To say that X is obsessed with airplanes would be understating things. Airplanes are the focal point of his existence right now. He only wants to read airplane stories. He wants to know when we will next go on an airplane at least once a day. Bobby and I bought him an airplane calendar, which he pores over after bedtime. His airplanes of choice are commercial jets, though in a pinch, he'll admire a jet or a biplane as well. Since we work on a base with an air station, he has ample opportunity to watch planes.
He's involved in his first intramural activity: soccer. He is an okay player. He's quick and could dominate the game, but he's too interested in interacting with the other kids. His little scrimmage matches consist of me telling him to watch the ball. He loves playing, though he wishes he scored more goals (magically, apparently, since he often won't run after the ball).
So here's part two. I have to admit that I'm frightened right now. I have just completed an intense training course that honed my critical thinking skills, encouraged me to consider possible future consequences of my decisions as a leader, and spoke about mistakes our government has made in the past. I have a very uneasy feeling that we are at a turning point in our country, and one way or another, we will end up redefining who we are as Americans and what we believe in. We--well most of us--expect our elected officials to have the best interests of the country at heart, whichever side of the aisle they are on. There are rules in place that prevent them from personally profiting from their positions, rules which we expect them to follow. We honor our basic freedoms, like those of speech and religion. If we lose these things, we will lose ourselves.
There have been some disturbing actions by our executive branch right out of the gate, and I am waiting anxiously to see the other branches can course correct it. One thing I have always had faith in is our system of checks and balances. It is designed to protect the minority and prevent tyranny. As a small part of the executive branch, I am also concerned that I will have to decide where my line is, and have the courage to leave rather than cross it. We should all think hard about these choices we may have to make one day in the near future.
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| Soccer! |
