The Kneel? Big Deal...

So Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49er quarterback, is boycotting the National Anthem.

So what?

Now before you start hurling insults my way about being unpatriotic, let me explain.

I think most of you would agree that he certainly has the right to express this opinion, even if it is unpopular. I would almost say his action is admirable if it weren't so misguided, even idiotic, because of its lack in popularity with the general public. It does take courage to do what he's doing. Of course, someone in his position also typically enjoys the spotlight. Making a statement like this could easily be more than a simple testament of personal conviction. So putting himself out there may not be as huge a leap of bravery as it would be for those of us who would receive no support from a liberal media for doing the same thing at our places of work or public gatherings. 

Still, unlike those with foundational political and principle differences than us (if you are akin to me in these areas), we can't fight for free speech and individual liberties and deny Kaepernick his rights. A standard operating procedure of progressives is to preach tolerance while vilifying anyone who expresses beliefs in opposition to theirs and to demand justice when they really want an upper hand given to their positions. No - we can't choose our battles here. If we allow a person to refuse to bake a cake for an event that goes against his or her religious beliefs, we must also allow a person to peacefully protest a patriotic ceremonial gesture if that person feels so inclined. 

One of the most memorable moments from the Rio Summer Olympics was when U.S. divers David Boudia and Steele Johnson gave all the glory to God in an NBC interview after their silver medal-winning performance. I'm not easily impressed by statements of the sort. But this one seemed heartfelt and legitimate. I support it to the extreme. So, I must also support the voice of an NFL celebrity, no matter how far astray I feel the speaker has wandered from reality.

Honestly, do you really want Colin Kaepernick to fake it if he doesn't believe it. Personally, I prefer seeing those who are clueless, misinformed, and even tone deaf to our situation, so I can adjust my expectations and proceeding actions. Reveal your stupidity! Expose your lack of knowledge!

Here's the problem: Kaepernick's jersey became the NFL's top seller recently. So, for every video of people burning his jersey in effigy, there are multiple purchases. Really? I knew America was becoming unrecognizable at an alarming exponential rate, but we've finally reached the ludicrous level. Nothing should surprise me, I guess, after we've given ourselves the choices we currently have for our nation's highest office. I think I'm still trying to wrap my head around that, though. 

Dr. Wendell Estep, pastor of First Baptist Church in Columbia, SC made a good point on this matter when he said we now have abandoned our hero for the antihero (his message will be online here soon). Our culture is so completely unaware of what's really happening, unwilling to search for the truth, we take a biased media's spewing of agenda-driving misdirection and flat out lies as fact. A disregard of actuality and motivation lead to a misinformed public. And then we get sincere, yet misguided, actions and reactions that perpetuate harmful myths. Cycle the lies, they become perceived truths, and the chipping away of morality and integrity continues. From this rises the antihero (or worse). 

It would be one thing if the spike in Kaepernick jersey sales was due to a celebration of free speech. We know that is not the case, however. So, now we have an NFL player, whose name was in virtually no conversations involving the new season, who has now been given a new path to fame, an idol to a movement responsible for the killing of first responders. 

So, my fellow patriots, the problem does not rest with the messenger, but rather with those with an ulterior motive that generate the message with incivility and hate and the ill-prepared receivers who unwittingly embrace it. 

In an ideal world, the 49ers ticket sales would plummet to nothing, hitting the franchise where it matters. Talk about taking a stand! That is not going to happen, though. So, let's ignore Kaepernick the player. Instead, let's focus on where the problem really resides - yes, in D.C. and Hollywood - but most importantly, in the hearts and minds of the people living in our nation. 

Return to decency, honesty, faith, and personal responsibility. These started us on the road to a humble greatness. They can put us back there again. No news reporter, MTV music award-winner, power-hungry politician, or NFL quarterback can do it for us. No - this must come from a returned focus on our Creator and his son - a true hero to worship. 

God Bless the U.S.A?

