The Euclid Avenue Project

Symphonic Legend For Orchestra With Piano

The Euclid Avenue Project gratefully acknowledges copyright release for the World War I soldier granted by the Tazewell County Genealogical & Historical Society of Pekin, Illinois www.tcghs.org. This soldier remained unknown for many years but was finally identified on the Tazewell County Internet site.

Somewhere In The Combat Zone
Short Story And Tragic Fantasia For Piano And Orchestra

Mission
To increase awareness of the great sacrifices made by the military forces of the United States of America and encourage all of us who owe so very much to those who have fallen in battle or have suffered disabling wounds to honor their storied memories by the individual means each person may possess.

Past Efforts Of This Project
One historical novel and one CD containing three original, classical-type musical compositions were written in the hope that some sponsor having a similar mission would permit its distribution system to promote these efforts. A number of marketing companies, retailers and veteran's organizations were contacted. Hundreds of the CD were placed in bookstores at no cost to the owners with a handout offering the item for free and requesting anyone receiving a CD send a contribution to a disabled veterans organization. I'm not sure what success this gained but my impression is that it was a failure on a scale that would make the Dunkerque evacuation look like a yard sale. It was also hoped these rather primitive promotional efforts would direct attention to this Internet page and some sort of network of authors and composers could be formed to marshal in an organized manner the efforts of many who I know hold similar hopes of helping disabled veterans but such an outcome is not going to result. This clearly called for a new approach in promoting the second CD.

Present And Future Efforts Of This Project
Since the original CD, three additional titles have been completed and placed on a second CD with the original three. Considering the failure of the past promotional efforts, some titles were placed on the Internet music site download.com and may now be heard by entering Shadix and music in the two search boxes at the top right of the download.com home page. All music titles can now be heard on The Euclid Avenue Internet address by clicking Music Titles at the left and then on the cover image. Note Windows Media Player is required. To download this, click on Windows or Mac at the top of the cover images. Internet radio stations, one local radio station and two orchestras were provided a copy of the second CD. In the case of the orchestras, it was asked that the CD be offered free at a regularly scheduled concert with a supplied poster, again offering the item free and requesting anyone receiving a CD send a contribution to a disabled veterans organization. In all cases, no reply was received. This outcome then turned the promotional effort back towards placing the CDs in book and music stores at no cost to the storeowners, however, this effort was ceased when some storeowners declined to allow the item to be place in their store. In one instance, a box of the CDs was left in a store with an employee's permission but when the owner arrived, he called told me he did not want them in his store and he would leave them outside the door for me to pick up. The contract with the book publisher expired July/2003. The entire book is now on this Internet address and can be read at no cost by clicking the Book I button on the left. It, as well as the music, will be promoted by handout circulars and possibly advertisements in local newspapers. Suggestions on furthering the goals of the project are welcome. Sometime within the next year, I hope to complete a second novel but the content will be of such a highly controversial nature, it will be inappropriate for such a manuscript to request contributions to a specific organization. Instead, the readers will be requested to make a contribution to the homeless shelter or some related organization of their choice. It will also be posted on this Internet address. All music can now be heard on this site by clicking Music at the left.

What Can You Do To Help Disabled American Veterans?
You are NOT being asked to make a contribution to The Euclid Avenue Project. You ARE being asked to offer your suggestions or offer your time and talent towards the advancement of this project. Giving in this manner is more heartfelt than simply making some monetary contribution and not becoming directly involved in trying to help other people to whom we all owe so much. Since the September 11, 2001 attack on American, many have expressed the true American spirit. After the attack some immediately went to New York and began assisting in looking for survivors. There are, however, other influences contrary to this spirit that have invaded the society. Although in the minority, these forces enjoy access to the media and are very visible and widespread. Those who care need to organize and marshal their efforts towards one significant goal. The will and determination is in the true America. I know it is. If you wish to enlist in this effort or send your contribution, mentioning this project, mail it directly to:

The military organization of your choice.
Previously, a specific organization was listed here but
that organization requested its name be removed from this site.

August 7, 2008 - Where Does Experience Lead?
Quite an issue has been made by the Republicans about Obama's relatively short period in government but in recent weeks, it has been Obama who has appeared very much the elder statesman with calm, calculated plans for his administration and the recently very successful trip overseas. All the while, McCain is making these rather silly, childish statements about Obama such as, "He'd rather win an election than win a war. Na, na, na, na." Now, it seems that George Bush may finally do the country some good. Many feel that McCain would be "another George Bush," and how else can Bush better serve the country than scaring voters into the Democratic Party?

August 6, 2008 - The Bush Economic Plan
From the beginning of the Bush Administration, the plan has been something Bush must have overheard from Ronald Reagan - that is through tax cuts for businesses, all of them were supposed to buy equipment, start new projects, hire new employees and through it all, unemployment was supposed to go down and collected income taxes were supposed to go up from the upturn in the economy. This was described by Reagan as "trickle-down economics." Last week, the Bushwhackers announced the largest budget shortfall in American history - 482 billion dollars. One need not be confronted with figures such as this to recognize this administration for what it has been - a total failure on all fronts. It's very amusing what Republican candidates say with regularity about their opponents. They accuse them all of being liberal. The McCain campaign is constantly pointing out that Obama has the most liberal voting record in Congress but George Bush is the most liberal individual in the entire government. How else can some lunatic spend 482 billion dollars more than he has? And by the way, unemployment continues to increase.

