Tuesday, April 23, 2024

NAPALM GIRL ANTI-WAR FILM

 

by Ray Jason

 

With our world drowning in so much senseless war and bloodshed, I have recently been thinking about finishing a project that I began several years ago. It is a short but powerful anti-war film that combines my personal Vietnam experience with the immortal message of the Napalm Girl.


However, my film-making skills are very limited. But Fate smiled upon me, and a professional film editor anchored near me a few weeks ago. After developing a friendship, I mentioned my long-dormant project.


He agreed to assist me at a very reasonable fee, and we spent a few days seated at his editing console, piecing together this little film. Even though it is only 14 minutes long, my hope is that it is Powerful, Poignant, Poetic and Persuasive.


If you find merit in this video, please share it widely, so that we can “Give Peace a Chance!”

 

NEVER STOP RUNNING, NAPALM GIRL!

 


           

 




Thursday, April 11, 2024

A VOYAGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS

 

by Ray Jason

 

 

Life is a voyage. For both the Individual and Society, there will be times of serene sailing and smooth seas, and times of terrifying winds and troubled waters.


Since the very beginning of my Sea Gypsy days, nearly FORTY years ago, I have approached every new expedition out onto The Wide Waters deliberately and cautiously. I would carefully evaluate the risks versus the rewards.

 

In this essay, I will use that same measured approach to examine the current storm-wracked Voyage of Western Civilization, to see if there are any light-houses of Hope amid the raging wind and waves.


Tuesday, April 2, 2024

SOME CHEERFUL REFLECTIONS ON ... DEATH

 

by Ray Jason

 

There are some topics that are never discussed in “polite company.” Fortunately and deliberately, I have surrounded myself with “impolite company.”


My friends and I will wonder about the Grassy Knoll. We will question the free-fall speed of the Twin Towers. We will ponder the implications of the Dancing Israelis. In fact, on a really bold day, we might even dare to discuss the JQ.


But even in my eccentric circle, we do not talk about The Big D – DEATH. This intrigues me since I perceive it as just an organic part of The Big L – LIFE.


                                                   *******


In these reflections, I will be dealing with “natural death.” This would be someone who has lived past 70 years or so, and then experienced declining health until their body can no longer sustain itself.


Tragic death” is an entirely different category. We witness this in Gaza on a daily basis. When an IDF storm-trooper walks through a hospital casually shooting doctors and patients, those victims did not suffer a natural death.


As for the cowardly soldier who butchered them, we can only hope that an Afterlife and a just God awaits him. A suitable Fate for him might be an eternal cycle of re-incarnation every day, followed by an afternoon visit to the Celestial Wood-Chipper – feet first.