Did you celebrate Independence Day?

Now, I’m not asking if you treated yourself to an extra huge barrel of buttered popcorn and a gargantuan soda (for a mere $35) while watching Independence Day: Resurgence – the sequel to the original that came out around two decades ago. The original stars Will Smith, the sequel does not. Just saying. 

image from: bloody-disgusting.com

No. What I want to know is, did you knowingly participate in our nation’s celebration of the day we declared our independence from Great Britain, eventually becoming a nation founded on the principles of freedom and representative government.

I’m guessing that, if you are a reader of this blog, you did, indeed, celebrate this past July 4^th. I’m also speculating that in addition to fireworks, grilled meat, maybe some sort of water (ocean water, pool water, watermelon), you celebrated with a time of reflection on and thanks to those patriots who made this grand democratic experiment possible. You probably also considered those in uniform who have and still are protecting our country. Finally, I would imagine you thanked God for our nation and the freedoms that go along with being an American.

Finally, I would bet good money that you are quite familiar with Lee Greenwood’s patriotic song God

image from: hallels.com

Bless the U.S.A. and probably heard that song at least twice on the 4^th.  In fact, if you are a reader of this blog you probably know every word by heart and have dreamed of singing it during your church’s celebration of liberty, the seventh inning stretch of the World Series, or at the Republican National Convention. Wait, that would not be allowed – note to self: squash that dream.

God bless the U.S.A.

Not only is it a meaningful song, but it’s also a wonderful sentiment. But, is it a true sentiment today? Hillary Clinton included it at the conclusion of her speech at the DNC. Does she really mean it? Do most politicians and other high-profile types?

Let’s look at the song from today’s perspective:

If tomorrow all the things were gone I’d worked for all my life – Until recently, this would only be possible in the even of a natural disaster. Today, though, this is a real concern. Civil asset forfeiture, federal land grabbing, imminent domain, gun control, over-regulation of small businesses, over taxation. These are all legitimate threats. Plus, this is assuming you worked for and earned those “things” mentioned in the tune.  There are around 10 million in our country who are officially unemployed. America has more people on food stamps (nearly 50 million) than Canada has citizens. So, saying you actually worked for something might be a bit of a jump these days.

And I had to start again with just my children and my wife – Whoa, whoa, whoa. If the whole working line wasn’t offensive enough, you’re now telling me you have a wife? A husband, wife and kids. That was then. This is now: Facebook offers 51 gender options, New York City has 31 different genders that businesses must accommodate. Less than half of Americans 18 and older are married. Speaking of marriages, the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples can marry nation-wide. So, if you are in the minority and actually married, there’s no guarantee that the couple is a man and woman. More American women (or whatever gender they identify with) are reaching their 40’s without bearing children. Plus, there are nearly 14 million single parents raising 22 million children today – more than a quarter of the children under 21. If you are a man (and consider yourself a man) and are married to a woman (who considers herself a woman) and have a child or children, you are in the minority. So, pushing this Leave it to Beaver lifestyle may be offensive, and as we all know the Declaration of Independence clearly states that we have the right to not be offended. 

I’d thank my lucky stars to be living here today – Well, astrology IS still alive and kicking, unless you mean Hollywood stars, which are worshipped sickeningly today. Then you might as well go with Scientology.

‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away. – Can’t take away our flags or our freedom? Either way, don’t bet on it. An apartment manager in Texas, yes THAT Texas, told a resident to remove his American Flag because it might be seen as a threat to the Muslim community. What?!? A San Diego State University student had to remove his American flag because foreigners might find it offensive. HOA’s, colleges, businesses, apartments and other areas are taking the flags. Do I even need to begin the discussion on the erosion of our freedoms? I don’t think you want to read a post that long. It would take days to write. Suffice it to say that the regulatory, entitlement, politically correct, nanny state we’ve become continues to deconstruct that which our founders shed blood, sweat, and tears to create.

