Perspectives: Sam’s Perspective – Veteran’s Day Parade

Today I have for you a little food for thought. It involves the Tulsa Veterans Day Parade and a protest. 

Recently I read that a member of the group ‘Tulsa 912 Project’ said it was atrocious to ask veterans to march alongside people who represent our enemies in a current war. He was, of course referring to the news that there would be a Muslim float in the parade.

You already know that under our Constitution, anyone can say almost anything. But I found it difficult to give any credibility to his protest. After giving it some thought it occurred to me the protester must be short a few bits of information. Such as the fact that Muslims have fought and died alongside Christians and Jews in American wars and conflicts, dating all the way back to George Washington.

But this same person failed to protest participation in the Veterans Day Parade by white males Catholics, those registered to vote Republican or members of the National Rifle Association. That’s interesting because I just described Timothy McVeigh. That’s right. The same Timothy McVeigh who parked a rented truck loaded with 5,000 pounds of explosives in front of the Murrah Federal Building, lit the fuse and walked away. The Blast killed 168 men, women and children and you’ll remember McVeigh said the death of the children and babies, amounted to no more than collateral damage.

So if this member of ‘Tulsa 912 Project’ protested a Muslim float in the parade but he didn’t protest against white males, Catholics, those registered to vote as Republicans or members of the National Rifle Association all of which, describes Timothy McVeigh, then he must know that I’m also describing folks who, like Muslims, fought and died for America, in wars and conflicts dating back to George Washington. In other words,. Veterans.

Many years ago there was a radio show that started each episode with the following:   “Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts and minds of men?  The shadow knows.” In my opinion the real issue here is evil, pure and simple. Evil in the form of prejudice and hate. This day and age we don’t have time or room for either.

I’m Sam Jones and that’s my perspective.