Profession of Arms: Not for the Vain of Heart

I have been asked several times by civilians if I have seen the movie American Sniper. No, I have not.  I have no interest in seeing a movie based on a fellow military member's autobiography--published two years after leaving the service--where he brags about his killing exploits.  Drawing attention to one’s personal military accomplishments, no matter how extra ordinary they may be, and they truly were in Chris Kyle’s case, is found to be profoundly distasteful in the profession of arms.

 

Kyle had been duly recognized for his achievements by receiving two Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars, one Commendation, and two Achievement Medals.  There is nothing wrong with others recognizing us for our efforts.  We should seek out opportunities to publically note the accomplishments of those around us as often as possible.  The moment we self-promote our own deeds, however, we step into the empty realm of vanity, souring the inspirational lure of the original accomplishment.  Vanity is nothing unique.  The heart of Man is sinful and prone to yearn for the praise of men.  Social media like Facebook and blogs like this one are potential breeding grounds for vanity to thrive.  The American Sniper autobiography serves as an opportunity for each of us to take an introspective look in ourselves and root out the vain voice within. 

PEGIDA: Extremism Can Breed Extremism

Terrorist attacks conducted by Muslim extremists (henceforth referred to as psychopaths) breeds distrust of all Muslims.  Since September 11, 2001, there has been a growing distrust of Muslims in Russia, Western Europe, Australia, and the United States.  Fourteen years of war against Muslim nations has only further bolstered western society’s distrust of the Muslim communities that reside within their borders.

“What?  Muslims are planning to build a mosque in my town?  Unacceptable; I will have no terrorists in my town on my watch.”

“A man of middle-eastern looking descent stepped onto my train?  Better keep an eye on him.”  Never mind the fact that he is actually Israeli and is wearing a Shield of David around his neck.

The new war against the Muslim psychopathic group, ISIS (once friend, now foe of the United States because they are no longer pointing their guns where they are told), has fostered greater distrust.  Recent attacks by Muslim psychopaths in Australia and France have prompted an “I told you so” response from those most vocal about their anti-Muslim sentiment.

While Americans have suffered from anti-Muslim fever for years, the fever in Western Europe has been steadily rising.  The United States has not yet witnessed, but perhaps soon will, anti-Muslim rallies, thousands strong.  An example of this has been seen with the growing German political movement, PEGIDA, which is an acronym for Patriotische Europaeer gegen die Islamisierung des Abendlandes (Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamization of the West).  Their primary political aim could be best described as trying to protect Germany’s Judeo-Christian culture through stronger immigration policies.  Specifically, PEGIDA has been targeting Muslim psychopaths, but their rallies exhume a strong nationalistic and anti-Muslim air.

The intention here is not to alarm but simply draw attention to the warning signs of extremism that can rear its ugly head within our own midst.  Do you find yourself blaming immigrants or those of another faith for the woes of your society?  The Nazis did, too, back in the 1920s when life was admittedly hard on the Germans.  Their economy was shot and they blamed the Jewish people in their midst rather than the irresponsible, retributive Allied powers for their hard times.  Today, the Russian Ruble is dropping and the Euro has also taken a hit.  What is bad for the Ruble and Euro is eventually bad for the US dollar.  Should we all see economic hard times, I surely hope that we would not misdirect our frustration on our peaceful Muslim neighbor.