Good morning, Wednesday. The weather has me sleepy like nobody's business. Khan was reluctant to leave the bed today and I don't blame him one bit- it's chilly and misty on this Veteran's Day- quite lovely for staying home and listening to records but not so much for commuting and working and all that jazz.
But as I got into the city today, I was fortunate to see the vets prepping for their parade- tons of them off of Fifth Avenue, dressed in fatigues, riding by on motorcycles, and rubbing shoulders with the midtown masses drinking their morning joe while trying to get their heads in the game for the day ahead.
Full disclosure- I've been going through it a little bit lately. I'm busy and stressed and just trying to get by. This too shall pass, but when I saw those young soldiers today, I got choked up big time. Because I'm so lucky to have options and a career and a home where I can be whoever I want to be.
And it's true that of late I've questioned my patriotism and what it means to be an American- because there are many out there who I simply can't relate to in any way. As I watched the Republican debates last night, I found myself wondering how it was possible that Ben Carson was winning over potential voters with his narcolepsy. And it's hard to believe that Trump's bravado and cheap swagger has Americans feeling good about him as a contender for the most important job in the nation. I wondered why it was Carly Fiorina was dressed like a character in Star Trek. But really, what got me the most and what continues to get me about this race for President is that its hard to relate to most of the folks on the dais these days. It's not easy being an American these days, let alone a human being. I
But when I saw those soldiers and watched a parade of Harley riding Vietnam vets zoom up Madison Avenue, I felt so much respect and deference and pride. And it occurred to me that the soldiers are the voices I want to listen to today, the heroes I want to celebrate, and the testament to what it means to be brave, free, and proud. And for about twenty minutes today while I walked around and checked out the scenery, my heart was once again red, white, and blue. With so much rhetoric and shit slinging, we need to keep in mind what makes this country truly great- and that's not who's in Washington, but who's in battle, who's defending us, and who is standing up for the better people we all want to be. (Yes, this is a rah rah post). Because today, it really is all about the vets and those currently fighting the good fight. Thanks to all who never lose sight of what it means to be an American- because they live it every day. We really need to remember that as we wage our own battles and fight the good fights.
Cause that's what's up this Veteran's Day in New York City. Yours, in American Pride. XO