For Believers, Terrorism Has No Meaningful Message

In church yesterday morning our pastor did something he rarely does. In lieu of the terrorist attacks in Paris, he put his planned sermon aside and said he felt compelled by the Holy Spirit to talk to us about what happened there and how it will affect us.

Dr. Marr assured us all that the evil, violent acts that were unleashed on Paris on Saturday would be coming to the United States in the future. Of that we can be certain, he told us. Then he went on to tell us he knows we didn't come to church that morning looking to be more depressed and worried than we already were. And that's when the sermon changed to one of hope and comfort.

He used the first 10 verses of the 91^st Psalm, in which David said:

“91 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and bulwark.

5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

Martin Luther used these very verses to write the famous hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” Dr. Marr said early that morning, before he was even at the church, he had his assistant contact our Worship Pastor, who is in charge of selecting and preparing the music for the service, and ask him to put “A Mighty Fortress” on the list of music for the two services. As it turned out – that hymn had already been on the list for several days – since before the Paris attacks.

Dr. Marr said given that information he was more sure than ever that the Holy Spirit was leading him to talk about this particular topic. I must agree.

He talked about the word “bulwark,” a term rarely used in today's conversations. Bulwark us an old word meaning the extension of a ship's sides above the level of the deck, particularly on the old wooden ships, that made the ship safer and stronger. So a bulwark is a protector.

After reading the scripture, Dr. Marr reiterated that turning to the Lord, going into that secret place to pray; abiding under the shadow of the Almighty, will keep us safe and assured. He reminded us that no matter what happens in the world, Christians are like the guy who reads the last page of a novel first. No matter what happens, no matter how bad things may get – we know how the story ends. And for us it ends in victory and life eternal with our God. Of that we are assured.

I close with the first and last verse of that glorious hymn:

A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
doth seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.

That word above all earthly powers,
no thanks to them, abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours,
thru him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also;
the body they may kill;
God's truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever.

For believers these are words of comfort. We know that whether we die of old age, illness, accident, or even by a terrorist's hand, we will dwell in the House of the Lord forever. No matter what happens, our faith in Christ will sustain us and give us eternal life. What have we to fear?

Do Miracles Happen...? They Absolutely Do!

Every Wednesday at our church we have various growth activities for all ages. From the youngest toddler to the most senior of our members, there is a class or group for everyone. I attend the pastor's Bible study.

We just happen to be in the first chapter of the Book of James, when James is telling us to be thankful for the trials we face in life.

James 1:2 “Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3) because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4) Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

At the end of each class is a period where we talk about prayer needs and requests. There is a list of known, public prayer requests for church members and attendees may make requests for themselves or others during this time. Prayers are sent up for all who request them and also for those who may have a need that they cannot speak about.

Last night was a little different. After we spoke of those on the list and any other prayer needs, our pastor, Dr. Marr introduced a young Asian woman who happened to be sitting on the back row near me. She stood up and we could see she was about 8 months pregnant. She was a tiny woman, probably not 5 feet tall, and may have weighed 100 pounds counting the baby weight.

Dr. Marr asked the woman to tell us what had happened in her life. In her slow, deliberate, and sometimes broken English she explained.

This woman had suffered a miscarriage during her first pregnancy. When she became pregnant again she asked Dr. Marr if he (and we) would pray for her. We did it right there in the class one evening.

Several months into the pregnancy she went in for a sonogram and she was told by her doctor that she was carrying twins – but that the babies were conjoined at the head. The young woman was devastated. She went home and did the only thing she knew to do – she began to pray.

The woman asked God to intervene, to heal her babies so they would be healthy and normal. She prayed all the time, facing her trial with faith in her God. She said when she was doubtful and her faith waned she turned to the church and to God's messages to her and stayed strong.

Weeks went by and she returned to the doctor for another sonogram. This new sonogram showed her babies were no longer conjoined but were separate, healthy and developing normally.

