America the Exceptional, Part Three

Our last full day in Maryland was my favorite. My morning was spent with Joe Bussard, collector and keeper of the rarest and most valuable 78 rpm records available. One fellow collector remarked of him, "Joe has records even God doesn't know exist." That may be a slight exaggeration but not by much. You can read about that part of my adventure here:

http://brettbilledeau.blogspot.com/2016/04/meeting-joe-bussard-king-of-78rpm.html

It was actually painful to part ways with him because there was sooooo much more to hear. I did, though, and met my family for lunch, followed by a trip to the most aesthetically pleasing scenery of our journey: Harper's Ferry, West Virginia.

My father-in-law is a Civil War buff but hadn't been there. Thomas Jefferson stood on the banks of the Shenandoah River with the Appalachian Mountains towering above and proclaimed its beauty, and after visiting it was easy to understand why. Pictures don't begin to do it justice.





Historically, the most (in)famous moment at Harper's Ferry occurred in 1859 when slave abolitionist John Brown lead a thirty-six hour siege of the town's armory in hopes of a rebellion. It failed miserably, most of his men died, and he was taken into custody by Col. Robert E. Lee. Southerners didn't take kindly to his kind around there back then.

The town is now somewhat recreated to look like it did then, designed to give tourists a sense of history. What got to me was the stunning beauty, breathing in the mountain air, and standing on a pre-Civil War historical location. You'd think D.C. or Gettysburg would've elicited the most powerful emotions, but nature itself overwhelmed me the most.  

Our trip home took us back through the mountains where it was a balmy twenty-three degrees out. A light snow dusted the countryside and although I was happy to be in a warm car, it was still gorgeous.

I am excited at returning to some of the spots we saw and further exploring our great nation. I feel grateful to have been there, for the experiences.

America the Exceptional, Part Two

On what was the first full family vacation my wife, kids and I have actually taken (aside from day trips or overnight to Chicago or Detroit), we had the opportunity to visit several historic sites not far from her family's home in Maryland. I spoke of Washington, D.C. in a previous post.

The massive size of the Gettysburg battle fields cannot be accurately described in words or even photos. Only Ken Burns' 1990 masterful documentary The Civil War does it justice. It's a place we learn about from the time we're in elementary school, its importance in the Civil War and place in American history stressed to us.

We lunched at  Sweney's Tavern, part of the Farnsworth Inn, one of the most haunted places in town. My daughter, her aunt, and her grandpa could swear they felt some supernatural juju happening! While I didn't feel it, I enjoyed the atmosphere, complete with costumes from the film Gettysburg adorning the walls, as well as the fish & chips I had for lunch.

What I didn't care for was the narrow selection of tourist-trap stores along the main drag. Once we'd seen a couple, we'd seen them all, but some of the ladies in our group wanted to hit each one before we got to the battlefield. C'est la vie, eh?

The first spot on the fields we finally made it to was the Eisenhower farm area with its massive observation deck along Confederate Avenue. One can get an almost complete panoramic view of the area from its top. From there the battlefields take shape in the viewer's eye.

 

We didn't get out of the vehicle frequently due to cold and winds, but we arrived at Little Round Top, one of the most famous spots on the battlefield and where some of the heaviest casualties of the war were suffered. I felt the weight of history on me when I ran my hands over the names of the dead inscribed upon monument walls.

From there we proceeded to Devil's Den, appropriately named given the savagery of the Gettysburg battles. We climbed on the rocks and snapped a few photos, and it hit me how terrified the Confederate soldiers must've been, rushing from there to Little Round Top for slaughter. Just because they fought for the South doesn't mean we cannot mourn their loss. They were still Americans, after all.

The final spot before heading home was the cemetery to see the spot where President Lincoln gave his historic address. There were several busloads of tourists there and I'll admit it took away from the visit for me. The family enjoyed it, though, and the kids can say they've been there. I myself would love to go back on a quiet afternoon and be able to take in the aura, so maybe next time.

Our great nation is full of historical spots, many of them within a day's drive. Gettysburg is something anyone in the Midwest or East Coast should see if you get a chance. It remains a stoic reminder of the division we once faced and of the bravery of untold men and women to fight and die for their beliefs.

America the Exceptional, Part One

On a recent trip to Maryland, my family and I had the opportunity to go sight seeing (read: do touristy things) on the East Coast, as well as take in the sights of some of America's prettiest country.

