I watched a Memorial Day mini-documentary this past weekend.  It focused on a collage of yesteryear ceremonies showcasing how our nation’s populace bestows homage to our gallant warriors.  Along with the kaleidoscope of ceremonies depicting solemn and tearful observances, there were parades where bands and veterans marched as cheering crowds lined the streets, vigorously waving hand held mini red, white and blue flags. 

   Since the very tenets which commands our nation’s troops and our country’s governance decrees that we all are here to protect and serve in equal measure (albeit in varied ways); it is as it should be that deference was equally shown to the Generals and the Privates who were uniformly saluted and embraced with the same fervor.

   Over two centuries ago, The United States was created with the affirmation of a Declaration of Independence that proclaimed, as a self-evident truth, “all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness—That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men.”  

   And still, too many have yet to achieve equal standing as the band plays on.

   I blame it on the generals as noted in all the generalities, generalizations and just plain ol’ general ignorance that is still used as rationales and excuses for denying to any what is the mandate of our Nation's foundation; all are to have access to the unalienable Rights that others are able to benefit from and enjoy.

   When you consider that while we may support and root for the civil rights act; equal pay acts; voting rights acts; repeal of DADT and all other like legislation, it begs the question - why was/are any acts needed if our founding documents mandating equality (that is supposed to be the law of the land!) are indeed already in place? 

    Better question, why do we keep allowing and enabling the ongoing demeaning, disrespecting and negation of the majority of our populace?  You do realize that this is equal to our demeaning, disrespecting and negating our Nation’s ‘birth certificates’ and the premise upon which the United States of America was created?

    Men and women have died (and more will in the future sadly) defending the rights put forth in these documents.  The least we can do is to honor them by doing all we can to ensure that indeed, "all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness—That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men.” 

    If we truly want to honor our veterans and troops, we must stop giving sway to the ‘generals’.