Rather than flying the flag you could .....

[Anonymous]

Does lighting a candle or flying the flag seems like an empty gesture?

I volunteer in the local inner city grade school to help out tutoring math once a week. It leaves me with a feeling of being appreciated and a certain amount of fulfillment for just 1.5 hours a week. God knows these kids eat up the attention even the most hard core little street urchin. There are kids inside of them and they come out when people give a sh** about them.


I have noticed all of a sudden people in this country have stopped being a hyphen and are just Americans. It is a wonderful thing. I just find flying the flag empty. I don't know exactly what others can do but some how some way if we use this horrible incident to start listening to each other, start helping each other no matter who they are, maybe just maybe something good can come of this. Perhaps that would add a little meaing to their end and give their families a small measure of comfort.

What do others think?

Does this cynical half backed actuary have a point. Probably not, but the only thing meaningful I can think of to make this country stronger and better is to volunteer.

[Dr T Non-Fan]

It's only empty when one does it because everyone else is doing it. Or does it out of fear of other, more "patriotic" neighbors.
Or does it at the ballgame so they can get on TV.
(I can be more cynical than this.)

Heroes don't only have to die or to save others from dying. Or to give money or to make speeches. Some just volunteer to help teach children math.

[Anonymous]

"I just find flying the flag empty. I don't know exactly what others can do but some how some way if we use this horrible incident to start listening to each other, start helping each other no matter who they are, maybe just maybe something good can come of this."

I do not find flying Old Glory literally, totally empty but -- and I think I agree with you – much emptier than helping people. I think the person who started the “United Support – Let’s Help Each Other” thread, shares your sentiment, although the action expressed is less helpful than your example you give. But, hey, helping others with exam questions posted on this board is one step better than nothing.

FYI, I used to volunteer about ten to twenty hours per week through college and for the first several years of my career. My SoA exam progress was the bare minimum. But now with a wife (and kids to come), mortgage, etc. I need to stop my volunteer work, for now. I look forward to volunteering (and finishing exams) soon. I've been thinking about being a volunteer police officer.