The Art of Peace, and The Art of War.

 The Art of Peace is the better path if one can follow it without fail or needing to deviate from it because of conflict.  

The Art of War is a less desired path but often peace can only exist with war.

The symbol of the Tao and Taoist teachings speaks of balance in all things.

The Art of Peace and The Art of War are opposite but complementary similar to the Yin and Yang.

Morihei Ueshiba the founder of "Aikido" which translates directly to "The Art of Peace", said

"To injure an opponent is to injure yourself.  To control aggression without inflicting injury is the Art of Peace."

The above Quote is from "The Art of Peace"-Teachings of the Founder of Aikido, pg 64.

Compiled and Translated by John Stevens, Shambala Boston &London 1992.

Supporting the notion that The Art of Peace is the better path, than the Art of War, 

"According to Sun Tzu (Author of The Art of War), war is only justifiable when all possible alternatives have been completely exhausted. Only when you are threatened by an enemy with military action should you resort to armed conflict. And even then, a direct clash of arms is to (be) avoided." 

reference below by Patrick Lefler,

 

August 22, 2010

http://www.spruancegroup.com/blog/bid/29088/Sun-Tzu-and-The-Art-of-War-Avoid-direct-confrontations-at-all-costs

I've spent much of my life studying and practicing the Art of War, but these days I study and strive to understand both, to maintain balance in my life. 

In truth, one cannot remain without the other and vice versa, because even though we strive for peace there is always conflict.

These are the rambling thoughts of an old retired soldier, they now call us "Soldiers for Life".  

Arthur Elder, Sergeant First Class SFC/E-7 U.S. Army Retired.  

This Day

1. 080220

My rage is incurable, never leaving me alone. I thought it was over though it comes again. I dream of running in the mountains and screaming from within. The rage is forever once more.

2.

I feel myself falling apart. I cannot know this angers begins. On a precipice never to gain ground or footing. Where can this soul let go?

3.

Love is a trial, a test, a trap, corrupting reason beyond life, and control. Strength is not standing firm for the sake of another and not your own. Where can I let go? 

4.

Like a martyr bloody and alone facing the killers who would stone me, beat me, and burn me upon the stake. Sacrifice, truth, and right are two-edged swords that can be for good but injure or destroy the user.

5.

Rage goes on.

A.A.Elder 080220

“You know the only thing I remember from Sunday school is the martyrs. The saints, the saviors. They all end up the same way. Bloody. And alone.”

Daredevil.

The quote is from the series Daredevil.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/244249979767821344/

Presidential Leadership Responsibility (Editorial)

This is strictly my belief based on what I know as a retired soldier and as an average American.  The President of the United States should have at least a better than average understanding of the workings of the military and it's capabilities.  Any government entity that has responsibility for command of or control of a military asset should be held accountable under the Uniform Code of  Military Justice (UCMJ), as well as all other judicial formats they are held under.  

Persons in seats of responsibility, especially POTUS.  Should relinquish the use of Twitter, Facebook or any other social media while in office in order to control the stupid bullshit and embarrassment it causes everyone.

Those people that are put in charge of us should be held accountable for anything that could or does harm individual rights freedoms or livelihoods unless there is a reason for safety against terrorism.  The safety of the people from terrorism should not be a blanket reason to label everyone that does not agree with the acting government as a terrorist.  Persons in charge should have at least an Idea what the average persons daily life is like from every walk of life, and try to help based upon that knowledge and not on the unrealistic notions brought about by having a gold or silver spoon in their mouths from the get-go.  

There should be a clear acknowledgment that We The People are the bosses and Government works for us.    

Those in government should be required to take classes in Nuclear Biological and Chemical warfare and watch numerous graphic historic videos on the effects of nuclear weapons, and visit anyone who has been exposed to radiation sickness while they are still alive.  This would hopefully bring home the fact that nuclear weapons are not toys in your sandbox when you were a kid.

I am neither a Republican or Democrat.  If anything I am an independent moderate conservative.  I think the government needs to be rethought a bit and try to remember we need to remain Constitutional to be American. 

