A Day of Pride and Sorrow

The air was brisk and there was a strong breeze blowing in from Farnell Bay. Duffels, backpacks and weapons were stacked on the ground with red tape wrapped around them to indicate to whom they were issued. Under one tree a young Marine sat holding his infant boy, his wife next to him. In the grass under the sun sat another Marine with his grandmother, grandfather and girlfriend. A small group of Marines stood together laughing and imitating one another. The entire area was populated with families spending precious moments together.

The morning at Camp Lejeune, NC started with a trip to the barracks to gather my son’s personal effects to bring back to Flintstone. Our group consisted of my wife, my cousin Bobby, my son’s fiancée Jessica and me. In the parking lot we met a Sergeant who had returned from Iraq slightly more than a month ago. We were admiring his new red Corvette as he struck up a conversation with my son, Lance Corporal Deric North. They talked about the situation where my son’s company was to be deployed. He told Deric that attacks against U.S. service personnel in that area were down to two a week, from a high of 400 a week during the initial push.

Before we left for the staging area, the Sgt. surprised Deric by tossing him the keys to his ‘Vette and letting him take Jessica for a spin around the base. From there it was over to the armory to have weapons issued. The Marines laughed and joked as they compared M-16s and M-4s. Some had grenade launchers, some did not. A few Marines, my son among them, were issued SAWs, or “Squad Automatic Weapons.” The SAWs are drum-fed fully automatic weapons with a folding bipod. As my son posed for a photo while holding his SAW, a few of the other Marines jokingly called him “Rambo.”

After weapons were issued everyone moved to the area where the buses would pick up our sons and daughters. One at a time I had the privilege of meeting my son’s comrades, the Marines who would be leaving with him for Iraq in a few short hours. Oliver, Weeg, Bruski, Bliss, Neukum. Diverse names from different places, young men with one thing in common -- absolute commitment to one another. We met Gunnery Sergeant King, the man who would lead our Marines during their seven months overseas. This is GySgt King’s fourth deployment. As we talked with him, he told us what to expect upon Deric’s return – a young man more mature and solemn. It was encouraging to know our son would be under the command of someone with on-the-ground experience in Iraq.

As we waited we dialed family and friends and let Deric take a moment to say goodbye to each. Especially touching was hearing Deric tell his grandfather, Lewis Fincher, a Korean War veteran, that he had the Purple Heart ribbon Lewis had given him in his shirt pocket and would keep it there the entire length of his deployment.

As time for the buses to arrive drew near, Deric walked Jessica to a bank overlooking the bay. They sat together, he gave her a ring and they held one another and cried. All around us husbands and wives kissed and talked quietly, children held on to daddy’s leg and entire families huddled together in quiet sadness, prayer, or both. As tears began to flow some of the women who were veterans of these deployments walked around and offered tissues and words of encouragement to the women who were about to see the men they love leave for a place on the other side of the globe.

Deric pulled us close to him. He cried and promised to keep us abreast of events. I told him how proud I was of him. The sense of pride, sorrow and hope was overwhelming.

As the MP Company of the 3d Battalion, 10th Marines boarded their buses, we watched them take their seats. While my son looked out of the window and waved to us, the young man in the seat behind him reached forward and placed a hand on my son’s shoulder.

I am proud to call my son a United States Marine. I am proud of his fellow Marines and admire the love and sense of commitment they have for one another.

Take care of business. Come home. We miss you already.

A Pirate Looks at Forty

Unlike the character in the above named song by Jimmy Buffett, I have never had a desire to sail upon blue ocean waters. I’ve never made a fortune smuggling marijuana, nor felt as if I were a pirate born two centuries too late. At no point in my life have I gone on a two-week bender or moved in with a younger woman.

My life doesn’t resemble that of the character in this song. But at forty-five years of age, I understand the spirit of the song in a way I never believed I would.

Since I was young I heard stories of men suffering through the clichéd “mid-life crisis.” To be blunt, I always assumed it was hogwash – nothing more than an excuse to run away from the responsibilities one had assumed over time, often by default. Only selfish or weak-willed men had thoughts of walking away from job, family or church.

Then one day I woke up, and realized that at a certain point a man looks at his life, and questions literally everything about it. How did I arrive at this place, and where am I going from here? What about all of those absolutes that seemed so solid yesterday, and today look a little more transparent?

