Beantown Madness

Another two incredible weeks of speech and debate camp have come to a close for me in this wild and crazy summer of mine. The more I engage in this activity the more compelled I am to believe that it could be something I want to do for a living, or more significantly I realize how much I enjoy teaching. During this last camp, a much smaller one than the previous one I worked, I was broadsided by the depth of the impact that I can have on some of my students lives as a speech and debate coach. To some degree it frightens me how some people that have sat in my lectures or listened to my tutelage idolize me or say in their hearts I want to be like him. I write that not to be arrogant, because it is not unique to me, it occurs for almost every instructor. While it is a little daunting, it also represents the opportunity for incalculable impacts not only in the lives of a small group of children at camp, but a gargantuan influence in the spheres of influence that those kids run in. Most kids at speech and debate camp are smart and when they go home many are the leader of their pack, but even if they are not, if they have the ability to clearly articulate ideas and concepts, others will listen. That means stuff I say or teach them has the potential to be repeated in some form or fashion in a high school classroom or on a speech and debate trip and the influence of the ideas spreads a little farther. I guess for some this grassfire effect seems like a grand and noble impact, but one that is unrealistic. I realized a few summers ago, how real it is. When a friend of mine went to Italy, and while waltzing down the streets of Venice he and a friend ran into a few other American girls...those girls, students of mine at speech and debate camp in 2003, and I had made enough of an impact on their lives that they spent a dinner conversation talking about what I had taught them and how much they learned from me in those two short weeks. That all occurred in the summer of 2005, two full years after that camp occurred.
For me that means that living out of a suit case and racking up frequent flyer miles as I criss-cross the country working at camps is not merely a job or a money making adventure. It's a genuine opportunity to dynamically affect the lives of America's thinking high school youth. How far that influence goes, I leave wholly and confidently in the hands of Divine Providence. I only hope that history and the hand of Divinity judge that influence as a steady and consistent compass guiding young people down the path as they search for truth. I do not profess to fully understand the consequences of my influence, but I am thankful for the opportunity however big or small it may actually be. It's been work, it's been tiring, it's been frustrating and angering at times, but in the end whether its my time in the Beantown Madness of speech and debate camp in Boston, or educating 'neath the LA lights I just want to say thanks for all you who have made it possible. I've had the time of my life...

LA Lights....

No man means all he says, and yet very few say all they mean, for words are slippery and thought is viscous, because I agree with Henry B. Adams I affirm, Resolved all high school kids should attend at least one speech and debate institute during their high school career. If your not a debater or you just have no interest in reading a case right now, keep reading that is the extent of my debate jibberish.
That said I have had the esteemed privilige this summer to land a couple of the sweetest gigs that I could imagine. The first, which just wrapped up was working at the Victory Briefs Institute at the Univ of California at Los Angeles. (aka UCLA) Besides enjoying the hotel style accomodations, that is to say staying in dorm rooms that put some houses to shame, and the food of DeNeve Commons (which although its "a little" repetitive is still like eating gourment trash can food as opposed to the regular trash can food served at the average college dining hall) being involved in a camp that empowers people of all skills levels and abilities to think more clearly, more critically, and develops the ability to articulate their ideas is an awesome experience. I will admit, it may not have been as awesome without the luxuries of hitting up the local Starbuck's for a Caramel frap or rolling out in the bosses Mercedes every few days, but nonetheless its the essence of the experience that I enjoyed the most. Several of our campers I remember distinctly in my mind. Most of them were not the brightest, smartest, or best debaters "on the flow", (referring to the technical aspects of debate setup in the framework of Lincoln Douglas debate in order to provide an avenue to evaluate the activity competitively) but the worked hard (wayyy harder than I ever did in high school debate) and made significant progess during their time at camp. Some could hardly articulate an argument when they hopped off the plane a few weeks ago, and now, watch out Mark Geragos, our budding stars are going to be stealing your clients some day!
For me I think the chief reward is having a lasting impact on other people's lives. Political internships and summer business soiree's aren't inane or pointless, but at some point it becomes inevitable that you as an individual get swallowed by the beast. (the company/ politician for whom you are employed) Your rhetoric and ideas are driven by the image that the boss wants to promote. Trust I'm in the military, and I believe very few business are as effective as the big green machine at damage control on the dirty issues, and selling a positive, attractive, and conducive image. It's not even bad that as an employee that you promote your companies philosophy, (assuming its a good one) but at a debate camp you have the opportunity to teach young minds the art of thinking and developing coherent positions, as opposed to the science of marketing and selling an image.
The bonds and friendships I have made with fellow staff members, and the interaction I have had with high school students over the last couple of weeks has been amazingly refreshing and rewarding, although sleep wasn't often to be had! The comparitive advantage may or may not exist compared to other lucrative summe internships in terms of dollars and cents. However, the lasting impact and future influence on the thinking minds of America is a far more substantial and lasting effect than the short gain of a few dollars and cents. After all, if it's not about what you take when you leave this world behind you, you might want to leave something behind you when you go that is lasting and life changing for other people.
We can' silence voices....Plato said, "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something. " At the end of the day our kids are talking and they are saying something, and they are equipped to influence and effect thousands for good. At the end of the day choosing this road of summer camps in the yellow wood, has made all the difference!!

