FLAGS

So much has gone on these past few days.  With all the talk about what is right and what is wrong and decisions regarding flags and the lives of fellow Americans, I was moved to write this little piece today to sum up my thoughts.

FLAGS

Some may mock

Some may scorn
It's time we retire the battle torn
It's time to lay the hateful flag to rest

Some will stop

Some will rise above
Its time we choose the one of love
It's time to raise one that has passed the test

We should all stand proud

We should all stand free
We should honor the flag of equality
We should say our pledge the one that is the best

All praise to our USA as we celebrate equality today.   May we forever remember our heritages and celebrate our differences as we stand together under THE flag of the United States of America.  One people, one nation, one law for liberty and justice for ALL.

Philip D. Arnold, June 26, 2015

PRIDE

Originally Published on my Facebook notes June 9, 2012.  New material added at end and pictures throughout.

What does PRIDE mean to me?  PRIDE Stands for PEOPLE RECOGNIZING INDIVIDUAL DIVERSITY and EQUALITY.

To me, PRIDE means so much.  It means a world where being who you are is not scoffed at, mocked, or hated.  It means being able to hold his hand and walk with my head hel high without fear of condemnation.  It is a time to escape the world of closed-minded ignorant bigots, and just celebrate who I am.

PRIDE means different things to each of us, but to me it means BEING ME!

Let's break it down, shall we?
PEOPLE - Human kind, all human kind, no separation by race, creed, religion, or sexual orientation, just PEOPLE
RECOGNIZING - Taking notice and giving validity to the existence of
INDIVIDUAL - Each single person who exists
DIVERSITY - the differences between the recognized individuals
EQUALITY - being treated the SAME as everyone else, something we all wish to acheive

As I find myself estranged from my family because of their misguidence by a bigoted in-law, I hold my head up high, knowing that those who matter most in my life love me for me and always will.  To my loving partner, my wonderful children, my understanding ex-wife, my best friends, and my family who have not abandoned me, I SAY THANK YOU for allowing me to be ME and accepting all that comes with who I AM.

As I prepare to attend the Circle City PRIDE Parade and Festival, I prepare to celebrate who I am and recognize everyone for their Individuality while noting their differences and searching for equlaity for all PEOPLE!!

Addendum June 7, 2015

This year my partner and I will attend the Circle City PRIDE Parade and Festival with my 15 year old twin sons for the first time. I love that we will be able to share this even with these two loving, compassionate, supportive young men.  They are true examples of acceptance, as they see all human beings for who they are and not what the world might have them see.  We will share the time during this event with these two young men and some of our closest friends to show PRIDE in our individuality and our happiness to be who we are.