Our freedom is there at least in the sense of freedom compared to other counties.  Just ask those 11 Saudi Arabian princes who protested not getting their perks, and the execution of that other prince.

We need to make sure we are guarded by the Constitution and still seek security in this evil time.

The older governing regime needs to be replaced however because they have their own agendas in priority over what We The People need.

My Greyzone today.

28 October 2017 at 11:51 AM

I started this particular issue of my Greyzone blog a long while ago and never completed it.  Of course the entire reason and content for this issue changed.

America is acting crazy.  Some people don't like Trump so they protest, which of itself is fine but a lot of them protest violently.

I'm not a great fan of Trump and I am not a great fan of Clinton.  I did not vote for either and went with one of the other runners.  That was my protest.  

People I know are afraid of a police state developing under the Trump regime.  That could happen of course it could have happened under Obama, Clinton or any of the prior regimes given the right circumstances.  

The very actions these violent protesters are doing could spark reason for at least going to martial law in the areas that the protests (civil unrest) are occurring.

I have stated in other forums that I don't always agree with the president in charge but he or she is still the president.  This remains true and as long as they are not trying to subvert the Constitution they deserve at least my respect.

Disrespect is running rampant in this country right now.  It is in every aspect of our country right now.  Right down to a total lack of common sense about crossing the street or obeying traffic laws.

I don't know where I am going with this except I am worried and perplexed with what I see right now.

Don't forget there is an agenda to take guns from the law-abiding free people of this country this would only be the start to taking all of the freedoms we enjoy. 

Call me paranoid, call me stupid, I don't care.  If you don't like what I say ignore it or better yet don't read it in the future.

Art.

  

Beyond the Grave (A year later)

One year ago today, between 5 pm and 9 pm I died.

The doctors managed to revive me and I survived.
When I died I was on the operating table and without the operation death would have been inevitable either way.

Death can put many things in perspective, as well as experiencing the amount of pain I was in prior to the operation.  It was a hard many days after the surgery and a month or so before I was truly stable.  

I am doing much better today, though there are minor challenges.  The reality is I am doing much better than most of my immediate family who I have to continue to be strong for.

I often wondered how and why I survived, but each day there is evidence that I was suppose to.

Remember you do not know when your day will end and the Long Journey begins.

Do your best daily, pursue your dreams, and love those around you today.

Going Mild , but Going Wild.

Well once again it has been a while since my last contribution to this blog.
  
I'm not really certain where I'm going with my "Beyond the Greyzone" blog these days, but I do plan on doing more here from this point on.

As my title for this edition implies I'm not going to push any one subject I'm going to just ramble on for a while.

The weather is getting colder and the year 2015 is heading toward its close.  Its October already and for me it hasn't been the year I had planned.  I should not be surprised about that because you can make all the plans you want then life just seems to happen and usually changes those plans.  
I don't know if I have said anything about this in this forum but I think I retired from the Army at the right time.  When I first retired I thought I had made a very grievous error, but the trends I am seeing and events unfolding I know I was correct in changing that chapter of my life.
I will always be a Soldier in some sense or another it is always in your blood once you have been one especially as long as I was one.

Living through my near death experience in November of 2014, I think I have gained an even clearer perspective on life and things than I gained from the Army life.  But I must say I do not feel I would have survived the experience if it were not for my life experiences in the Army.  The Army while on occasion almost took my life also gave me life in so many ways.

Life is a forge that tempers the steel of a person.  If the experiences and events that occur are accepted in the right way they can build you into something better.  Wallowing in self pity ("oh I'm such a victim, pity me pity me"), is sad weak and counter productive. Don't get me wrong I have had my moments in which I felt self pity, but I go beyond those things day by day.
I have said, (and I'm pretty sure I am not the first to say it), that evolution is simply ones ability to adapt to their life as it is.  When change occurs if you cannot adapt to that change you will die in one sense or another.

