Last year, I often found myself wondering what my children’s children will read about in their history books regarding 2020. Will it be of social upheaval, epidemics, civil unrest and the fraying of our country’s fabric? Will it be the start of something insidious for our country or will it be the precipice to propel the citizens and leadership of this country to change directions to again set the example for the rest of the world? I can not answer any of the questions I present, but I believe they have been omnipresent in my mind and many others this past year.
The culture within the military, and specifically within the special operations community, teaches you an incredibly valuable lesson. Your skin color, who you worship, what you wear, your political beliefs, nor what you have done in your past, are not of any relevance. It is a brotherhood not bound by normal rules or stereotypes. The only thing that matters is the mission to keep a country we all love safe.
This past year reminded me of this life lesson and is something I wish all could experience. It is important to remember the fringes present on social media and the news do not represent the masses. To have differing opinions from someone you call a friend is one of the most beautiful aspects of living in our borders. A person’s beliefs can be evil, but because that person’s beliefs differ from yours does not make them evil. This is the most important lesson I learned in 2020. Tolerance for those who have different beliefs than my own.
I do not believe people are inherently evil nor inherently good. I believe there is a scale in every one of our souls. You wake up everyday and you make decisions that tip the metaphorical scale of good and evil in one direction or the other. Some days you are going to make good choices and other days you are not. If you fail, wake up the next day and try harder.
I thought hard if I was going to write something about the status of KC Cattle Co. or discuss what is written above. KC Cattle Co. had an amazing year thanks to the overwhelming support of our loyal customers. But success feels better when the rest of our country is thriving right by our sides, so writing about my philosophy won out.
I look forward to the opportunities and hurdles in front of us for 2021 and hope those who struggled in 2020 can find some kind solace in the year ahead. We all have the same mission; to make our country and this world a better place.
RLTW,
Pat
19 comments
Amen
Pat, I know as a business owner it takes courage to express yourself about such a hot topic but you did it with truth and a sensibility that seems to be lacking among millions of our citizens. You and your military brothers served our Nation to protect that building and the souls occupying it doing the business of democracy. Thank you for your letter. Best of luck in 2021!
Very thoughtful, wise words
Hi Pat.
I could not have said it better. Everyone has good and bad days. Children have good and bad days. But what I have seen over the past several year, and especially this last year, has left me numb. This country is truly a gift and an honor to live in. I thank you and all who have defended her and her people. I wish you continued success now and always. I hope our PBS system will help you and yours continue on the road to success. God Bless.