I know this is a forum that mainly entails questions of a histological
nature, however I have seen a lot of personalization and real character
throughout many of your correspondences.  Not being remotely knowledgeable
of many of your technical discussions, I hesitate in questioning many
histological terms and procedures.  However, I find many of the discussions
to be very informative, when they can be understood.  Sometimes I even find
some amusement in some of your postings and interaction.  I have recently
found a discussion that I can perhaps take part in; simply because it sounds
like I would possibly directly affected by its consequences, simply because
of my citizenry.  It is also hoped that you will all have the patience to
read through a non-traditional/histological text, and can hopefully
understand my intent is to also gathering some basic information for myself.

My two cents worth of input stems from the statement put forth by a fellow
colleague(s) stating iGod Bless Americai.  Now again, my intent is not to
take one forum and veer it off into a random tangent, and definitely not to
trivialize the time many veterans have put into military service, or the day
set aside to observe their sacrifices.  However, I find this time and place
better than any other to ask what one means when they state iGod Bless
Americai?  Sure, this statement may be as second-nature to a conversation as
blessing you during a sneeze, but should it not be understood if it is
wished upon a country or a people and if it follows set guidelines applied
to the laws of language and dictum?  Or is it simply understood for its
traditional value, and should not be questioned as to its constructs and
intentions.  For that matter is it culturally taboo for me to even question
the statement and its logic and validity?   Never-the-less, I find this
forum to be as good as any other in really questioning what this statement
entails since it does sound political, theological and geo-centric in
function.

First off, does this statement prove the point that church and state are
still and always will be one entity; and if so, what consequences exist if
they are.  Also, what validity does this statement hold at face value if 99%
of us are perhaps Muslim, Buddhist, Agnostic, Atheist,  etc.  Will this
blessing perhaps be lowered in desired effect for this reason?  Is it
directly proportional to those that either want blessings or for that token
if think we can and should have it?  Or, is the statement put forth to
simply invoke a feeling that only some of us can part-take in understanding.

There is also the question that if iGod blesses Americai does that count out
every other country in the Americas, or for that matter  the world?  Is this
blessing exclusive, or is the hope that only those people within our borders
can be blessed.  For example, is it possible to share or barter with these
blessings?  For another example, can a gentlemen perhaps cross the border
from Mexico, be blessed and then take it back to his family in Mexico City?
I wonder if perhaps it may even be in manis best interest to have God bless
everyone; even those that may not even have a sovereign country that they
pledge allegiance to, like nomads, sailors and gypsies.  How many blessings
are there to go around, and are we taking these blessings from someone else?
Should we hope we are blessed if the toll either domestically or
internationally is of a grave nature, or even of a detrimental outcome?

Even further, what would this blessing act entail for those that donit
understand the nature of the God doing the blessing?   Would only those with
a Judeo/Christian background realize they are being blessed?  What are the
main characteristics and facets of ea blessingi?   Historically-speaking, is
it the same blessings  that every other country and civilization has hoped
for and have sadly either failed at attaining or being granted?  Finally,
since iGodis blessingsi are perhaps associated with notions of
militarization, are they solely attained through militarization?

Perhaps I am just simply unaware to the system and mechanization of iGodis
blessingsi, but again, I find this time appropriate to ask the question
since it sounds like it affects both myself and my fellow man.  Thanks in
advance for any feed-back and I hope you all understand these questions are
not malevolent in motive nor a trivialization of one's sentiments posted on
the Histonet.   However, the question still lies as to what is meant by a
humble yet perplexing statement?


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Melissa Jensen [mailto:melzy@indytel.com]
> Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 4:03 PM
> To: histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
> Subject: Re: Veteran's Day
>
>
> I did not receive this post from the histonet site.I read Joes
> reply..I wish
> to thank all of you and your families for your service to our country,and
> the freedom you have preserved.
>   God Bless America
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "JOE NOCITO" 
> To: "Charles.Embrey" ;
> 
> Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 5:01 PM
> Subject: Re: Veteran's Day
>
>
> > it was an honor to serve with people like you Charles
> >
> > Joe Nocito, BS, HT (ASCP) QIHC,
> > USAF, Ret, E6
> > Histology Manager
> > Pathology Reference Lab
> > San Antonio, Texas
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Charles.Embrey" 
> > To: 
> > Sent: Monday, November 11, 2002 8:44 AM
> > Subject: Veteran's Day
> >
> >
> > > To all my military and former military friends on histonet,
> > >   Thanks for your hard work and sacrifice.  Happy Veteran's
> Day and God
> > > bless America!
> > >
> > > Charles R. Embrey Jr. TSGT, USAF (RET), PA(AAPA), HT(ASCP)
> > > Histology Manager
> > > Carle Clinic, Urbana Illinois
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>