “worse of two breeds” is because the Havanese is noted for stubbornness and strong will. The poodle is noted for high intelligence so when you match the two together-- well, you know what I mean!

            It took four days to ship him by van to our home. Those four days were spent cooped in a cage along with other dogs being delivered to their new “forever homes.” As a consequence whenever we drive Jake finds it necessary to stand between my “better half” and myself as we drive. He doesn’t just stand there however; he places his two front legs on my right arm to look out the front window. I am sure passerby’s wonder which one of us is driving!

            The first three days in his new home was one of exploration. He was terrified when we first got him and when Kathleen held him in her arms for the first time he was shivering and frightened not knowing what to expect. Yet he never whimpered a bit. But after a few days—and exploring his new surroundings he settled in. After a month he was becoming a “mom and dad’s boy.” But even after a few months later he remained shy of people. Anyone trying to pet him he would back away and cower behind us. The reason, our son thinks, is because of his experience running wild and people trying to catch him. But now a year has passed and he is slowly letting strangers come near but he still won’t let them pet him.

            Watching him sleep is hilarious. He will be in his bed or sleeping at our feet or on the sofa and he will begin to softly bark and growl. Whatever puppy dreams he is having are surely something only a dog psychiatrist could explain. When awake he never barks but if he wants your attention—especially for a taste of dinner or to play—he will sit at our feet and let out a soft growl and stare you down until you respond.

            So now after the passage of over a year he is more than part of the family. After losing Toby we thought the hole that was left in our hearts could never be filled. And it is true; Toby can never be replaced but the hurt is replaced by the love and joy that this little floppy ear ball of fur has brought. He is not a replacement but rather a new happiness that only Jake can fill.