Category: Archives

Today is a good day to remember when I was first became aware of acts of courage in pursuit of principles. It was the Greensboro lunch counter sit-ins. At a Woolworth store. At that time we had “dime stores” and Woolworth was one of three in my city’s downtown. And, they each had a lunch counter. Our local drug stores had soda fountains/counters. It was via national television that the fact of serving “whites only” in a dime store in North Carolina was brought home to me with enough force to capture my attention. I recall thinking how brave the young students were to remain seated after being refused service. I admit wondering if I’d be brave enough to stand on principles as was being depicted down south.

The sit-ins were an example of various calls to action in the Civil Rights Era. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 followed many years of struggle. I just remember being so impressed by the dignity of the stoic students who were obviously not well received. For some reason it had more impact for me than large marches/protests. I saw a disticntion between being on the fringe in support of hundreds/thousands compared to being one of a handful of kids isolated and alone in a hostile enviroment. It had a big impression on my awareness and sense of fairness. I think Woolworth’s changed their policy soon afterwards.

MLK fashioned protests after Ghandi. Peaceful protests; words often used in today’s news but rarely duplicated by quiet dignity of purpose. I do not feel stirred by the clamor/chaos of crowds hurling insults/trash/bricks/fireworks. Perhaps the eagle eyed members of the press overlook the high volume of quiet vigils/petitions/civil discourse that floods our nation. However, somehow I suspect everyone is in cahoots to stir the pot without real purpose except to rile folks into a state that is ripe to be lured into voting for the glimmer of hope candidates/parties who promise calm. Papa finds it hard to pay attention when my 1960 memory of doing it correctly lingers in the mind.

The youngest rascal often asks: “Papa, what are you doing?/What are you thinking?/What do you plan for tomorrow?” Invariably, I respond with “Nothing.” Now we repeat each other when asked what is wanted for lunch, dinner or on TV. Nothing has become a fun word game. However, nothing can also be very serious. You three older boys should take special notice. You are new drivers and starting to experience forays into newer sections of town and county. Within the state and then interstate will naturally follow.

I begin by discussing a possible traffic stop by law enforcement. It’s a dreaded experience. Visions of parents finding out may well exceed the negative of monetary fines or points on one’s driving record. Consquences are often not fun. Unjust consequences can feel even worse. And, who is without the sin of thinking life is not fair? At times, of course it is not fair. But, remember if stopped by the law, the is the absolute worse time to let emotions rise up within yourself. It is also the ideal time to do “NOTHING”. The time to address consequences, unfairness or emotions is later. Polite needs to be your first thought when approached under any circumstance. Cooperate is a good second concept. Trust Papa, you may also be unlucky and meet one of the few law officers who may well be the worst your mind can imagine. Doesn’t matter. Swallow harder and be polite/cooperative. No sass. No whining. You and your parents can sort things out later. (Of course if one has actually commited a criminal offense there is the right to remain silent which translates to….nothing.)

Interaction with the police may not involve driving and a traffic stop. Papa had three such events while in and just after my high school years. During two I think there was a legitimate inquiry into some kind of foolishness near a park and at a ball field. The third I always suspected was a cop just out looking for something or rousting teens. I taught law courses at a local college for police science early in my career and interacted with many police officers while doing criminal cases. It’s clear that by training they will come across as in control but I’d say nearly all I’ve met were very decent men and women. That does not exclude the possibility of a bad apple. It is the bad apple that makes the “nothing” policy critical. Yet, that could also be true of a nevous Nellie or a person having a bad day or under dangerous circumstances/surroundings.

The tragic death in Minnesota this week plays the major part of having this topic in mind. Fifty-eight years ago a much more physically limber Papa graduated law school and was admitted to the bar. Trust that there will be a long passage of time before all the facts of the Minneapolis incident are known. Just as is true now there will continue to be allegations and counter allegations based on or in despite of facts. What the news media, politicians, activists or blow hards say does not matter for the purpose of this entry; except that it is a sad example of my do nothing rule. It is difficult to understand why anyone physically gets close to an active police action/arrest/potential fray/intervention in an intentional manner. For your good/survival resist the “do something” temptation on issues that are not as clear cut/rightous as vast numbers of folks on both sides claim.  

This weekend pays respect to those who died in the service of our country. However, earlier this week Papa was reminded of a joyous outcome from the Vietnam War. When I was in law school I had a roommate from North Dakota. It was a super state in my eyes. It provided me a good roommate. People from North Dakota were close knit. If Phil Jackson was in town to play basketball, 20 or 30 kids showed up at the game. A few were in college, some had local jobs and others were simply passing through town. Everyone from ND knew everyone else. So, it did not surprise me that around 1966 an Air Force pilot showed up at our apartment doorstep. He was on his way to Vietnam.

To prove that alcohol does not eliminate one’s memory, a statement he made stuck with me. His dream in combat was to find an enemy supply train and attack and destroy it. A laudable ambition in war I suppose. However, in the deep recess of my mind at the time was the sentiment from a popular song. Please General Custer I don’t want to go! It was a time when all honorable young males faced the reality of military service. It wasn’t long after that evening that we received word that he had been shot down. I don’t recall any further news. Time slipped and surged forward. Graduation, marriage and soon it was my time to deploy to Vietnam. Followed by an eventual return home for me. For others their fates lingered in time.

This week’s news included covering a celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the return of the Vietnam POWs. My recall from 1973 was of several return flights, all televised. Spread out over weeks/months depending on the health condiiton of the heros. This week my memory returned to the day in Fort Ord that I witnessed Loren Torkelson of North Dakota step off his Freedom Bird. He was alive and free. I didn’t know he was alive until his name flashed on the TV. Fifty years ago. I am glad for the reminder of that good memory.

This weekend my memory will return to the other two men with whom I had some connection. A high school classmate of my brother and my fraternity brother at Wisconsin. Both were pilots in Vietnam. Both were lost/killed in action. I mourn their loss. And for all of life that they missed. I’ll always remember them as young. Unlike me and the old vet passing out poppies at the grocery store today. It’d be difficult for either of us to raise our arms high enough, quickly enough to give a proper salute much less soldier. During only a few minutes of conversation two old goats had more in common than the fraility of age. Our connection was formed when we were young. It’s mostly unspoken. It is just there. That simple interaction is something I wish Bill and Norm had lived to experience.

I did get a poppy for each of you. I always do. It’s a good symbol. Take some time and think about it. As you go through life I urge you to be a good citizen. It’s the right thing to do. And, it is perhaps a small sign of respect for the sacrifice of men represented by the poppy. This year’s family get together will of course include Papa’s music. A heavy dose of the 1940’s. Humm along.

You’ll live to see it. I mentioned fusion with a net energy gain on the horizon at some earlier point in this blog. Probably in a post when Papa lamented the sprouting clutter along the highways. i.e. Huge propellers and dark solar panels. Mere decades fom now, clean energy will exist that will lift all folks in all countries towards greater prosperity. I hope that science even advances the goal to sooner rather than later with private sector input. The old 1950’s ATOMS FOR PEACE concept.

Stayed tuned for a possible breakthrough announcement. As early as this week according to reliable news sources. If you drive along the Canadian highway to your cabin in future years and see clean/uncluttered ridge lines remember that dreams can be realized. Aim high. As an old friend once told me, “The sky is the limit as long as you are looking up.” (I think he thought Papa had directional challenges.)