There are currently about 29,000 non-citizens (with ‘green cards’) serving in the U.S. military. Most serve with pride; many do so with distinction. Unlike far too many born (with citizenship) in the United States, they are willing to risk their lives, if necessary, for what this country and being a part of it means and represents to them.

Military veterans are the (less than) 10% of the U.S. population that serve their nation (and local communities) by guarding and preserving the rights and freedoms of the other 90% (or more). Whether present or former active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve, a veteran is someone who, at some point in his or her life, swore an oath to protect and defend the U.S. Constitution (and the people, places, principles, and policies it represents). Regardless of type, length, or place of service, the oath taken is essentially a pledge to contribute anything and everything asked (for the benefit of the nation as a whole), up to and including one’s life – and those who serve(d) in our Armed Forces deserve our respect, gratitude, and appreciation. Veterans Day is an ideal time to do so.

A LOT of people (all around the world) are talking about and asking for “change” these days – from panhandlers to politicians and poets to personal development seminar leaders. Yet for things to REALLY change, WE must change – to the point that we not do the same things but also are no longer who we ARE or once were. Hopefully, this will result in something “better”. The French have a saying that, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.”

2008 is expected to be a very “political” year – especially in the United States of America. The following are a few points that I feel are often forgotten:

Consider the source less important than the truth, importance, and/or relevance of what is shared. Far too often people pay more attention to the messenger than the message or how something is said rather than what is (or is not) said – with social “status” and style seeming to matter more than substance.

Credibility and trust are often extended or withheld upon irrelevant criteria.