For those who've traveled the Ohio Turnpike, you know just what a barren, desolate part of the Midwest it is: nothing but flatlands and truck stops for 90% of the ride. The truck stops are admittedly superior to Michigan's but they're the only relief from an otherwise mind-numbing ride. All that changed when we entered Pennsylvania... my goodness, the scenery was beautiful: Rolling green hills, blue skies, and a longer-yet-aesthetically-pleasing drive lay ahead. I get why the Amish cherish it so!

We took the Metro from Shady Grove, MD to Washington, D.C. A light rain greeted us but soon abated, allowing the sun to shine.  We began our all-too-brief visit at the Washington Monument, the sheer height of which makes you feel the size of an ant. It was awe-inspiring, I admit. The Lincoln Memorial offers a splendid view of the mall, the Reflection Pond, and the Capital building beyond. To see Honest Abe's likeness and words keeping watch over the capital inspires hope.

What I appreciated most, though, were the World War II and Korean War Memorials. My grandfather, four of his brothers, my great-uncle Bill, and other family fought in WWII and I was proud to pay homage with a visit. A dear friend of my family's was in Korea; he's been gone ten years now but I still remember him as if we talked yesterday. I couldn't help but feel gratitude.

Me at the WWII Memorial - Atlantic Side


We hit the National Air & Space Museum, part of the Smithsonian collective, to the thrill of my kids. The Wright Bros.' plane, Amelia Earhart's belongings, the Apollo 11 cone, and so much more fascinated them, and I liked it, too. You could spend all day there and not see it all. To see everything we'd have wanted, we'd easily need a week to cover all the museums and attractions.

What struck me about the tourist area of D.C. was the diversity of visitors. My family is made up of white, Christian Midwesterners, and we stood side-by-side with a variety of folks from Southeast Asia (particularly at the Korean Memorial), Middle Eastern Muslims, and people of all races, creeds, and nationalities. We were all there to take in the history and reverence in the capital of what I truly believe is still the greatest nation on Earth. Even if you (or they) don't agree, one cannot help but respect the effort put in to making America's history living and vibrant to visitors.

And then there were... still too many.

At last, the 2016 GOP field is whittling itself down: Huckabee and Santorum represented the lunatic fringe, the screwballs who thought that some philandering county clerk from Kentucky somehow represented the moral authority. Chris Christie was a ball of fire but blazed out quickly, Carly Fiorina had far too much corporate baggage, Rand Paul could never live up to his father's rebel standards... surely I'm forgetting someone? Who knows.

What are we left with, though? Are there really any candidates who are not only for a traditional conservative belief system but still manage to garner support from the infamous Mushball Middle? The tangerine-skinned real-estate mogul is leading the polls in the Republican field but is far too uncouth and opinionated to capture the hearts of most Americans. Besides, he donated to Hillary Clinton's Senate campaign and voted for Obama. Conservative? Nope - fraud.

Little Marco Rubio is an alright guy but I believe he suffers from the same symptom that is also one of Barry Obama's biggest downfalls: inexperience. He's also not quick on his feet during speeches, leading many (including myself) to wonder if he could go toe-to-toe with political and international foes. Ohio's Governor Kasich has done a decent job in his state as a now two-term governor and may yet provide a few surprises but so far hasn't inspired too much widespread support outside of New Hampshire.

Then there's George and Barbara's son John Ellis Bush - Jeb to the rest of us. Years ago I thought the GOP ran the wrong brother for president. With his record of being tough on crime and fiscally conservative, yet appealing to Latino voters and everyday folk, Florida's Governor seemed to, well, have it more together than George W. Bush. Now, a decade and a half later, his campaign (one that has failed to garner much enthusiasm) seems stalled. He's practical, comparatively soft spoken, and almost seems uncomfortable in the spotlight... he's the anti-Trump.

Finally we arrive in the Lonestar State with a rogue Canadian-born Cuban-American with a cocksure demeanor and a way of irritating both Liberals and some within his own party. Rafael Edward Cruz is probably the most dyed-in-the-wool Conservative candidate. He seems to have a distinct vision for where he wants to take America and doesn't give a darn if you like him or not. And that may be the problem: while he's got the decency to not play the populist vote (ahem, Oompa Loompa from New York, we're looking at you), he has thus far proven to be more polarizing than most. Yet, I kinda like the guy...

None of these choices are ideal, yet they still seem more respectable that a pseudo-feminist who voted for the Iraq War and is funded by the Top One Percent, yet claims to be for "the little guy" out there. Oh, and she got people slaughtered in Libya and didn't give a damn. Anyone who thinks Hillary Clinton cares about anyone but herself is foolishly misguided (at best). Hillary Clinton ought to be a synonym for evil in the dictionary.