March 17, 2008 - The Evasive Truth
After the Mississippi primary, Geraldine Ferrara made the statement that if Obama were not black, he would not be where he is the the primary campaign. There was a predictable outcry; and is often the case in such situations, these words were twisted to meet some self-serving purpose. Only look at the facts. According to news reports, 70% of the registered Democratic voters in Mississippi are black, and in the primary, exit polls showed that 95% of them voted for Obama. Similar numbers of black voters existed in South Caroline, Georgia and Louisiana. The Clintons are one of the best political allies the black people have known , yet as soon as a black candidate materializes, support automatically changes to that candidate. Only ask yourself the question what white candidate in either party could compete with such a block vote? Some of the finest people I have ever known and best friends I have ever had were black. I am not a racial bigot and have been impressed with certain aspects of the Obama campaign. I am, however, offended each time I hear Michele Obama speak and utter such words as this campaign is the first time she has ever been proud of her country. She has the typical black resentful, prejudiced attitude towards most issues and seems intent on casting blame in various places it does not belong. Equally offensive is the constituency the Obama campaign is gathering consisting of young voters, college students and the affluent. Through so-called "trickle down economics," of Republican administrations, the affluent have been pissing on the lower and middle classes for years. Only look at the television entertainment oriented towards the younger generation, which I guess is what they want to see, and you will have the serious question if this is the responsible block vote to decide the next president of the United States.

February 22, 2008 - Ronald Who?
Republican candidates continue to refer to Ronald Reagan as the model conservative and the president who won the Cold War. Quite a legacy is being built by repeated praise of this president. Ronald Reagan did not win the Cold War. Communism collapsed from its own failures. Ronald Reagan administered some of the biggest budget shortfalls in history, and allowed a Marine Corps Major to take the fall for illegal arms shipments to another country, all the while contending he knew nothing about it. He sure as hell should have known about it. He had this idea that if tax structure and legislation favored business, a "trickle-down economic cycle" would result that would ultimately benefit the lower and middle classes. That never happened and the only thing lower and middle class people could do was to hang around bank buildings and try to pick up loose change in the parking lots. Due to his tragic illness, in the final years of his administration, he could not hold a 20 minute press conference without the press secretary's coming behind him for 40 minutes to clarify everything he said. That's the Ronald Reagan that was in the White House. I don't know who this Ronald Reagan is the candidates continue to praise.

June 25, 2007 - Who's Sorry Now?
In the many campaign appearances Senator Clinton has made, people keep asking her is she sorry she voted to authorize the Iraq invasion. Although it is now obvious the first boot never should have been placed in Iraq, consider the "intelligence" that was vomited up on Congress and the United Nations about weapons of mass destruction and excursions to various places of the world to obtain nuclear material. With the security of the United States at risk to the degree it was represented, it should be well understood why anyone would have voted for the authorization. I'm waiting for someone to ask George Bush is he sorry he has gotten over 3500 American killed and 21000 wounded - all because of his lies.

January 26, 2007 - The Real Bush Strategy
There is no greater opponent in the country of the tragic ineptitude of the Bush Administration than The Euclid Avenue Project but anyone in his right mind cannot deny the need to send additional troops to Iraq. This need overlooks the fact that the first troop never should have been sent there. Simply look at the facts. From the very day "mission accomplished" was declared, the tactical situation has become progressively worse. For years, the administration stated there were enough troops in Iraq but it would respond to requests from field commanders for additional forces. Now, a catastrophe very similar to Vietnam is unfolding. The war is becoming increasingly unpopular, and congressional members are fleeing a policy they once supported like rats from a burning building. All sorts of reasons are being put up for passing some silly non-binding resolution in Congress to oppose the buildup, yet the most important points seem to have been overlooked by everyone - Congress, the news media and anyone who appears on the nightly news with a statement oriented towards his own opinion that, more times than not, ignores the most pressing facts. These facts seem glaringly obvious, even to the uneducated.

    1-Since the first American soldier reached the city limits of Baghdad, conditions have deteriorated and are now far more punishing to the "freed Iraqi people," now basking in the glowing beams of a great democracy, than under the previous regime.
    2-Imagine yourself an American soldier having live ammunition fired at you. What would it do to your moral to learn of the present debate to cut off funds and block additional troops?
    3-Look at a lead story in the headlines this very day of a group of insurgents who somehow managed to find its way through a security checkpoint manned by Iraqi forces, entered an American compound and took several hostages who were later found murdered. Who is the enemy? There is now talk of an "inside job."   Do the "freed Iraqi people" have loyalty and confidence in the Iraqi administration that was "democratically elected," or is this regime subject to overthrow at any moment?

Recently, nothing short of threats have been leveled at the Iraqi regime. After nearly 4 years of war, it is now being called on to take a more active role in combating the insurgency. One can only fear that if the Iraqi forces can't stop 9 or 10 men from entering an American compound, how in the hell can they win the war? I have a lingering fear that the Bush Administration knows additional troops will not "accomplish the mission;" and when this last effort fails and additional Americans die, the whole thing will be blamed on the "democratically elected Iraqi regime," and this is the "exit strategy" so often spoken but never clearly defined in the news media.