The second verse covers the lakes of Minnesota, the hills of Tennessee, the plains of Texas, Detroit, Houston, New York, L.A. – these places are still here.  Of course there are border issues, safe zones, crime-ridden gang-infested neighborhoods not mentioned in particular. From sea to shining sea might be a stretch (not literally, even though it is). Should a sea that is filled with pollution, fish killers, dying reefs, and melted ice be considered shining?  I guess environmental extremists could adjust this line for us.

So that takes us to the refrain:

And I’m proud to be an American – Oh yeah? Have you noticed the American Apologist speech and actions of our current administration and media? It is one of the more obscure tenets of the current progressive movement.

Where at least I know I’m free – That's what "they" want you to believe...

And I won’t forget the men who died who gave that right to me – See American Apologist

And I’ll gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today – With the decimation of our military at the hands of our government, this may not even be possible. Plus, as long as there is a chance of fighting and <gasp> death, and not just making money and gaining experience for college and career, today’s typical youth aren’t interested. Notice I said typical – there are lots of atypical courageous souls out there who I admire tremendously.

‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land – Yes, Lee, I believe you do. Not sure that’s true across the board for all Americans.

God Bless the U.S.A – And there it is. I just wonder how much longer stations will be allowed to air this song.

Folks, our nation has undoubtedly been blessed. It took the hand of God to secure our independence from Great Britain. It took the hand of God to retain this freedom and wave of prosperity. But now we are turning our backs on God as a nation. We are beginning to reap that which we’ve sown.

So, has God blessed the U.S.A? Certainly. Will that continue? I think not if we continue this downward spiral away from morality. It’s no coincidence that the more we remove God from our society, the more dangerous our society becomes. Sweeping God out the door catches many of our founders’ principles with it and leaves it open for communistic and socialistic beliefs. The decline of the family and the rise of a tyrannical federal leviathan – connected.  Interests over principles. Ugh!

It appears obvious that we can’t rely on politics to take us back to the days when Lee Greenwood’s song rang true across the nation. The next 4 years with either of our possible candidates is horrifying.  Many of us can’t turn to family – there may be none. Educational system? Ha! In many places a hotbed of that which is ruining us. So where should we turn? To whom do we appeal for recovery?

Take a guess…

Ask Lee. I think he knows someone.

Captain's Log - 48th Year - The Reflection

Today marks the end of my 48^th year of living.

Wow – that’s kinda depressing. Let’s try that again:

Today marks the start of my 49^th year on this Earth.

That sounds like I’m from another planet. I’m not. I promise.

One last try:

Today’s my birthday. I’m 48 years old.

OK. To the point. It’ll work.

In keeping with tradition that accompanies annual milestones – New Year’s Day, wedding anniversary, graduation day, tax day (the saddest of the lot), and birthdays – I think I’ll reflect on the year that just past.

So when I make an entry into my captain’s log on this last successful trip around the sun, what should I say? What is it that most impacted me from March 11, 2015 to March 9, 2016?

Hmm…

Well, I’ve fully entered that stage in life when reality has unloaded the truck, unpacked its boxes, and, for all intents and purposes, seems to have moved into its new home – 48 Walt’s Brain Place, Melancholy Valley, USA – for good. I’m a little worried though, because on the change of address notification my new guest is sending its friends, it lists its new home as “the place where dreams go to die.” I thought that was in Baton Rouge. Nevertheless, I could certainly use this development as the focus of my reflection.

Maybe later.

Given the current state of our presidential primaries, we really don’t need any more depressing news, do we?

So, what really grabbed me and shook me during my 48^th year of existence?

I think it may be the new insight I gained about the human spirit.

One thing I’ve learned over the last 48 years is that learning is inherently good. But, that doesn’t mean that everything learned is inherently good. Case in point: I’ve recently learned that revenge is a powerful motivator. Now that may be handy to know if I wrong someone, but it’s certainly not something to add to my repertoire. I think revenge is what’s fueling the illogical love-fest with the current Republican front-runner for president, for instance.