I think my journey into this new phase of life began when my father passed away almost two years ago. Like anyone else, I intellectually understood death. But until Dad died, I never quite grasped the full scope of mortality. I have spent a great deal of time thinking about it, and that process has taken me from fear of dying to wishing for death, and finally to a calm acceptance of my own mortality.

It helps when one has a measure of faith, and a hope of life eternal. But even the faith that carries one through life’s challenges is not immune from the nagging questions of mid-life. In some ways that has been the toughest part of this unwilling pilgrimage into another stage of existence.

My faith is an important part of who I am. Questioning God about my purpose and existence is a relatively new thing for me. It’s unsettling at best, and downright frightening at worst. But I suppose in a way, an untested faith is no faith at all. And I have no doubt that at the end of this process, God will be there. After all, scripture does remind us that God is able to make us stand, in spite of the difficulties we so often face.

The most painful aspect of the experience to this point has been the change in my emotional state. I have always taken pride in my ability to rein in my emotions, and think and act rationally. I have, for more than 25 years completely rejected the notion that one should follow his heart. Part of that reasoning is the result of some hard-learned lessons of life, but even common sense dictates that your heart will lead you into places that your head can’t get you out of.

Imagine my shock and dismay upon learning that suddenly my heart was demanding I take a whole new look at life. Every day now I see things differently. I’ve felt the heartstrings tug me in directions I’ve never been interested in moving. I thank God that in spite of those tugs, I’ve fought the desire to follow my heart. I can at least think clearly enough to see that the best path is still the one of service and responsibility.

So now I feel like I’m on the last downhill slope of what has been a two-year rollercoaster ride. This is the first time I’ve felt like writing in a while, and perhaps that’s a sign of some return to normalcy -- that is, to the extent that I have ever been normal.

So, where to go from here? I’ve made new friends as a part of this journey, and they probably know a lot more about me than I would have been comfortable with in the past. But I have a tendency to wear my heart on my sleeve, and that has its benefits as well as drawbacks. At least your new friends know what their getting.

One final word of advice to you men who haven’t yet had your world turned upside-down: Don’t keep your feelings to yourself. Talk to friends, family and those who share your faith. Be open and ask for their support. A mid-life crisis is a life-changing experience. Don’t let it be a change for the worse.

3RD Annual “In My Humble Opinion Civil Service Award”

One of the pleasures of writing for a newspaper is being able to shed light on people or topics that deserve attention. We often focus our attention on negative things – bad policy, corruption, abuse of power, favoritism or violations of ethics. Whistleblowers and journalists serve an important function – they help keep our system of government clean. Radio talk show host Jim Hightower once said that he didn’t mind being called an agitator. “The agitator,” he reminded his audience, “is the part of the washer that gets the dirt out.”

Everything doesn’t have be negative though, and I decided several years ago to use these column inches to draw attention to some government employees that did a good job every day, were glad to serve their friends and neighbors, and in general made our travels through the red tape a little more tolerable.

2005 was no different from each preceding year. It found me contacting a wide variety of civil servants during the course of my personal and professional life. And like every other year, some of those public employees need to be on the street looking for another job. Others I met aren’t paid nearly enough for the work they do.

Let me introduce you to some of the people who work very hard to serve the public that pays their salary:

Mr. George Cherry, Walker County Schools Central Office – I first met George Cherry when my son was a student at Chattanooga Valley Elementary school. George was the assistant principal, and a favorite of both the staff and parents. He was later named Principal at Gilbert Elementary. He has always cared deeply for his students, encouraged and supported his staff, and shown parents respect and appreciation. He is now applying his dedication to excellence to the office of Coordinator of Title 1 Programs and Staff Development.

Mr. Lee McRae, Tennessee Valley Authority – Mr. McRae assumed the responsibilities of Alan Hulgan, a former Civil Service Award nominee. Mr. Hulgan assured me that after he retired the level of service to which I was accustomed would not suffer. He was correct. Lee not only knows his way through the maze of information to be found in TVA’s survey and easement archives, but he’s glad to help you go through it until you find what you need. It’s nice to know that customer service is alive and well within the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Billie Baker, Walker County Property Records Office – Billie is the sort of person you always want to see across the counter when you’re standing in a government office. She is ready to help, no matter how busy she is or how difficult your request. She always brings a happy disposition to work. This is one office I don’t mind visiting when I need information, because I know help is just around the corner – or behind the desk, so to speak.

