The LuLac Edition #4,395, September 8th, 2020

IS ONE WHO AVOIDS CAPTURE AS A DRAFT DODGER A HERO?

The recent comments made by President Trump about veterans certainly has caused a lot of talk. The release of the Atlantic article pretty much was an indictment against the fitness for office. The President's sycophants will defend him to the death even though there is evidence of this behavior going back to his treatment of the late Senator McCain. I think the comments are disgusting and pretty much in line with the ignorance and pure evil of the man. But I never served and feel it is incumbent to get the comments from one who did. Dr. Joe Leonard, as usual steps to the plate on LuLac with this comment. 

Dr. Joe Leonardi (Photo: LuLac archives)

There are many dedicated patriots who did not run when they were called to service. Many of these brave men and women were, and continued to be, damaged by their service to The United States of America. Some went beyond being damaged and joined the broken.

I wonder how many awoke the other morning and learned, if the reports are true, that their sacrifice and the sacrifices of our brothers and sisters, was not demeaned, disparaged and dishonored by a foreign power, but by our very own commander and chief. Are they more distressed today, than they were yesterday?

The President Of The United States, a “man” who’s father’s wealth bought him out of military service, has again shown his disdain for those of us who pledged our lives for our country. In a string of slurs beginning with attacks on Senator John McCain’s P.O.W. heroism up until today’s slandering of General John Kelly, the contempt for which Mr. Trump has shown to those who wear, or have worn, the uniforms of the U.S. Armed Forces has been readily and repeatedly on display and leaves no doubt to the validity of the latest reporting.

From basic training through the end of our commitments, we are taught to respect the office, if not the office holder. Yet, Mr. Trump has brought disrespect to that office, and dishonor to the title of commander and chief. Through his condescension for those of us who have served, for those who continue to serve, for those who have suffered, for those who continue to suffer, and for those who have given their lives - he has disgraced the office and title and no longer deserves even polite respect.

Many found Colin Kaepernick’s taking a knee as an insult to those in the Armed Forces. I wonder if those same individuals will now choose blindness to the true and genuinely insulting, hateful and vile intent of the Oval Office’s current occupant.

Will they continue to give him support?
If they do, what does that say about their support for our troops?

These are serious questions, for never in our history has the person wielding a bayonet at a serviceperson been their own commander and chief.  And of course, this blade strikes the back, and causes deeper pain than any other. 

Two years ago, I wrote "War Springs Eternal" as an homage to my brothers and sisters in arms whose sacrifice went beyond what is often called "the ultimate sacrifice."

I dedicated the novella -

-To those who were asked to do the unthinkable.
-To those who HAD to do the unimaginable.
-To those who are broken and still fighting.
-To those for whom the fighting became too much.

Today I rededicate “War Springs Eternal” to those who have now experienced an undeserved and unexpected and ultimate betrayal.

Joe Leonardi
U.S. Navy Veteran

  BIG WIN FOR KEYSTONE MISSION

 

Executive Director Justin Berhens (Photo: LuLac archives) 

At the Zoning Board hearing, the board voted 3-2 to allow the homeless shelter and day shelter variance at the 215 Hickory Street location. Keystone Mission presented facts regarding homelessness as it relates to Pennsylvania, but primarily as it relates to Scranton's community and the desperate need of a Life Transformation center. The location will include 60-beds for the night and then open during the day to equip individuals.  Justin Behrens, CEO & Executive Director of Keystone Mission, defended a well-thought-out plan to the zoning board and community members on the 215 Hickory Street location. "Three takeaways from this zoning meeting. 1) We need the community to come together and do it the right way—to fix the broken system. 2) Educate the community on homelessness; to correct the myths that surround those who face homelessness. 3) Scranton is a beacon of hope for the hurting, hungry, and helpless for change with this transformation center." Stated by Justin Behrens.

Keystone Mission's new outreach initiative, Team Agape, taking steps to partner with the community and build a network of resources. The Mission is also intentionally educating the population on homelessness; to offer the right perspective. Keystone Mission is dedicated to providing a safe haven to those who desire to get off the streets and become participating citizens. The permanent transformation center at 215 Hickory Street will assist in the restoration of

Behrens seeks to educate the population regarding homelessness, "At the zoning meeting, it may have been an approval for the homeless shelter and transformation center's variance, but it revealed how there is still miscommunication and a lack of understanding regarding homelessness. I recognize there is a great need for education about the topic." On October 15, Behrens will sit outside in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre for 24-hours straight, live on Facebook to educate the public on homelessness. He invites anyone and everyone to join him and ask their question.

For more information regarding the 215 Hickory Street location or regarding homelessness, please contact Justin Behrens at Director@KeystoneMission.org or (570) 871–4795.