The human spirit has taken many hits over the decades, often at the hands of progressive ideologies. We are now reaping the crops that have been sewn by fairness doctrines that destroy foundational freedoms, social handicapping disguised as justice, purposeful erosion of the family in favor of a power-hungry ruling class, and an overall moral decay due in large part to political correctness. Society has turned into a reality show where decency and integrity have been all but forgotten. Now, belligerence and incivility seem to be accepted, even encouraged, for our highest-ranking leader. The front-runners for President at this moment – Trump and Hillary - are indeed anomalies. But they are products of a misguided human spirit.

On the one hand, dependency has now engulfed a large segment of our population, subtly enslaving the human spirit. The more people get, the more they want to continue getting it. So, many crush incentive and self-reliance underfoot on their way to claim that to which they believe they are entitled. They have found a leader who will not only leave the valve open but also open it further.

On the other, revenge has gripped the villagers, which should not be surprising. With a human spirit that has been force-fed ideals that revolve around narcissism, revenge is the most logical response to years of non-representation and oppressive edicts from the ruling elite. This lynch mob has awakened, angry at its condition, ignorant of the causes, and hell-bent on making someone pay. They have found a leader who spouts venom at anyone who opposes or even questions him. He is someone to whom they think they can relate, because he says what’s on their mind and promises revenge. Big picture? Repercussions? Who cares as long as we get ‘em.

So, that’s the dark side of the human spirit that has come to the forefront of late.

But, I’m not quite old enough to eat my dessert before my meal, you know, just in case I kick the bucket before finishing. No, I still like to save the best for last. Like eating all the cookie pieces first and saving as many of the marshmallows in my morning bowl of Lucky Charms ‘til the end. Can I get a “true dat?” Anyone?

So, even more inspirational, even more impactful than the ludicrous political state of affairs today is the resilience, love, hope, and forgiveness of the human spirit I witnessed over the last 365 days. I need not look any further than my own state of South Carolina for that. In the face of deadly and overwhelming floods, the human spirit endured and even flourished. Determined to persevere, citizens supported each other, cared for each other, loved each other. They rebuilt homes, businesses, lives, and relationships.

In the aftermath of unspeakable tragedy caused by pure evil, families of victims gunned down in a church in Charleston responded with forgiveness and love. At a time when the world was preparing for revenge and uncontrolled fury, like that which was being seen in other areas of the country, mothers, fathers, siblings, sons and daughters reached deep inside and found the only way to destroy the dark – not with more darkness, but with light. The human spirit soared with hope and exemplified all that is still good in us. I could not have been more proud of my home.

While the world planted the seeds that sprouted a corrupt human spirit, the virtuous version came from God. So, on both accounts – the good and the bad – I learned that human spirit still amazes and surprises me.

Is this acceptable insight after 48 years? I don’t know. I think it might be a decent contemplation on yet another year lived with a purpose of learning and growing.

Now, where’s the cake. I’ve earned a slice. My human spirit is hungry. Or maybe that's just my stomach. 

Road Tripping with the Primaries

This may be an over-simplified metaphorical view of where our nation is right now in respect to choosing a leader, but this is how I see it:

Our nation is a vehicle (I couldn't decide which fit better - sedan, sports car, limo, pickup, minivan, Jeep, electric car - you could really make a case for any of these and others) heading down an interstate in the wrong direction. In fact, the direction is a perilous one. We've picked up a full head of steam over the last 8 years, but have been traveling in this direction for most of the last 7 decades. Oh, we've taken a few detours and actually turned around and headed back in the right direction for a few years, but now, we are barreling downhill in the fast lane, pedal to the metal, throwing caution to the wind. 

"Um...excuse me, Mr. Driver? Notice the edge of the cliff ahead? Nope? I was afraid of that..."

We have a map. Our driver refuses to use it. He even scoffs at it, considering it outdated and not applicable to our system of roads today. "After all," he proclaims, "it shows our destination should be the other way. Those who created this map must not have been very bright."