When she finished, Dr. Marr recapped her story for anyone who may not have understood her. When he finished he said “Think there are no such things as miracles? You just witnessed one.”

The woman said her doctor “apologized for weeks” for being wrong. Skeptics will say they simply made a mistake. But this is 2015. Doctors using sophisticated imaging technology don't make mistakes and tell a woman her babies are conjoined when they're really not.

The woman believes she received a miracle. Dr. Marr believes she received a miracle. And I believe she received a miracle.

James 1:12 says “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

This humble, faithful woman trusted in her Lord when faced with one of the most terrifying, heartbreaking trials she could face. And for her faith she was rewarded. 

In her story is a lesson for all.  

Ben Carson Attacked For Telling The Truth About Islam

I have been reading the attacks by the left on Dr. Ben Carson for his remarks about not supporting a Muslim to be President of the United States. Liberals call him a racist, an Islamophobe, a hater, etc., and the Council for Islmic American Relations (CAIR) has called for Carson to withdraw from the Presidential race because of it.

But what did Carson say that was so bad? Carson was asked by Chuck Todd if he (Carson) believed a President's faith should matter. “Should your faith matter to voters?” Todd asked.

Carson's initial response was straightforward and true.

“I guess it depends on what that faith is,” Carson replied. “If it’s inconsistent with the values and principles of America, then of course it should matter. But if it fits within the realm of America and consistent with the constitution, no problem.”

“If it is inconsistent with the values and principles of America then of course it should matter.”

What's wrong with that? Any person wanting to be President of the United States should have values and principles that are consistent with those of America and the Constitution. Of course, President Obama pushes that one to the limit since his values and principles are questionable to most patriots.

Carson went on to say he does not believe that Islam is consistent with the Constitution. I believe the same thing.

Later, on another show, Carson explained in more detail why he feels that way.

“I do not believe Sharia is consistent with the Constitution of this country,” Carson said. “Muslims feel that their religion is very much a part of your public life and what you do as a public official, and that’s inconsistent with our principles and our Constitution.”

Also true. In most Muslim countries, particularly those governed by Sharia law, the government and Sharia are one in the same. Sharia law is not consistent with our Constitution. It doesn't take much research to realize that. Among other things, Sharia allows for severe mistreatment of women and corporal and even capital punishment for those women who do not conform. It allows for capital punishment of gays and lesbians. It allows people to have limbs forcibly removed for certain crimes.

How is that consistent with our Constitution?

Dr. Carson was on the conservative talk show circuit last night defending what he said – because it was factual. The headlines this morning read “Carson Refusing To Back Down.”

That one is tame. Another reads “Carson Refuses To Walk Back Anti-Islam Stance.” And yet another says “Ben Carson Refuses to Back Down, Spouts Even Worse Anti-Muslim Bigotry.” That was because of his also true statement that Muslims practice “taqqiyah,” - lying to the infidels about their religion in order to deceive them.

If you read the response from CAIR the first thing you notice is that they didn't say Carson was wrong in what he said – only that he was wrong in saying it. That's significant. They cannot defend Sharia against the Constitution because what Carson said is absolutely correct. So they try to shoot the messenger, saying his beliefs are in violation of the Constitution when, in fact, they are right in line with his First Amendment rights.

CAIR would shut down free speech about Islam if they could. They refuse to allow criticism of Islam, true or not, and demand silence from anyone who will tell the truth about it.

I applaud Ben Carson for his honesty, particularly in this day and age when everyone demands

political correctness from everyone. Truth about Islam is not hateful nor bigoted – it's truth. And these days we need all the truth we can get.

Where My Blog Went.... Mostly.

For anyone still checking this page for recent articles, I spend most of my writing time on articles for www.thefederalistpapers.org. I have had quite a few published in the last couple of months but haven't been sharing them here. So I thought I would do that now and then.

These two were published today...


http://www.thefederalistpapers.org/us/dont-look-now-but-cair-is-offended-again

http://www.thefederalistpapers.org/us/does-obama-intend-to-disrespect-the-pope


Enjoy and thanks for reading.

