veteran’s corner

Tom Krabbenhoft

China and its behavior and aggressive policies have been making the news lately. They have engaged in alarming cyber activity. They have a political system of pseudo capitalism and repressive personal freedoms. They have expanded their military immensely and have increased the sound of their saber rattling. Definitely posing a threat on the global stage.

Everyday I’m reminded of Mao and Chinas culture to change. You see, I have a Shih Tzu dog. Up until recently I had two, one passed. Mother and Son rescue dogs. This is a little hard to admit publicly as my man card was shredded adopting these two.

When Mao walked out of the mystical mountains with his merry bands of guerrillas to “free” the people he embarked on “the great leap forward”. It was his effort to erase everything pre-Mao. Shaolin temples, Buddha, books, music, Confucius’s graves and yes even the lowly Shih Tzu. Mao took a page from the Stalinist handbook and attempted to erase any history that did not benefit Mao. He even refined and perfected the technique.  Others that followed copied North Korea, Saddam Hussein. Even the Taliban with the destruction of the Bayiman Buddhas in March 2001 followed the Mao pattern.

Ironically Mao’s wife was largely responsible for the cultural cancelation direction the new China took. She was “canceled” soon after Maos death in 1976.

The Shih Tzu (Sheed Su) translates from Mandarin as “little lion”, as many of them resemble the King of beasts. The breed originated from Tibet. They were gifted to many upper society citizens of China. They were highly sought after and considered temple dogs. The breed with its friendly, loyal shed free nature and adaptable personality became highly coveted. Often several of them would sleep in beds of royals and their children they would keep their masters warm on cold nights. The legend goes that these dogs were systemically put down and illegal to own. In 1949, thirteen of the fluffy feline looking dogs were snuck out of China. They made their way to Britain where they rebuilt the breed. US service members found the dogs pleasant and took them back to the states. They have rebounded and become a very popular breed.

Congratulations to my furry, flat-faced loyal companion Remington and his ancestors for slipping through Maos iron grip.

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J&S Felton Bar held a motorcycle run this past Saturday. 120 motorcycles registered and proceeded to blast around several small towns around the prairie. Rolling on the plains in a group of motorcycles that large is a thrill you can’t describe. The only thing that defeats the thrill is the money that was raised for the local honor guard and the FM Legion Riders. Thanks J&S Felton Bar and John and Sarah for your unselfish efforts and a fun event.

Story ideas or veteran of the week submission please email me at 11btwk@gmail.com.