Post No. 146: For The Year 2012 — My Posting Sabbatical, Part 2

(Image by Paul Whiting)

WARNING: THIS POST HAS CONTENT THAT MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!

"Me, Myself and I..." Part 2
(Continued from 'Me, Myself and I...' Part 1)

I am completing my year-long writing posting sabbatical while I work on "me."

Specifically, I am having my teeth fixed after having not taken care of them for a while, when I was really sick a few years ago! So, I decided to spend a year on a "writing posting sabbatical." That is, I am not posting anything—except for my posting sabbatical writing—while I am getting all of my dental work done...

-Paul Whiting
(a.k.a., Small All White in the Forest)
"I am no barrier to its sun; the light and I are as one!"

My Poetic Notes:

The reason that I wrote this posting sabbatical writing can be summed up with the following statement: "I am having my teeth fixed after having not taken care of them for a while, when I was really sick a few years ago! So, I decided to spend a year...not posting anything—except for my posting sabbatical writing—while I am getting all of my dental work done."

By the way, when I originally published this post, I accidentally called it a "Writing Sabbatical," because I was confused!

So, I eventually realized my mistake and corrected it by calling this post a "Posting Sabbatical," since I was taking time away from 'posting' (in order to have my teeth fixed over the year 2012), rather than taking time away from 'writing,' like I had mistakenly thought!

And this posting sabbatical writing was also published on my "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" blog (please see the hyperlink below for the blog), since I feel that the message in this writing applies to the message I am trying to convey through "Poet, Artist and Philosopher."

This posting sabbatical writing was written in Portland, Oregon.

-Paulee

https://poetartistandphilosopher.blogspot.com

My Posting Sabbatical Writing for Part 2 in Date Order:

My Writing About Your Soul's Résumé: Your Karma is your soul's résumé. –Paul Whiting (written July 1st, 2012 and revised July 24th, 2022)

My Writing About Prudes And Rape: I think that there is a really strong correlation between those who are "prudish" in their nature (which I also believe is basically the same situation as those who do not find themselves sexually attractive) and those who say it is "okay" to commit sexual assault! Additionally, I truly think that rapists buy into this horrible and ridiculous premise since they believe that God has some kind of "plan for rape" (as they will sometimes even say themselves) which translates to mean that they have every right in the world to commit sexual assault in order to "Cash In On God's Guarantee" that they get to have sex by force as a reward for having achieved "Being In God's Good Graces The Right Way!" And that is why I honestly think that rapists seriously believe that they are wholly deserving of being able to commit sexual assault. –Paul Whiting (written July 1st, 2012, revised April 14th, 2015, revised September 21st, 2015, revised April 20th, 2022, revised April 21st, 2022 and revised September 1st, 2022)

My Writing About God and Everybody: "God, I love everybody! Everybody, I love God!" –Paul Whiting (July 3rd, 2012)

My Writing About Mitt Romney's Tax Returns: "I think the really obvious reason that Mitt Romney has refused to release his tax returns is because he is hiding the fact that he has been avoiding U.S. taxes by investing millions in offshore tax havens." –Paul Whiting (July 3rd, 2012)

My Writing About the 4th of July: "Please join me in celebrating the 4th of July by making a donation to the charity of your choice that supports the those who serve our country! For, the men and women of the United States Armed Forces protect and uphold our freedom each and every day." –Paul Whiting (July 4th, 2012)

My Writing About "Friends and Enemas": "Keep your friends close and your enemas closer! LOL" –Paul Whiting (July 8th, 2012)

My Writing About Self-Love Being The Greatest Problem And The Greatest Solution: I believe that "The Greatest Problem In Life" is Creating Self-Love. And I believe, as well, that Creating Self-Love is also "The Greatest Solution In Life." –Paul Whiting (written July 19th, 2012 and revised August 24th, 2022)

My Writing on the Tragedy in Colorado: "Americans seriously need to rethink our collective 'vigilante mentality' with regard to solving our problems, or expressing our emotions! How many more shootings do we need before we finally realize that gun violence has no place in a free society? For, any free society that allows guns to be placed in the hands of emotionally unstable people isn't really free." –Paul Whiting (July 20th, 2012)

My Writing About "Manscaping Parties": "I think that there should be such a thing as 'Manscaping Parties' where guys can get together and they can help each other out to 'Manscape' in those really difficult-to-reach areas, such as a hairy back! Plus, they can also share 'Manscaping Tips' and 'Manscaping Products' too!" –Paul Whiting (July 21st, 2012)

My Writing About The Republican Party's "War On America": Sometimes I truly think that the Republican Party is literally conducting a "War On America!" All they seem to want to do is disenfranchise, marginalize, get rid of—and even kill outright—anyone who is NOT one of them! –Paul Whiting (written July 23rd, 2012, revised November 21st, 2015 and revised September 7th, 2022)

My Writing About My 'Mormon' Upbringing: Although I honestly do consider myself to be a "Recovering Mormon," one of the many Valuable Values that I learned in my upbringing in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ("The Mormon Church"), through their enduring Pioneering Spirit, is the ability to prepare my own home-cooked meals! Because I know how to prepare my own home-made food, I have a really wonderful day-to-day sense of independence for which I am very grateful for my "Mormon" upbringing. –Paul Whiting (written July 24th, 2012, revised October 7th, 2022 and revised September 12th, 2023)

My Writing About President Obama: "President Barack Obama truly stands for 'We the People' and not just simply 'We the Privileged.'" –Paul Whiting (July 24th, 2012)

The New and Improved "Look for the Union Label" Song:

Look for the Union Label,
When you are buying for your kids, or your spouse!
Remember, somewhere, our quality's showing and
Our wages are going to feed the kids and run the house...
We always work hard, but who's complaining?
Thanks to the Unions, we're paying our way!
So, always look for the Union Label... It says,
"We Proudly Made It, Right Here In The USA!"

–Paul Whiting (written July 25th, 2012 and revised September 2nd, 2013)

My Writing About LIBOR-gate: "With regard to 'LIBOR-gate,' I could not have stated this any better myself: 'End the Banking Culture of Impunity: Investigate, Prosecute and Incarcerate.'" –Paul Whiting (written July 28th, 2012 and revised May 31st, 2022)

My Haiku About the Love of God:

The Love of God is You

You are God's Own Love!
For, the Love of God is You!
So, Become God's Love!

–Paul Whiting (July 30th, 2012)

My Model Regarding Universal Self-Love:

The Universal Self-Love Model
(Or, "Insourcing In A Void")

Hard work and honesty creates direct cause and effect, which creates predictability and control, and that creates Self-Identity and Self-Love, both of which are Insourcing In A Void, and that is the basis of Universal Self-Love!

–Paul Whiting (written July 31st, 2012, revised March 20th, 2015, revised April 14th, 2015 and revised August 24th, 2022)

My Writing About President Obama's 51st Birthday: "There are 'fifty-one-derful' reasons to wish you a happy birthday, Mr. President!" –Paul Whiting (August 4th, 2012)

My Other Writing About President Obama's 51st Birthday: "Please join me in celebrating President Obama's 51st birthday by making a donation to Obama for America!" –Paul Whiting (August 4th, 2012)

My Additional Writing About President Obama: "I truly believe that Barack Hussein Obama is the 'Greatest American President' since Franklin Delano Roosevelt." –Paul Whiting (August 4th, 2012)

My Writing on the Tragedy in Wisconsin: "Americans seriously need to let go of our collective 'cowboy mentality' with regard to the way we treat other human beings! It's almost like way too many Americans simply see each other as just another easy target in the proverbial buffalo herd and (thanks to America's gun laws) everyone has got their own rifle..." –Paul Whiting (August 5th, 2012)

My Writing About Beautiful Souls: "To behold a beautiful body is really wonderful! But to behold a beautiful soul is even more wonderful!" –Paul Whiting (written August 6th, 2012 and revised October 17th, 2015)

My Writing About The "Caterpillar, Cocoon And Butterfly" Meaning Of Life: I truly believe that—metaphorically speaking—we are all meant to start out as "The Caterpillar" by only consuming knowledge! And then, we are all meant to 'go within,' so to speak, by creating "The Cocoon" in order to transform ourselves through our consumed knowledge! And then, we are all meant to emerge as "The Butterfly" in order to share our transformed knowledge! And, finally, each "Emerged Butterfly" is meant to encourage each "Consuming Caterpillar" to 'go within,' as well, in order to transform themselves and to become "The Butterfly" also! –Paul Whiting (written August 9th, 2012, revised June 1st, 2022 and revised October 1st, 2022)

My Writing About Obama and Biden in 2012: "In 2012, it's forward that we're all stridin' with Obama and Biden!" –Paul Whiting (August 17th, 2012)

My Writing About Republicans Supporting Rape And Incest Through Anti-Abortion Legislation: I truly think that it is blatantly clear that Republicans support both incest and rape by making abortions in those cases illegal. –Paul Whiting (written August 21st, 2012 and revised September 7th, 2022)

My Writing About How Way Too Many Republicans Are Latent Incestuous Rapists: I honestly believe that way too many Republicans are latent incestuous rapists due to the really obvious indicator that they wish to make abortions illegal in cases of both rape and incest. –Paul Whiting (written August 22nd, 2012 and revised September 7th, 2022)

