Random Thoughts — Nobody asked me, but….

Is American Patriotism Gone?

Without a doubt, the COVID-19 pandemic is testing the United States’ resolve. UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated recently that the coronavirus outbreak is the “biggest challenge for the world since World War Two.” There are many parallels of the current crisis to the global confrontation during the middle of the last century. In this New Your Times article, the author discusses this topic with noted military historian Robert Citino. The relative similarities and the stark contrast between then and now are both enlightening and concerning.

Reflection, Random Thoughts, Pandemic LifeDavid PetriJanuary 9, 2021Patriotism, Pandemic, Sacrifice, Government, Constitutional RightsComment

Johnny Ayers View

This song is a follow on from my poem Stolen Honor, it imagines a fictional soldier — Johnny Ayers — who was part of 1st Platoon and the impact the President’s unjustified actions had on him.

Veterans, Random Thoughts, ReflectionDavid PetriOctober 17, 2020Veterans, Leadership, AccountabilityComment

Stolen Honor

The poem is inspired by the true story of First Platoon and the Court Martial and subsequent pardoning of First Lieutenant Clint Lorance by President Trump. Their story can be found here.

Veterans, Reflection, Random ThoughtsDavid PetriAugust 17, 2020President Trump, Failed Leadership, Accountability, HonorComment

Preparing for a Good End of Life

“Those who contemplate their aging, vulnerability and mortality often live better lives and experience better deaths than those who don’t.”

Random Thoughts, ReflectionDavid PetriFebruary 9, 2019end of life, dyingComment

How the Movies Invented Christmas

Though some like to argue about the “War on Christmas”, the fact is that it was not a widely celebrated holiday prior to the mid 19th century. The early American progeny of today’s most conservative Christians actually forbid the celebration of the holiday.

Random ThoughtsDavid PetriDecember 22, 2018Comment

Perspective | Veterans don’t get to decide what ‘respecting the flag’ means

As a veteran I have been troubled by this idea that as a group we have the moral authority to claim our country’s iconography as righteously ours. That perceived disrespect towards our nation’s symbols is also a direct affront to those who have served in the military.