We are not the “Greatest Generation” ...

[Forgotten Field]

Ok, I'll bite. "We" collectively, as in this current population, demographic, cohort, or whatever you want to call it, are not the same as the group who built, fought, farmed, or just grudgingly tolerated the experience of WWII. But if you want to cast aspersions on any group of people who are coming up in modern day where the US leadership (business and political) has given away the manufacturing keys to the kingdom for free/cheap labor to keep us all in Walmart diapers and plastic junk, you are going to get a face of "OK Boomer" and dismissal.

Very few people know my background, but it has led me to be attending Nursing School full time right now. Of course, most of my cohorts right now are women. But starting in 2015, when I returned to finish my undergraduate degree, and across the board, I have viewed this generation as very sound and very capable. Currently I am with a cohort of people who are multi-talented, dedicated, and essentially all running towards the fire when MULTITUDES of RN's are quitting and changing jobs to escape the COVID crisis. I have two sons, 18 and 24. Both are working hard in their respective fields of study and their cohorts are working hard to make something of themselves. They aren't asking for handouts, just a fair shake. They are navigating a high-stress crisis and succeeding in their endeavors.

Are there people out there who need puppies and balloons and coloring books to deal with the daily stressors because they can't handle them? Of course, they are known as citizens. Just because you have a birthright to citizenship here in the US doesn't make you a steely-eyed, barrel chested freedom fighter with un-faulty logic and laser focus to handle any situation that comes down the pike. COVID proved that, as well as every other politically charged topic that ever came down the pike(which are generally charged by those who seek power, not those who seek to resolve the issues) and polarized every other generation. Just ask the idiot who chopped down one of the Japanese Cherry Trees in Washington DC right after Pearl Harbor- "What were you thinking?" His or her answer doesn't matter. Why? Because whatever is blathered as a response, or what we say, see, experience, pales in comparison to what we actually do. Have you seen the outpouring of help for storm-ravaged communities in Kentucky? Yes, you see global warming enthusiasts and deniers using it for their agenda. But what you actually experience is the US reaching out to its neighbors and standing up for them in their time of need.

Walking among us now are the next Pappy Boyington, Dick Bong, Lucky Lester, General Eisenhower, and who ever else you may point out as a hero and sample of courageousness from WWII. And those people will stand up at the right time, when they are needed, and perform, no matter their political affiliation or credo or life orientation.... You can take that to the bank. Don't be deluded otherwise.

[quemerford]

Did anyone actually look at the photos? They really are rather interesting...

[Mark Allen M]

Did anyone actually look at the photos? They really are rather interesting...

I did .... and a very happy new year to you as well my friend. I've seen all your appreciation for my simple threads and I appreciate yours as well.

Ok, I'll bite. .

No need for biting
Great post and very spot on as well. thx kindly.

[Mark Allen M]

Not to blow my own horn because It's not about me, but the photos below has become a part of my passion for living healthy in body and mind.
I take groups of veterans out on 4 to 5 day hikes all around California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and a few other places. I try to do a half dozen a year if all works out.
These vets are usually young and suffering either physically, mentally or both. Many don't say much until we're out in the woods for a few days and then it's like turning on hot water.
I've become friends with all of them and have lost a few over the past few years. I can only wish that they had a chance to be at peace for a few days with people who sincerely cared about them.
We've talked about everything and nothing, whatever comes up in their minds and they allow themselves to wish to discuss. We have vets from all sides of the political, social and spiritual spectrum. No judgments, no lectures, no nothing. I listen as long as they want to talk. Trust me, I've heard it all.

These warriors are solid gold to me and makes me want to continue to do my very, very small part in supporting them.
I do that here on WIX as well and anyone who finds offense with what I post simply doesn't know me. Am I a liberal?, probably although I consider myself a moderate. I don't have all the answers and I'll never claim such, but I do indeed care about America. I care about other peoples welfare and health. I don't deny that we are in the crosshairs of a very serious and dangerous pandemic and I wish nothing more than to see this thing end. I do my part as best I understand it.