My Writing About Self-Loving and Self-Loathing: Self-Love is the Pinnacle Of Love and all other forms of love stem from Self-Love. And, in contrast, Self-Loathing is the Pinnacle Of Loathing and all other forms of loathing stem from Self-Loathing. –Paul Whiting (written August 21st, 2012, revised April 14th, 2015 and revised August 24th, 2022)

My Writing About Why I Am A Democrat: "I am a Democrat for the very simple reason that the Democratic Party genuinely stands for what I truly believe in and that is 'the simple principle that in America, hard work should pay off, responsibility should be rewarded, and each one of us should be able to go as far as our talent and drive take us,' which is a quote from The 2012 Democratic National Party Platform." –Paul Whiting (written September 4th, 2012, revised April 14th, 2015 and revised July 9th, 2024)

My Writing About Each And Every Soul Being On A Path To Becoming God: I honestly believe that—quite literally—each and every soul is on a path to becoming God. –Paul Whiting (written September 6th, 2012 and revised August 3rd, 2022)

My Writing About "A Day of Silence and Reflection": "In honor of all of the lives lost during—as well as all of those devastatingly affected by—'The Attacks of September 11th, 2001' (and in honor all of the lives lost, and all of those affected, since that time), I feel like September 10th should be 'A Day of Silence and Reflection,' so that our 'One Nation Under God' can reflect on how just much that we can affect each other as human beings and—more importantly—the way that we chose to affect each other as human beings! And, also, I really feel that 'We the People of the United States' specifically need to reflect on how much that America needs to simply grow up and leave the proverbial sandbox behind..." –Paul Whiting (September 10th, 2012)

My Writing About "The September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance": "For those like myself who prefer to 'Volunteer Financially' for the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance, please join me in making a donation to the participating organization of your choice in order to support the efforts of those who are Paying Tribute Through Service!" –Paul Whiting (September 11th, 2012)

My Writing About Listening to Mozart's Requiem on September 11th: "On this anniversary of September 11th, I decided to listen to Mozart's Requiem Mass in D minor as a way to express my feelings over the events of 2001." –Paul Whiting (September 11th, 2012)

My Writing About Republicans And Lies: Way too often it seems like there are way too many Republicans who seem like they have never met a lie that they didn't like! –Paul Whiting (written September 12th, 2012 and September 7th, 2022)

My Writing About Public Libraries Being Used for Church on Sunday: "I seriously think that public libraries should really be used for church on sunday, since they have a lot of books to read about the wonder and mystery of God and the Universe—in comparison to the churches themselves, which usually only seem to have one book to read..." –Paul Whiting (September 12th, 2012)

My Writing About the Attack on the American Embassy in Libya: "With regard to the attack on the American Embassy in Libya, I could not have stated this any better myself: 'as long as there are those who would take innocent life in the name of God, the world will never know a true and lasting peace,' which is a quote by Secretary of State Hilary Clinton discussing the death of the U.S. Ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens." –Paul Whiting (written September 12th, 2012, revised April 14th, 2015 and September 21st, 2015)

My Writing About Women Earning 23 Cents Less Than Men: "The Census confirmed that women working full time year round continued to be paid only 77 cents for every dollar paid to their male counterparts! Women workers are NOT worth 23 cents less than men! So, in addition to signing a petition urging my Members of Congress to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, I also made a $10.23 donation in order to support this critical issue and to also symbolically give all women workers the extra 23 cents that they are due!" –Paul Whiting (written September 13th, 2012 and revised October 17th, 2015)

My Writing About Voter Fraud: It seems like the only criminals that we need to be concerned about committing voter fraud are the Republicans through their attempts in multiple states to enact voter suppression laws. –Paul Whiting (written September 14th, 2012 and revised September 7th, 2022)

My Writing About Self-Identity: It's no one else's job to be you on your behalf. –Paul Whiting (written September 20th, 2012, revised April 14th, 2015 and revised August 24th, 2022)

My (Belated) Writing About the One Year Anniversary of the Repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell": "I am so very grateful to be able to say that, one year (and one day!) ago, the United States of America at-long-long-last made it legal for gay men and women to openly and proudly serve their country in the United States Military!" –Paul Whiting (September 21st, 2012)

My Writing About The Republican War On Women's Rights: I am a gay male who is voting Democrat for President, Senate and Congress! And I approve this message. –Paul Whiting (written September 26th, 2012, revised April 14th, 2015 and revised September 7th, 2022)

My Writing About the Most Important Relationship in Life: "The most important relationship in life is the relationship that you have with yourself! For, relationships with others may come and go, but your relationship with yourself is eternal." –Paul Whiting (September 26th, 2012)

My Writing About The Policy Of Honesty In The Kingdom Of God: In the Kingdom of God, honesty is not only the Best Policy, honesty is the Only Policy. –Paul Whiting (written September 29th, 2012 and revised September 12th, 2023)

My Writing About The Republican "Fact-Checker Free" Presidential Campaign: SARCASM WARNING: I am voting Republican because I am not going to let my life be dictated by fact checking, or arithmetic, or honesty, or common sense. –Paul Whiting (written September 30th, 2012, revised June 11th, 2022 and revised September 7th, 2022)

My Writing About "The Two Faces of Mitt": "The Mittens Has Two Faces!" –Paul Whiting (October 1st, 2012)

My Writing About the Republican Vice Presidential Candidate: "Four words: Paul 'Ayn Rand' Ryan!" –Paul Whiting (written October 2nd, 2012 and revised April 14th, 2015)

My Writing About the First Presidential Debate: "I really don't think that Mitt realizes the power of having effectively treated a Totally Infamous American Icon—such as Sesame Street's Big Bird—like a sitting duck! I guess that Mitt is, apparently, looking to save Americans from the 'horrors' of borrowing from China by defunding the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). So yeah, I bet that he really does like Big Bird... Mitt likes Bird Bird under glass with a nice, crisp salad." –Paul Whiting (written October 3rd, 2012 and revised April 14th, 2015)

My Writing About Supporting Walmart's Striking Workers: "I stand in solidarity with and totally support Walmart's striking workers." –Paul Whiting (October 8th, 2012)

My Writing About Breast Cancer Awareness Month: "Please join me in supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month by making a donation to a participating charity and/or by making 'Pink Ribbon Purchases' in stores, or online." –Paul Whiting (October 15th, 2012)

My Writing About Women Voting: They are women: hear them roar! –Paul Whiting (written October 17th, 2012 and revised November 8th, 2022)

My Writing About Blog Action Day 2012: "'The Power of We' is the power to be the change that you wish to see in the world." –Paul Whiting (October 19th, 2012)

My Writing About "Who Let the Billboards Out?": "Right after I learned about Clear Channel putting up 'Voter Fraud is a Felony' billboards in Black and Latino neighborhoods in Ohio and Wisconsin, I decided to look up Clear Channel on the Internet and I subsequently found out that Clear Channel is owned by Bain Capital! So, obviously, the connection between these Clear Channel billboards, Bain Capital and Mitt ('Who-Let-the-Dogs-Out?') Romney is blatantly, um, clear!" –Paul Whiting (October 21st, 2012)

My Writing About the Final Presidential Debate: "With regard to Mitt Romney's 'the-1%-is-the-only-precent' and, so, 'say-whatever-it-takes-to-win' ('Etch-A-Sketch') campaign, I could not have said this any better myself: 'Governor, when it comes to our foreign policy you seem to want the policies of the 1980s, just like you want to import the social policies of the 1950s and the economic policies in the 1920s,' which is a quote by President Obama during the final presidential debate." –Paul Whiting (written October 22nd, 2012 revised April 14th, 2015 and revised May 31st, 2022)

My Writing About the Attitude of "Never Leave Someone Behind" vs. "Judge Others and Throw Them Away": "There is an attitude in the United States Military that you should never leave someone behind! And this stands in complete contrast to the attitude held by many Conservative Thinkers, which is to judge others and then throw them away." –Paul Whiting (October 25th, 2012)

My Writing About How I Vote: When I vote, I typically consider the recommendations of various organizations, news publications, as well as election 'political mailers' and, then, I decide whose recommendations for, or against, each candidate or ballot measure make the most sense. Plus, I usually always vote for Democrats. And that's how democracy rolls in this house! –Paul Whiting (written October 28th, 2012 and revised November 8th, 2022)

My Writing About "God's Plan For Rape": I truly believe that God's only "plan for rape" is to literally eradicate rape from all of existence! And I truly feel that it is "God's Plan" to end all rape through each and every soul expressing "Self-Love" instead. For, I honestly think that it is "God's Plan" to eliminate the actual need to commit sexual assault by way of each and every soul expressing "Self-Love," instead—rather than anyone ever forcing themselves upon others in an ungodly way. –Paul Whiting (written October 27th, 2012, revised April 14th, 2015, revised August 24th, 2022 and revised September 1st, 2022)

My Writing About Hurricane Sandy (or, "The Frankenstorm"): "In order to assist all of those adversely affected by Hurricane Sandy (or, 'The Frankenstorm'), please join me and donate to the charity of your choice! Plus, also please join me and 'Connect the Dots between Extreme Weather and Climate Change,' which is a quote from leading environmental activist organization 350.org." –Paul Whiting (written October 29th, 2012, revised April 14th, 2015 and September 21st, 2015)

My Writing About the Proverbial Snake and Rat: "There is nothing more threatening to the proverbial snake than a courageous and defiant rat!" –Paul Whiting (October 30th, 2012)

My Writing About Climate Change: "I'd like to teach the world to think in perfect harmony." –Paul Whiting (October 30th, 2012)

My Haiku About Autumn Leaves:

Each autumn leaf is
a work of art, as painted
by the hand of God!