Some Thoughts On 9/11

Today is September 11, 2015. It has been 14 years since Muslim terrorists crashed hijacked commercial airliners into three of four intended targets, including the Pentagon and the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York.

I remember that morning well. I was in a meeting when the first plane hit. When I returned to my office, my secretary told me a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center and I turned on the TV I had behind my desk. My immediate thought was “What a terrible, tragic accident. I wonder how it happened?”

Then I watched in horror as the second plane hit the second tower. It was pretty clear at that moment that it was a deliberate act. The only question at that moment was “Who?”

A third plane hit the Pentagon. But it was the fourth plane that gave us insight into what was going on.

Passengers in the fourth plane began making phone calls when their plane was hijacked. Because they were headed toward San Francisco, the plane had flown farther away from the intended target of the White House than the others. They were over Ohio when they finally turned around and headed toward Washington DC.

Passengers and crew on that plane formulated a plan to take the plane back from the hijackers. Some passengers were on their phones telling loved ones what was going on. A flight attendant was on the phone with her employer.

Once the passengers learned what had happened in New York and Washington D.C., they decided they were not going to allow the hijackers of their plane to destroy another target. They rushed the hijackers and the cockpit with the best of intentions. And while they succeeded in preventing the plane from hitting the White House, ultimately their attempt to retake the plane failed. The terrorist at the controls put the plane into a dive and it crashed into a field in Pennsylvania, killing everyone on board.

Islamic terrorists, funded by Osama bin Laden, planned and executed this attack on the United States of America that killed a total of 2,977 people on that day, and many others who died later from 9/11 related illnesses.

President George W. Bush went to ground zero on September 14^th, three days after the attack. He spoke to the emergeny responders, those still searching for survivors and for bodies, in an epic speech.

"I can hear you!" he told them. "The rest of the world hears you! And the people – and the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon."

Opinions about Bush's actions in the war on terror following 9/11 vary, but at least he took decisive action. He fought Al Qaeda, put in place an intelligence system that eventually lead to the killing of Osama bin Laden, (Obama loves to give himself the credit for that but it was waterboarding that gleaned the information of his whereabouts) and put into place an intelligence system that prevented more attacks on the United States.

Sadly, our current President pulled our troops out of the Middle East and turned it over to the terrorists. He tells the nation he is fighting terrorism with air strikes even as the pilots themselves are saying those limited air strikes are basically useless. President Obama won't even allow the words Islamic and/or Muslim to be used in the same phrase with the word terrorism. You can't beat an enemy you won't properly define – especially when you won't actually engage them.

Other nations in the Middle East are battling ISIS, the terror organization to which Obama gave Iraq and Syria. And the Obama administration criticizes them for doing so, whining that nations like Jordan, Egypt and Turkey aren't cooperating with his “60 nation coalition.” Vladimir Putin is now joining forces with Iran and Syria to fight against ISIS.

Putin has recently been flying bombers close to American airspace and a Russian spy ship was spotted off the coast of King's Bay, Georgia, the home of our Navy’s East Coast ballistic missile submarine fleet. It's as if Putin is pushing the limits to see what President Obama will do – or more likely what he won't do.

Around the world, in the war on terror, President Obama has become a joke and Putin is emerging as a world leader. Once he gets cozy with Iran and Syria, Russia will be an important world power again. And since he's already working to make arms deals with Iran, in spite of President Obama's so-called “great deal” with Iran on their nuclear capabilities, Putin is helping strengthen Iran just as much as Obama is.

Obama's failed leadership is changing not only the United States but the world. And it's not for the better.

On this 14th anniversary of that tragic day, I honor not only the innocent victims of the attack but expecially those first responders who lost their lives trying to save as many people as they could. It is a special kind of person who selflessly runs into danger instead of running away. I am grateful for all of you.

I'll close with the beautiful and now immortal words by Alan Jackson.