And Bern? Well, there's a man whose leadership on Veteran's Affairs lead to the suffering (and in some cases, deaths) of our brave men and women returning from the Middle East in V.A. facilities, who has never had one bill passed during decades in the Senate, and who believes in pitting the haves and have-nots against one another in what would become all-out Class Warfare under his presidency. He has more integrity than Hillary, but so did Pol Pot, Idi Amin, and Joseph Stalin. If anyone wants to see our country go for broke, he's the guy to get us there.

If ever there was a case of being caught between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, the 2016 election is turning out to be that time.

2015: Out like a tamed lion...

I feel like I should reflect back on another year but don't know where to begin, or if it's even relevant. Does anyone else feel the same? I mean, other than the earth taking another trip around the sun, what's changed? My household has had its share of ups & downs this year but we're probably no different from anyone else. Each person's conditions and lives are unique, true, but happiness and grief go on across the world every moment of every day.

Focusing on the negative comes easy, at least to me. My grandmother died late this fall and that was a huge loss, though not unexpected. She was 90 and in poor health for several years. Even so, she was a beloved woman whose kindness and intelligence positively impacted everyone she knew. Not a lot of us can say that about ourselves or most folks we know.

April suffered a miscarriage on an unplanned but welcome pregnancy. We'd never wanted more kids but when presented with the circumstance, it was filled with joy. The after-effects are still felt.

But through these events we had the love and support of family, friends and acquaintances in ways we hadn't expected. Folks were genuinely supportive and it made the grief and loss a bit more bearable. To quote Ralph Waldo Emerson, "A friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature." Thank you to my friends & family who are there for me.

2015 is also the year we've recommitted ourselves to the Church, to our Catholic faith, which has also been a source of strength during rough times and contributing factor during good times, too. Those who know me in person will tell you I'm not preachy regarding my faith, that I don't find anyone else's particular denomination or faith to be "less than" my own. I converted at age 21 for my sake, no one else's. Both kids are now involved in our parish's youth programs, April teaches Elijah's class, and I'm sponsoring my Dad in RCIA.

The biggest financial news was, of course, purchasing our first home. We'd rented for the the previous four and a half years and while having a landlord to fix little or big things that went wrong was great, owning a home is a privilege I'm extremely grateful for. The house is beautiful and we're looking forward to raising our kids and growing old here.

My kids have both grown so much physically and intellectually, being at or near the top of their respective classes in various subjects. My daughter's musicianship has blossomed and Elijah has turned out to have a passion for mathematics and numbers (something I always struggled with in school). Being their father is an honor.

I rediscovered my love and respect for my wife this year. Now before you read too much in to that, I must clarify that I've always loved and respected her. But as those who've been married or in long term relationships can attest, life can turn into a routine and a loving relationship can, for lack of a better term, coast along. Maybe it's more accurate to say 2015 is the year I've fallen for her all over again and developed a greater appreciation for her beauty, intelligence, love, and all her other qualities.

It's been a banner year for my music collection. I've acquired more than 70 vinyl records, not including the 33 1/3 and 78rpm records my grandparents gave me. Many CDs made their way into my home, too, and I've expanded my musical palette to include artists I previously wouldn't have thought (Wilco and Elvis Costello come to mind). Music has always been my passion to discuss, write about, and spend time with, so I'm incredibly thankful for what I've got.

So there's been much to celebrate this year in my household. I wish the best for you all as one year closes and another opens, full of possibility and promise. Happy New Year to us all.  

Help Must Be Offered... but at what price?

I don't know how to feel about the Syrian Refugee Crisis, how to deal with it and comprehend it, and I bet I'm not alone.

Many liberals are saying to allow any and all of the refugees in to the West, not just the USA; Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (son of Pierre, the PM of Canada who did more damage to the country's economy and reputation than any before him, and Margaret, his much younger wife who liked to party with The Rolling Stones) wants to bring 25,000 refugees to Canada by the end of 2015. Chief Empty Suit President Obama has made similar, though less demanding, claims of allowing mass numbers of Syrians across our borders. 

Some conservatives, such as Donald Trump, want to turn them all away and let the sharks feed on them. Others say they feel bad but send them elsewhere or keep them in refugee camps, they're someone else's problem. Several governors have denied them access to even entering their state. 