This driver is about to pull over and give someone else an opportunity to drive, though, and we, the passengers, get to decide who that driver will be. 

It would seem now is quite possibly our last chance to save our vehicle and ourselves, both of which are currently catastrophe-bound. While we get this choice every four years, haven't often had the most accomplished drivers from which to choose, unfortunately. Thus, our situation now is dire. 

This time, though, we actually have a great driver within the driver candidate ranks. Problem is, most of the passengers aren't in favor of our present heading and are having trouble choosing a driver. There are really 5 possible drivers at this point:

Two drivers want to keep on trucking. One of them prefers to ride separately and secretly in an unmarked car with fully-tinted windows, while the other wants to pile everyone in a VW bus and sing Lennon's "Imagine" all the way. Either choice changes nothing really. The destination and rate of travel remain the same - merrily hurtling along to our devastation.

One driver claims he'd like to turn around and head back, but is being swayed to simply slow way down. "C'mon," they whisper into his rather large ears, "makes the speed bumps a little less noticeable. Plus, we navigators have figured out ways to make a nice living at this and remain navigators for life. You know, it's rough back there with the passengers - we don't have to ride like they do. Why listen to them and spoil what we have? You are one of us, aren't you? Don't worry, you don't have to tell them." With this driver, we'll slow down, we'll exit the interstate for a while, then get back on, go right, then left, almost aimlessly. The passengers alone will have to provide the fuel and food of the navigators' choosing and settle for the scraps and horrendous gas mileage. Ultimately, we'll still head in a misguided direction.

One driver has convinced the majority of passengers who wish to turn around to simply give him the power to drive unhindered by any law, any expectation, any map. His heading takes the nation off the interstate, and hurtles it up an off-ramp, over a wall, and into who knows where. With a lead foot on the gas, immovable hair slicing the wind, middle finger extended out the window, this egomaniacal road hog drives wherever he wants to. Needless to say, while the destination may certainly be different, it won't be where the map indicates. One thing's for sure - this driver will control the vehicle at all costs. There's a good chance the wheels fall off, roof blows away, windshield shatters, hood flies open, and the engine bursts into flames, causing an explosion of legendary proportion that kills us all.

But there is a driver who knows the map. He knows that the only way to get back to where we belong is to follow the map. He wants to make an immediate U-turn and follow the directions of the map. The navigators don't like this driver because he has told the passengers that he will follow the map, which will take away power from the navigators. When they whisper in his ear, he refuses to listen and he lets the passengers know about their conniving ways. For obvious reasons, those who wish to keep going in the same direction (and there are quite a few misguided souls), don't like him, either. This group also includes the sign makers who push the vehicle onward toward its doom. They are very convincing to the average passenger. So, this driver must fight an uphill battle to get passengers to look past the deception of the navigators, sign makers, and megalomaniacs who don't care about the passengers or the map, and to choose him, the only driver determined to turn the vehicle around and to get back on the right road, the same road indicated on our map.

Who will be driving come November? If it's not that last driver, don't be surprised if passengers start bailing out, even at full speed, having given up on saving the vehicle and, instead, focused on rescuing themselves.

Live Out Your Honor, By George.

I recently had the privilege to give the challenge to inductees at a local high school’s chapter of the National Honor Society. I spoke at the same occasion at this school a few year’s back. You can find that transcript here.

But in preparing for this occasion, I felt moved by our nation’s current condition. These young men and women are our future leaders, teachers, employees and employers, representatives, business owners, workers, soldiers, and voters. They will establish families, pay taxes, raise children, coach teams, attend church, and be productive members of their respective communities, state and nation. They needed a role model to emulate. So I went all historical on them.