Fear and violence rule Iraq on this day, and I can't help but recall the words of Adolf Hitler that "fear will always be successful unless opposed by equal or greater fear." Certainly, Hitler was an evil man but that does not mean every idea he had was wrong. Perhaps this "new strategy" should bring fear and violence to the homes of the insurgents. A few well-placed missiles each day that will cause them to feel the pain of loss of their own loved ones may well be the way to break their insane idea they can serve God by blowing themselves up with no knowledge of who they are taking with them. Such an idea is not contrary to strategy in past wars. Look only to the fire-bomb attacks on Dresden in February of 1945. This target had no tactical value but was referred to as a "strategic target." British Air Command issued the statement that this attack had the "particular objective of exploiting the confused conditions likely to result from the Russian advance." Other appraisals over the years have been more to the point - it was a clearly justified act of terrorism designed to break down the will of the German people. The same could be said for the atom bomb attacks on Japan. Massive casualties resulted from both attacks, the goal of fear was achieved and there were comparatively few Allied casualties.

Until recently, it has been the policy of The Euclid Avenue Project to offer no direct comments on The Iraq War as long as people were firing live ammunition at American soldiers but now, we must "move forward" is the way I believe Bush put it. Moving forward must involve bringing a higher level of fear and suffering to the enemy- that is if anyone really knows who it is.

November 30, 2006 - Axis Of Evil To The Rescue
If people were not getting killed, one could say the fumbling, bumbling incompetence of the Bush Administration is laughable. Some years ago, the administration referred to North Korea, Iraq and Iran as "the axis of evil." Now that the occupation of Iraq has turned that country into civil war, who does the Iraqi head of state turn to for assistance on how to stabilize the warring factions within the country? It wasn't the United States. He recently met with the president of Iran for assistance and recommendations. According to the Bush Administration, it is Iran that is supplying much of the weapons that have cast Iraq into this civil war, and its president is on record as saying Israel must be removed from the face of the earth. All the while, scores of bullet-ridden bodies are being found in Baghdad each day, and Iraqi security forces that have undergone literally years of training by the United States are standing around with their hands in their pockets watching it all because they have more allegiance to the factions of the country that have hated each other for hundreds of years than the new great democracy of Iraq. I suppose the only way George Bush can get impeached is to have an affair with some woman. If recent history be any guide, it takes something with entertainment value such as that to get congress to move in any direction.

October 19, 2006 - Where Are You Douglas MacArthur
Although the news media continues to be obsessed with sick news such as dirty little queers running around in Washington, there has been some coverage that North Korea has apparently developed some degree of nuclear bomb. According to the same news sources, North Korea is one of the most impoverished nations in the world, yet it maintains a 2 million man army and has chosen to devote what must have been large amounts of funds into this research. Additional reports have it that tests on missiles have also been conducted. One must ask what does North Korea plan to do with this technology, once it is fully developed? I doubt if South Korea will be invaded again or any such overt action will be taken. What will probably happen, as hinted by the same news sources, is that weapons will be sold to the highest bidders. With the borders of the United States admitting millions of illegal immigrants each year, what if only one of them crossed with a crude weapon of mass destruction? All these concerns cause me to look back to the Korean War. It was the first and last time the United Nations put any sizable military force in the field with a clear tactical objective but Douglas MacArthur could not accept the concept of limited warfare. After the brilliant Inchon invasion, United Nations forces under his command quickly pushed the enemy across the 38th parallel and advanced far north. MacArthur wanted to bomb enemy supply lines in Manchuria but was denied this opportunity to employ one of the most basic tactics of conventional warfare - cut off the enemy supply line. I seem to recall he also wanted to contaminate the North Korean northern border with low-yield atomic weapons but the political aspect of this war denied him the tactics he felt necessary for victory that wasn't even the political objective. He was relieved of command after making public statements against United Nations policy. Think of it. The United Nations had a large force in the field and possibly had the opportunity to stop Communist aggression forever but its force fell victim to intervention of the Communist Chinese, suffered many casualties and the war ended with no clear resolution of anything. South Korea even refused to sign the peace treaty negotiated by the UN and to this day technically remains at war with North Korea. After that, the United Nations steadily deteriorated into nothing more than a clash of debating teams as it is today. If it had only followed MacArthur's recommendations, how would that war and the history that followed have changed? Would there even have been a Vietnam War, if the will to defeat an aggressor had been shown in Korea? Now the United States is engaged in another war following the first preemptive invasion of another country in United States history. There is constant debate in Congress and in the news media. All the United Nations has done is pass a series of resolutions that accomplished nothing, and the force in the field is not under UN command. The incompetence and arrogance of the Bush Administration becomes more obvious with each passing day. Overnight, the announced objective of the occupation changed. When no weapons of mass destruction were found, the objective became to "free the Iraqi people." A growing number of senior military officers are openly stating what has been obvious all along - there are not enough ground forces to maintain adequate security throughout the country. Each day, car bombings increase, American soldiers continue to be killed and scores of bullet-ridden bodies are found in Baghdad . Now that Iraq has this supposed "democracy", I'm wondering if the freed people prefer this to life under Saddam Hussein. The simple truth is that democracy cannot be established in some countries, and they must be ruled with an iron hand to prevent the conditions such as those now in Iraq. This country is now nothing but a training ground for terrorists and "freeing the Iraqi people" has done nothing but increase the hate for the United States throughout much of the Muslim world. Yet, the Bush Administration continues its fumbling, bumbling policies and seems unwilling to even listen to advice from anyone who knows what they are talking about. Terms most frequently heard to describe this administration are "incompetent, lies, faulty intelligence and arrogance." Where are you Douglas MacArthur?

