The People News, a free newspaper serving Cleveland Tennessee (TN) and Bradley County Tennessee (Tn).





Of Bradley County Tn.


OCTOBER    2006

                            The People News, a free newspaper serving Cleveland and Bradley County Tn.

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"Choose Life"

by JC Bowman

I would like to join with many others and add my condolences to the Weir family for the loss of Sgt. David Weir. There has been much spoken and written in the last several days about this young patriot that anything I write will pale in comparison. It speaks well of our community when people can set aside differences and simply spend a few minutes in reflection on a young man whose life was cut down before he could fulfill his promise and potential. We all grieve for David Weir, his wife and son, his mom and dad, and his sister and brothers.

One of David Weir's favorite sayings was: "Every man dies, but not every man really lives." His older brother Chris made an astute point by saying he was assured that his brother lived. He added: "And not only did he live, but he loved and was loved." David did the things in life he enjoyed most. Many people cannot comprehend or even experience that approach to life.

Life is to be lived to its fullness, with zest when possible and definitely with love. Love really does make the world a better place. I see the creep that happens in my own life, where I let responsibilities and others overshadow my desires. We all experience the work that becomes a burden which robs us of the simple joy of life. We bring it home with us, neglecting our families. And for what? We all shall pass from this life one day. Will we even enjoy our time here? Or will we become just another cog in the machine of the mundane, despising our own bane of existence? I choose life. I choose to love.

Deuteronomy 30:19 reminds us: "This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live."

When I die, and I hope to delay the inevitable as long as possible, I hope people know that I have enjoyed my journey here. I have not always done what I have wanted to do, but I have enjoyed my life nevertheless. I am happier now professionally than I have been in a long time. I am justifiably proud of my children. Nobody has a better wife than I do. I love my mother and step-father, and my in-laws. My family over performs and is underappreciated. I forget the words most of the time and yet I write. So I tell them I love them in my column in a newspaper or online. I hope they read it.

J C Bowman

-J. C. Bowman, a native of Cleveland, is a well informed and outspoken conservative educator. Is a freelance public policy analyst who resides in Cleveland, TN. Prior to this, he was Director for the Center for Education Innovation at Florida State University.  He served as the Director for the Florida Department of Education Choice Office and as the Chief Policy Analyst of the Education Policy Unit for Florida Governor Jeb Bush.

E-mail: flapolicy@hotmail.com


Website: www.policyexperts.net

I read the words of other writers. Lately I have read lots of words. Many of the words were written to cause hurt. Why do we do that? I see professional journalists assail the works of other professional journalists, demeaning them professionally and personally. Issues become irrelevant. I ask myself why? Is it because they have little to contribute to the debates of the day?
Any business or media outlet that is built solely upon the destruction of others probably won't last nor should they. There is no limit it seems to the political demagoguery, demonization, and exaggeration some people will go to get their agenda across. The media should be wary about printing or quoting anonymous letters, and only rarely print anonymous articles or attack fellow members of the media. The media should not need to be reminded that they are not part of the story.

What is an agenda anyway? Why do we need to have them? I used to work with a lady in Florida that I believed literally woke up in the morning and decided to make some person's life miserable. Needless to say she herself was perhaps the most miserable person that I knew. She was shifted from job to job. Nobody trusted or respected her. Unless she changes drastically she will die a bitter person. That is totally unnecessary. Because she has no love in her life, she does not really live. How sad.

Chris Weir added to his comments: "We all have a purpose and a calling. Do not run from yours. Do not hide behind fear or politics." Which is exactly the point, I would make. David Weir had an infectious personality, he was a natural born leader and he will be missed. I pray we focus more upon the life of David Weir, rather than his death. Politics really is inconsequential in the scope of things in light of even one life, but like always they are present. We are reminded we are fighting a battle for the hearts and minds of people around the globe, and in our midst are people who want to destroy our way of life and take our very lives. We must all do our part.

Hugo Chavez came to our country and quoting the American author Noam Chomsky delighted

in proclaiming the destruction of America itself. He belittled President George W. Bush. Former President Bill Clinton, Senator Chuck Schumer, Minority leader Nancy Pelosi and Congressman Charles Rangel--as well as many other Democrats made clear with strong statements that Chavez was not welcome in America.

Folks, when it comes down to attacks from the outside aimed against our country by others we need to be unified. We are in the same boat, and it behooves us to stay together. Representative Rangel is right: "George Bush is the President of the United States and represents the entire country. Any demeaning public attack against him is - and should be viewed by Republicans and Democrats, and all Americans - as an attack on all of us." There are simply some things that we must stand united against, and make a bold proclamation in support of, which crosses all political agendas. We are Americans. We rise or fall as a nation.

As I write this column, I am preparing to go stand on the side of the road and wave an American Flag as the funeral procession of David Weir passes by. I know there may be protestors, using the most inflammatory statements to get someone to violate their rights so they may file a lawsuit. Sgt. David Weir gave his life so that people could enjoy that right. I will stand with the Patriot Guard Riders, who do not care what people's political views are, or whether you're a "hawk" or a "dove." They are simply there to show respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities. They also shield the mourning family and friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors. It is unimaginable that this is needed, but I thank God the Patriot Guard is there to give comfort to families and communities. Visit their website at http://www.patriotguard.org/


--J. C. Bowman is a public policy analyst who resides in Cleveland, TN..
He can be reached by email at:
flapolicy@hotmail.com.
 

Visit his website at: www.policyexperts.net

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