As a youngster I went through the Cub Scout program, ending it as the Senior Sixer for the pack. I learned there not to lead with my chin in the boxing ring and understood that "seeing stars" can actually happen. The time did instill life values of "doing your best" and "doing a good turn every day". I think I missed a few days of that along the way. I moved on to Boy Scouts and only lasted a couple of meetings. Of all things, money was the issue. Folks too poor to handle uniform costs, having added two more mouths to feed since I got my Cub gear. So no national or international jamborees for me. I have a great respect for the Scouting movement.
Francis: In my own way, I was trying to help Dave understand, since he asked
Yes, I am Canadian eh. I agree Blue Hockey and Walleye are all good. I also feel I'm a citizen of the global village. Scotch Rugby and Char are also good. I'm not above enjoying squashed grapes from Chile, Italy, France, Australia or the Napa Valley. Summer of '69 ?? A musical reference to follow your looking down the barrels at 70 and surmising you might be 69 during this summer. You have a few years on me, if that is the case - my next b'day being 63.
X-GRUNT was a way to recognize Vets for whom I have great respect. My father was RCAF and father-in-law ARMY. No matter what one's politics might be, I believe those who served the aims of their nation while recognizing it may well end their personal "tour" on this planet deserve respect. Vietnam was a divisive war on the US home front but I was dismayed, at the time, how some returning military were being treated. Never met a "Hippie". I don't abide criminals, regardless of gender. I also believe that both genders can and do contribute to improving the human condition but I do not think humans, as a species, can achieve peaceful co-existence. I always wonder why that is so elusive, as when traveling abroad and meeting ordinary folk, we all seem to have the same basic goals. Happiness and a better future for our kids. For me to apply the bumper sticker would not be right, as I wasn't there. But, I would display the sticker on a "steel tomb", if it were signed by one who was there. I would enjoy sharing a beverage of choice. We would not see eye to eye on everything but then what would the world be if we all thought alike. Debate is good.
Cheers,
Jack
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