July 20, 2006 - And The Training Goes On
Within the past few weeks, there has been much debate within the political system as to if a firm date should be set for withdrawal of United States forces from Iraq. The administration repeatedly gives the explanation the forces will be withdrawn when the Iraqi police and military are adequately trained to take over security responsibility. Again, from the viewpoint of an uneducated person such as myself, the central issues continue to be overlooked. Simply consider this. Within the last year, the CBS Evening News ran a nightly, brief biography of many soldiers killed in Iraq. Ninety percent of them were between the ages of 19 and 22. When a person enlists, he receives several months of basic and advanced infantry training. Some elect to go on to airborne and ranger schools. In any event, he finds himself in Iraq with people shooting at him a short time after his enlistment. Many have been killed before reaching their 23rd birthday. By the standards set for training of Iraqi forces, an American could enlist, be trained, deployed to Iraq and either killed or discharged within the 3 1/2 years the Iraqi forces have been undergoing some sort of training. Additional facts add clarity to this condition. On National Public Radio, there was a recent interview with a New York Times reported who has spent much time in Iraq. According his his personal observation, most of the Iraqi military and police are Shiite who must have a hatred for the Sunnis. He mentioned the Shiites routinely enter Sunni areas and kill the Sunnis at will. There was another report on national television of an incident "under investigation" by the American military. Apparently, two American officers accompanying an Iraqi patrol were killed by the Iraqis and not the enemy. Of course, I don't know what actually happened but can speculate the American officers were advisors who ordered the patrol to advance towards some objective and were killed because the patrol was not willing to take the same risks the American forces are taking daily. Each day, Iraq moves closer towards civil war, the administration becomes more incompetent and the training goes on.

June 30, 2006
The other night, I saw a television news report that made me feel especially bad. It concerned a Georgia National Guard unit that had been mobilized and was leaving its armory in route to Fort Hood for 2 months training before being deployed to Iraq. I have seen similar reports before but what made this one especially disheartening to me was the unit was leaving from the same armory where I was stationed for my 12 years in the Ready Reserve. I recognized the buildings and many things I remembered from when I was there. My unit was alerted during Vietnam but never called up. I've always had a terrible guilty feeling about not serving in Vietnam. One thing that struck me was that many of the unit members were well into their 30s and 40s, meaning they were serving by choice and not necessity - possibly carrying on a family tradition or fulfilling some feeling of responsibility I didn't always have when I was at that same armory. My most earnest hope is that the feeling of duty and responsibility they surely must have will see them accomplish their mission and bring them all home safely.

May 5, 2006 - Tears
Recently, a Georgia National Guard unit returned after serving a year in Iraq. The event was widely covered by television news, and there were many tears of joy when the loved ones first saw their family members. I was so touched by a newspaper article that showed a woman in tears. I carefully looked at her face, and it struck me her tears did not seem those of joy. As I read on, I learned her husband was one of the 26 members of the unit who were killed in Iraq but she came to meet his unit anyway. Then, tears came to my eyes.

February 27, 2006 - And The Song Goes On
In announcing plans to allow Arab firms to take over security at United States ports, the Bush Administration has made the ultra-simplistic appraisal that we must show we are not against Arabs and welcome them as our allies. Saudi Arabia is supposed to be an ally but near all the 9/11 terrorist came from there. Pakistan is supposed to be an ally but it continues to funnel insurgents into Iraq. The other day, Bush made a speech and mentioned something about freeing the Iranian people. After the Iraq invasion, when no weapons of mass destruction were found, overnight the mission changed from destroying such weapons to freeing the Iraqi people. I know very little about Arab history but it seems traditional culture and religion are more important to them than having a democracy. Within such traditional values, a democracy may well be as foreign to them as having a royal family in the United States. Regardless, George Bush has the most secure job in the country. If he were impeached, Dick Chaney would be president, and he doesn't know the difference between a man and a bird.

February 14, 2006 - Bush Administration Reaches New Ineptitude
The Vice President must be one of those individuals who considers a sportsman as someone who goes out in the wilderness, hides behind a bush and shoots the first innocent animal that wanders by. By now, everyone knows he recently went on a hunting trip; and instead of shooting a bird, shot one of the other members of the party. When the victim's injury developed as minor, one of the other members of the party commented, "Thank goodness he didn't shoot the bird dog. He's a good one." All the while, women all over the country were commenting, "Dick, I'll bet you're hell in bed."