I don't like pointless, endless debates over a subject.  Sure there are times in which something is important enough that discussion is required to determine the correct course of action.  Actions require consideration of consequences, for every action or act has consequences.  Sometimes it is unforeseeable what those consequences are, but other times they are very obvious.  I do not like to go headlong into something without first doing an analysis of the situation and potential outcome.  Of course there are times in which action is required without thinking or much thought, but It has to be a potentially life threatening situation to justify immediate action.
  
I have opinions about a lot of things, many of which are not popular or are controversial.  I like to have my opinion and speak it, but not necessarily discuss it to death with endless debate or argument.  
I know people who just have to disagree with you just to do so and are not happy until they have debated with you to the point of frustration.  I particularly have problems with those who think they are always right and the only ones who are right.  
Some might say I could fall into that category because I usually do feel I am correct, but if I fall into the company of a profound "I'm never wrong" debater I usually let it drop because there is never a winning situation with those people.  I don't have enough time or patience for that.

That leads me to this point of conclusion, I could go on and on but I have to stop somewhere.

What I will say to conclude this is that freedom comes at a price usually paid in blood.  There are people and groups of people who daily seek to take any or all of our freedoms away from us. They seek to make us slaves to their way of life and thinking by taking away the tools with which we keep that freedom. 

Don't be naive, or bury your heads in the sand.  We as a country have a Constitution for a reason and anyone, foreign or domestic who tries to change, do away with, or adopt something other than that Constitution, they are the enemy.  Don't forget that the President, Congress, Senate, the House of Representatives anyone who works in government, works for "We the People".

Enough Said.    

  
   

Life So Far in 2015

This is the first post I have made here since 2014.  It is still June 10th 2015 as I start this and it will be June 11th when I get around to posting it.

I've discovered some new sayings from varied shows and other places.  "The martyrs all end up bloody and alone"  I cannot for the life of me remember now where I heard this from, but I know it was a show I was watching on Netflix.

This is really true and you don't have to die to be one.  Well I guess by definition you do but if you put yourself on the line and try to do the right thing you often become a living martyr.

I feel the weight of my life some days.  I feel it often these days.  I'm not sure I expected to be where I am but here I am.

Freedom, choice, and control are just concepts who really has these three things.

So enough of this dribble.

6 March 2014 The Real Thing

It is important to be a person who is able to relate in some way with others, but at the same time not lose sight of who you are as an individual.  It is not important to be liked by everyone, but it is important to be the kind of person that everyone can get along with in order to be a positive asset for work, organizations, or anything where cooperation is essential.

When you are hurt as an individual, it is easy to be angry all the time.  Anger is a wall of defense to keep others from getting close to you.  If you are not close to someone emotionally the you are not hurt quite as much when they do something that does hurt you.

It is difficult for many of us to trust others especially when we have been severely hurt by those who we are suppose to be able to trust.  Trust is a difficult thing and not easy to maintain when life as been rough all along.

I have no idea where I am going with this line of thinking, it is just stuff that is on my mind.

Thoughts/Complaints

I was waiting for an appointment on the 8th of August 2011 and jotting down some thoughts on my Gmail, via my Blackberry.  I thought I would like to share those thoughts here.  When I write things in this manner I like to know the time I put those thoughts down.  Forgive my use of military time habits die hard.

1010hrs        Time to make changes in my life again. As if things have not changed enough.

1037hrs.       This country is facing a generalized crisis, one of complacent mind set. Our leadership is ill equipped to make the correct choices for us because they lack the willingness for self sacrifice.

1044hrs.    Those same leaders are always willing to sacrifice much needed programs but never considering cutting their much over padded salaries they voted for themselves. Granted what they do is important but not so important that any of them should make more in one year than some of us make in a lifetime.

Well that is what I think.

Issues of the Nations Budget, and Deficit

Long are the days of our nation being in dept.  But when it comes to cutting spending where do our government leaders, who we have elected into office go to?  Everyone else but themselves.  Oh by the way who decides their salary?  They do.  Here are the salary of government figures.  I find it very disturbing that the rest of us who are not rich front most of the budget problems, when the rich and our leadership do not.  Do the math and judge for yourselves.

