Meko James
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"We praise our leaders through echo chambers"
Stories (53)
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George Washington:
On July 9, 1755, a pivotal moment in American history unfolded, one that would soon shape the legacy of a young man named George Washington. At just 23 years old, Washington found himself amidst the chaos of the French and Indian War, where his actions would earn him the respect and admiration of his peers and set the stage for his future as a brilliant military leader.
By Meko James 8 months ago in History
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson's life was a pivotal chapter in the shaping of the United States, marked by profound intellectual contributions, complex personal relationships, and enduring political legacies. His journey to penning the Declaration of Independence was rooted in the growing discontent with British rule and a burgeoning belief in self-governance and natural rights. As a brilliant young Virginian lawyer and statesman, Jefferson emerged as a powerful voice for colonial rights. The Declaration of Independence primarily his work, was a revolutionary document that articulated the philosophy of natural rights—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—and the right of the people to reject governments that violate these rights; and to this very day, those are the things society most debate as to who and how those rights apply. It laid the philosophical groundwork for American independence and deeply influenced democratic movements worldwide.
By Meko James 8 months ago in The Swamp
I See You
The sun pinned high in the clear, cloudless blue sky, casting a warm glow over Southern California. A proud looking golden retriever trotted joyfully beside its owner, their shared adventures a testament to freedom and companionship. Every afternoon, they wandered through the familiar streets, the gentle breeze carried the air of life’s simple pleasures. Yet today, a heavier truth lingered in the air.
By Meko James 8 months ago in Humans
America's 2nd Independence
I'm enjoying this Juneteenth holiday and because it falls on a Thursday, it contributes to what will be a four-day weekend, and some much needed time away from work. But, what is Juneteenth? Why is it important? And who can we recognize for this holiday, that draws our attention to a most significant day in U.S History? A day we should consider as, America's 2nd Independence, as it commemorates the official end of Slavery in the United States. Texas was the last state to holdout, and didn't abolish slavery until June 19, 1865, a long two & a half years after Lincoln's September 22, 1862 Emancipation Proclamation that declared all slaves in the Confederate States free on January 1, 1863.
By Meko James 9 months ago in Humans
The Great Depression:
Introduction The Great Depression was a significant and harrowing chapter in American history, reshaping the economy, society, and government. It serves as a stark reminder of how interconnected our financial systems are and how the decisions we make today can echo through time. Alarmingly, many of the factors that contributed to the Great Depression are resurfacing in our current climate. This essay will highlight the causes of the Great Depression and draw parallels to contemporary issues, including government deregulation, corruption, the glorification of wealth, and the rise of exclusionary purity movements. With only 4 years away from the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Great Depression, it behoves us to take a serious sociopolitical look at the parallels of today that have us headed unavoidably to our next one.
By Meko James 9 months ago in The Swamp
Kindness is Free
On a cool January night Kai, my affable Golden Retriever, and I were out on our nightly walk through our Southern California river-bed neighborhood. A planned community with a mixture of tightly stitched together single family homes, townhouses, and condominium apartments. On this night we decided to venture out a little further on a different route from our norm, so I could give my dog some new scents to enjoy. While Kai eagerly nosed the ground, I took in the landscapes and decorations.
By Meko James about a year ago in Humans
Harvesting Hate. Content Warning.
Autumn, the time when nights grow longer and days grow colder. Rusty leaves fall from the trees and litter the ground with a patchwork of colors. It's the time of the year that we harvest what's been sown two seasons prior, and a culmination of all our work, accomplishments, and gratitude are acknowledged with a feast of thankfulness. It's a time when we should be rejoicing in the spoils of our endeavors, and warming up for the grand winter celebrations that usually bring happiness and good tidings shared with each other.
By Meko James about a year ago in Humans
Until My Dying Days
On October 27, 1997 in Phoenix AZ, I raised my right hand and took the Oath of Enlistment, required upon entry into U.S military service, for the first time. Over the course of my 24 year career as a Navy Diver, I would take it another five times.
By Meko James about a year ago in The Swamp
The Wind
Constantly Blowing Cool or warm, when wet or dry Climate, Weather, Time.
By Meko James about a year ago in Poets
I Stand for The Flag
At 0800, I jumped out and down from my big diesel redneck rig. As soon as my feet hit the pavement, I hear 'morning colors' start to play in the distance. I immediately turn smartly to the direction the music is coming from and stand quietly at attention while paying my respects to the Flag and National Anthem. It's been a while since I've had to render this required military custom. I have been retired from the U.S. Navy for over 3 years now, and just over a year ago, I took a position as a senior Manpower, Personnel, and Training (MPT) analyst for the Navy, which brought me back to the Ventura, CA naval base I retired from in June of 2021 after a 24 year career. Even though my work has me back on a military installation, I normally miss the daily ritual of our colors being raised smartly to our national anthem, because I usually began my day in the office at 0700. However, on this Friday I wanted to spend an extra 30 minutes with Kai, my 13 month old Golden Retriever, at the park during our morning walk.
By Meko James about a year ago in Serve
The Cellar
There was only one rule: "don’t open the door" to the canning cellar, written in the confirmation email from the owner of the rustic cabin, that my wife and I were renting for the long holiday weekend. Paying little mind to this warning, we intended to be courteous, and follow the owner's instructions.
By Meko James about a year ago in Horror
The Answer
The Answers of why, Up to the sky my eyes gaze, More questions I find.
By Meko James about a year ago in Poets