The following is a portion of my message, edited (skipped the lame rivalry jokes and references to student life) for our purposes:

“Inductees, let me first congratulate you. What a marvelous honor. You didn't buy your way in, you didn't know someone on the inside who owed you any favors, the administration didn't decide to offer membership to all students in the interest of some misguided idea of fairness. You earned this. You obviously take learning seriously. Don't ever stop learning.

I'd like to talk with you today about 2 guys I've been reading about in a fascinating book by Glenn Beck. Let's call them Ben and George.

Both Ben and George were generals in the same army, an army that could also be referred to as a ragtag band of unproven and outmanned freedom fighters, or according to their opponents, who were arguably the most powerful military in the world - rebels and villains. The odds were certainly stacked against Ben and George and their rebels.

Ben was known as one of the finest and bravest field leaders of his time. He was also known to be brash and corrupt by many of his peers.

Let me tell you a quick story about Ben that exemplifies his life: At one point in the long campaign, during a battle that appeared to be all but lost, Ben engaged in a violent argument with his superior, and was promptly relieved of his field duties. This didn't sit well with Ben. After all, his army was in the midst of trying to turn back an attempt by the enemy to split the rebellion in half. So, enraged, Ben chose to turn to the bottle, which quickly chased off any inhibitions he may have had. With an alcohol-induced defiance, he then mounted his horse and, disobeying orders, led his men in a direct assault against what he noticed to be a weakness in the enemy line. To the cheers of the other rebel units, Ben and his men pushed the highly trained soldiers back. Ben then rode to the other side of his army’s line, and without permission, took over the troops of another general and rallied them to attack, sending his enemy from their stronghold. The last target for Ben was the enemy’s right flank, well fortified by an elite group of infantrymen. So, he gathered two more regiments and hit the holdout with full force. Ben's troops cried out, "He's fearless! He's like a madman! But by all that's true, he's going to win this battle." And win it he did.

During his victory, though, Ben was shot in his leg and his horse was shot out from underneath him, falling on him and crushing that already wounded leg.

To add insult to his injury, Ben's commanding officer neglected to mention Ben's heroic charge and, instead, took all the credit for the victory. As a result, Ben was passed over for promotion, and some of the officers he commanded were promoted to higher positions to boot. Unfortunately for Ben, this seemed to be par for the course for the poor fellow.

Off the field of battle, Ben faced other setbacks. For instance, his attempts to woo a beautiful young lady were categorically refused. Everywhere he turned, his successes seemed to lead to dead ends

The poor guy couldn't win for losing, or I guess, more accurately, he seemed to lose for winning. So, dejected and rejected, Ben made some major choices at that moment that would greatly affect his luckless lot in life.

Given a similar situation today, how would we respond? Students, what if you were never recognized for your dedication to your education? You see your peers get inducted into honor societies and receive awards and scholarships, and you, after hours and hours of study, high grades, and top-notch test scores receive nothing. Are you satisfied with only the knowledge you’ve acquired? Wouldn’t you feel unfairly treated? Now, pile on a rejection from your target prom date. Add in disrespect from your parents and abandonment from a few friends. How would you respond?

While you're thinking about that, and before I tell you how poor Ben responded, let's discuss George.

Early in his military career, George suffered a humiliating defeat as a colonel. But during that battle, those who served with him marveled at his bravery while those around him were fleeing. Not one to put self above service, George withstood the bombardment on the front lines while rallying troops, directing rescues, and mobilizing a saving defense. His valor amidst a sea of cowardice saved the remaining troops from complete annihilation. Two horses were shot out from under him that day, and 2 shells had passed through his coat and one through his hat. Those who were with him after the battle sensed that there was something special about George. Some claimed he could not be killed in battle. Others saw him as protected by a great spirit or having the hand of God upon him. George dismissed these comments with humility and disgust, claiming rather that he had failed as a leader, and was full of nothing but indignity, shame, and regret, and that he was unequal to the task of leading men in battle.

And yet, the men who had survived declared that George had lived to fight another day and that they would fight alongside him until the very end.

