Editorial

Hot Dogs, Baseball,
Apple Pie, and the GI
Doug Myers

It's strange what can border on contraversy. We've argued on Fido about our Coordinators, about our mail movers, about those who have turned internet technology to Fido's advangage, about those who haven't...

But in the last week we've come dangerously close to tramping on icons - at least one particular icon held dear in the United States. Ol'WDB passed on a call from some writer to honer the American Soldier for his part in helping defend the country so we may all enjoy Christmas. The image this invokes in most of us here in the US - that of young men in the prime of their life being asked to interrupt their lives, leave their wives and children and family, to fight on foreign soil - has got to be confusing to those of another culture. The article prompted at least one confused response wondering if Jesus was American and what did the American Servicement - the GI - have to do with Christmas.

Okay... it's tough to explain these days. During the two World Wars, the US entery into battle was delayed and reluctant... and wiedly approved by our allies. But our entry into the Korean War was not so widely regarded - and in Viet Nam we had our rear ends beat by what was supposed to be an inferior force. Though we didn't treat our returning veterans well as they returned from these unpopular war, and barely acknowledged those who didn't return, it was tough to ignore the sacrifice they'd made forever.

I've heard all the stories about the atrocities committed by some who wore the GI's uniform, and even share the reservations of some who question our involvment in recent skirmishes... but if you don't mind, I'll still honer the icons. There's no greater pastime than a major league baseball game, no more perfect meal than a hot dog topped off by a piece of Mom's apple pie, no vehicle that can outperform the ol' 57 Chevy (once it's properly tuned, of course), and no greater hero than the American fighting man who has risked his life that the rest of us can take our freedom for granted.