An Explanation
December 28th, 2009 by CJ
I wanted to talk a little about the milblog blackout. First of all, I'm humbled from all the support. I won't get into specifics about the WHY or WHAT of what has been going on in my life. I just want to explain why I'm blogging again in spite of my decision to stop.
I have gotten so many letters and emails of support from people who were longtime readers but never left comments. They came to see ASP as a daily destination and felt like something was now missing. They were encouraging in trying to convince me not to stop writing. I got letters from across the country and across the force. I got letters from Privates and from General Officers, both active and retired.
I didn't do any of this for publicity. Publicity is what got me the unwanted attention and scrutiny. I've learned a lot through this process, both about the limits of power and the limits of blogging. I still reject many of the assertions made against me or that my blogging somehow violates my charge as an NCO. I am who I am and I will not put on a false persona because one of my troops MAY stumble across my blog and read something into what I have to say. That's poor leadership. I don't say anything on my blog, I wouldn't say face to face, except that some things just don't belong in the workplace. For example, I don't talk politics with my troops but I don't care if they happen to read something I've written. I also don't go around to my troops passing out my blog URL or making a big deal of it. The only people I even mention my blogging to is my command team, so they are aware. I have nothing to hide.
Anyway, I didn't want people to get the wrong idea that I did this until attention was at a fever pitch then started blogging again to "cash in" on the publicity and attention. I've been inspired and motivated not to give up and I won't do it. It's therapeutic for me and helps me get things out.
Posted in Military Perspective
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Glad you're back CJ!! See ya at Milblogs!
You have my support, CJ…..:)
CJ, Come back, if and when, when you're ready. Everybody wanted me to get back to 'normal'. But as you know so well, 'normal' is what got me into trouble. I needed to find a new 'normal' and trash tho old 'normal'. There is only one person who really counts, it's not me, it's you, when it comes to the blogging. My prayer for me is this, 'Lord, Please show me which path to follow and how to make the best use of it.' I was thinking of tacking your name on to that prayer list. There was an amazing time in my life, when my body had a life changing moment. It was as if the LORD, himself, opened the Heavens and spoke, "Grumpy, *shut up and just listen,* things are not out of control, they're out of your control, but not my control. The same is even true of even the two of you."
I found there was a very real time to not only be quiet (outward), But also commanded to, "Be still (inward) and know that I am God." Psalms 46:10 It is at this point, he grabs us, with our coffee, and begins the process of revealing the roots of the problems.
There is no way to explain it, you just *try* to carry on. Yes, I'm talking about men taking the final option.
Thank Goodness! I am thankful there are hard charging NCOs like you!!! It's an honor to know you CJ!!!
Good to have you back CJ
I can now move this back to my active blogs to read daily! Thank you!
CJ you never need to explain anything to me my friend!I am very very happy to see you are back to doing the blog again! You know you have my support!
Clayton
CJ you always have and always will have my support. You've always been very upfront about who you are, what you believe and stand for and I've never seen you violate OPSEC or do anything that would reflect poorly on the US Army and I've been reading this blog from it's inception. I'm glad you're back at it. I really hope that your new command will recognize how important what you have to say is and won't give you the problems that you encountered at your last duty station. Keep up the good work, my friend.
I read the article in the Army times about you. I posted a Vlog about what your going through. I have a lot of old Army buddies that are here to support you and your cause. I believe whole heartedly in what your doing here. Our voices should not be silenced. Thank you MSG Grisham.
It is theraputic for me as well! Soldier on!!
NY-David
Well….it is true tht wherever I show up….things reach a "fever pitch".
Damn glad you're writing again.
CJ,
blah blah blah blah [CJ Note: I said this, not Steve. Steve's real comment summarized below.]
So, by all means remove my post it will further show your hypocrisy.
[CJ Note: Hypocrisy shown. I won't let you dictate what does and doesn't get published, thank you.]
The last banner didn't violate copyright laws. You're just looking for an argument. Thanks for playing.
Both the Army symbol and the Globe and Anchor are registered trademarks requiring permission for their use.
You're welcome!
Your response is very similar to that of your Army overlords. I'd say the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree. But what kind of fruit would that be…it would obviously be something thin skinned.
I'm impressed! Does this mean the ban is lifted?
Until you get on my nerves with useless drivel and pointless stupidity again.
Oh, it's not that difficult. I have no patience with some people and you are one of them. You can take personal or make inferences, but it's not that difficult.
Many senior Army and Marine Corps officers visit this and no one has any issues with besides you. And I just don't put a lot of weight behind what you think.
If you don't put a lot of weight behind what I think why do you respond to or remove my posts? Seems to me you do care.
CJ,
You've been a friend and a 1SG to me. I've read your blog since before we met, before you took the assignment in AL. We don't always agree but as a Soldier and a Leader, you have my greatest respect. I'd much prefer you to be upfront about your beliefs than two-faced about them. Save travels.
Chad W.