National Anthem

Remember that nerve-grating rendition of the National Anthem from the video where Senator Barack Obama, Governor Bill Richardson, Senator Hillary Clinton and Ruth Harkin were standing on a platform at the Tom Harkin's Iowa Steak Fry? In case you have forgotten it, you can refresh your memory at "Pledge of Allegiance." (And, yes, I know I mis-titled that story, but look how it worked out - now I can use the correct title.)

Well, a friend has sent a link to an astounding rendition of the National Anthem, sung by a 7-year-old named Anthony Gargiula. You will love this version. It's too bad the political folks didn't know he was available.



Thanks, Evelyn.

www.mercyandpercy.com/

Logan's Calf

Update: Oops, the link I received was strictly for the audio and does not properly ID the source. The radio station has sent the link from which this audio should be accessed and I have made the change in the Logan's Calf link below. If you have already listened to the audio, please click on the Logan's Calf link again and you can not only read an inspiring message from Logan's mom, but you can also find other great stories of interest.

Thanks, Mike - the Morning Show Host at KSBJ 89.3 - for leaving a comment to correct this oversight!

*****************

Every so often you get a really special forward. This one is special because it comes directly from the mouth of a boy who shares a lesson about an old cow, a newborn calf, a painful duty - and God's love.

Logan's Calf

Thanks for sharing this, Sherry.

www.mercyandpercy.com/

Free Rice

Here's an interesting and fun site. You can improve your vocabulary while earning grains of rice - ten grains at a time - which are donated to help with the world hunger problem.

While there, be sure to check out the Totals and read the FAQ and About pages too.

The site is called Free Rice.

www.mercyandpercy.com/

Pet Massacre Update

It was a sad day in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico when city employees took away pets by force and threats of eviction, and turned them over to a contractor hired - and well paid! - to deliver them to a shelter. The contractor, however, had the animals thrown alive from a bridge. Click here to read Pet Massacre.

There was a worldwide response to this news - outrage!

The news gets worse. This was not the first offense. Or even the second. This has evidently been the company's practice for years.

When I read this article Pet massacres carried out in Puerto Rico I thought of how rampant animal abuse has grown. And so has spousal abuse, child abuse, abortion on demand, the practice of "euthanasia," and a flagrant disregard for the principles and teachings of a Holy Creator God.

Is your response to this, they're only animals? Well, God put them in our (man's) care. Doesn't seem to me like man - both as individuals and nations - is doing a very good job of caretaking.

www.mercyandpercy.com/

Veterans Day 2007

Recent news reports claim that veterans comprise 25% of the homeless in the United States. That is 1 in 4 of the homeless. These surviving war heroes who risked life and limb - often sacrificing limbs, health and quality of life - are unable to integrate back into regular society for a variety of reasons.

I would imagine that each story is different, yet essentially the same. The horrors of war take their toll. Many veterans suffer with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), which was called shell shock during World War I and combat fatigue during WW II.

Military returning from the Vietman war were heckled and spat on. There were no thanks for a job well done, although the veterans were not responsible for the debacle the federal government created in the way the war was fought or the withdrawing of our troops. The accomplishments of their military service were swept under the rug, as if the veterans should be ashamed of following orders and giving their all. It is only in recent years that Vietnam veterans have been publicly acknowledged and thanked for their sacrifices and service.

It took approximately ten years for the lives of some Vietnam vets to disintegrate into homelessness. There is the possibility the same will happen to a number of military personnel returning from Afghanistan and Iraq war duty.

Some of these men and women are still living in a war zone through memories and flashbacks. Anger, spousal abuse, depression and even suicide are potential fallouts with veterans. We need to consider what we - the parents, siblings, children, friends, neighbors and co-workers - can do to help these veterans to heal from their physical and mental war wounds and to return to life outside a war zone.

We honor all our veterans for their courage and selfless service. They are the backbone of our country's freedom.

www.mercyandpercy.com/