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you in the yard with your wife and children
Or working on some stage in L.A.?
Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke
Risin' up against that blue sky?
Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry?

Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know?
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below?
Did you burst out with pride for the red, white and blue
And the heroes who died just doin' what they do?
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself and what really matters?

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you teaching a class full of innocent children
Or driving down some cold interstate?
Did you feel guilty 'cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone?
Did you call up your mother and tell her you loved her?
Did you dust off that Bible at home?

Did you open your eyes, hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep?
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Or speak to some stranger on the street?
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Or go out and buy you a gun?
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watchin'
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns?

Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangers
Did you stand in line and give your own blood?
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love?

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love

You can listen to the song at the link below. God bless the United States of America!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPHnadJ-0hE

Don't Burn My Flag!

Tomorrow is July 4th - American Independence Day. Two hundred thirty-nine years ago, tomorrow, the founding fathers, along with most of the colonists, announced their independence from Great Britain via the Declaration of Independence.

With that document the colonists spelled out their intention to form their own independent country, free of the rule of the King of England. Thomas Jefferson wrote the document and began with:

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness, That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

Now, we could stop here and debate the fact that when the Declaration was written the phrase "all men are created equal" wasn't exactly true in the fledgling nation. Blacks and Native Americans were not included in that phrase. It took nearly 100 years for blacks to be considered even close to equal and nearly 150 years for Native Americans to become citizens of the United States. 

We can't change history, no matter how shameful some of it is. But my post isn't about slavery or injustices committed by Americans living in a different time in history. It's about the flag and what she stands for today.

It is purported that Betsy Ross sewed the first flag in 1776. Sadly, there is no documentation to prove she did or she didn't - only the word of her family, who said she got a visit from George Washington, Robert Morris and George Ross, the uncle of her late husband in May or June of that year and was asked to make the flag. 

Over the years the flag has changed with the addition of one star for each new state to the original 13 stars. The 13 stripes, representing the original 13 colonies, have remained intact.

The American flag has waved for freedom not only here in this country but in nations around the world. Everyone my age or older recognizes the photo of the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima by the Marines during World War 2. And without the United States Europe would never have defeated Hitler. We have helped liberate countries, rebuild countries, and help countries maintain their sovereignty when they were attacked by other nations.

I said the Pledge of Allegiance five days a week during my school days. When I was 19, I pledged my allegiance to the nation for which it stands and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. I spent a total of 8 years in the Air Force and loved every minute of it. I still remember my first retreat ceremony in Basic Training. Standing at attention in the Texas heat, saluting as the flag was lowered and the bugle played Retreat. I'm pretty sure I wasn't the only one with goose bumps and a tear in the eye.

Following my military service I worked for the next 22 years with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. I spent 30 years in service to the people of our country and that flag was a part of it every day. I'm proud of our flag and for its meaning and symbolism. So when someone desecrates it in any way I get a little upset.

In 1989, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that burning the flag was protected under the First Amendment. What they failed to do was get patriots to agree with them. Most people I know who served in the military won't stand idly by and allow someone to desecrate our flag in any way. 

Never was such patriotism better demonstrated than in Brooklyn, New York, the other day. A small group of ingrates decided they were going to burn an American flag in protest of the New York Police Department. They made the mistake of advertising it on social media. A group of motorcycle enthusiasts (commonly called bikers) showed up to pay their respects. Except many of them were veterans of the military. 

When one of the ingrates attempted to set the flag on fire one of the veterans snatched it away and put it out. Some of them began threatening the physical safety of the protesters who, in a typical act of cowardice, sought protection behind some of the very police they were demonstrating against. It seems they weren't quite ready to sacrifice themselves for their beliefs.

There are patriots all over the United States, many with prior military service, who will not stand idly by and allow someone to burn the American flag. We will support your right to do it since the Supreme Court said it's your right. But we'll still stop you. 