–Paul Whiting (November 3rd, 2012)

My Writing About the 2012 Election: "There is a God!" –Paul Whiting (November 6th, 2012)

My Writing About Donating To Veterans' Charities On Veterans Day (for 2012): Please join me in honoring the brave men and women of the U.S. Military by making a donation to the veterans' charities of your choice to express thanks to and give support for Our Veterans. –Paul Whiting (written November 11th, 2012, revised June 15th, 2022 and revised November 11th, 2022)

My Writing About "The True Servants of God": "I truly believe that all of those souls who feel Truly Blessed in Their Lives by God and who also try to Help Others in the World are 'The True Servants of God!' For, they authentically 'Walk the Talk' of Us All being Our Brother's and Sister's Keepers." –Paul Whiting (November 15th, 2012)

My Writing About Thanksgiving (for 2012): I am so very grateful to live in "The Land Of The Free And The Home Of The Brave!" –Paul Whiting (written November 22nd, 2012 and revised November 24th, 2022)

My Writing About Black Friday 2012: "Although I did not attend the 'Action in Solidarity with Striking Walmart Workers' at my local Walmart on this Black Friday, as I had planned to do, I did manage, however, to contribute to OUR Walmart (Organization United for Respect at Walmart) in order to demonstrate that I stand in solidarity with and totally support Walmart's striking workers." –Paul Whiting (written November 23rd, 2012, revised April 14th, 2015 and revised May 31st, 2022)

My Writing About Chocolate and Child Slavery: "I am a frequent consumer of chocolate and 'Chocolate and Child Slavery: An Abolitionist’s Guide' changed my chocolate-buying habits overnight! I will no longer support companies who are known to use slave-produced chocolate, which includes M&M Mars, Hershey's, Kraft (including Cadbury, Nabisco, Toblerone), Nestlé, General Mills (including Häagen Dazs), Lindt and Sprungli (including Ghirardelli), Unilever (including Breyer’s Ice Cream and Ben & Jerry’s), Godiva and any other companies who use slave labor! Instead, I will be supporting companies that sell slave-free chocolate, which includes Divine Chocolate, Equal Exchange. Endangered Species Chocolate, AlterEco, Camino Cocoa, Cloud Nine/Tropical Source Coffee-Tea-Etc., Dagoba Organic Chocolate, Deans Beans, El Rey, Frontier Cooperative, Green and Black's Health by Chocolate, Malagasy, Rapunzel, Sweet Earth Chocolates, Terra Nostra Organic, Theo Chocolate, Whole Foods (Private Label), Vital Choice and any other companies that sell slave-free chocolate!" –Paul Whiting (November 25th, 2012)

My Writing About the Potential 2013 Tax Increase for the Middle Class: "As a single, gay man (who is also on SSDI, due to being HIV-positive), I can only imagine how much that an average middle-class family would be impacted by seeing their taxes go up by $2,200! And, yet, because of my living situation (of being on a limited monthly income), my sympathies truly go out to all of those middle-class families who may have to deal with potentially paying $183.33 more per month, due to this 2013 tax increase." –Paul Whiting (November 28th, 2012)

My Writing About God's Will for Women: "I truly believe that God's will for women is the women's will for themselves! And I also truly believe that all women's bodies and all of their health choices are to be controlled by the women and *only* by the women." –Paul Whiting (November 30th, 2012)

My Writing About the New York City Fast Food Workers Strike: "I stand in solidarity with the New York City Fast Food Workers Strike!" –Paul Whiting (November 30th, 2012)

My Writing About the State of Florida's 'Shoot First' Law: "Americans seriously need to stop using deadly force (via 'Stand Your Ground,' or 'Shoot First' Laws, such as the one in Florida) as a form of conflict resolution and/or self-protection, whenever some armed individual feels (quote end quote) 'threatened' by someone." –Paul Whiting (November 30th, 2012)

My Writing About "The Meaning Of Life For All Of Us Deities" (Or, "The Meaning Of Life For All Of Us 'IOUs Of Void Energy!'"): "We, The Deities" are meant to purposefully make calculated mistakes and, then, we are meant to correct those same mistakes: in other words, that is how Karma works! That way, "We, The Deities" can test how a particular aspect of Quantum Mechanics works by purposefully making calculated mistakes with regard to that particular aspect—and, then, we can correct those same mistakes! And, therefore, that is also how "We, The Deities," or "All The Souls That Exist In A Void"—who are basically "IOUs Of Void Energy" (that is, "Individual Operating Units Of Void Energy")—can learn how to Self-Identify and experience how to transform Our Deified Potential In A Void from "The Mere Possibility of Something Happening" into, quite literally, "Everything That Exists!" –Paul Whiting (written December 1st, 2012, revised March 20th, 2015, revised April 14th, 2015, revised September 21st, 2015, revised August 24th, 2022 and revised October 1st, 2022)

My Writing About St. Nicholas Day: Please join me this December 6th by celebrating St. Nicholas Day—since "he had a reputation for secret gift-giving, such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him, and thus became the model for Santa Claus"—by contributing to the charitable causes of your choice and 'Give The Gift Of Charity' this Holiday Season! –Paul Whiting (written December 6th, 2012, revised December 6th, 2022 and revised December 24th, 2022)

My Haiku for December 12th, 2012:

A Haiku for 12/12/12

Twelve days to give gifts!
Twelve is the month when Christ lives!
Twelve feels like Christmas!

–Paul Whiting (December 12th, 2012)

My Writing About the "Global Day of Solidarity" for Walmart Workers: "I stand in solidarity with Walmart's workers and their unions in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, South Africa, United Kingdom, Zambia and the United States, who are joining together for a 'Global Day of Solidarity' to demand change at Walmart through the UNI Walmart Global Union Alliance!" –Paul Whiting (December 14th, 2012)

My Writing on the Tragedy in Connecticut: "Americans seriously need to rethink all of our collective gun laws! From the ease with which guns can be purchased to the 'Stand Your Ground' Laws (or, 'Shoot First' Laws), America has become a veritable shooting gallery, complete with live targets." –Paul Whiting (December 14th, 2012)

My Writing About How Helping Others Naturally Helps You To Consume Less, Since You Feel Fulfilled From 'The Inside Out': When you give to others (while still taking care of your own needs!) and/or when you help others (while still taking care of your own needs!) and/or when you take the time and effort to genuinely consider how your lifestyle choices impact the lives of others—including people, animals, insects, plants and the environment as a whole—and you strive to make the very best choices that are possible for both you and every other being that is being affected by all of the choices that you make, it helps you to feel good on the inside! And, therefore, you will naturally consume less, since you feel fulfilled from 'the inside out' (rather than feeling fulfilled from 'the outside in'), thereby reducing your 'footprint,' so to speak, on the environment and society as a whole! –Paul Whiting (written December 19th, 2012 and revised December 24th, 2022)

My Writing About Honoring the Bangladesh Fire Victims by Calling on Walmart to Improve Safety Standards in Their Supply Chain: "Recently, 112 people died in a Bangladeshi factory fire producing goods for Walmart. Walmart must take responsibility, make amends, and act to prevent future tragedies! For, Walmart's profit-at-any cost business model can no longer be tolerated! And so, in Honor of the Bangladesh Fire Victims, I support the 'Prayer Vigil for Walmart Supply Chain Workers' around the country on December 22nd. Plus, I have also signed the petition 'Ensure Basic Safety and Human Rights of Workers,' calling on Walmart to improve safety standards in their supply chain." –Paul Whiting (December 22nd, 2012)

My Writing About Including The Charitable Causes Of Your Choice In Your Holiday Gift-Giving: Please join me this Holiday Season by including the charitable causes of your choice in your Holiday Gift-Giving and celebrate "The True Meaning Of Christmas" by giving to those in need—just like the Three Wise Men gave to the Christ Child who was in need! –Paul Whiting (written December 25th, 2012, revised December 24th, 2022 and revised December 26th, 2022)

My One and Only Joke About a Hound Dog that Walks into a Dry (Non-Alcoholic) Bar: "So, this hound dog walks into a dry bar and he says to the bartender, 'I have just gotta have a little something to wet my whistle, bartender, because I have been out hunting—like a dog—all day long! And I simply cannot seem to catch a rabbit! I mean, it has gotten so bad that I have been crying all the time! Maybe, I just need a friend, or something. I'm not sure...' And the bartender—who looks strangely like Elvis Presley—says to the hound dog, 'I'm really sorry, but I can't serve you anything, let alone be a friend to you!' And the hound dog looks at the bartender, with his big, puppy-dog eyes and says, 'Okay, but may I at least ask you why not?' And the bartender replies, 'Cause, you ain't nothing but a hound dog, crying all the time! Well, you ain't never caught a rabbit and you ain't no friend of mine...'" –Paul Whiting (written December 27th, 2012 and revised February 6th, 2016)

This "Small All White in the Forest" Post No. 146 was edited on July 9th, 2024.

