Jesh Foundation

Most pre-boomers, as kids, were fed a steady dose of patriotism and became tools in supporting the war effort. Things like War Bond drives and collecting tin cans and newspapers to raise money at home to support the troops overseas were promoted in the public schools. After the war, civic programs like Community Chest and Red Feather charities grew through the help of the education system. But is pursing the “green” agenda more propaganda than it is education?

There’s no doubt that those of us born between 1930 and 1945, today’s New Seniors, want our grandchildren and great grandchildren to be good citizens. Just as we were taught. As kids, we grew “victory gardens,” participated in the springtime “clean up, fix up, paint up” neighborhood beautification campaigns and learned about nutrition and eating better foods. But the way government is approaching the green subject seems politically orientated at best and at worst is tantamount to brain washing.

“What about global warming?” you ask. What about it? There are too many scientists on both sides of the issue for anyone to claim victory. In fact, it wasn’t that long ago when the cover of Time Magazine warned of the dangers of global cooling. A few years back, the former vice-president of this country hooked up with global warming activists and investors to promote the notion of selling carbon credits to control and discourage excessive energy use, assuming emerging and developing countries will comply.

By following the laws we recognize its authority as a structure of our religiosity and commitment. Without this law, as a prophet used to say, a Jew is a ghost, with a soul and no body. With only the law and nothing else, the Jew is a mere corpse -a body without a soul.

To be a Jew is to live within the Nation of the Jewish community. To be a Jew is to belong. There is an inexorable historic tie between the Jewish people and the l;;.nd of Israel, the Hebrew language, our cultural characteristics, art and folklore. For me, it is not possible to be a Jew without this tie with Israel, and nowadays with Medinat Israel, our National State.

To be a Jew is also to belong to a Congregation, to form part of a Minyan, a microcosm of the entire Jewish people. Each birth, Bar-Mitzvah, Chupah, and bereavement within the congregational life, is a projection of Am Israel. We should not move away from our Congregation. We should not turn our backs on our Congregation. We are all needed as we all belong.

To be a Jew is also to have Faith. As Jews, we believe in God. Each one of us may define this in their own personal way -as an existence or idea, as energy or as a compass; it is through this prism that we recognize ourselves as equals to all creatures.

As the coordinator for a think tank which operates online, it’s obvious that the discussion often surrounds energy. Yes, we talk about advanced alternative energy technologies, the dependence on oil, and the best management practices for use of fossil fuel and energy production. That is to say clean coal technologies, and better mitigation of excess byproducts and pollution, whether it be in the air or water.

After all, whether you are an environmentalist or not, you still have to drink the water and breathe the air. You still have to eat the fish that swim in the water and eat food produced by the water that helps them grow. It all matters.

Not long ago, I was discussing this with an acquaintance of mine who is indeed an environmentalist, and part of the progressive socialist-liberal movement (I truly believe “movement” is the proper term in this case), which he often denies. He voted for a Green Candidate in the last election go-around, and he often spouts out the typical rhetoric of the environmentalists and those who belong to eco-terrorists groups, although he is not one with their activities (to my knowledge, although with folks such as this, you just never know).

Military challenge coins are also identified as military coins, unit coins, memorial, unit challenge and commander’s coin. They stand as proof of membership, support and patronage of the bearer. Specially minted military coins were expected to raises self-respect and endorse unit sprit. They are used to show respect and to honor service members for their hard work. The military challenge coin is a prized and esteemed symbol of the establishment.

Military coins originated during First World War. Air warfare was a new concept during that time. Volunteer pilots from all walks of population streamed in to the flying squadrons created by the army. Most of them consisted of rich students who left their studies for the adventure and romance associated with the new method of warfare.

One such student was so impressed with the whole thing that he distributed gold plated bronze medals to everyone in the squadron. The act was intended to keep the memories of their days together. The challenge coin was engraved with the emblem of the squadron and was a bit pricey.