February 8, 2006 - The Bush Budget
Based on recent news reports, the current Bush Budget contains additional tax cuts for corporations and additional cuts in Medicare and programs to assist the poor. One would not expect such things from someone who professes Christianity. George Bush wears his religion on his sleeve and professes it in such acts as attempting to prevent the euthanasia of a patient in a coma for 15 years and opposing stem cell research.

December 21, 2005 - Outdated Ideas
With all the recent news accounts of the Patriot Act and illegal wire taps, Euclid Avenue finds itself in the unfamiliar position of being in complete agreement with the Bush Administration. I'm not sure what the Constitution says about privacy. It really doesn't matter. The document was written over 200 years ago, before the airplane was invented and I'm quite sure the framers had no vision of such a thing flying into buildings and killing almost 3000 Americans. The 9/11 attack proved the enemy has the capacity of mounting such an attack, and even among those who disagree with the Bush Administration on many current issues, there is an acknowledgment the enemy has the full intent of future such action. Then too, there are reports that wiretaps have already prevented a number of terrorists events - an attempt to blow up the Brooklyn Bridge was recently discovered and stopped. Surely, no one will disagree the world has undergone considerable changes since the Constitution was written. The world in which we now live mandates firm and decisive action at all levels of government to preserve the general idea behind the Constitution. If the government wants to listen to me talk to the Telephone Company when I'm trying to figure out that 10 page bill they send, I don't care.

December 8, 2005 - Christmas Or What?
Recently, much has been in the media as to what greeting advertisers and businesses should use for Christmas in a "diverse" nation. Some feel "Merry Christmas" might offend non-Christians while still others maintain something like "Happy Holidays" might offend Christians. We who are uneducated often over-simplify many issues. I don't see why everyone who is concerned with such an inconsequential question doesn't just say "Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays." As for me, I will continue to use the word "Christmas", and anyone who doesn't like it can go to hell or back to whatever foreign country they came from.

November 18, 2005 - Pro-Life Or Pro-Choice
With on and off Supreme Court nominations so much in the recent news, abortion seems the central issue. I've never understood why this question is so controversial. In deciding pro-life or pro-choice, one need but ask a single question. Where would you be, if your mother had gone through an abortion before you were born?

September 11, 2005 - Retraction Of A Portion Of 9/4/05 Editorial
Although all the comments in the September 4 editorial were correct, it perhaps suggested undeserved criticism on the Catholic Church. The latest edition of The Georgia Bulletin in a first page article, documented all efforts of Catholic Charities to assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina. It went on to say many churches immediately took second collections, and a general second collection was scheduled for September 10-11.

September 4, 2005 - Hurricane Katrina, Politics And The Church
The same as anyone, I was shocked and saddened at all those terrible images on the news media of the suffering from hurricane Katrina. The same as most anyone, I wondered what I could do to help and called my church to ask what was planned. I was informed a second collection would be taken towards the end of September. I couldn't see how that could be correct and called back the next day and was informed the Archbishop had instructed everyone make a contribution to Catholic Charities. I finally made my contribution to an address I got from a local television station. To avoid appearing terribly self-endearing, I should mention my contribution was well within my means and imposed no burden on me at all. The next day, I received the Georgia Bulletin, the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, and there it was on page 16 under a Washington, DC dateline - the address of Catholic Charities. In one of the most crowing examples of poor taste I have ever seen, immediately below the article was an advertisement for a luxury Alaska Cruise that is being organized by a priest. The next day, there was a news report that Congress is convening early in order to pass a 10.5 billion dollar relief bill but the Speaker of the House probably won't be there, because he would be attending a previously arranged Republican fund raiser. The very next report showed various members of the Congressional Black Caucus accusing the administration of late response to the crisis, because most of those needing assistance were black. Regardless of the circumstances, its the same thing over and over again. The Republicans can't turn away from raising money and special interests and groups like the Congressional Black Caucus will exploit any news event to claim some kind of discrimination. The Bush Administration is the most incompetent group of individuals assembled in one place since the Carter Administration, but I know its failure to properly administer the response was not due to prejudice against black people. Hurricane Katrina is being described as the most severe crisis ever to strike the United States, yet the political process goes on as though nothing has happened. I'm uneducated and can't come up with words to express my opinion on the Church's response.

Saint Jude Thaddeus, patron of hopeless cases and impossible causes,
Christ always held the poor close in his heart and left some rather clear
instructions that we should do the same. Pray for the souls of those who lost
their lives in this heartbreaking event - that the tragedy that ended their lives so soon
might purge the sins from their souls and that they may rest in Heaven on this day.
Pray for the injured and those whose possessions are lost that they may look forward
to the day soon when they can recover and resume their lives with a new determination.
Pray that God may protect the rescue workers for theirs is truly the cause of peace and mercy.
Pray that the Church may not lose sight of its true purpose in this world and restore the traditions
that have spoken to the hearts of those in the Church throughout the centuries. Amen.