"Prose is using all of the words that are necessary in order to describe all that is necessary to describe." –Paul Whiting [June 1st, 2022]

"Poetry is using the fewest words possible in order to describe all that is possible to describe." –Paul Whiting [June 1st, 2022]

Post No. 145: For The Year 2012 — My Posting Sabbatical, Part 1

(Image by Paul Whiting)

WARNING: THIS POST HAS CONTENT THAT MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!

"Me, Myself and I..." Part 1
(Continues as 'Me, Myself and I...' Part 2)

I am taking a year-long writing posting sabbatical while I work on "me."

Specifically, I am having my teeth fixed after having not taken care of them for a while, when I was really sick a few years ago! So, I decided to spend a year on a "writing posting sabbatical." That is, I am not posting anything—except for my posting sabbatical writing—while I am getting all of my dental work done.

-Paul Whiting
(a.k.a., Small All White in the Forest)
"I am no barrier to its sun; the light and I are as one!"

My Poetic Notes:

The reason that I wrote this posting sabbatical writing can be summed up with the following statement: "I am having my teeth fixed after having not taken care of them for a while, when I was really sick a few years ago! So, I decided to spend a year...not posting anything—except for my posting sabbatical writing—while I am getting all of my dental work done."

By the way, when I originally published this post, I accidentally called it a "Writing Sabbatical," because I was confused!

So, I eventually realized my mistake and corrected it by calling this post a "Posting Sabbatical," since I was taking time away from 'posting' (in order to have my teeth fixed over the year 2012), rather than taking time away from 'writing,' like I had mistakenly thought!

And this posting sabbatical writing was also published on my "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" blog (please see the hyperlink below for the blog), since I feel that the message in this writing applies to the message I am trying to convey through "Poet, Artist and Philosopher."

This posting sabbatical writing was written in Portland, Oregon.

-Paulee

https://poetartistandphilosopher.blogspot.com

My Posting Sabbatical Writing for Part 1 in Date Order:

My Writing About A Blame-Free Life: My goal is to create a blame-free life for myself and for everyone else around me! –Paul Whiting (written January 2nd, 2012 and revised September 1st, 2022)

My Writing About Self-Love Being A Difficult Thing To Create: Self-Love is a difficult thing to create, because it is not something that you can just imitate. –Paul Whiting (written January 4th, 2012, revised August 23rd, 2022 and revised August 24th, 2022)

My Writing About The Problem With Succeeding In Life: The problem with succeeding in life is not based upon not making mistakes; the problem with succeeding in life is not correcting the mistakes that you make. –Paul Whiting (written January 4th, 2012 and revised July 23rd, 2022)

My Writing About Finding True Love Within Yourself: The phrase "You Need To Find True Love" is a fairytale fantasy! And seeking external validation is an outer locus of control or, as I call it, "Outside-Of-Yourselfness." Therefore, you cannot find "True Love" outside of yourself, since there is nothing outside of yourself except for yourself. For, you are independent in a void forever, because you are the energy of a void as a soul, which is why you can only "Be The True Love Within Yourself." –Paul Whiting (written January 11th, 2012, revised March 20th, 2015, revised February 14th, 2022 and revised August 23rd, 2022)

My Writing About True Love Never Being Free: True Love is never free! For, All Of Creation is based on an economy. Therefore, you have to pay for everything—including True Love—through being in touch with your feelings, a lot of personal change and hard work to make an authentic living, along with emotional transparency, prudent compromise and, of course, honest money. –Paul Whiting (written January 11th, 2012 and revised August 23rd, 2022)

My Writing About Every Single Soul: Every single soul is a success story waiting to happen! –Paul Whiting (written January 19th, 2012 and revised July 23rd, 2022)

My Writing About 'The Great Flaw' In The System Of Life: If your goal is to fix "The Great Flaw" in the System Of Life, please feel free to fix yourself in order to do so. –Paul Whiting (written February 7th, 2012 and revised October 6th, 2022)

My Writing About God Being A Humble Servant: God is not a proud master; God is a humble servant. –Paul Whiting (written February 11th, 2012 and revised October 4th, 2022)

My Writing About God Being Everything: "God is the ground beneath our feet! God is the air that we breath! God is the food that we eat! For, God is everything!" –Paul Whiting (February 12th, 2012)

My Writing About Self-Loving Romance: I am practicing "Self-Loving Romance" (for example, buying myself chocolates for Valentine's Day, then taking myself out for a romantic dinner) as part of my philosophy that "True Love is Never Free" and should be paid for through being in touch with your feelings, a lot of personal change and hard work to make an authentic living, along with emotional transparency, prudent compromise and, of course, honest money. –Paul Whiting (written February 14th, 2012 and revised August 23rd, 2022)

My Writing About God Being A Perfect Karmic Mirror: I feel like it is really important to "Think About Whatever You Are Thinking About" in order to be more proactively in contact with "Your Subconscious Self," which I truly believe is God in the form of a "Perfect Karmic Mirror" through which God is always reflecting "Your Karmic Consciousness." –Paul Whiting (written February 19th, 2012 and revised July 24th, 2022)

My Writing About Integrity Coming From Within: Integrity comes from within! For, you must first be totally honest with yourself in order to be totally honest with others. –Paul Whiting (written February 27th, 2012 and revised July 31st, 2022)

My Writing About God's Possibilities and Hope: "God is a Flood of Possibilities in an Ocean of Hope!" –Paul Whiting (March 8th, 2012)

My Writing About The Republican War On Women: My main point on the Republican "War on Women" is that if what the Republicans want all of these women to be required to go through was, instead, happening to their own penises, you can bet that God, Jesus The Christ—and even The Devil himself—would all be vehemently against it! –Paul Whiting (written March 22nd, 2012 and revised September 7th, 2022)

My Writing About God's Miracle—The Universe: God literally embodies everything all around us—and even through us—in order to Create Life. And so, the Universe itself is God's Miracle! –Paul Whiting (written March 22nd, 2012 and revised August 24th, 2022)

My Writing About God's Unconditional Love: God's love for us is totally unconditional, because God is a constantly-changing, multidimensional field of energy, in the form of The Universe, which is continuously-fluctuating. And God totally loves us through the ever-changing possibilities of reflecting whatever we are expressing individually, and collectively, as souls within God's Universe! –Paul Whiting (written March 23rd, 2012 and revised August 24th, 2022)

My Writing About Trayvon Martin's Tragic Death: "For Trayvon Martin's loved ones, there is no justice and no peace until George Zimmerman is held totally accountable for Trayvon's tragic death—so that Trayvon's loved ones may know justice and know peace." –Paul Whiting (March 26th, 2012)

My Writing About My Definition Of Negative Karma: As far as my definition of "Negative Karma" goes, I honestly feel that, no matter how you intended it, "a threat is a threat is a threat..." In other words, in "My Philosophical Book Of Life," I truly believe that if you simply intended to give someone flowers, in some kind of negative way (even if you did so just in your own mind), then you essentially created Negative Karma. –Paul Whiting (written March 27th, 2012 and revised July 24th, 2022)

My Writing About How We Are Exactly The Same Kind Of Creative Energy Consciousness As 'The One,' Who Is The Very First Soul: We are all Gods and/or Goddesses! In other words, we are exactly the same kind of creative energy consciousness as very first God and/or Goddess, whom I call 'The One.' And I honestly feel that The One is an androgynous female. In other words, The One is the very first soul, or the very first creative consciousnesses of a void, and She is an 'all-powerful female consciousness with strong male attributes.' Therefore, we are also the very same energy consciousness as The One. Phrased another way, we are all the energy of a void and we are all Gods and/or Goddesses! –Paul Whiting (written March 27th, 2012, revised March 20th, 2015, revised June 2nd, 2015, revised September 19th, 2021, revised January 31st, 2022 and revised December 21st, 2022)

My Writing About All Of Us Playing The Fool: At one time or another, we all play the fool! For, whatever is true about life is whatever is true for you (in other words, 'perception is reality'), because our beliefs are our truth, since Our Subconscious Self—or God—is an Absolutely Perfect Mirror and is simply reflecting our true beliefs. –Paul Whiting (written April 1st, 2012 and revised April 1st, 2022 and revised September 1st, 2022)

My Writing About Every Single Being Deserving to be Loved: "Every single being deserves to be totally and completely love—even if we, personally, do not believe that they do." –Paul Whiting (April 7th, 2012)

My Writing About Most Religion Being an Ass-Kissing System: "With all due respect to Jesus the Christ (whom I personally do believe actually was God Incarnate) most religion in the world is a basically a system of ass kissing supported by people who wish to bribe not God, but themselves instead! And they celebrate 'God's Chosen Bribery System' based upon their own false perception that God accepts bribes in order to attain Heaven, rather than based upon the perception that God only accepts honesty, hard work, humility and charity in the world in order to achieve Heaven." –Paul Whiting (April 8th, 2012)

