For those that know me, I am a huge supporter of the armed forces.
Because of that, I will say my normal piece of that. As for everything going on in our fandom, well. Let us just say that I will think on all of that. Today is for remembering those that gave it all so that we can point fingers and have our opinions. And the right to say them. I was going to make this post about the armed forces and the outrage I feel on their behalf’s for a day set aside to honor them is often spent on forgetting them. But this year Facebook has really done it’s job supporting and reminding you guys.
Instead, I am going to try to put this in my thoughts of why I am done with it all. And why today, Memorial Day, is the day I realized how stupid I have been. I have not honored my fallen and veterans with this whole thing. I am sorry.
Truly, have you thought through the fact we have this freedom? This freedom to post online how hurt we are. What we think on it. How we Hate/Love/Don’t care about it? How we have the right to talk about our feelings behind anything but a closed door and in fear that someone might be listening?
M went to China, and he couldn’t really get on anything. Everything over there is restricted. Facebook, my site is somewhat banned even! After we found out how bad it is to get messages out, we were going to put up a page on my site and have us talk on there. And even that comes and goes intermittently. It seems I am revolutionary. So many thanks to any who read my site in China!!! I know there are some, (which is why we thought it was ok..) but now that I know what you guys go through, well thanks!
Anywho, that brings home what freedom that our veterans and those who fell in battle fought to give me the choice to be able to do. That I can do as I wish, and not worry that soldiers are going to come knocking on my doors. I can write what I want. Complain on what I want. Cuss the government out. Breathe in cleaner air. (seriously the smog reports are not joking!!!)
I have the write to feel and do what I love. All because some very brave souls fought to give me that right.
And I thank them.
You might not think it is a big deal, but we go back to my site is banned because of it being revolutionary. I have ideas. I have the strength to post my opinions. I have the audacity to use my site to promote you guys thinking of those who gave it all. And I am not scared to say any of it.
Then there was my Hubby, M. We were driving to go somewhere on Friday, and in Webster, they had the flags up for the holiday weekend. And he stared at them for a little bit and then said, “I salute and thank each person who served and especially to those who gave everything to give me the chance to be here today. I salute and give thanks to my Grandfather for his service. I salute and give thanks to Bob for his service. I salute and give thanks to (Kittyinaz’s) cousin for his continued service. I salute and give thanks to (kittyinaz’s) other cousin’s service. HooRah!”
I blinked, and just stared at him. While I know he really supports the armed services, this is the first time he has ever said that. But he meant every word. and told me, he has been thinking about it lately. Nothing like a trip to a country that is the opposite of ours to make you more thankful for what you have.
We have shit going on, but it nothing like sitting out in the desert reading something to make me forget about the lives I defended, the brothers in arms who may have not survived, and looking in another reality that does not involve what they are doing. I cringe at what those soldiers are probably thinking, and even our fans. I said my piece when I was hurt. I asked that no one comment. I just wanted people to think over why I am hurt. Not to do anything about it. Just understand.
I applaud anyone brave enough to put their opinion out there, since it is open for anyone to read. Everyone. For if you post it online, you might be surprised at all who is reading it. Some may never comment. Some may never do anything but read it, unable to do anything cause they are restricted and am very aware of the freedoms that we have to do it all. They are afraid to say great job because a knock may come int he middle of night for outsmarting the system to read something outside their country. Seriously. The things told to me make me thankful, but I forgot. I forgot about those freedoms that were given to me.
It made me think what these soldiers who are off fighting for my right to do this, are thinking. And I for one, am going to wash my hands of it all.
Take pot shots at me and my friends. Point fingers and continue to be petty. It is your right. My cousin fought for it. But me for one? I am going to let go of it all. I am going to go write my book and hope someone enjoys it. I am going to continue to hold my contests to help authors, both those who are currently, and those hidden and shy about coming out of themselves. I am going to do what I love, and remember that a contest we threw for applauding the fandom is not worth being so petty. Someone gave their life so I could do that, and I choose to honor and remember them by ignoring it.
What is your choice? To continue fighting over something so small in the grand scheme of things, or remembering that there is freedoms we have that are given on the blood and tears of family members who lost loved ones for that right?
Think on it…
And as long as one person appreciates this, or changes their thoughts, I will count myself lucky to have pointed it out to you.
Kittyinaz
Perfectly said miss kitty! You are in every way correct in the above! I love reading your stories, and even tho my hardships are no where in the same universe as many out there, your stories are a reprieve for me! My cousin, grandfather, and a few uncles served for my right to read what I want, speak what I feel, and support whom I wish, as they did for many others! This is a percent way to thank those men and women, use those rights! Thank you Kitty, for going back to the basics, I commend you!
AMEN!
a lot of brave men and women sacrificed their lives for this country’s freedom. and to these brave souls, SALUTE! SALUTE! SALUTE!
and by the way, i think being banned in China is a compliment. 😉
Well said! My husband joined the Navy at 16 and spent a lovely Christmas with a wonderful family in Georgia – that was 40 years ago and he still raves about how he was treated in America and how he never came across the same respect at home in England. The last few years here people are supporting our troops more but that followed a huge campaign that Simon Cowell supported. It’s sad that it takes celebrities to encourage that. Both sides of our families fought for our freedom of speech and still do. I wish more people would stop and consider what (and who) we owe our freedom of speech to.
Yeah, I’d take being banned in China a compliment too!