August 19, 2005 - A Competition Among Idiots
The other day, I heard something on a liberal radio station far more idiotic than anything I have ever heard on a conservation station. The host maintained that Bible should not be taught as an elective subject in public schools, because to do so would imply a non-separation of church and state and force students into religious indoctrination. The utter idiocy of such a statement is clearly obvious in the statement itself. Elective subjects are not forced on anyone. Imagine an atheist who may well be offended by such a subject. That person retains the perfect right to elect not to take it. Imagine someone else who feels he wants to become a priest and wishes to improve his intellect in the history of the Church. This person has the perfect right to elect to take the course. In these examples, both persons have done what each elected to do, no one's rights have been violated and no one has been indoctrinated with anything he doesn't want to hear. Talk show hosts listen to themselves talk too much and over time develop an inability to distinguish between reason and absurdity.

July 25, 2005 - The War On Terrorism
This subject has been in the news for years but I've never heard anyone be truthful enough to say that the war on terrorism cannot be won by sending in people with mops and brooms to clean up after each attack. Think about it. If you were a terrorist, you could drive your car into the downtown area of any city, run up on the sidewalk and kill who knows how many people. If I were a terrorist, I could go to any public place with my .45 that my former girlfriend gave me as a birthday present and kill people as long as I could reload or until someone killed me. What causes people to do such things is that they are indoctrinated from a very early age to hate certain races and customs of the world. Terrorism must be attacked at its source - not by conventional military force but by covert and overt actions that will bring fear to the terrorists. They must be struck by roadside bombs and improvised explosive devices where their own loved ones will suffer. Such action is not unprecedented in United States military history. The February 1945 fire bomb attack on Dresden, Germany had no tactical benefit. It was simply one having the objective of achieving a devastating psychological effect through mass casualties and property damage. The atom bomb attacks on Japan were not on tactical targets. The objective was to psychologically force the enemy into surrender and not continue the war on his own terms. Terrorism can never be stopped by responses to actions at many sites throughout the world with the terrorist having the luxury of choosing the time and place. The Vietnam War was often described as a war of attrition. It certainly was that, but the attrition was against American public opinion that after years and years of limited warfare began to burn away - just as it is now regarding the Iraq War. Extreme Muslims have long believed they must continue a holy war against what they call the infidels of the world. I believe that someday there will indeed be a holy war but it will not be between Muslims and infidels. It will be between the Christians and Muslims of the world, but the mission will not be to recover the holy land as it was during the Crusades. It may well be the beginning of the Armageddon that will mark the of end of time.

June 28, 2005 - Supreme Court Ruling On Display Of 10 Commandments
Perhaps if I had gone to college, I would understand the court's recent ruling. At the courthouse site that prompted the case, the court ruled the Commandments could be displayed on a multi-ton piece of rock outside the courthouse among other objects depicting state history but could not be displayed in a 5 ounce picture frame inside the courthouse, because to do so might offend those of other religions, atheists or somehow represent church and state as one body. For a moment, put religion aside and consider the Commandments purely from an objective viewpoint:

Have No Other Gods Before You
This may well be objectionable to atheists or faiths other than Christianity and Judaism. I don't think it suggests church and state should be one body.

Make No Graven Image
In today's modern culture, this is no longer an issue. Such practices ceased centuries ago.

Don't Take The Name Of The Lord In Vain
Broadly speaking, this is interpreted as referring to profanity but centuries ago, the name of God was frivolously used in witchcraft and magic. Many years ago, such terms as "in the name of the Lord" appeared in legal contracts; and if one party violated the contract, it was considered taking the name of the Lord in vain. Again, such practices no longer exist.

Don't Work On the Sabbath And Keep It Holy
Today, many businesses operate on Sunday. The business owners may well be offended by such a requirement but why should an atheist even care. There is no implication of church and state.

Honor Your Father And Mother
How could anyone, atheist, member of some other religion or agnostic object to such a suggestion. Surely, the state would not object to this either.

Do Not Kill
Perhaps the most obvious example of a Commandment in complete agreement with law throughout the civilized world.

Don't Commit Adultery
Maybe atheists and those of other religions wouldn't be hurt if they discovered their husbands or wives were screwing someone else. As far as the state is concerned, this is a valid reason for divorce and all sorts of resultant financial arrangements.

Do Not Steal
The state disallows this, and I'm sure atheists would not condone someone stealing from them.

Don't Bear False Witness
What would happen to the legal system, if lying were permitted in contracts and on the witness stand?

Don't Covet
Interpretation of this Commandment is probably the most difficult. Coveting and being ambitious are probably 2 different things but who can say where one stops and the other begins. The Commandment refers to "thy neighbor" and seems to refer to some specific object or person. "Thy neighbor's wife and house" are mentioned. Wanting something can never be purged from anyone's mind. What the Commandment probably means is that when someone finds himself wanting something that is not his, he should not entertain thoughts as to how he can go about getting it.

Considering these things in this manner might suggest the question never should have been permitted to become such an issue in the first place. Regardless, I'm sure the majority of Americans would have no objection to seeing the 10 Commandments displayed anywhere and probably do not understand why the courts are so intent on protecting the rights (?) of a very small percentage of the population and ignoring the majority under some crazy premise that if anyone objects to something, it can't be allowed and the majority as well as the American tradition can go to hell.