My One and Only Joke About Mitt Romney: "When Jesus the Christ was quoted in The Bible as saying 'it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:24),' I honestly believe that—at the time—He must have been thinking about Mitt Romney!" –Paul Whiting (April 11th, 2012)

My One and Only Joke About Little Miss Muffet: "What did Little Miss Muffet, as she sat on her tuffet, say to that dreadful spider (who dared to sit down beside her) as she was eating her curds and whey? She said to that terrible spider (who dared to sit down beside her) 'Please get out of my whey!" –Paul Whiting (written April 16th, 2012 and revised May 31st, 2022)

My Writing About "The Arc Of The Moral Universe" Quote By Theodore Parker (Which Was Made Famous By Martin Luther King, Jr.): There is a really wonderful quote by Theodore Parker (which was made famous by Martin Luther King, Jr. in his sermon on March 31, 1968) that states the following: "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice." And I think that is an absolutely perfect description of Karma. –Paul Whiting (written April 19th, 2012 and revised July 24th, 2022)

My Writing About a Man's Home and a Man's Soul: "A man's home may be his castle, but it is only a man's soul that is his kingdom." –Paul Whiting (April 20th, 2012)

My Writing About Learning How to Celebrate the Mundane: "Learn how to 'Celebrate the Mundane!' In other words, enjoy the everyday things of life (like day-to-day work, food preparation, bill paying, house cleaning, etc.) that make everyday living possible! For, contained within the gentle stillness of a totally honest and humble life 'True Peace' may be truly found." –Paul Whiting (April 21st, 2012)

My Philosophy on an Ideal Culture of "Male Change-and-Display":

1. Same-sex sexual bonding being a culturally-acceptable alternative to opposite-sex sexual bonding and procreation;

2. Male grooming, or "Manscaping" as part of regular "Male Change-and-Display";

3. Males being allowed to be nude (in both public and private settings) in order to be able to show their "Male Display";

4. And females dressing however they darn-well please (in both public and private settings)! Because it is the males in nature who are meant impress the females (through "Male Change-and-Display"), in order to attract females for bonding sexually, as well as for procreating, rather than the other way around!

–Paul Whiting (written April 21st, 2012,revised November 24th, 2015 and revised May 31st, 2022)

My Writing About Earth Day (for 2012): Please join me in 'Going Green on Earth Day' by making a charitable donation to the environmental cause of your choice! –Paul Whiting (written April 22, 2012 and revised April 22nd, 2024)

My One And Only Pick-Up Line About The Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) That I Have Due To Being Slutty In My Gay Youth: I have HIV, Herpes and also HPV, so I guess that means that I am the 'Catch of the Day' depending upon what you might catch! LOL –Paul Whiting (written April 22nd, 2012 and revised October 6th, 2022)

My Writing About Conservative Thinkers Having A Difficult Time Embracing The Theory Of Evolution: I think the reason that Conservative Thinkers have such a difficult time embracing the obvious truth that evolution is the actual process by which God created life on planet Earth is due to the fact that evolution completely negates their own magicalized belief system that "God Created The Entire Universe In Exactly Seven Days!" And it is that very same belief system which allows those same Conservative Thinkers to consciously dismiss their own need to evolve. –Paul Whiting (written April 25th, 2012, revised October 18th, 2015, revised November 24th, 2015 and revised September 7th, 2022)

My Writing About Citizens United vs. United Citizens: "If a law known as 'Citizens United' can assert that 'Corporations are People' in order to allow independent political expenditures by corporations and unions, then why can't there be another law called 'United Citizens,' which asserts that 'People are Corporations' in order to allow ordinary citizens to receive million-dollar government subsidies, and then be able to pay absolutely zero taxes, and then to also receive million-dollar tax refunds on top of that?" –Paul Whiting (written April 26th, 2012 and revised October 18th, 2015)

My One and Only Joke About Alimony: What did the divorcée in Texas say to her ex-husband? 'Remember the alimony!'" –Paul Whiting (written April 29th, 2012 and revised October 18th, 2015)

My One and Only Joke About 70's Rock Music: "What did the father vulture say to his prodigal son vulture (who had just returned, after trying to become a vegetarian) when the son asked what he and his father would be eating for their next meal? 'Carrion, my wayward son!'" –Paul Whiting (April 30th, 2012)

My Writing About Being A Recovering Blame-A-Holic: Sometimes, I truly feel like I am a recovering "Blame-A-Holic," so to speak, because I honestly feel that I need to keep a constant watch over my negative thoughts in order to not start placing blame upon others whenever I get stressed out! It is practically a full-time job, but I always try to "pull back" blaming thoughts, in my own mind, whenever I have them. And, then, I also try to re-think those negative, blaming thoughts in a positive, responsible way! For, I truly do believe that even simply thinking negative thoughts creates Negative Karma. –Paul Whiting (written May 1st, 2012 and revised September 1st, 2022)

My Writing About Republican Conservative Thinkers Trying To Get Rid Of Liberal Thinkers: I seriously think that Republican Conservative Thinkers are all trying to—literally—pull us back in time to the Dark Ages where they seem to exist, so that they can finally get rid of all the Liberal Thinkers! It is almost like they are trying to "marginalize everyone to death," who isn't one of their own kind, in the hopes that Jesus The Christ will finally show up for "The Rapture" and save all of them from all of the terrible people who are NOT Conservative Thinkers! –Paul Whiting (written May 2nd, 2012, revised November 24th, 2015 and revised September 7th, 2022)

My Writing About an Employee's Right to Freely Join a Union: "I am totally in support of any employee's right to freely join a labor union (without any forced unionism, of course!) because of the many valuable benefits that are offered to labor union members, not to mention the fact that labor unions have a long and proud history of winning many victories on behalf of all employees." –Paul Whiting (May 6th, 2012)

My Writing About the United States Presidency Being a Couple: "I truly believe that the U.S. Presidency should be a married couple, who are totally in love with each other—and who have also dealt with raising their own children—so that all of the legal and presidential-type decisions in the United States can include the proper legal opinion of the U.S. President's spouse, in the same way that it happens each and every day in the real world! And that way, all of those real-world decisions that are decided each and every day by the U.S. Presidency would be legally, and properly, coed." –Paul Whiting (written May 9th, 2012 and revised October 18th, 2015)

My Writing About Churches Being Community Health Centers: "I truly think that all churches worldwide should all be converted into community health centers during the weekdays when they are not in use! That way, church goers can exercise with their fellow believers and also share really healthy foods with their fellow exercise participants, in order to create a truly supportive, community-type atmosphere for getting in shape and staying in shape!" –Paul Whiting (May 9th, 2012)

My Writing About Mother's Day: "In honor of Mother's Day, I made charitable donations to both social and environmental causes in support of all mothers everywhere and in support of Mother Earth too!" –Paul Whiting (May 13th, 2012)

My Writing About Every Day Being Mother's Day: "I wonder how women would be treated in the United States of America if each and every day was legally celebrated as Mother's Day!" –Paul Whiting (May 13th, 2012)

My Writing About Hope Floats vs. Hope Votes: "Have you heard of a film called 'Hope Floats?' Well, on this Primary Election Day in 2012, I believe that 'Hope Votes!'" –Paul Whiting (May 15th, 2012)

My One and Only Joke About Boy Scouts: "What did one Boy Scout say to another Boy Scout who had fewer merit badges than he did? 'Don't hate me because I'm dutiful...'" –Paul Whiting (written May 16th, 2012 and revised May 31st, 2022)

My Writing About God Making Us Correct Our Own Mistakes: Mistakes are God's Gift For Our Survival! For, God made every single one of us imperfect beings, so that we would all know how to correct our own mistakes: because knowing how to correct our own mistakes is what gives us the ability to change—and the ability to change is what gives us the power to adapt to our environment! Therefore, God's Gift For Our Survival is our ability to correct our own mistakes and, subsequently, to be more adaptable to our environment. –Paul Whiting (written May 17th, 2012, revised September 19th, 2021 and revised July 23rd, 2022)

My Writing About Armed Forces Day: On patriotic holidays, such as Armed Forces Day, I truly enjoy listening to music that celebrates the heroic service of all the men and women in the United States Military (both past and present) who are the real reason that America is "The Land Of The Free And The Home Of The Brave!" And I also truly enjoy showing my appreciation for those who are heroically serving in the United States Military, each and every day, by making donations to charitable organizations that Support Our Troops! –Paul Whiting (written May 19th, 2012, revised May 31st, 2022 and revised August 16th, 2022)

My Writing About Classical Piano Music Playing and Rain Falling: "It amazes me just how graceful and well-coordinated that the sound of the rain falling and the sound of classical piano music playing are together." –Paul Whiting (May 21st, 2012)

The Cornerstones of a 'New Renaissance' Education:

1. Reading and Writing (Written Communication Skills)
2. Speech and Debate (Oral Communication Skills)
3. World History (The Past is the Key to the Future)
4. Math and Science (The Structure of Everything)
5. Medicine and First Aid (Physical Healing Skills)
6. Psychology and Psychiatry (Human Psyche Skills)
7. Religion and Spirituality (Psyche Healing Skills)
8. Political Activism and Legal Savvy (Civic Duty Skills)
9. Diplomacy and Defense (Conflict Resolution Skills)
10. Survival Preparedness (Part of Self-Caring Skills)
11. Meaningful Work (Part of Self-Caring Skills)
12. Sex and Personal Care (Part of Self-Caring Skills)
13. Exercise and Sports (Part of Self-Caring Skills)
14. Home Economics (Part of Self-Caring Skills)
15. Music and Theater (Creative Expressive Skills)
16. Art and Crafts (Creative Decorative Skills)
17. Architecture (Design/Construction Skills)
18. Home Improvement (Remodel/Repair Skills)
19. Machinery Mechanics (Vehicle/Equipment Skills)
20. Technology Mechanics (Computer Science Skills)

–Paul Whiting (May 24th, 2012)

My Writing About the "Passionate Attitudes" of All of God's Creatures Great and Small: "I truly feel that All of God's Creatures Great and Small seem to all have extraordinarily passionate attitudes with regard to each other, which are exhibited in many different ways! Additionally, all of us seem to exhibit three, basic different types of 'Passionate Attitude,' which essentially are: 1) Passionately Angry and/or Aggressive; 2) Passionately Loving and/or Nurturing; and 3) Passionately Indifferent and/or Impartial." –Paul Whiting (May 24th, 2012)

My One and Only Joke About Invading Conquerors: "What did the really casual invading conqueror say to the people of the country that he had just invaded and conquered? 'Succumb as you are!'" –Paul Whiting (written May 25th, 2012 and revised October 18th, 2015)

My Writing About Competitive Sports Courses vs. Self-Defense Courses in American Education: "Isn't it interesting that the American education system enthusiastically promotes competitive sports, but it doesn't seem to emphasize self-defense courses at all? So, what does that tell you about the attitude of our culture with regard to the cheer-leaded promotion of competitive sports at the same time that neither non-competitive sports, nor self-defense courses, are promoted in the same ways, nor with the same unbridled enthusiasm!" –Paul Whiting (May 26th, 2012)

My Writing About "God's Computer": I truly do believe that when "God Created The Heavens And The Earth" that what God actually created was a "Super Computer" in the form of God embodying—quite literally—as the entire Universe! And that is why I also believe that God is literally all around us—and that God is literally contained within all of us too—in the form of the entire Universe, which is what constitutes "God's Computer." Plus, I truly do believe that God is also Our Subconscious Self in the form of an Absolutely Perfect Mirror, who is continuously reflecting All Of Our Karma throughout All Of Our Lifetimes! And because God is Our Subconscious Self, that is how, and why, prayer works—since prayer is simply a form of direct communication with God! Thus, I truly do believe that we are all "Independent Operating Units" (or, "IOUs") contained within God's Computer—and that is why God is literally all around us! And that is also why God is literally contained within all of us! And that is also why "We Are All One With God!" –Paul Whiting (written May 26th, 2012, revised November 24th, 2015 and revised July 24th, 2022)

My Writing About Obama and Biden in 2012: "Because of President Obama's many progressive achievements, America is moving forward again! So, let us all proclaim it loud and proud for Obama and Biden in 2012 that 'Yes, We Can—Again!'" –Paul Whiting (May 27th, 2012)

My Writing About IAVA's National Moment Of Silence: For Memorial Day 2012, I participated in the IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) national moment of silence for the all of Americans who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan since September 11th, 2001, in order to remember and honor their lives, their legacies and their last full measure of devotion for our country. And I also listened to patriotic music that celebrates the heroic sacrifice of all the men and women in the United States Military (both past and present), whose selfless dedication made it possible for American to become free and to remain free! –Paul Whiting (written May 28th, 2012, revised May 30th, 2022, revised July 19th, 2022 and revised January 31st, 2023)

My Writing About Becoming Our Own Hero: "These days, it really seems like a lot of people are waiting for some kind of 'Hero' to come along and save them, if the need should ever arise! I say, however, that we should all become much more like the United States Military—in our own heroic thinking—and actually become 'The Hero' for which we are all waiting!" –Paul Whiting (May 28th, 2012)

Summary of My Life Philosophies:

1. Always plan ahead and follow through: In other words, "Always be prepared."

2. Always be well organized: In other words, "A place for everything and everything in its place."

3. If you are going to do a job, always do it correctly; or, redo the job until it is done correctly: In other words, "Do it right the first time—or do it as many times as necessary, until it is right."

4. If you are going to do a job correctly, it may as well be aesthetically pleasing also: In other words, "Make beautiful whatever is dutiful."

5. Clean as you go, and try to maintain a guest-ready clean at all times, as much as possible: In other words, "Cleanliness is next to Godliness."

6. Frugally grocery shop like a bargain guru—and prepare your own meals—as much as possible: In other words, "Be your own personal chef."

7. Recycle, reduce and reuse: In other words, "Love Mother Earth."

8. Always pay your bills on time: In other words, "Be credit worthy."

9. Be as independent as possible, but don't be too afraid to ask for help. And also be as charitable as possible, but don't be too proud to receive charity: In other words, "If possible, give charity. If needed, accept charity."

10. Always ask for clarification. And try to use 'reflective listening' in order to verify that you've clearly understood whatever is being communicated to you: In other words, "Don't assume, always verify."

11. Always listen to your body, by way of your feelings, and trust your 'gut instincts': In other words, "The body never lies."

12. Always feel your feelings: In other words, "Don't bury your feelings, or cover them up." Always feel your feelings and express your feelings responsibly.

13. Always take responsibility for all of your feelings: In other words, "Don't place blame." And always feel your feelings and express your feelings responsibly.

14. Always express your feelings appropriately: In other words, "Learn how to control yourself." And always feel your feelings and express your feelings responsibly.

15. Always be totally honest in the world and totally hard working also: In other words, "Have a wonderful work ethic."

16. And don't stop at only being totally honest in the world—be totally transparent in the world also: In other words, "Honesty is always the best policy."

17. Always be civic-minded: In other words, "Be a good citizen."

18. Do not fear making mistakes: In other words, "If you do make mistakes, strive to correct the mistakes that you make."

19. Ask a lot of questions about everything that you ever begin to question—by way of your feelings, or your 'gut instincts': In other words, "Question authority," or question anything that you ever get a 'funny feeling' about.

20. Face your fears, as much as you possibly can: In other words, "If you face your fears, you will erase your fears..."

21. Devote your life to logistics (or, "the detailed coordination of complex operations"), so that you can have a sense of well being, due to all of your needs always being met through your own efforts: In other words, "Whatever is dutiful is beautiful."

–Paul Whiting (written May 31st, 2012, revised November 20th, 2015, revised October 24th, 2021, revised July 11th, 2022 and revised July 22nd, 2022)

My Writing About Being a "Parable-ist": "I often think of myself as a being a sort of 'Parable-ist,' so to speak! In other words, I really enjoy creating parables in order to describe particular states of being—such as love or envy, peace or discord—in order to explain that particular state of being to someone else in a way that makes sense to them." –Paul Whiting (June 3rd, 2012)

My Writing About Classical Music: "I find that playing Classical Music really puts me in a 'Classical Mood' and I genuinely feel uplifted!" –Paul Whiting (June 4th, 2012)

My Writing About Reducing My Carbon Emissions: I am working toward the goal of becoming "Cooler and Smarter" by reducing my carbon emissions through the process of doing the following: (1) signing up for 100% renewable electricity; (2) using rechargeable batteries; (3) using LED light bulbs; and (4) no longer consuming animal products, due to the environmental impact of raising animals for food. –Paul Whiting (written June 4th, 2012, revised April 14, 2015, revised November 24th, 2015 and revised July 18th, 2022)

My Letter to the State of Florida Task Force on Citizens Safety and Protection regarding Florida's "Shoot First" Law:

To Whom It May Concern,

Vigilante justice is no justice at all! Therefore, when you tell someone with a loaded gun to "Shoot first and ask questions later," you are basically licensing the right for them to practice unbridled vigilante justice!

George Zimmerman allegedly shot an unarmed Trayvon Martin because he felt "threatened" by Trayvon. But the question arises as to what George was actually threatened by...

...Was it Trayvon's candy? Was it Trayvon's iced tea? Was it Trayvon's hoodie? Or was it Trayvon's dark skin?

Thusly, George Zimmerman may have 'wrongly interpreted' the State of Florida's "Shoot First" law to mean "Shoot first (if you are threatened by someone's candy, iced tea, hoodie and dark skin), then ask questions later!"

For, any free society that supports unimpeded vigilante justice, also supports unimpeded violence, as well! And, therefore, that society is no longer free.