The Hamilton County Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Department – This is the first time an entire department has been nominated, but it would be unfair to single out one employee in such a user-friendly government department. Department Director Greg Butler is to be commended for assembling such a fine staff. Everyone in GIS deserves recognition for their efficiency and concern for their customers, but I want to extend a special thanks to Pam Brock, Kim McKinney and Ruth Gaynor. All of these ladies are ready to help, even if the customer is a Georgia Bulldog fan.

The winner of the 2005 “In My Humble Opinion Civil Service Award” is... (requisite drum roll)…Billie Baker, of the Walker County, GA Property Records Office.

2006 is off to a good start – I’ve already run into a couple of Cicero’s typical bureaucrats*, and a couple of potential nominees for next years award. So if you work a public agency, remember that the next guy who walks up to your counter might be the one to tell the whole tri-state area how great you are at your job. Then again, if you’re really an “In My Humble Opinion” award caliber employee, you’ll be doing your job whether or not you get any recognition. And you’re exactly the kind of public employee I’m looking to recognize this time next year.

*Cicero’s quote regarding bureaucrats can be read on the worldwide web at: http://mike_north.tripod.com/id69.htm

The pleasure's been all mine

We use an old pleasantry when people tell us they have enjoyed working with us or having us over for dinner. “It’s been a pleasure,” they say, and we respond, “The pleasure’s been all mine.”

I had the opportunity to oversee one of the best departments at Standard-Coosa-Thatcher, the spooling and winding department at the Thatcher Plant in Ridgedale. I first worked with, then supervised a group of men and women that came to work every day, gave their best, and showed me what it meant to be a friend.

When I decided to move in a different direction, some of them told me that I was good supervisor, and that they hated to see me leave. I feel certain that the next guy was at least as good a boss as I was, and chances are he was better. But I can assure you that I’m a better person because of the friendships I made while there.

On my last day, my department manager, Eddie Werndli, told me that he had enjoyed working with me. “The pleasure’s been all mine,” I assured him.

A few years later, I decided that I might have something to offer the citizens of Walker County as a member of the Board of Education. I loved to study education issues; I knew what it was like to have a child in the system; I had worked as a volunteer on some of the extra-curriculars, and felt the bite when taxes went up.

I went out with some friends knocking doors every Saturday (and some weekday evenings) and told people what I had seen and heard in the school system, and how I thought things could be improved. I sat in many living rooms, drank a lot of iced tea, and listened as parents and taxpayers told me what was on their minds.

Today, I advise any candidate for office to knock doors – not because I think it’s the best way to win – but because it’s the best way to learn what the people of your district or county are thinking.

More people agreed with what I had to say than didn’t, and as a result, I spent four years reading budget books, curriculum guidelines, proposed policies and legislation, and answering phone calls at unusual hours. I learned more than I ever could have if I hadn’t served. Furthermore, my life has been enriched because of the dear friends I’ve made, friends that I hope I have for life.

When I left the board, I had many supporters tell me that they appreciated what I had done. “The pleasure has been all mine,” I told them.

I’ve been writing regular columns for almost three years, and it’s been a learning experience. I’ve discovered a lot about human nature in general. I’ve learned more about myself specifically. Like everything else I’ve done, I’ve benefited far more from the experience than I’ve contributed to it.

Most readers have no idea how much time it takes to write a regular column. Sure, it’s easy if you do nothing but jot down some thoughts, but when you actually try to research a topic and support your opinion with facts, it can be time consuming. The average column, with background reading and research, takes three to four hours a week. More in-depth topics may require 6 to 8 hours of preparation and writing.

My columns about impact fees took hours of research, and the report I wrote about lottery expenditures was the result of a full weekend of work, several pots of coffee, and some worn out calculator buttons.

Of course, I learned far more about the subjects I studied than you, the reader, did. And that’s my fault, not yours. I tried to be as clear and convincing as possible when I presented my findings, but too many times my enthusiasm got in the way.