June 17, 2005 - Does George Bush Ever Listen To The Radio?
I heard something on the radio the other day that I hadn't possessed sense enough to figure out myself. If the Bush Administration continues to withhold funding for stem-cell research, surely private companies will see the remarkable life saving benefits, if such a procedure could be perfected, and no doubt have already begun research on their own. What could happen is when the ability to cure many sick and end much suffering is at hand, the procedure will receive a patent, like a prescription drug. Then, if history repeats itself, greed will take command, the procedure will be so expensive only the rich can afford it and much of the benefit will be lost only to be found in accounting statements and in the pockets of those who have profited from rise in stock value. Based on recent news reports, George Bush's approval ratings are at record lows and still declining. I keep asking myself what has harmed the country the most - Bill Clinton chasing some little girl around the Oval Office or the idiotic, closed eyes, closed ears policies of the Bush Administration?

June 6, 2005 - My Thoughts On D-Day June 6, 1944
All those gallant men who rushed up the shores of Omaha Beach on this momentous day - where are they now? What thoughts are in their minds. Surely, they must hear the naval broadsides whistling overhead as their landing crafts made their way through the rolling waves towards the shore where many were cut down before they even got out of the water. They must hear men screaming in pain and the machine gun rounds striking the obstacles close to the shore. I know the Rangers have relived a thousand times what was in their minds as they climbed the rope ladders and went up that perilous cliff to knock out the artillery pieces they later found were no longer there. When heavy anti-aircraft fire caused the paratroopers to miss the drop zones by some 10 miles, they diligently studied their maps and looked for landmarks with their objectives first in mind. Both sides showed such resolve and bravery. With such wonderful statements of valor so clearly inscribed on the pages of history, how can someone now feel he is serving God by strapping a bomb to himself and killing innocent women and children who, for all he knows, might share his own beliefs that there must be a holy war against what they call the infidels of the world? Such senseless acts only brighten the aura so lovingly endearing the living and dead that were there and saw Operation Overlord turn the world towards the freedom we now have. Over the years, I've heard many storied accounts of the events on that day but one stands out above all the rest. A wounded man lay on Omaha Beach. The sounds of the battle raged all around as a medic kneeled at his side. The man's lower arm had been blown from his body. As the medic nervously prepared his first aid bandage, the man calmly said, "Reach down there and get my watch off my arm."

May 30, 2005 - Memorial Day Thoughts
I have so many images in my mind of the storied history of the American military. I see them each day. Sometimes, they bring tears to my eyes. I especially recall seeing films of an American aircraft carrier under attach by Japanese fighters and on fire. There was a wounded man laying on the deck and a priest kneeled over him, raising his hands in prayer. Other times, I can see a helicopter landing somewhere in Vietnam and a number of soldiers running to board it. One of them had a foot wound and was holding himself up with his rifle. Just before he reached the helicopter, he fell. On this day, I'm very troubled that Vietnam veterans have never received the respect they so truly deserve. They were not to blame for the political rule that took over that conflict nor should they be held disproportionately guilty for the violent acts that are a natural consequence of any war. Think of it. How many times have you been under some degree of stress and said or did something you later regretted? Take that situation a thousand-fold and imagine yourself with combat fatigue and in a place where the enemy is allowed sanctuary. Over the years, I've thought of that many times and am not sure if I could have upheld the tradition nearly as well as they did. Wherever that man is that fell in front of the helicopter, on this Memorial Day, I hope he is well, happy and has come to understand that he, and all those like him, stand in honor at the sides of so very many from the trenches of France to the desert of Iraq.

May 22, 2005
Within the past few days, there were reports that medical researchers may be close to what would be the most wonderful breakthrough in decades. I didn't understand it all and might not remember all the facts exactly right but they feel there is the possibility of taking a single cell from a person's body, inserting it into an unfertilized embryo and making a DNA copy that could be used to heal that person's diseased tissue or bone. A news report of this switched to the Oval Office, and there was George Bush, in his infinite self-righteous stupidity, saying, "I'm not in favor of destroying life." The scene then switched to a laboratory, and there was a person in a medical outfit, complete with the little plastic cap, who said most of the embryos with which they work are thrown away. If George Bush really is stupid enough to think using an unfertilized embryo to save someone's life is destroying life, then he should immediately send a detail to every medical lab in the country and rescue the embryos from the dumpsters. I'm not sure what he should then do with them. All too often, the self-righteous do nothing but make statements criticizing others for how sinful they are and do nothing substantive to help anyone. Soon after the 9/11 tragedy, one national religious leader made the utterly absurd statement that God had punished America for being so sinful. He later had the good taste to apologize. The son of a well-known evangelist said the attack denied all those who were killed the opportunity to be saved. The cause of someone's beliefs can never be served by such idiotic and self-endearing statements. To just mention one example, if you had the millions of dollars that were spent on the White House Ball soon after Bush was re-elected, how many homeless could you shelter, how many hungry could you feed?

May 13, 2005
When 2 candidates run for the Senate, the one that gets the most votes wins. When a case goes to the Supreme Court, the side that gets the majority vote wins. In a football game, the team that scores the most points wins. I don't have any precise figures but imagine the great majority of Americans would like to see prayers in schools, "under God" remain in the Pledge of Allegiance and would not take offense in seeing something like the Ten Commandments in public buildings. You're probably aware of a number of suits in the past several years by atheists and other fringe elements challenging and winning in their stands against these American traditions. When a person's body takes on some kind of infection, unless treated, it will spread and eventually kill or turn the individual into a helpless invalid bearing no resemblance to what that person once was. Fringe elements, including those that favor same sex marriages, must be stopped before American wastes away - the same as someone in a hospice ward.