Sincerely,

–Paul Whiting (June 7th, 2012)

My Writing About Micromanaging Your Karma: In my own personal belief system, it is prudent to learn how to "Micromanage Your Karma," so to speak. And you do this by always "Thinking About Whatever You Are Thinking About" in order to become "Highly Self-Aware" of whatever it is that you are thinking about at a Subconscious Level—that is, at the level of your consciousness where I believe that God truly exists as a "Perfect Karmic Mirror." For, I honestly do believe that the "Subconscious Self" truly is God. –Paul Whiting (written June 10th, 2012 and revised July 24th, 2022)

My Writing About Creating My Way Out of Hell: "Sometimes, I truly feel like I created my way out of Hell and lived to tell the tale!" –Paul Whiting (June 10th, 2012)

My Writing About the Union on the American Flag Always Facing Toward the Left: "While I was preparing to host a Phone Bank (or, a 'Fun Bank!') at my studio apartment for President Obama's grassroots campaign 'Organizing for America,' I realized that the American flag is always supposed to have the union facing towards the left—always! And that really makes me think that the Founding Fathers of Our Country were sending the loud and clear message that America is meant to lean toward being liberal, to lean toward being 'Truly Democratic,' and to lean toward being more like the Democratic Party's 'Justice for All,' rather than the Republican Party's 'Justice for Just Us!'" –Paul Whiting (written June 11th, 2012 and revised November 24th, 2015)

My Writing About Father's Day: "In honor of Father's Day, I made a charitable donation to a cause that I feel really strongly about in support of fathers everywhere, the NRDC (National Resources Defense Council) Green Gift of 'Driving America Green." –Paul Whiting (written June 17th, 2012 and revised October 18th, 2015)

My Writing About My Two New Chosen Names: "If I were a magical being, I would call myself 'Broom Hilda' because I am a decorating wizard who loves to clean! And if I were a Greek God, I would call myself 'Promiscuous' for reasons that I won't go into... LOL" –Paul Whiting (June 18th, 2012)

My Writing About Romantic Songs in Foreign Languages: "I love songs that are sung in foreign languages—especially the romantic ones—because you may not know what the singer is talking about, but you know exactly what they mean!" –Paul Whiting (June 21st, 2012)

My Writing About the Supreme Court Upholding the Affordable Care Act: "I celebrated the Supreme Court's decision to uphold 'Obamacare' (The Affordable Care Act) by donating to organizations who support President Obama and the Democrat Party in 2012, for I feel that they truly represent 'We, the People!'" –Paul Whiting (June 28th, 2012)

My Writing About God Allowing Us To Make Any And All Mistakes: I think that God allows us to make any and all mistakes that we want—even to the point of allowing us to completely obliterate ourselves and everyone else around us—in order to simply to prove to us that we all have the freedom to make any choice that we wish to make! However, we are also allowed to deal with the consequences of all of those same choices in order to learn the incredibly important lesson of "Be Careful What You Wish For!" –Paul Whiting (written June 29th, 2012, revised March 20th, 2015, September 21st, 2015, November 24th, 2015 and revised July 23rd, 2022)

This "Small All White in the Forest" Post No. 145 was edited on April 22nd, 2024.

"Prose is using all of the words that are necessary in order to describe all that is necessary to describe." –Paul Whiting [June 1st, 2022]

"Poetry is using the fewest words possible in order to describe all that is possible to describe." –Paul Whiting [June 1st, 2022]

Post No. 144: For The Winter Solstice — The One Is The First Being

(Image from MessageToEagle.com)

The One Is The First Female
(Or, "The One Is Karma")

The One is the First Female and She is Karma...

...In other words, The One is
the first being who created
physics through mathematics
and who created the Process
Of Evolution through science,
by which we are all here in a
Field Of Gravity experiencing
our individual lives as souls,
so that we may have Dreams To Dream...

...She is Creation, She is Love and She is Karma!

-Paul Whiting
(a.k.a., Small All White in the Forest)
"I am no barrier to its sun; the light and I are as one!"

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My Writing About How We Are Exactly The Same Kind Of Creative Energy Consciousness As 'The One,' Who Is The Very First Soul: We are all Gods and/or Goddesses! In other words, we are exactly the same kind of creative energy consciousness as very first God and/or Goddess, whom I call 'The One.' And I honestly feel that The One is an androgynous female. In other words, The One is the very first soul, or the very first creative consciousnesses of a void, and She is an 'all-powerful female consciousness with strong male attributes.' Therefore, we are also the very same energy consciousness as The One. Phrased another way, we are all the energy of a void and we are all Gods and/or Goddesses! –Paul Whiting (written March 27th, 2012, revised March 20th, 2015, revised June 2nd, 2015, revised September 19th, 2021, revised January 31st, 2022 and revised December 21st, 2022)

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My Writing About Helping The One, Or The First Soul, To Heal From Being Born As Literally Nothing: Devote your life to helping "The One," who is The First Soul, to heal from being born as Literally Nothing, because that life plan will also heal you! –Paul Whiting (written July 19th, 2014 and revised August 25th, 2022)

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My Poetic Notes:

The reason that I wrote this poem can be summed up with the following statement: We are all Gods and/or Goddesses! In other words, we are exactly the same kind of creative energy consciousness as very first God and/or Goddess, whom I call 'The One.' And I honestly feel that The One is an androgynous female.

In other words, The One is the very first soul, or the very first creative consciousnesses of a void, and She is an 'all-powerful female consciousness with strong male attributes.' Therefore, we are also the very same energy consciousness as The One. Phrased another way, we are all the energy of a void and we are all Gods and/or Goddesses!

And The One is the first being who created physics through mathematics and who created the Process Of Evolution through science, by which we are all here in a Field Of Gravity experiencing our individual lives as souls, so that we may have Dreams To Dream...

And this poem was also published on my "Poet, Artist and Philosopher," "Three Dark Horses" and "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" blogs (please see the hyperlinks below for the blogs), since I feel that the message in this poem applies to the message I am trying to convey through "Poet, Artist and Philosopher," "Three Dark Horses" and "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer."

This poem was written in Portland, Oregon.

-Paulee

https://poetartistandphilosopher.blogspot.com

https://threedarkhorses.blogspot.com

https://paulwhitingwriting.blogspot.com

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This "Small All White in the Forest" Post No. 144 was edited on July 2nd, 2026.

"Poetry is using the fewest words possible in order to describe all that is possible to describe." –Paul Whiting [June 1st, 2022]

Post No. 143: For Memorial Day 2011 — A Sacred Respect

Image from The White House Blog

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: "If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States." Dial 988

A Sacred Respect

There is A Sacred Respect that "We,
The People" owe to Every Soul who
sacrifices themselves to keep us free
from the time that we are born!

And "We, The People" can feel This
Sacred Respect in our souls—with all
of our heart and mind, body and soul,
we can feel This Sacred Respect!

It is A Sacred Respect to honor each and
every single Veterans death, whether it
is on the battlefield of war, or on "the
other, lesser-known battlefield!"

So, if you are Military Personnel, you
feel This Sacred Respect absolutely, for
you would truly move Heaven and Earth
to honor each and every single Veteran!

And if you are A Grassroots Patriot, you
feel The Sacred Respect completely, for
you would honor each and every single
Veteran's sacrifice, service and heroism!

And if you are An Everyday Patriot, you
feel A Sacred Respect entirely, for you
would offer your condolences to say,
"Their Service Mattered Dearly!"

For, there is A Sacred Respect that "We,
The People" feel so deeply in Our Souls:
It is The Sacred Respect to honor the lives
of every one of Our United States Veterans!

-Paul Whiting
(a.k.a., Small All White in the Forest)
"I am no barrier to its sun; the light and I are as one!"

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My Writing About IAVA's National Moment Of Silence, A.K.A. "The #GoSilent Campaign" (for 2012): For Memorial Day 2012, I participated in the IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) national moment of silence for the all of Americans who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan since September 11th, 2001, in order to remember and honor their lives, their legacies and their last full measure of devotion for our country. And I also listened to patriotic music that celebrates the heroic sacrifice of all the men and women in the United States Military (both past and present), whose selfless dedication made it possible for American to become free and to remain free! –Paul Whiting (written May 28th, 2012, revised May 30th, 2022, revised July 19th, 2022, revised January 31st, 2023, revised May 29th, 2023 and revised May 28th, 2026)

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My Writing About A New Saying 'Have A Memorable Memorial Day' For Such A Solemn Holiday As Memorial Day: On Memorial Day, rather than saying "Happy Memorial Day," I choose instead to say, "Have A Memorable Memorial Day," or I simply say, "Memorable Memorial Day." For, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance—just like a memorial service—and is truly about honoring the men and women who died while serving in the United States Military. –Paul Whiting (written May 27th, 2013, revised May 30th, 2022, revised May 31st, 2022, revised May 29th, 2023 and revised May 27th, 2024)

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My Writing About God Never Forgetting Those Who Have Served Him: For those of you who have lost loved ones, while your loved ones were serving in the United States Military, I wish you 'A Memorable Memorial Day' as a day of loving reflection and healing peace. Please always remember that God never forgets those who have served Him. –Paul Whiting (written May 30th, 2022, revised May 31st, 2022 and revised May 29th, 2023)

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My Writing About IAVA's National Moment Of Silence, A.K.A. "The #GoSilent Campaign" (for 2022) [May 30th, 2022 Update—Continued (Originally From My Blog Post Titled, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was," Which Is On My "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" Blog)]:

For Memorial Day 2022, I participated in the IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) national moment of silence for those "who made the ultimate sacrifice, including those we have lost due to their exposures to toxic chemicals while serving our great country" in order to remember and honor their lives, their legacies and their last full measure of devotion for our country.