Imminent Corrpution...?

The drama in the Hollywood tabloids gushes each day from the tips of greedy magazine moguls to millions of readers who feast on the corruption. Tonight's local 6 o'clock news whether it is in Greenville, SC or New York City is sure to be dominated by coverage of death, theft, and the latest mega corporate scandal. Scene change to college campuses, high school hallways, and to the minds of our middle schoolers. The picture looks different, but deep at its roots this lust for corruption is just digging in and planting its roots. It's not quite so explicit, but the childish games we play as youngsters to get back at the kid who is dating the girl we "love", are every bit as loathesome as the magical accounting practices of Arthur Anderson. The ever more frightening reality is that the same attitude of spite and trickery we attempt to employ as a 3rd grader to gain advantage in the playground game of soccer, also causes corporate moguls to destroy the lives and fortunes of millions of people. I don't think they necessarily intend or even desire to harm so many people, yet their insatiable thirst for power and prestige drives them to knowingly dangle thousands from a thread of silk.
Are we a hopeless band of humans who cannot hope to escape the perverse attraction to power? Is there some arcane magic attached to success that mandates corruption? Can good people do great things?
Thankfully the view from the top does not have to be shrouded in drakness. It is difficult and requires self denial and disgression, but reaching the pinnacle of your world can be achieved through honest hardwork and dedication. I am not naive. I understand that it is absolutely necessary at some point for the the average Joe to catch a break, for someone to give him acess to the door of opportunity. But I truly believe that if you work hard and have the skill in your trade to excel that eventually your break will come. It is hard to pour your life into work if you don't ever get a pat on the back or an "at-a-boy" from your peers and more importantly your superiors. But which is more noble, to labor tirelessly, without the expressed gratitude of others, or to give everything you got while the rewards and accolades roll in? Obviously the answer to that question is simple. Perks and recognition make work easier, but is that all we labor for? Do we work for a raise, for a trophy, or a title? There is certainltly nothing wrong with reward and it has its right place, but if that is our goal, all the sudden it's so easy to see why corruption is rampant not only in the lives of the rich and famous, but also in the lives of the class of 2012. After all if achievement is the absolute measure of worth then why wouldn't I cook the books to tack another 50 million onto the bottom line? Why shouldn't I smear my opponent with lies to gain political office? Why shouldn't I lie and cheat to win the competition? It seems like corruption is imminent. We seal our own fate by the things we deem most valuable....We want stuff...and lots of it.
So I suppose that's it. Hope this doesn't depress you too much, and good luck not getting swindled by your next door neighbor who is trying to meet expectations....
Thankfully, the dots don't end there. There are generous (and wealthy) gurus. They don't get the press, because alturism and charity don't sell except on the Disney Channel and in Hallmark stores. They don't sell because we demand to hear about the tragedy and corruption of others. We thrive in hearing about "dirty" people so we can justify our own sick selves. Love and genuine concern for helping others often is subtely expressed through small acts that garner no reward other than the knowledge of a job well done and the aid given to someone in need. Yet the small town high school teacher who has poured his heart and soul into his students for 30 years and has little to show for it himself, can be utterly satisfied that his life has counted for something lasting. His young students now populate the globe influencing others. Some are famous, some are themselves teaching for little pay in a small school, where the principal doubles as the janitor.
We can change the culture. If we open the door for someone, and they race through it to a world of success, pat them on the back and say good job. Don't clamor to steal from their success. May we strive to give to others, whether it's a cup of cold water or just asking somebody how they are doing. Understand that achievements are fleeting and individual fame is temporal, but genuine concern and investment in the lives of others will grow and be passed from generation to generation.
I'm not advocating that you boycott the news and business magazines. Just take the time to say thanks and recognize others who have helped you out, even in small ways. If your the one helping don't lust for the success you may have opened the door to. After all you didn't achieve it yourself. Be proud and excited for people who catch the break instead of jealous of them. Cheer them on whole heartedly, and watch your investment grow. Sure it may not have your label or name on it, but after all who cares, because isn't it the product inside the wrapper (that you have had a hand in creating) that truly counts?

