Tony At 10: FRIENDSHIP; BLOG # 2157; FRI OCT 05, 2018

THE MESSAGE:

Life becomes so much more enjoyable when we can admit our mistakes, laugh at ourselves, have something in which to believe and find someone to love and trust. It goes without saying that our lives, in order to be truly happy, must be surrounded by family and friends. What’s in a friend? True friends never pass judgment. Nor do they offer advice unless asked. They are very good listeners, and have the ability to encourage and support without moralizing or threatening.

Sometimes an acquaintance or a good friend is mistaken for a true friend. An acquaintance may qualify his or her support while a true friend never does. True friends are to be cherished. If we are fortunate to have even one we are indeed blessed.

With good friends, one need not fear being politically incorrect. Any life decisions that we make may be easy to criticize or denounce; however, true friends always understand our dilemmas and are always there to give support. They avoid gossip and the undeveloped opinions of others who take pleasure in such pursuits.

THE BLOG:

My mother used to tell me, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Recently an old friend sent me another version, “Where there’s a will, I want to be in it.” Both versions of the adage are certainly true in today’s society.

Some are so wrapped up in the material world that they miss out on what is truly of most value.

Interpersonal relationships fall by the wayside as self-aggrandizement, technology and other distractions bombard their body and soul. The world, as they know it, rots on.

True friendships take perseverance which in turn takes courage or someone caring enough to stand over you until you understand the values of loving, learning, persisting and setting goals. A true friend must realize that the benefits and satisfaction derived from reaching goals is immeasurable.

Parents and teachers have the opportunity to fill that role. Siblings, good friends and fellow students also serve in the realization of this crucial human development. To be truly happy we need people in our lives who care.

DECEPTION AND BETRAYAL

For me, most politics and politicians in the world are uncaring about the realities that are needed in our societies. I question whether or not they are worthy of trust and respect. I am bothered by the number of innocent people that are killed by conflicts that arise when one political system tries to impose their ideals on another state. Or it may be a challenge for one system to prevent the spread of a conflicting ideal that would threaten their position of dominance in the world.

The U.S. government viewed its involvement in Vietnam as a way to prevent a communist takeover of South Vietnam. They were afraid of a domino effect beginning in southeast Asia that would see the rise of communism and its resultant spread to other vulnerable territories.

The United States led the fight along with other members of the SEATO (Southeast Asia Treaty Organization). They joined forces with the Republic of South Vietnam to contest communist forces, comprised of South Vietnamese guerrillas and regular-force units, known as the Viet Cong, and the North Vietnamese Army.

The Vietnam war was a direct result of the First Indochina War (1946–1954) between France, which claimed Vietnam as a colony, and the communist forces then known as the Viet Minh. This conflict, without significant U.S. involvement, .ended with a communist victory in April 1975.

The U.S. failed to achieve a military victory and the Republic of South Vietnam was ultimately taken over by North Vietnam. Meanwhile the people of Vietnam were subjected to the harsh and brutal experiences of death and daily conflict.