Eventually, George would fight again. Many times. His campaign as commanding officer, however, started as a story of retreats. His army abandoned forts and fled cities. He was outnumbered, out-skilled, and out-supplied. Many leaders of the rebellion wished to replace him. They put in a committee to take over his command. Being typical politicians and bureaucrats, they prevented much needed supplies from going to George and his army and padded their own pockets and promoted themselves and their own supporters. But George never once lost sight of the cause of his fight. Nor did he once lose respect for his men. Even though he expected unbelievable feats of heroism from his troops, he never assigned that which he himself would not do.

At one point, some of George's officers were advising retreat – again. Thousands of men had been captured or had deserted the army, their contracted time having expired. Plus, the rebellion's capital, miles away, needed defending. Morale was low; defeat seemed to be on the horizon. During times like these, though, leaders like George shine. Claiming that men enlist for victories not humiliation, George decided to risk an inconceivable attack. An ardent student of tactics, but yet forward thinking as well, George knew that instead of pursuing the rebels and delivering an ominous crushing blow, the enemy rested. He had also learned that the gentleman's rules of engagement, the traditional tactics of war, were not the tactics his army would be able to successfully employ. So, he decided to brave icy waters, trudge eight miles in sleet and snow, mostly uphill, in complete darkness, many of his soldiers wearing rags wrapped around frostbitten feet because they had never received the requested boots, and strike the enemy before the winter sun rose the next morning.

Improbable at best, victory was one of 2 choices George offered that day. The other was death. Battered but inspired, George's men overcame the blinding weather, the inability for 2 more armies to join them, and a ludicrous lack of supplies, and surprised the enemy, finally feeding their hunger for victory.

The hardships seemed to be unending for George, however. Lack of supplies continued to haunt him and the weather continued to plague him. He was second-guessed at nearly every turn by those leaders who were supposed to be on the same side as he. Yet, he held the admiration and loyalty of those who fought for him. Many if not most in his position would most likely have given in to selfish motives or given up. But George never wavered.

George also took an interest in Ben. He took notice of Ben's courage and skills as a military leader. He wanted Ben to be properly honored for his devotion to the rebels' cause. So, George took Ben in. He made Ben military governor of the rebels' capital while his leg healed. Later, George wished to make Ben commander of the left wing of his main army. Oddly, Ben refused the honor and asked to take command of one of the rebels' forts. That wasn’t the Ben that George had come to know and respect. Though confused and concerned by his friend's response, George allowed for Ben's request.

Soon afterward, a messenger delivered a package to George. In this package were documents that had been intercepted by rebel spies. The intended recipient was an enemy general. The sender was none other than Ben. George finally understood the strange behavior of his friend. Ben had chosen to become a spy for the opposition. Caving to the promise of fame and fortune, Ben chose to turn his back on the ideals for which he had once fought. Faced with extreme disappointment, lack of recognition, denial of what he considered his just rewards, Ben turned to revenge. A sense of duty gave way to a sense of entitlement. Service gave way to self-promotion. Principles gave way to interests. These were the choices of Ben, and the results of his choices led to the pitiful and unhappy existence of someone branded as a traitor.

George was heartbroken, once again emotionally defeated. And yet he persevered. As news spread about Ben the turncoat, George found a way to turn it in to something positive, making the event inspirational to his cause.

His leadership embodied a dedication to principles, loyalty to his cause and his followers, a scholarly and innovative approach to solving problems and promoting success, patience, thoughtful consideration of the perspectives of his officers and allies, and character beyond measure. Eventually, the voices of George's critics became more difficult to hear amid the praise of his supporters.

Think about Ben and George for a moment. Similar situations. Both men served a common cause and sacrificed for it. Both faced major hurdles. Both responded boldly, demonstrating rare courage. Both were treated unfairly by some of their peers and superiors. And both men were given numerous life-altering choices. One chose a path of shame and the other chose a path of integrity.

