It’s great to be an American dog.  I can blog, run for political office, party down at Mardi Gras and observe national holidays like Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day.  I can do that because other Great American Dogs have fought for our Constitutional freedom.

I won’t apologize for the brave actions of former Leaders of the Pack who led other dutiful dogs into battle, heroically fighting on some distant bloody beach, hedgerow, jungle or desert, against despotism, the suppression of freedom or some punk dictatorship, so that we could live peacefully today in Fairhope, Alabama.  Whether on the brutal battlefield or inside the War on Terror, it’s kill or be killed.  It’s not pretty but it’s true.      

On March 13, 1942, when the world was in great conflict, the Under Secretary of War, Honorable Robert P. Patterson authorized the induction of dogs into the U. S. Army.   Dogs became valuable and trusted partners on the battle field; scouts, sentries, messengers, ‘casualty dogs’, etc.  Some were trained at nearby Gulfport, Mississippi.  All were placed in great jeopardy.  Many died.

I have a War Dog ancestor.  You can read about him in this link.   http://www.qmfound.com/War_Dogs.htm   Chips, Andy, Otto, Caesar, Jack, many more, all preceded me.  You can thank  them for their service but don’t apologize for their accomplishments or the outcome of their conflicts.

Today, many American Dogs are truly distressed by the attitude of the current Leader of the Pack, Lucky Dog.  Lucky has risen to power on the backs of millions of dead and wounded dogs who put it on the line for all the Luckys who might follow.  Why does this Lucky Dog insist on apologizing for the past actions of our country, for the defense of our national security or others’ national safety, for the harvesting and use of natural resources to improve the quality of life, or for the development of countless new technologies which we have freely shared with the rest of the world?  Disgusting.

Lucky Dog, you should apologize for your apologies then stick to what you know well.  Sit.  Shake.  Speak.  But please quit rolling over.

I say celebrate.  Thank the Big Dog for our freedom.  And on this Labor Day weekend, pass me a weenie with mustard and relish, and hold the regret if you don’t mind.  

The Wisdom of Willie Bean