It's Sun and Fun, It's Summertime...

Across the nation milestones are celebrated. Set against the backdrop of warm sun kissed days, cooled by the occassional spring shower, America is breaking forth. Mimicking the pattern of the residents of our local greenhouse, we are awakening after a long winter's nap. It's a peculiar time of the year. Everyone it seems has a an extra hop in their step or song in their heart.
For some it's the completion of their freshman year of high school, that first step in the rite of passage to adulthood. For others it's graduation, a celebration of 4 glorious years of football games, academic examinations, proms, and homecoming queens. Lil Timmy is just excited that school is out and that he now has 3 extra hours of daylight to play before dark. The breaking of the spring marks the completion of another year's triumphs and trials. It is the threshold beyond which sits newlywed couples, summertime family reunions, lake trips, church mission trips, and family vacations. A time to rest, relax, and recouperate before autumn beckons us to the harvest fields.
If your celebrating a milestone or the completion of a degree, job well done and my congratulations to you. If your just basking in a break amidst the demands of your prescribed course of study, enjoy the respite from your work. Seize the days you have and make much of your opportunity. In all you do seek the guiding and directing hand of our Almighty Creator. Kick back, buy that lemonade from the young lad's stand of the street, and make these the best days of your life.

Back from Iraq....On the Beating Path

It's been nearly a year since I have had the opportunity to write. That year has been a plethora of new and exciting adventures. From months in the war torn sands of Iraq and back to home sweet home in the USA, I have had the privilege to scribble a few drops of blood and sweat on the pages of history that my poserity will read about year from now. I'm not a hero, nor do I claim to be. I'm just another American who does my job, it just so happens that my title is Marine, and my job is warfighting. Freedom is worth it my friends. I missed family and friends dearly, but I would gladly do it again to preserve the blessings of liberty for the people and the nation I love. It is good to be home.
I've always loved to write. While in Iraq, I started writing some poetry and I'm going to start including it in this blog along with the full gamit of other topics. Below is a little poem that is a little insight into what it looks like from a Marine's point of view. Semper Fidelis and God Bless.

A United States Marine

In a crowd you're bound to spot him,
He's standing so very tall
Not too much impresses him;
He's seen and done it all.
His hair is short, his eyes are sharp,
But his smile's a little blue.
It's the only indication
Of the hell that he's gone through.
He belongs to a sacred brotherhood,
Always Faithful 'til the end.
He has walked right into battle
And walked back out again.
Many people think him foolish
For having no regrets
About having lived through many times
Others would forget.
He's the first to go and last to know,
But never questions why,
Or whether it is right or wrong,
But only do or die.
He walks a path most won't take
And has lost much along the way,
But he thinks a lot of freedom,
It's a small price to pay.
Yes, he has chosen to live a life
Off the beaten track,
Knowing well each time he's called,
He might not make it back.
So, next time you see a Devil Dog
Standing proud and true,
Be grateful for all he's given;
He's given it for you.
Don't go up and ask him
What's it's like to be in war;
Just thank God that it's your country
He's always fighting for.
And thank him too for all the hell He's seen in that shade of green,
Thank him for having the guts
To be a United States Marine

What are YOU doing...?