Both of these men could have very well been inducted into the National Honor Society had they been here today. Their lives, at least at some point, reflected the four pillars - they were dedicated scholars of their craft - and it showed in their successes; they were certainly given to service - is there a higher service than the willingness to sacrifice one's life for his fellow man? Both men were proven leaders, even though their styles differed in some ways; and while Ben's character was questionable even early on, I think his choices early in his career tended to chip away a once decent character. George's character was tried and true, solid, and the guide for his life.

So, I'm using a lesson from our country's war for independence to make a point about choices. Ben, also known as Benedict Arnold, a name now synonymous with traitor, began with those qualities we value today but strayed down an unfortunate and disastrous path because of his poor choices. George, AKA the father of our country - George Washington, held fast to those values and reflected on them when making his choices. His legacy is quite the opposite of Benedict Arnold's.

So, while embodying those pillars of the National Honor Society may earn you entry into such a prestigious group, your choices will determine if you shall live your life honorably.

So I challenge you today, whenever you are faced with a choice, do 2 things: One - choose from your pillars and two - choose to always be on guard.

Number 1 sounds obvious. When making a choice, choose wisely - use your knowledge, be scholarly in researching the best choice.  George Washington not only took it upon himself to study tactics, he was a keen observer, learning from his observations; he learned from his many failures and life lessons and improved; he valued the perspectives of his trusted advisers and was a tremendous listener.

Choose service. What is going to provide the most benefit to those around you? What will make the most positive impact? Often it will require sacrifice - don't shy away from that.

Choose the path of leadership. Many don't make the connection between leadership and service, but in order to be a successful leader, service should be a major focus in the decision making process. Expect much from those you lead but be willing to do just as much as a minimum. Lead by example.

Finally, choose character. Your character will be challenged. So, how do you pass those tests?

That's where number 2 comes into play: Always be on guard.

At one time, Washington and Arnold were 2 of the revolutionary era's greatest heroes. Both men were admired throughout the colonies. Both men had extremely difficult paths to glory, being challenged on all fronts. Both men made immeasurable sacrifices for their cause. Benedict Arnold decided to turn his back on the revolution; George Washington continued to embrace it without regard to his own circumstances. Beck writes that 'perhaps no 2 men in our country's history better illustrate the consequences of our choices than Benedict Arnold and George Washington. Arnold valued material possessions; Washington valued eternal ones. Arnold allowed his resentment to consume him and turn him toward selfishness; Washington used his failures to fuel him toward greatness.' He goes on to say, 'Two men, two choices, two destinies, and one seemingly invaluable lesson for today: always be on guard. It's easy to let seemingly mundane annoyances pile up until they boil over. It's easy to make the right decision 99 straight times before greed finally gets the best of you. It's easy to let selfishness cloud your judgment or to surround yourself with people who have ulterior motives. Always be on guard. George Washington was; Benedict Arnold was not. One is now a national hero; one is now a national disgrace.'

Your path may not lead you from this building today to become a national hero. But by living your life based on the pillars of the National Honor Society - scholarship, service, leadership, and character - and always being on guard against that which tries to lead you away from these standards, your life will be the life of a hero. You may not achieve the legendary status of George Washington. But you can be George Washington. You can achieve greatness by reaching for a standard that many others simply dismiss as unattainable. You've already demonstrated that by being invited here today. By living a life of integrity, humility, and honor you can make a difference. It might not make you millions of dollars or put your name up in lights, but it will earn you the respect of those you care about most.

So, congratulations on your achievement. You're on the right path. You’ve made good choices. Now don't let up and make it count, by George.”

The book to which I reference throughout my speech is Being George Washington by Glenn Beck. Whether you agree with his political views or not, Beck weaves together a fascinating story of the father of our country. It doesn’t read like a boring history text. It is enthralling and inspirational. The life lessons we can learn from Washington are indispensable. I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially those who have a keen interest in leadership, the foundations of our nation, and rules to live by. It’s also perfect for a compelling read about a great and good man.