some thoughts on freedom...

I recently had the privilege and honor of standing with the Patriot Guard at a ceremony at Fort Logan in Denver, Colorado.  These folks come from all walks of life to stand and honor those who have given their lives in service for this country.  I do not believe our presence in Iraq is justified, but it was not the decision of those who are coming back in those caskets. This was a most moving experience from the horse-drawn caisson to the release of a dove by the parents of the young man killed in action signifying their release of him to a better life.  

The Patriot Guard stands between Fred Phelps and his people when they protest at these funerals.  Now, Fred Phelps is not one of my favorite people for other reasons, but this goes beyond the pale when he will bring other people and especially children to protest at a funeral of a person who has been killed in service for this country.  This country where we, at present, still have the benefit of speaking out against the things we think are wrong,  still enjoy most of our privacy (thanks GW), and if you are of the common, heterosexual variety, you still get to enjoy the benefits of inclusion in the greater society.  The common, homosexual variety is becoming more included but still to a lesser degree at this writing.