The current political disputes over what to do with refugees overshadow the history of why they're fleeing to begin with. The (extremely) short version is when Syrian civilians began a peaceful protest in the Spring of 2011, the situation spiraled out of control quickly when the government responded with torture and murder. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was once seen as someone who might bring positive reform for free speech and human rights but is the one who ordered the crackdowns and shows no sign of advancing anyone's rights but his own.

Four and a half years later, the country remains engulfed in a Civil War and is divided into territories controlled by Assad, rebel fighters, and terrorists. Because our Civil War happened in the century before last, we as Americans cannot empathize with the plight of these refugees. For as much as we disagree with many of our politicians, we don't feel the need to risk life and limb on the ocean to escape.

Like so many around the world, my heart ached when I read the story of Abdullah Kurdi, whose wife and two young boys (aged three and five) drowned off the coast of Turkey. Images of families fleeing their war-torn homeland dominated this past Autumn's news. Living in an average small American town with a minimal crime rate and where my biggest complaints about the local government are raising taxes and not plowing my road well enough in the winter, I cannot fathom what these people are going through. Hell on Earth for most of them, I imagine. 

But then there's ISIS. The Jihadi Johns of the world (well, not him anymore), cut from the same ilk who flew into the World Trade Center, who arrive in public squares in their own towns to blow up innocent children, and who most recently staged a multi-faceted attack across Paris. These monsters will use any extreme methods of brutality to wreak havoc on the free and civilized world. We have good reason to believe they might have, or soon will, enter America.

How does that affect how we should react to refugees who want to enter our border? When they originally began their flight to Turkey (by the hundreds, not hundred-thousands), they were made to register themselves. I don't know by what means - physical ID, government papers, etc., or simply a declaration of name and origin. I don't think it's unreasonable to ask for the same when entering America: proof of one's identity and background checks to help ensure you are who you say you are. But we can't even properly document illegal aliens from other countries, let alone political refugees from Eurasia.  

I'll end this article the same way it began: I don't know how to feel. A balance must be reached between an open-door policy and protecting our citizens. These people, innocents driven from their homes and suffering unbearable hardships, need help...it just cannot be at the cost of American lives.

Thank You

I'm looking out the window at a beautiful backyard as the first snowfall of the Autumn / Winter of 2015-16 commences. I have a cup of strong Italian Roast coffee next to me, my family is playing on electronic gaming devices, and my dogs are lazy & content. Life is pretty darn good at the moment.

My posts on this blog have so far leaned toward the negative, or at least not been overwhelmingly happy. I even had a different topic picked for this post which followed suit. Instead, I feel the need to express gratitude for the good things in my life.

The latter half of 2015 has been a bit rough (a miscarriage, loss of a grandparent, and a close family member's health problems). Despite these, there have been - and continue to be - blessings in my life.

• We bought a house this Spring. I'm not bragging, but it's a beautiful house we now call home. We live in a good neighborhood and have a permanent space to call our own, to raise children in, to grow old in. 
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• My kids have done exceptionally well this year both personally and professionally; yes, I consider school to be their profession. Each is at or near the top of their class in several subjects and both have established friendships. Maddie continues to astonish with her musical ability and writing skills, and Elijah began Cub Scouts, a path I began at his age and followed to Eagle Scout. 
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• I've been able to expand my music collection further than perhaps any other year. I've discovered some hidden gems by artists I like as well as discovering new music to fill my ears. Good music has been a constant companion for many years now (bordering on obsessive to some) and it's something I feel has enriched my life.  
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• We've recommitted ourselves to our faith. This happened not long before this Fall's issues and has been quietly instrumental in sustaining my mental health through difficult times. We're supporting our kids' faith formation, and I'm my Dad's sponsor in RCIA (Right of Christian Initiation of Adults). At 66 and after 50 years away, he's made the choice to join the church and allowed me the privilege of taking the journey with him.
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• My relationship with my wife is stronger than it's been in years, perhaps ever. Through adversity comes strength and our loss a couple months ago has made me love, respect, and appreciate her more than I knew I could. 
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• Family & friends have been nothing but supportive though everything. In the hum-drum of day-to-day life, it's easy to forget how fortunate I am when it comes to what a great support system my family and I have.

I didn't mean to make a Thanksgiving post, but with the holiday coming next week, I guess that's what was on my mind. So to my American friends and family, Happy Thanksgiving, and to those around the world, I wish for happiness and goodness in your lives. Thanks for being there for me.

"The days I keep my gratitude higher than my expectations... Well, I have really good days." - Ray Wylie Hubbard