Hit & run!

Yet another acquaintance of mine (a Vietnam vet) has been struck while out riding, this time from behind. He flew through the air for several yards, and had the added misfortune to land on his face, breaking both cheekbones and assorted others. The perpetrator fled the scene; there were no witnesses. At least he wasn't killed, but the road to recovery will be a long and painful one.

Not too terribly long ago I lost a cousin (and her boyfriend) because someone pulled out right in front of them on U.S. 1 in Philly from a side street.

I myself was nearly killed in '96 (no) thanks to a pickup truck who cut right in front of me and then locked up his brakes. In fact, I had to endure surgery on this magnificent brain due to that incident. A lot of people may not realize this, but the stopping distance for a motorcycle is much longer than a vehicle with 4 (or more) wheels on the ground.

Just about invariably, the people who do these things claim to have never seen their victim(s) until it was too late.

I know of a lot of people who don't ride anymore, because it's too dangerous. I cannot say that I blame them, but it sure seems unfair that in most instances, the people who commit these crimes get away with them.

It seems to me that the driving test is way too easy, since so many motor vehicle operators seem to be barely in control at any given time.

The penalties for these things are obviously insufficient...

Good News!

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."

While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, "You are to say, 'His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.' If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

(Matthew 28; New International Version)

Lest we forget...

...I shouldn't have to say anything else.

Back from the war...

I was most dismayed to learn recently that some of the troops returning to civilian life are having a hard time finding employment, having been stigmatized for a number of reasons by certain employers.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for veterans of the Global War on Terror is 15.6%, although the national unemployment rate is hovering around 4.8 percent.

I'm glad my employer hired me when I got out of the military; the training I received, and the education that I got were invaluable to my ability to get a good paying job...and thus all the things I've acquired.

Some employers are to be commended though, for going "above and beyond the call of duty", as described in this post by fellow blogmeister (and cyberbud) Rick.

10 Reasons to Hire Vets

1. Accelerated learning curve.
Veterans have the proven ability to learn new skills and concepts. In addition, they can enter your workforce with identifiable and transferable skills, proven in real world situations. This background can enhance your organization's productivity.

2. Leadership.
The military trains people to lead by example as well as through direction, delegation, motivation and inspiration. Veterans understand the practical ways to manage behaviors for results, even in the most trying circumstances. They also know the dynamics of leadership as part of both hierarchical and peer structures.

3. Teamwork.
Veterans understand how genuine teamwork grows out of a responsibility to one's colleagues. Military duties involve a blend of individual and group productivity. They also necessitate a perception of how groups of all sizes relate to each other and an overarching objective.

4. Diversity and inclusion in action.
Veterans have learned to work side by side with individuals regardless of diverse race, gender, geographic origin, ethnic background, religion and economic status as well as mental, physical and attitudinal capabilities. They have the sensitivity to cooperate with many different types of individuals.

5. Efficient performance under pressure.
Veterans understand the rigors of tight schedules and limited resources. They have developed the capacity to know how to accomplish priorities on time, in spite of tremendous stress. They know the critical importance of staying with a task until it is done right.

6. Respect for procedures.
Veterans have gained a unique perspective on the value of accountability. They can grasp their place within an organizational framework, becoming responsible for subordinates' actions to higher supervisory levels. They know how policies and procedures enable an organization to exist.

7. Technology and globalization.
Because of their experiences in the service, veterans are usually aware of international and technical trends pertinent to business and industry. They can bring the kind of global outlook and technological savvy that all enterprises of any size need to succeed.

8. Integrity.
Veterans know what it means to do "an honest day's work." Prospective employers can take advantage of a track record of integrity, often including security clearances. This integrity translates into qualities of sincerity and trustworthiness.

9. Conscious of health and safety standards.
Thanks to extensive training, veterans are aware of health and safety protocols both for themselves and the welfare of others. Individually, they represent a drug-free workforce that is cognizant of maintaining personal health and fitness. On a company level, their awareness and conscientiousness translate into protection of employees, property and materials.

10. Triumph over adversity.
In addition to dealing positively with the typical issues of personal maturity, veterans have frequently triumphed over great adversity. They likely have proven their mettle in mission critical situations demanding endurance, stamina and flexibility. They may have overcome personal disabilities through strengths and determination.

As posted at the Hire Vets First website.

I'll let them sum it up...

Your organization depends on reliable, resilient human capital. Veterans of America's armed forces have the skills, training and character to meet your toughest challenges for today and tomorrow. That's why the President's National Hire Veterans Committee wants you to know that hiring veterans is not just goodwill. It's good business.