What is this thread about many of you may be asking? Well, first and foremost it's my way of stating a Happy New Year to all members of WIX. Thanking Scott for putting up with me and all his wonderful efforts to keep this site up and alive. I help Scott in any way he needs and he knows all he has to do is ask and he'll get it. I post plenty of threads on WIX because of several reasons of my own, but I also like the conversations that some of my threads generate. I've learned tenfold over the years from folks who really know their stuff and I'm always grateful to them.

I'm not one for simple "Happy Whatever's" as I would rather post something of substance no matter the approval or not... and... state "Happy Whatever" at the same time.

I wish everyone a peaceful New year. I wish you all good health, happiness and unity. Wish I could do more that that.


A great group of folks standing on top of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. I'm the dope with the red bandana.


Here's half dome. Trust me, it's much bigger than you think and the top is plenty flat.

[lmritger]

Ok, I'll bite...

darn, man. You probably don't know me from Hogan's goat, but if we ever cross paths, I'm buying the first round. Anyone who willingly puts themselves in the line of fire in this awful pandemic deserves our respect and appreciation.

And Mark- thanks for the kind words, friend. Keep up the great work! (Oh, and I need to make another post about this, but I found I had a first cousin flying Hellcats with VF-80, lost on the first Manila strike on 5 Nov 44... so you and I now have an F6F bond, LOL)

Cheers all, hope you stay safe rolling into 2022!

Lynn

[p51]

This past couple of years has been a roller coaster of emotions and events. With a lot of incorrect information pushed to the masses to keep us in doubt, in fear, and not questioning or researching properly.

We also have a large culture that wallows and prides itself on ignorance.
The earth was proven round in the time of the pharaohs and proven again countless times by cameras far enough away to actually see it's clearly a sphere.
And yet, people still contend, now more than ever, that's it's flat.
So when you take that into account, anything goes.

[quemerford]

This past couple of years has been a roller coaster of emotions and events. With a lot of incorrect information pushed to the masses to keep us in doubt, in fear, and not questioning or researching properly.

We also have a large culture that wallows and prides itself on ignorance.
The earth was proven round in the time of the pharaohs and proven again countless times by cameras far enough away to actually see it's clearly a sphere.
And yet, people still contend, now more than ever, that's it's flat.
So when you take that into account, anything goes.

If the earth really is flat, cats would have pushed everything off the edge by now.

[michaelharadon]

To my eye, this is one of the best threads on WIX ever. And part of what makes it so is the civility and respect for each other in the discourse. My thanks to all of you who have posted.

[kalamazookid]

Those of you lamenting generational ignorance should keep in mind that it isn't the responsibility of the youngest generations to set curriculums or pass on knowledge. I work directly with young people nearly every day - in my experience, it isn't a lack of willingness to learn, it's an inability to connect in an engaging way that is leading to ignorance. This is just one person's experience and obviously not universally true given the way ignorance is celebrated in some circles. I think, as those who obviously care for history and passing on stories, we have a responsibility to be adaptable in the ways in which we share those things that are important to us.

Mark, as someone who also loves the outdoors and hiking, I must say that I have a lot of respect for what you're doing to connect with veterans. Thank you for what you do to create opportunities for them to connect in nature.

Happy holidays to all, no matter what you may be celebrating. Hopefully, next year will be better than the last.

[Steve Birdsall]

Mark, your posts are always interesting and make WIX one of those sites that's always worth a regular visit.

Happy New Year.

[Triplane102]

Mark, Great ! If I may ask, is/was there any one Person or event that lead you to this insight ? Thanks, T.D

[Mark Allen M]

Mark, Great ! If I may ask, is/was there any one Person or event that lead you to this insight ? Thanks, T.D

Yes, and best explained in a PM.

[Michel Lemieux]

If the earth really is flat, cats would have pushed everything off the edge by now.

As you all know...the Flat Earth Society has many friends around the globe...so!!!!!

Happy new year everyone! And here's to a ''good'' 2022.

Mark...cracking pictures as always and thank you for sharing.

They offer a very different perspective to operational pictures with the official era comments on them.

Cheers.