Circumstances have dictated that I curtail my writing schedule. I need to spend more time fulfilling responsibilities with my family and where I worship, and as I’ve reviewed my “time budget,” I’ve discovered that writing is about the only area I have where I may cut.

“In My Humble Opinion” will no longer be a regular feature on these pages. I’ll continue the “In My Humble Opinion Civil Service Award” column each year, and if my editors allow I will submit a guest column when appropriate. I express my deepest gratitude to the editors who have worked with and encouraged me. Writing for the publications with which I’ve been affiliated has, like my other experiences, made me a better person. I’ve made friends through this column that I would never have known otherwise.

For those who have written to offer a word of support, I thank you. You may have enjoyed a column or two, but I promise you that I’ve enjoyed writing every one of them. The pleasure, it seems again, has been all mine.

King for a Day

Anyone who cares deeply about an issue or issues has thought sometime that if they were king for a day they could set the world straight. Well, I don’t think I could set the world straight – in fact, I feel a bit like country music singer Gene Watson – the more I live, the more I learn just how little I know. But I know how I would like to see things work.

Here’s a quiz -- if I were king for a day, I would:

a) Require every family to attend a fundamentalist Christian church.
b) Make every family own at least one gun.
c) Eliminate all taxes on every household with an income over $100,000.
d) Force every employee to work a 50-hour week with no overtime pay.
e) Abolish all forms of pre-school day care.
f) Open a restaurant chain serving only endangered species dishes.
g) Open every natural park to clear-cutting and oil exploration.
h) All of the above.
i) None of the above.

Though I’m sure some of you think otherwise, the correct answer is “None of the above.”

It’s true that I hope everyone would become a Christian, but I know they won’t, and the world is a better place because of the moral code and respect for humanity taught by the world’s major religions. I love religious liberty – and that means that I respect your right not to worship at all if you so choose.

I do believe though, as did our founders, that there is a place for general religious principle in public life. As the Supreme Court wrote in Church of the Holy Trinity vs. United States, “The happiness of a people, and the good order and preservation of civil government essentially depend on piety, religion, and morality.”

I don’t think anyone should be forced to own a gun, but I certainly don’t want you coming for mine. If you don’t want one, that’s fine. But I agree with Thomas Paine, who said, “…[guns], like laws, discourage and keep the invader and plunderer in awe, and preserve order in the world as well as property.”

We need tax reform and soon. Eastern Europe is full of nations with flat tax rates, and their economies are growing at record paces. Ireland adopted a low flat tax and the ensuing investment and job boom has made it the second richest nation in Europe. A flat tax would be better than our present system, but I favor a national consumption tax. Congressman John Linder’s “Fair Tax” plan fits the bill to a tee.

The Congressman has written a book with attorney and talk-show host Neal Boortz. When it hits the stands, I’ll be the first in line to get one. I hope you’re right behind me.

I wouldn’t force anyone to work overtime for straight-time pay, but neither would I force an employer to pay overtime. We have forgotten that labor is a market commodity, just like steel or plastic. You have labor to sell; your employer buys it. You should both be free to work out the terms of your employment in any mutually satisfactory way.

Nor would I abolish pre-school classes or day care. But I would get the government out of the mix. If providers want to operate and parents patronize private day cares, so be it. I believe in freedom. But Karl Marx would be thrilled at the increasing intervention of the government into the lives of younger and younger children. Schools have become first providers of social services, and future generations will look to schools as surrogate families.

I’m not sure I would enjoy the taste of an endangered species (unless it tastes like chicken), but the federal government has no constitutional or moral authority to jail a farmer because some rare rodent decided to nest on his back forty. Protect endangered species to the extent you can without trampling private property rights.

I don’t want parks clear-cut, and I don’t cherish the idea of oil derricks everywhere, but I can’t help cracking up as I hear people gripe about gas prices. We have plenty of exploitable oil fields, but we can’t get to them in many cases because of environmental regulations. ANWR is an example: it was originally established with an area set aside for oil exploration and drilling. Now the opponents of exploration are acting as if we’re criminals for proposing to do what the law was designed to do.

So what would I do? If I were king for a day, I would abolish every federal agency not specifically authorized by the Constitution. That alone would take care of most of our problems. But then, the Constitution doesn’t authorize kings either, even for one day.

I’m glad, and I’m sure you are too.