On one level this seems like the longest Advent ever. And I think that’s because the decorating, the bringin’ in o’ the tree—those are ALL thats happenin’ in this Year of Covid. I look at our tree, our mantel decoration: it’s like they’ve been there forever and they always will be.

On another level, it seems like Advent isn’t really happening at all. It’s like back in March when people turned on their Christmas lights during the first lockdown. At my BMD’s request we did too, although nobody can see it but us. It depressed me. At this point I can’t articulate why.

Now our lights are on, and they shine through a seasonally perfect burden of snow! How could it be otherwise? THIS is the real thing! Right?

Yes and no. (god how I HATE that expression!)

Here is the verse I’m putting on my Christmas greeting this year…

A certain percentage (I will call them the 10%ers) of dudes join the military for a paycheck and the benefits only. I believe most of them join the Army. Some guys join for the right reason then become careerists once they realize they ain’t got the right stuff to compete with their peers but they have gotten attached to wearing the uniform. You will find few of these guys in the infantry. I bet our LTC has spent precious little time in what we called Victor Units – front line grunts.

Vindman (sp?) joined rent seeking and has played the game well. Most of these 10%ers find a rabbi as soon as they join, start kissing his arse and furiously (but with meaning) as soon as they find another 10% in a position above of authority.

And on and on it goes. This guy could and should be due for…