Don't burn my flag. It didn't do anything to you. On this Independence Day I proudly sing the words to Lee Greenwood's awesome song and tribute to the greatest nation on Earth:

If tomorrow all the things were gone I'd worked for all my life

And I had to start again with just my children and my wife

I'd thank my lucky stars to be living here today

Cause that flag still stands for freedom and you can't take that away

And I'm proud to be and American, where at least I know I'm free.

And I won't forget the men who died - who gave that right to me

And I'll gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today

Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land....

God bless the USA!

A Texas Good-bye

I told you all that I would still post here. I found this absolutely worth sharing.

I have researched this as it sounds unbelievable. All information I can find indicates that it's true. Chris Kyle is a hero to many but particularly in his home state of Texas. Some of those with whom he served know they are alive today because of Kyle's dedication to duty.

I didn't write it. It came to me in an e-mail from my father-in-law, a fellow Texan. At this time the author is unknown. I wish I had written it but honestly - besides the fact that the funeral was held in Cowboys' Stadium and the long procession to Austin drew thousands of supporters, I had no idea about the generosity of Kyle's fellow Texans nor the prestigious visitors that would call on Chris' wife, Taya, her family, and the gathered Navy SEALs. God bless them all and God bless Texas.


A Texas Good-bye

I just wanted to share with you all that out of a horrible tragedy we were blessed by so many people. Chris was Derek's teammate through 10 years of training and battle. They both suffer/suffered from PTSD to some extent and took great care of each other because of it. 2006 in Ramadi was horrible for young men that never had any more aggressive physical contact with another human than on a Texas football field.

They lost many friends. Chris became the armed services number #1 sniper of all time. Not something he was happy about, other than the fact that in so doing, he saved a lot of American lives. Three years ago, his wife Taya asked him to leave the SEAL teams as he had a huge bounty on his head by Al Qaeda. He did and wrote the book "The American Sniper." 100% of the proceeds from the book went to two of the SEAL families who had lost their sons in Iraq . That was the guy Chris was. He formed a company in Dallas to train military, police and I think firemen as far as protecting themselves in difficult situations. He also formed a foundation to work with military people suffering
from PTSD. Chris was a giver not a taker.

He along with a friend and neighbor, Chad Littlefield, were murdered trying to help a young man that had served six months in Iraq and claiming to have PTSD.

Now I need to tell you about all of the blessings.

Southwest Airlines flew in any SEAL and their family from any airport they flew into free of charge. The employees donated buddy passes and one lady worked for four days without much of a break to see that it happened. Volunteers were at both airports in Dallas to drive them to the hotel.

The Marriott Hotel reduced their rates to $45 a night and cleared the hotel for only SEALs and family. The Midlothian , TX. Police Department paid the $45 a night for each room. I would guess there were about 200 people staying at the hotel, 100 of them SEALs. Two large buses were chartered (an unknown donor paid the bill) to transport people to the different events and they also had a few rental cars (donated). The police and secret service were on duty 24 hours during the stay at our hotel.

At the house the Texas DPS parked a large motor home in front to block the view from reporters. It remained there the entire five days for the SEALs to congregate in and all to use the restroom so as not to have to go in the house. Taya, their two small children and both sets of parents were staying in the home. Only a hand full of SEALs went into the home as they had different duties and meetings were held sometimes on a hourly basis. It was a huge coordination of many different events and security. Derek was assigned to be a pall bearer, to escort Chris' body when it was transferred from Midlothian Funeral Home to Arlington Funeral Home and to be with Taya. A tough job.

Taya seldom came out of her bedroom. The home was full with people from the church and other family members that would come each day to help. I spent one morning in a bedroom with Chris' mom and the next morning with Chad Littlefield's parents (the other man murdered with Chris). A tough job.

George W Bush and his wife Laura met and talked to everyone. The Seal Team one on one. They went behind closed doors with Taya for quite a while. They had prayer with us all. You can tell when people were sincere and caring

Nolan Ryan sent his cooking team, a huge grill and lots of steaks, chicken and hamburgers. They set up in the front yard and fed people all day long including the 200 SEALs and their families. The next day a local BBQ restaurant set up a buffet in front of the house and fed all once again. Food was plentiful and all were taken care of. The family's church kept those inside the house well fed.

