Ferguson, Race, and Social Norms

Events in Ferguson, Missouri over the past couple of weeks have polarized America, or at least, that is what the media would have us believe.  Pundits, politicians, preachers, and police officers have all jumped on board both sides of the race train.  In reality, it is disappointing to see folks in positions of power place themselves in the limelight of a horrible event for personal agendas.  All of us can agree that we still have racial issues in the United States but, I believe that most of us can also sense there is a slight oxymoronic tinge surrounding the comments made by our President and Attorney General.  Maybe I've zoned out of late but the last time I checked, both of these fine gentlemen have African American blood coursing through their veins and the ominous cloud of racism covering our land has not prevented them from holding national positions of power.

I suggest, all of us can truly know only one thing for certain surrounding this event and that is the fact that, none of us really know what transpired on the evening that this young Black man was fatally shot.  To suggest that the police officer who shot this young man did it purely for racial reasons is to prejudge him and assume that he lacks any sense of social responsibility for his fellow man.  For myself, I would rather be quiet, watch, and listen to what happened before I sentence him.  I'd also like to know what impact the robbery had before the fatal shooting.  Was a heightened sense of fear involved?  Are the police officers in Ferguson under trained? Was this officer a relative rookie?  What is the background of the slain individual?  At the end of the day. I wonder if this is an issue best left to Ferguson or should it be the impetus for a larger national discussion?

I tend to believe that this event could serve as a social spark for self examination.  Personal freedom and liberty require a concomitant sense of social responsibility.  All of us have been taught "the Golden Rule" but, how many of us live it?  Do you spend any time thinking about your role in society?  Are you polite?  Are you selfish?  When you catch yourself being selfish (all of us are at times), do you stop and ask yourself why? Do you care about your neighbor, your family, your children's school, your co-workers, your community, your state, or your nation?  If not, why not?  Far too many of us scurry about taking care of ourselves with little thought of those around us.  Most of us could use a little time in front of the mirror.  As for me, I hope to treat my fellow man better tomorrow than I have done thus far today.  When I look at folks around me, I see fellow human beings.  On a human level, racial distinctions such as African American, Mexican American, Asian American, Native American, or Anglo American serve little purpose.  Those in power would serve us better if they strove to find national means for unification rather than highlight points of division.

Warrior Spirit

Most of humanity has no concept of what the"warrior spirit" is.  The film industry would have us believe that it involves a bloodthirsty "kill them all" attitude.  Those of us who've been in combat understand just how far from the truth this belief is.  If you want to comprehend the depth of meaning surrounding the concept of your
mortality, serve in combat with your buddies.  Combat is a deeply personal affair.  All that you've ever known about yourself will become as defined as the razor sharp edge of a well honed knife.  Combat is about the will to live, and the protection of your team mates.

Fighting units are grouped in ever larger size from the platoon up to the size of an army however; the small team is the basic building block upon which an army fights.  The human bonds at this small level are the true strength behind any military outfit.  Nobody really thinks about being heroic.  Most of us concentrate on doing our job and having our buddy's back because, you know that he's got your back.  Quite simply, we fight for the guy to our left and right.

Fear, compassion, humor and anger are common combat emotions.  You need all of them to survive.  Fear? Combat makes you very aware of the fact that the only things you truly have control over are your own actions and this can be a very scary thing to come to terms with.  Compassion?  The uninitiated amongst us are probably wondering how you can be compassionate during war?  Compassion grounds your humanity. Lose it and you risk losing yourself.  Humor?  Humor remains the most vibrant means for relieving stress. People do funny things in a stressful environment.  Having a good laugh lowers your heart rate, increases the flow of oxygen into your respiratory system and clears the mind thus enabling you to make better decisions that may end up saving your life.  Anger?  Witnessing one of your buddies get "hit" will make you angry. How you deal with it is the important thing.  Honor him by focusing on the task at hand.  It is not the killing that is important.  Achieving the mission is your paramount concern.

While serving, on many occasions I heard the saying, "Once a warrior, always a warrior."  I never truly understood the significance behind those words.  Now I find myself in my 50s and I believe I have found out why that saying is so important.  In many ways, having served in combat has defined who I am.  I can thoroughly enjoy the moment and don't spend much time wondering about what might be.  I don't often experience fear or anger these days but I sure am focused on humor and compassion.  I would lose myself if I didn't enjoy a good laugh every day and spend time with family and friends.  Silently, I stand in the background and reminisce on where I've been, what I've seen, and take strength in the fact that I am a warrior.

Wilderness Adventures

I don't know how most folks feel but, in today's fast paced world of techno gadgets, the gravitational pull of the wilderness grows ever stronger.  Technology tends to make us lose sight of the feeble footprint all of us will leave upon this earth's surface once we're gone.  Don't get me wrong, I too am enamored with the power of technology.  My personal library exists within the confines of my Barnes & Noble Nookbook. Even worse, I take this virtual book with me when I head into the bush.  My workdays also seem to revolve around the message traffic on my iphone.  However, sometimes all of us need to escape.

If you want to feel truly "small" head into the backcountry.  The wilderness has a way of making all of us face our mortality.  I'm lucky enough to call Central Oregon home and the Three Sisters Wilderness Area is a mere 35 miles from my driveway.  A day's hike along the glaciated ridgelines of the South Sister will sooth the soul.  You'll quickly realize just how much you miss in the fast paced urban world down below.  Little things become very important.  Take the boisterous chipmunk for example.  Sharing your lunch with an inquisitive chipmunk can be an interesting affair.  I'm not sure if a chipmunk knows that it can walk for I've never seen one attempt it.  The name of the game for them is, run.  Of second importance is, defend your turf.  I also believe that all chipmunks have the "beggar" gene.  I've yet to find one who didn't feel that what I considered to be mine was in reality their property.

If you get the chance, find a secluded spot along the ridgeline and get out of the wind.  Pull out your e-reader and attempt to read.  If your experience mirrors mine, you'll quickly lose interest in whatever you are reading. More than likely, your eyes will lock onto the invisible thermal laden path of the hawk soaring far above your perch.  Where did he come from?  What has he seen?  Where is he going?  Is he lonely?  What does it feel like to soar?  Now, all you need to do is lay flat on your back, close your eyes, and deeply inhale.  Try to identify the smell of pine and spruce.  Listen to the subtle fluctuations in the tonality of the breeze. Concentrate on the hawk.  If you try hard enough, you can become the hawk.  Do this and you'll rejuvenate your soul.  Of course, it is also prudent to be ready for that pugnacious chipmunk telling you to get the heck off his log.

Head into the wilderness and find yourself.  You'll be glad you did.