Video #1

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Video #2 

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Seen any inspirational movies lately. Remember that key moment when the ”hero” gives that moving, inspirational speech. Well … here you go … two minutes … kick back and enjoy …

Here is a transcript, just for you:
Shame on you. This could be the greatest night of our lives, but you’re going to let it be the worst. And I guarantee a week won’t go by in your life you won’t regret walking out, letting them get the best of you. Well, I’m not going home. We’ve come too far! And I’m going to stay right here and fight for this lost cause. A day may come when the courage of men fails… but it is not THIS day. The line must be drawn HERE. This far, no further! I’m not saying it’s going to be easy. You’re going to work harder than you ever worked before. But that’s fine, we’ll just get tougher with it! If a person grits his teeth and shows real determination, failure is not an option. That’s how winning is done! Believe me when I say we can break this army here, and win just one for the Gipper. But I say to you what every warrior has known since the beginning of time: you’ve got to get mad. I mean plum mad dog mean. If you would be free men, then you must fight to fulfill that promise! Let us cut out their living guts one inch at a time, and they will know what we can do! Let no man forget how menacing we are. We are lions! You’re like a big bear, man! This is YOUR time! Seize the day, never surrender, victory or death… that’s the Chicago Way! Who’s with me? Clap! Clap! Don’t let Tink die! Clap! Alright! Let’s fly! And gentlemen in England now abed shall know my name is the Lord when I tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they’ll never take our Independence Day!

http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=1221321706636 

Just a month ago I had helped her come from California to Colorado to try to start something new. That effort did not work. And now, I am working to undo what I did.

Lots of people ask me why.

Is it that I feel responsible? No. It is not.

Then, if not, why. Why take these actions? Why spend this money? Why do these things?

The answers are relatively simple.

1. Because she is a friend … someone I have known on the internet for 10 years … who I have corresponded with a lot, and helped a little, through many ups and downs.

2. Because I believe what I do might help (though I admit that I have been incredibly wrong before).

3. And because I feel compassion.

I’ve written previously about TED. (To see those prior posts, just go to http://www.myephemerae.com/category/ted/).

Today, as I prepare to travel, I wound this most recent TED video about compassion.

It seemed appropriate to share it today.

(Depending on your browser security settings, may need to click twice to start the video. If you are receiving this via email, or want to open the TED site with the video, just click here: http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/234)

Bio of Karen Armstrong
http://www.ted.com/speakers/view/id/208

Transcript of the talk
http://blog.ted.com/2008/03/karen_armstrong_1.php

We may hate the war. We may think our politicians are clueless.

But the soldiers are doing their duty. And, I don’t know about you, but I’d like a way to say thanks.

The Gratitude Campaign exists to give us that.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Po Bronson, in his book, What Should I Do With My Life?, calls this “the great American cocktail party question”.

The man in the video below is Paul Potts. What does he do?

It is tempting to answer that he is a mobile phone salesman. After all, he works in a store (Car Phone Warehouse) that sells mobile phones and he sells them.

His hair is a bit short.

His suit is a bit inexpensive.

But, somehow, I don’t think selling mobile phones is what he really does.

As you watch the video, watch those who are watching Paul. Watch those initial faces … the expressions of doubt. Then watch them transform.

Perhaps it will bring a small tear to your eye.

(Note that if you are clicking on my blog, depending on your browser security you may need to click twice to start the video.)

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you are receiving this via email, or want to open the YouTube page with the video, just click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k08yxu57NA

The YouTube page has more information on the man and the event.

Also see this article http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,21904047-2,00.html

But that said, for me, opposing the fight and supporting the troops are not opposites. For me they are parallel, synchronous thoughts and feelings.

There is a video on YouTube which was put together by Lizzie Palmer (with some help).

Lizzie is 15 years old. She uses the YouTube handle of FlutieCutie.

Here is some info about Lizzie
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=FlutieCutie

She has made many “tribute” videos about the military.

This particular one, uploaded more than six months ago (12.Nov.2006) is experiencing lots of internet fame. In part because of it’s appearances on conservative blogs and lists, it has now been viewed more than 6.6 Million times.

But it isn’t just on conservative blogs and lists. Like I said, I oppose the war.

Frequently, the young remind us of what we knew when we were young … and what we fail to remember in the hub-ub of adultness.

I recommend you get a box of tissues.

Large version
http://www.youtube.com/v/ervaMPt4Ha0&autoplay=1

Smaller screen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ervaMPt4Ha0