President of the United States
2011: $400,000
2000: $200,000

Note: The president's salary was increased from $200,000 to $400,000 in 2001. The president's current salary of $400,000 includes a $50,000 expense allowance.

Vice President of the United States
2011: $230,700
2000: $181,400

Cabinet Department Secretaries
2011: $199,700
2001: $161,200

Legislative Branch - US Congress

Rank-and-File Senators and Representatives
2011: $174,000
2000: $141,300

Speaker of the House
2011: $223,500
2000: $181,400

House and Senate Majority and Minority Leaders
2011: $193,400
2000: $156,900

Judicial Branch

Chief Justice of the United States
2011: $223,500
2000: $181,400

Associate Justices of the Supreme Court
2011: $213,900
2000: $173,600

US Courts of Appeals Judges
2011: $184,500
2000: $149,900

Federal District Judges
2011: $174,000
2000: $141,300

The Lost Time:

Life is so short we should never waist the time we have.  I'm guilty of wasting the precious moments I have and can never regain.  You don't think about it as much when you at in your teens or twenties, but at age 50+ you start to think what the hell am I doing not taking advantage of the time I have.  I have things that are still unfinished that I thought I would have had completed by this time.  I know 50 is not that old and I still can do most of those things I wanted to do when I was younger but it seems that focusing on those things is difficult.  Creativity can be a blessing and a curse at the same time.  I'm am trying to express myself as best I can but have not been sticking with it the way I should have all along.  It is hard to balance family, required projects and creative projects.  I have seen people I care for and/or have just been acquainted with passing on to the next life not fulfilling what they wanted to finish.  Trying to play catch up now that I am past that first career.  I am trying not to allow myself to be discouraged after all I have been away from the last career only 21 days and am still organizing things on the start of this new life.  I feel like I am falling behind which sucks because for this moment in time I should be relaxing more.  This is the one moment in time I will be able to do so before I have to get going again.  Well no worries this is easy compared to the last 22 years, 7 months and 8 days.  I have a lot to do and much I want to do.  Footnote to the above I would not trade who I am now for the person I was at 18 or 20 for anything. 

Dawn of a New Day, New Life, New Chapter

I am excited to be going home, being retired, and starting a new life chapter with Dee.  
Of course at the same time it is a lot of change we are talking about and still much to do once I get home.

I will miss the people I work with and the life, but I am moving on to a new life.  

Yesterday I went through my final out process with my transition counselor.  She gave me my DD214, a pin that says Retired US Army, and my American Flag traditionally folded and in a box.  On the box for both the pin and flag it says, " I was a Soldier, I am a Soldier, I will always be a Soldier".  That is a true enough statement because the Soldier never really leaves you once you have lived that life.


I am joining the ranks of the Retired American Veteran, also something to be proud of.  It is hard to realize it is finally here.  

Forgive me if I go on about this too much but this is a whole change of life style I am heading toward.

Changing the colours.

No I didn't miss spell colors in the title.  I spelled it the English spelling on purpose because I like the way it looks spelled that way.  Does anyone like the song by Chicago "Colour My World"?  I do and have for many years.  That is where I first saw color spelled colour and liked it better at least on literary things.  So yes I am weird and a little eccentric sometimes just go with it.


–adjective

1.

deviating from the recognized or customary character, practice, etc.; irregular; erratic; peculiar; odd: eccentric conduct; an eccentric person.

 

Yes that's me at times, but all of us have those moments in which we deviate from the norm.  Individuality that is my new colour.  Going from the uniform way of thinking, dressing and doing things to a whole different outlook.  Okay I'm not being quite truthful here, I have always been an individual but I am soon going to be freer to be individual.  

 

That is liberating in some ways and terrifying in other ways.  The required routine will soon be gone and I will have to determine my own routine.  Not really a problem because in the job I have been doing the last couple of years for the Army I have had a lot of latitude.  Still it will take getting use to for all the changes that are coming.

 

More Greyzone  later .