There are two types of people in this world. Those that READ history and those that MAKE history. The unique thing about history is that it transcends cultural, racial, and ethnic barriers. Everything and everyone has a history. Civilizations have it, and it encompasses the development of the red ant species. So which category do you fall into? Are you passively existing? Merely watching as your middle school crushes, high school classmates, and college friends scribble the next few pages in the annals of history? Or are you setting high and lofty goals and pursuing them, pushing yourself to the next level, refusing to settle for the "average" life?
Now many of you are thinking, I have no desire to be a corporate CEO or an accomplished Nuerosurgeon at the MayoClinic. There is nothing wrong with that. I'm not prescribing that the only course to achievement is in the spotlight. Living life is done more so in homes with single parents raising kids, and in families where Mom and Dad are busting it just to put food on the table and scrape up enough so the kids can participate in sports, ballet, or play a musical instrument. It's those heroic acts in hellish places across the globe--from the jungles of Vietnam and deserts of Iraq to the streets of D.C., Smalltown South Dakota, or NYC-- that develop the fabric of a nation and bind the history books.
I'm not advocating a humanistic philosophy. Regardless of what you accomplish if you forget that you are empowered only because Almighty God deems it in His good pleasure to do so than you ultimately will fail miserably. The Bible poses the question, " What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses His sole? " The answer is of course nothing. If your relying on accomplishments or accolades to save you, you are attempting to hold water in a cracked pot.
I know in about a month when my boots hit the sand in Iraq, that my unit will be making history. Just like the heroes who saved thousands of lives on 9/11 you will probably never see our names in history books, but we will be there. If you read between the lines you'll see us there. Right beside us you will see single parents who raised kids through anguish and adversity, you will see individuals who rose from poverty to prominence, you will preachers and ministers who have passed on money and fortune to serve Almighty God. Aristotle said excellence is not something you are, it is something you repeatedly do. Therefore greatness is not a single act, but rather a lifestyle. Don't be content for what you have done in life. Be progressive and future oriented. Be passionate and go hard after your desires. When everyone else is satisfied, drive on, insisting on more.In all things keep God at the center of your world and thank Him always for what He has given you. Rely solely on Him for the salvation of your soul. When the ink dries on the next chapter in the annals of history I'll be there, will you? More importantly when we step in the next life, when eternal history begins in heaven and hell, where will you be?

What is it about Marines...?

Throughout churches, city halls, and small town main streets of America patriotic tunes and hymns ring, VFW post gather, and young men in crisp uniforms snap to attention and whip a quick crisp salute as Old Glory passes by. Inevitably in this celebration of our nation's freedom a young man will be seen in his Marine Dress Blues. A black coat, with shiny gold buttons, and red trim, blue trousers with the familiar "blood stripe" running down the seam, shiny black shoes that are as smooth and slick as glass, topped off by a white cover displaying the Marine Corps emblem on a clean shaven, "high and tight" head. Just the mention of the name "Marine" to the average citizen elicits a response of awesome respect and admiration. The everyday civilian may not know the names of battles like Bellau Wood, Soissons, Iwo Jima, Guadalcanal, Inchon, Hue City, Saigon, An Nasiriyah, Basra, or Al Fallujah, but they do know the ferocity and power that has characterized Marine Corps Warfighting since 1775. Marines are considered a different breed, a complete anomolye compared to fellow armed service members. What is it that makes this organization dynamic and elite? What creates such an effective and efficacious fighting force? Why are those that don the Marine uniform respected and feared in countries around the world?
Regardless of who you ask the answer to the question will likely include the amazing and outstanding warfighting history of the United States Marine Corps. The solution to these questions will resonate with how the Marines go willingly and without question to hell on earth at their commanders beckoning to defend freedom and liberate foreign peoples. A recounting of the Marines impressive history begs another question? Why, Why, Why? Why in the Marine Corps is "UnCommon Valor a Common Virtue?" Why do they jump on hand grenades or charge uphill into machine gun nest?
There is no one particular reason to answer those questions. It is due in part to the nature of how Marines are "born" at Parris Island, SC and in Sand Diego, CA. The lifestyle after bootcamp from the condition of the barracks to every Marine being trained as a rifleman, is a major influence on the performance of Marines in combat zones. However, I would submit to you that one often overlooked chracteristic that distinguishes Marines from their peers is the unwavering loyalty and iron brotherhood that links one Marine from another. From 4 Star General to a Private fresh out of boot camp the Marines are linked by a code of honor, courage, and commitment. Marines do seemingly crazy and insane acts with each other in mind. Marines will do anything and everything for their fellow "devildogs" , because Marines are instilled and trained that in a combat zone all they have is each other. No one is their to keep them company or comfort them during times of boredom and loneliness, and no one is their to watch their back in a firefight...no one but fellow Marines. The United States Marine Corps is an amazing fraternity whose members value the lives of their fellow Marines above their own.
Relentless training, demanding standards, and an unmatched drive for perfection are all contributing factors to the greatness of the Corps, but all of these attributes are derived from the self-sacrifice instilled from day one in US Marines. The belief that the team is more important than the players is not a fancy cliche'. It's a way of life. It's what makes us The Few, The Proud, The Marines.

Happy Fourth of July. May God bless each of you richly and may God Bless America.

Semper Fidelis
Joe