how do you hold your temper when ass clowns like that approach you?

We had a similar experience at the BX recently.  There was a guy running a concessions stand that sold Ganesh T-shirts and statues, inscense....all kinds of Hindu, Buddhist and other bits and pieces.  We stopped to browse and got talking to the guy, and somehow the conversation got around to Dave having bought me some things from the Middle East on a few of his numerous deployments there.

"So, how d'ya feel about funding the terrorists and enemies of our country?" the concessions guy said. 

I sincerely thought that Dave was about to punch the guy in the face.  I could see him clenching his teeth and the little vein in his forehead - the one that pops up when he's mad - started pulsing.  I told the guy that I was sorry he felt like that and that if he felt that strongly about it he probably shouldn't be peddling his crap on a military installation - and that it also wasn't a great idea to speak to people that way.  Not if he wanted his face to stay in one piece, that is.

You showed far greater tact and diplomacy that I could have, Ock. 

MM:

how do you hold your temper when ass clowns like that approach you?

Well, the first thing that came to my mind was that it was a kid. And kids know everything, right? Ok, they think they do. There is a lyric in a song by Genesis called "Heathaze" that I've always loved...I'll quote it shortly, and that should explain it.

Dharma:

You showed far greater tact and diplomacy that I could have, Ock.

It's hard, but I'm in a hard position. The greater part of the military serves the purpose of fighting the wars. The military bands serve several purposes, but one of them - the one I am most a part of - serves the purpose of reminding people from all nations that we all have many things in common.

Playing music isn't my job per se. My job actually starts when a guy like that approaches me. I have to represent everyone regardless of my internal reaction. And so here's the quote I remember that gets me through it:

"Beware the fisherman that's casting out his line into a dried up riverbed. But don't try to tell him cuz he won't believe you. Throw some bread to the ducks instead. It's easier that way."

Good tune...check it out. Heathaze by Genesis off the album "Duke"

Thanks both of you for your comments.

Ok I understand, for the most part I give what I call kids a pass unless they go way over the top. You did the right thing.

You're a better man than I, Gunga Din.

it sounds like you kept dave from hurting the guy. thus you did the right thing

LW:

Well done, Ock, and welcome back. I've missed you!

This, by itself, will get me through another day. You're a peach, Sabrina. I wish everyone could see that as clearly as I do.

MM:

Ok I understand, for the most part I give what I call kids a pass unless they go way over the top. You did the right thing.

As I emailed you, Elie, I'm so happy you're back and happy the surgery went well. You remind me to not be too quick to judge folks by mere words on a page, because you and I didn't "hit it off" once upon a time, but now I am so happy to call you a friend.

MasonM

You're a better man than I, Gunga Din.

Admiral Mike Mullin, the Chief of Naval Operations, is leaving his position, shortly. He sent out a letter to the Navy thanking us for what we do, and the key point of the letter was that if you ask any sailor (or soldier) why they did a particular thing, they all respond the exact same way: "I'm just doing my job." I read that letter before going on this trip, and at the time, it only made intellectual sense. Now it makes emotional sense, as well. I really was just doing my job. One never really stops to think about it. That's your gig. You do your gig. Period.

I can't tell you guys how often I've been thanked for serving - even though my service is nowhere near the kind of service that Mr. Wahine or Mr. Dharmagirl has to endure (for example). The funny thing is - I couldn't be prouder to do what little I do for the country. I'm coming down the pike to the end of my military service. I have about 3.5 years left. I truly couldn't be happier that I've had this opportunity here in Italy. In the CONUS bands, most of the work is ceremonies and doing recruiting tours in US High Schools. But seeing all of these other countries, and having the opportunity to just drop a seed here and there, through music, that we Americans aren't the beasts that we're sometimes made out to be, is the most rewarding thing I've ever experienced. Here's hoping those seeds bear fruit.

I echo Dharma's sentiments.  And applaud you in your tact.  Many of us would not be so quick on our feet.

When the Clinton testimony was being streamed over the internet, I was listening.  And a window washer asked me "Do you think he should be impeached?".  I said yes.  He then when into a 10 minute tribute to the man and how he disagreed with me.  My response

"I did not ask you what you thought."

So much for my witty comebacks.

Never ask a question just to give your own answer. I need to work on that.

Hey, he's had volatile substances and a lighter? Isn't that a human bomb, a common terrorist tactic? Would have been more effective to light yourself on fire, but okay.