R-E-S-P-E-C-T

There were two things today that stuck with regards to respect.  Both were connected to this holiday, Memorial Day.  On this day we celebrate the fine men and women of our military, both past and present... especially those that made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives for our freedom. 

This morning, before the laying of the wreath at The Tomb of the Unknowns, during the "Colors Ceremony", President Obama had a press conference.  He wanted to recite a few meaningless platitudes regarding the North Korean nuclear test yesterday.  The result was that during one of our most solen national ceremonies, all of the new stations had to cut away from Arlington National Cemetery in order to cover the President's remarks.  And, frankly, he didn't say anything that couldn't have waited until after he went to lay the wreath.  He basically said the same things that he has been saying each time the North Koreans break international laws and treaties... that the UN will do something about it this time and that it is unacceptable. 

In short, I found it disgustingly disrespectful to take away from Arlington National Cemetery and the reason for Memorial Day in order to spout a few meaningless phrases. 

On the opposite end of the spectrum was NASCAR.  The Coca-Cola 600, which was rained out yesterday, was run today.  The President had decreed that at 3:00 there should be a moment of silence in respect of our military, past and present, and those that had fallen in service to our country. In the middle of the race, at 2:59, NASCAR through a red flag and halted the race cars on the front straight.  At 3:00, all of the engines fell silent.  The crews stood at the end of their pit boxes with their hats removed.  The fans all stood and for the next minute there was total silence.  200,000 fans at the race, 43 cars and hundreds of race personnel all stood silent.  Totally silent. 

NASCAR fans are looked down upon by many 'elites'.  They are 'working class' people that like loud engines and beer.  They are also devited to their families and respectful of those in the armed services.  Nobody whines about a prayer before the race.  They don't mind seeing a wreck, but they cheer when the driver climbs out of the car and waves that he is ok.  They might punch a fellow fan because they don't like his favorite driver, but they will also be the ones that will stop and help a stranger on the highway. Even if the prayer isn't delivered by a minister of their chosen faith, they still bow their heads and take off their hats.

The bottom line is that NASCAR and its fans understand that without the selfless sacrifice of those that serve our country in the military, there may be no race.  There may be no church.  There may be no college football... or college.  They understand that those people deserve our respect and thanks EVERY day, and that there are more important things than a press conference OR a race. 

Maybe some of the 'elites' in DC would be well served to hop in a motorhome and spend some time visiting with NASCAR fans around the country.