May 15, 2005
Congratulations to CNN for recently broadcasting a series of polls and commentaries on immigration policies of the United States. Based on the polls, some 90% of the respondents disagree with these policies. If you can't place credence in such polls, simply consider that all of the participants in the 9/11 tragedy were immigrants, some with expired visas, and as I recall, most of them even received their training in United States flight schools.

May 11, 2005
It remains the responsible policy of Euclid Avenue to offer no editorial comments on Iraqi War policy as long as American soldiers are in combat except to praise the wonderful way they have carrier out their mission. There are ample matters relating to the Bush Administration that should be of concern to the country. Recently, the President attended a ceremony in Russia marking the 60th anniversary of the Allied victory in World War II. He took the occasion as a highly ill-advised opportunity to criticize Russia for not having a true democracy and not doing a number of things it should to achieve that. Only consider the purpose of the ceremony and the fact the then Soviet Union suffered some 27,000,000 dead in World War II. I'm not sure where Georgia Boy got the idea it is his duty to travel around the world and lecture other countries on their forms of government. If he wants to do that, then he should start with Saudi Arabia and North Korea. By the way, North Korea really is developing weapons of mass destruction.

May 5, 2005
Each night, the CBS evening news has a brief spot on someone killed in Iraq. A picture is shown and a brief narrative is given. Most of them were only 20-22 years old but on May 4, there was the story of a 38 year old soldier who was only a PFC. Immediately, it reminded me of someone I knew many years ago who was about that age and still a PFC after many years in the Army. I also knew an older man who was a corporal but had received a battlefield commission as a lieutenant colonel during World War II. Both of them had been awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge. Of course, I don't know why the man in the CBS report remained a PFC after what must be many years in the Army or even the complete story on the others. Many would regard them as misfits and unable or unwilling to make it on the outside but the thought that remains in my mind about them all is that they loved the Army and knew the job they were doing was very important. The 38 year old man told one of his friends he wasn't going to tell his mama he just got a job on the front lines. Two days after that he was killed. I wish they could know the warm feeling I will always have in my heart for each of them.

May 4, 2005 - Sick News
Yesterday, there was a terrorist attack in Iraq that was the most serious in weeks. Some 50 were killed and scores were injured. On this morning's broadcast of one of the network morning programs, this event was reported in all of one minute. After that, the next 20 or so minutes were pissed away on reports about Michael Jackson spending 30 million dollars more than he made, a judge prompting a contestant on American Idol and then entering into a romantic affair with him and several other stories about sexual offenders. What if your son or daughter were serving in Iraq and you were very worried. How do you think you would feel in listening to garbage like this and not real news? The growing failure to recognize what is truly important and restore true American values is the central motive behind my writing the second book that will soon appear on this Internet site. No, this is not a self-righteous, self-endearing statement. I am just as sinful as most anyone who will read this but am sick of hearing about someone sticking his hands in the pants of a 10 year old child.

November 11, 2004 - My Veterans Day Prayer
St. Jude Thaddeus, my patron and helper of the hopeless, I salute you through the Sacred Heart of our Lord Jesus Christ. On this day, may we offer a heartfelt prayer for the lives and souls of all those brave soldiers of the present and past for it is they who have given us what we now so enjoy in our wonderful country. At this very moment, those in the field are under fire but bravely, and without undue concern for themselves, advancing towards their objective. Pray that God may protect them in their mission, which is truly one of peace and mercy, and they may share their rightful honor at the sides of so many from the past. Pray for those, both of the present and from the past, who have suffered disabling injuries and may now well be in some lonely place, thinking they have been forgotten - especially those of the Vietnam War. May they be consoled in knowing what they have done in the honor that is forever theirs. Pray for the souls of those who fell in battle and those who have since died that they all may rest in Heaven on this day and forever. Hear my pray. Take it to the presence of God. Intercede for me and all my life, I will be grateful to you and remain your faithful advocate until I can thank you in Heaven. Amen.

November 11, 2004
For many years, local officials have described Atlanta as "the city too busy to hate." Yesterday, in a news report, Atlanta was listed as the second most dangerous city in the United States. The report implied it was the fault of the homeless and went on to say there were not enough homeless shelters to care for them. All this was offered as a lead-in for the main topic which was a resolution against panhandling that has just been passed, because street people have an adverse effect on the hotel and hospitality business. Hate, be it right or wrong, is a natural human emotion, often formed with ample justification. The unfeeling standpoint of such a resolution doesn't recognize what leads so many to find their way to the streets and only dwells on lost profit to city businesses due to "these kind of people." Where are the churches? How much vacant space is there in so many churches each night that could be put to such better use than just sitting there vacant. How many millions of dollars were just spent in the political campaigns? Would Atlanta and other cities throughout the nation still be such dangerous places if all these unused resources and money were set to helping those in need?