Jerry Jones, the man everyone loves to hate, was a rock star. He made sure that we all were taken care of. His wife and he were just making sure everyone was taken care of....Class... He donated use of Cowboy Stadium for the services as it was determined that so many wanted to attend. The charter buses transported us to the stadium on Monday at 10:30 am. Every car, bus, motorcycle was searched with bomb dogs and police. I am not sure if kooks were making threats trying to make a name for themselves or if so many SEALs in one place was a security risk, I don't know. We willingly obliged. No purses into the stadium!

We were taken to The Legends room high up and a large buffet was available. That was for about 300 people. We were growing.

A Medal of Honor recipient was there, lots of secret service and police and Sarah Palin and her husband. She looked nice, this was a very formal military service.

The service started at 1:00 pm and when we were escorted onto the field I was shocked. We heard that about 10,000 people had come to attend also. They were seated in the stadium seats behind us. It was a beautiful and emotional service.

Bagpipe and drum corps were wonderful and the A&M mens' choir stood through the entire service and sang right at the end. We were all in tears.

The next day was the 200-mile procession from Midlothian , TX to Austin for burial. It was a cold, drizzly, windy day, but the people were out. We had dozens of police motorcycles riders, freedom riders five chartered buses and lots of cars. You had to have a pass to be in the procession and still it was huge. Two helicopters circled the procession with snipers sitting out the side door for protection. It was the longest funeral procession ever in the state of Texas . People were everywhere. The entire route was shut down ahead of us, the people were lined up on the side of the road the entire way. Firemen down on one knee, police officers holding their hats over their hearts, children waving flags, veterans saluting as we went by.

Every bridge had fire trucks with large flags displayed from their tall ladders, people all along the entire 200 miles standing in the cold weather. It was so heartwarming.

Taya rode in the hearse with Chris' body so Derek rode the route with us. I was so grateful to have that time with him.

The service was at Texas National Cemetery. Very few are buried there and you have to apply to get in. It is people from Civil War, Medal of Honor winners, a few from the Alamo and all the historical people of Texas.

It was a nice service and the Freedom Riders surrounded the outside of the entire cemetery to keep the crazy church people from Kansas that protest at military funerals away from us.

Each SEAL put his Trident (metal SEAL badge) on the top of Chris' casket one at a time. A lot hit it in with one blow. Derek was the only one to take four taps to put his in and it was almost like he was caressing it as he did it. Another tearful moment.

After the service Governor Rick Perry and his wife, Anita, invited us to the governor's mansion. She stood at the door and greeted each of us individually and gave each of the SEALs a coin of Texas (she was a sincere, compassionate, and gracious hostess). We were able to tour the ground floor and then went into the garden for beverages and BBQ. So many of the team guys said that after they get out they are moving to Texas . They remarked that they had never felt so much love and hospitality. The charter buses then took the guys to the airport to catch their returning flights. 

Derek just now called and after a 20 hours flight he is back in his spot, in a dangerous land on the other side of the world, protecting America.

To my knowledge, President Obama has never acknowledged Chris Kyle's death nor his service to the United States of America. He sent no representative(s) to the funeral. He did, however, send representatives to the funerals of Michael Brown and Freddie Gray - two men who didn't really contribute much to society. During his State of the Union Address in 2014, President Obama acknowledged victims of gun violence such as Trayvon Martin and Hadiya Pendleton, the teenage girl in Chicago who was killed by a stray bullet just weeks after being a part of Obama's inauguration celebration. He calls celebrity sports stars and praises them as heroes for coming out of the closet - even praising them on national television. Yet he never once called Taya Kyle to offer condolences and thank her for her family's contributions to our national security.

And some people wonder why a guy like me has little respect for our Commander-in-Chief.