Maybe I was just fortunate to be raised in a family were men were expected to be men. Only meaning that men took responsibility, grabbed hard work and difficult situations with both hands. Sometimes those “men” were the women, just people doing the hard tasks, accomplishing the impossible. From Grandpa on down all tough men and women, and because of that maybe I just don’t understand some people.
This week an acquaintance shared a work place story that ticked me off. Without the details the picture painted for me was of a “man” complaining to a coworker how he was treated by their boss. A work place sob story. I know this goes on in countless workplaces across the country, and in most cases a disgruntled employee is just feeding discontent to those around them. This week this particular “man” was just one of several men that caused me to lower my head in shame.
From the US President on down to this local worker men were a disappointment and an embracement to me this week. The President is for attacking Syria, then he wants approval from congress, but he reserves the right to attack anyway. Tuesday, because we couldn’t interrupt football on Sunday or Monday was his speech that was originally to make his case for intervention, which became a plea for I don’t know what. Some congressmen both Republican and Democratic are first for limited strikes then within 24 hours are against it, then as in McCain’s case for it again. There is Secretary Kerry trying to claim credit for a solution he dismissed as a rhetorical comment only hours before.
Yesterday, 9/11, I paused and thought about where I was 12 years ago and particularly the images of that day. My mind also turned to the images we have seen since that evolved from that terrible day. 12 years ago it was men in New York running toward a crumbling building, the priest running toward downed rescuers. Then it was the image of men leaving family to take our cause up on foreign soil, running toward an enemy. Among the countless images there was the recent image of men instantly running toward an explosion in Boston.
It is not being for something or against it that make you a man or a hero; it is the act of running toward the issue. It isn’t the liberal or the conservative that weakens this country, it isn’t the hawk or the dove, it’s the men that refuse to do something either because they are indecisive or cowardly. I don’t know the answer for Syria, but I do know what it looks like to run away.
Too many “men” complain to those around them about how tough it is, how they are mistreated. Too many “men” shirk responsibility and blame others. Too many “men” seek sympathy. Too many “men” run toward public opinion, and away from the fire, falling debris, and bombs, away from the problem. Where are the David Farragut’s of our day?
I am tired of watching cowards…I am voting for the next fireman (or Navy Admiral) that seeks office, liberal or conservative, male or female, at least “he” knows which way to run.
david