And I also showed my support for the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act," or the PACT Act (H.R. 3967), which is "a culmination of years of work by national veterans groups, to finally establish that if a veteran has suffered an injury from toxic exposures like from burn pits during their deployments, they will be granted disability and healthcare benefits by the VA [Veterans Administration]."

And so, I sent letters to my Senators, via the IAVA website, urging them to support passing this critical legislation ASAP. And, after I sent those letters to my Senators, I also made a donation to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) in order to show my support for IAVA's #GoSilent Campaign and for our U.S. Veterans!

–Paul Whiting (written May 30th, 2022, revised May 31st, 2022, revised July 19th, 2022, revised December 27th, 2022, revised January 31st, 2023, revised March 10th, 2023, revised May 26th, 2023, revised May 29th, 2023, revised September 10th, 2023, revised May 27th, 2024 and revised May 28th, 2026)

[I feel like I need to clarify why there are so many 'revised dates' on this 'my writing,' just like there are often times so many 'revised dates' on other 'my writings' similar to this one! You see, I really try to keep my writing consistent as possible across all of my blogs. Therefore, as I am writing, I try to use the same phraseology wherever possible with regard to similar types of my writing so that, when I am editing my writing, I can change all of the similar writing at the same time and in the same way! Thus, a lot of the revisions indicated above, after my name (–Paul Whiting), and shown right after the original 'written date,' are often times due to these aforementioned consistent-writing revisions.]

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My Writing About IAVA's National Moment Of Silence, A.K.A. "The #GoSilent Campaign" (for 2023) [May 29th, 2023 Update—Continued Further Some More Than Before, Like Never Before (Originally From My Blog Post Titled, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was," Which Is On My "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" Blog)]:

For Memorial Day 2023, I participated in the IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) national moment of silence "for our nation’s heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice," including "those who lost their lives during the Global War on Terror (GWOT)," which is "a war that continues to be waged to this day," because the "GWOT has killed more than 7,000 U.S. troops across more than two decades – every one of them volunteers." And I also made a donation to the IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) in order to show my support for IAVA's #GoSilent Campaign and for our U.S. Veterans. –Paul Whiting (written May 29th, 2023, revised May 27th, 2024 and revised May 28th, 2026)

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My Writing About IAVA's National Moment Of Silence, A.K.A. "The #GoSilent Campaign" (for 2024) [May 27th, 2024 Update No. 2 (Originally From My Blog Post Titled, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was," Which Is On My "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" Blog)]:

For Memorial Day 2024, I participated in the IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) national moment of silence "as our troops continue to be deployed in harm’s way to places like Iraq and Syria," which is why "this is also a good time to remind ourselves of those who keep stepping up and volunteering to risk their lives in order to keep us safe here at home every day." That is why I made the pledge to "#GoSilent with [IAVA] today at 3:00 PM local time to make sure that the sacrifice of the fallen is not forgotten, and to help us remind America of the true meaning behind Memorial Day." And I also made a donation to the IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) in order to show my support for IAVA's #GoSilent Campaign and for our U.S. Veterans. –Paul Whiting (written May 27th, 2024 and revised May 28th, 2026)

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My Writing About No Longer Being An 'Online Activist' In Any Way, Shape Or Form [November 6th, 2024 Update No. 1]: Due to Donald Trump winning the 2024 Presidential Election—and until further notice—I am no longer being an 'Online Activist' in any way, shape or form, which includes no longer signing petitions from political, social, environmental and charitable organizations, and no longer sending letters to my Representative and Senators in Congress, as well as no longer making donations to political, social, environmental and charitable causes. Full stop! I am also unsubscribing from any of the emails that I used to receive from political, social, environmental and charitable organizations. In fact, I am even cancelling all of my monthly political donations to the main Democratic fundraising and coordinating organizations, as well as to the USO (United Service Organizations), in addition to cancelling all of my monthly news organization subscriptions, or news organization donations, because I am absolutely terrified of this second Trump administration. And I fully expect that democracy in America as we know it will be over! So, I am choosing to not engage in any 'activism' whatsoever—plus, I am not even sure that I will be exercising my 'civic duty' by voting in any upcoming elections because, as a (formerly) donating and a (potentially former) voting Democrat, I totally fear the retribution of President Donald J. Trump. Full stop!

P.S.: It's July 31st, 2025, and I feel like I need to provide an addendum (that is, "an item of additional material added at the end of a book or document, typically in order to correct, clarify, or supplement something") to this November 6th, 2024 'update!'

You see, a couple of days ago, on July 29th, 2025, I copied the text of this update to use as my reason for unsubscribing from a particular political email that I received that same day!

And so, I actually bothered to read this update—in order to verify that it made sense for me to use as a response to the request on this political email's unsubscribe page which stated, "Please tell us why you are leaving"—during which I realized there was a typo (that is, 'a typographical error') in the text of the update, as I have highlighted below, with the correction in brackets:

"And I fully expect that democracy in America as we know [it] will be over!"

Thus, I accidentally left out the word "it" in the sentence above. Hence, I corrected said typo on July 29th, the verification of which can be seen reflected in the addition of the date "revised July 29th, 2025" after my name.

However, as I got to thinking about the fact that I had originally said I may not be voting in any upcoming elections, I realized that, in fact, I did vote in Portland Oregon's Multnomah County Special District Election on May 20th, 2025, just like I usually do! [I always vote in every election (even 'special elections') and I always vote Democrat, which is why I was worried about voting in any upcoming elections given President Trump's clear disdain for Democrats.]

Therefore, I decided to write this "P.S." today, July 31st, as a way to clarify that I am still voting in elections (even 'special elections'), it's just that I am no longer engaging in any 'Online Activism,' during Trump's Presidency, as I explained in great detail above. (I hope that makes sense!)

–Paul Whiting (written November 6th, 2024, revised November 7th, 2024, revised July 29th, 2025 and revised July 31st, 2025)

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My Writing About Telling Everyone In America My New Saying, "Have A Memorable Memorial Day," For Such A Solemn Holiday As Memorial Day, By Creating YouTube Music Playlists [May 26th, 2025 Update No. 1]: For Memorial Day 2025, I decided to create playlists on YouTube Music in order to tell everyone in the United States of America about my new saying, "Have A Memorable Memorial Day" for such a solemn holiday as Memorial Day...

...And so, in honor of all those who died while serving in the United States Military, I created the following two playlists on YouTube Music in order to say, "Have A Memorable Memorial Day," everyone:

"'Have A Memorable Memorial Day, Part 1' by Various Artists: Somber Patriotic Music" (on YouTube):

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5ASnKWDRID3rbd3KbNDH56ZhVR6yGDFo&si=w-RrGtk0z8qyChOO

"'Have A Memorable Memorial Day, Part 2' by Various Artists: Somber Patriotic Music" (on YouTube):

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5ASnKWDRID0UKIenmgul5kC_IaZ53dPN&si=IJDrhoKCL2sTAu35

Here is the description from both of those playlists:

For Memorial Day, I decided to create this playlist in order to tell everyone in the United States of America about my new saying, "Have A Memorable Memorial Day" for such a solemn holiday as Memorial Day.

Thus, here is "My Writing About A New Saying 'Have A Memorable Memorial Day' For Such A Solemn Holiday As Memorial Day":

On Memorial Day, rather than saying "Happy Memorial Day," I choose instead to say, "Have A Memorable Memorial Day," or I simply say, "Memorable Memorial Day." For, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance—just like a memorial service—and is truly about honoring the men and women who died while serving in the United States Military. –Paul Whiting (written May 27th, 2013, revised May 30th, 2022, revised May 31st, 2022, revised May 29th, 2023 and revised May 27th, 2024)

Plus, here is a poem that I wrote on May 30th, 2021, for Memorial Day on May 31st, 2021, which is titled, 'A Memorable Memorial Day,' and that is also titled, 'A Solemn Patriotic Poem,' as can be seen below:

A Memorable Memorial Day (A Patriotic Poem)

He taps into his memorabilia;
She taps into her photo albums;
They tap into their memories;
A day that taps into the
sacrifices that were made by
souls who have given their lives...

...I tap into my courage;
I tap into my patriotism;
I tap into my humility;
And I tap into a somber,
a solemnly respectful, and
"A Memorable Memorial Day."

–Paul Whiting (written May 30th, 2021 for Memorial Day on May 31st, 2021, revised June 12th, 2022, revised June 13th, 2022 and revised May 14th, 2023)

[My Writing About IAVA's National Moment Of Silence, A.K.A. "The #GoSilent Campaign" (for 2025)]: Besides that, for Memorial Day 2025—as usual—I participated in the IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) national moment of silence, which is asking “Americans to #GoSilent and participate in a moment of silence at 3PM local time in honor of the men and women in uniform that paid the ultimate price in defense of our nation.” That is why I decided to #GoSilent with [IAVA] at 3:00 PM local time in order to help draw “specific attention to those U.S. service members who were killed while deployed under the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) that was passed in response to the 9/11 attacks, but was used to justify sending them to places other than Afghanistan. Troops killed in places like Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and Niger, in addition to troops killed in Iraq well after America was told that the war there was over.”

https://iava.org/media/iava-urges-fellow-americans-to-gosilent-on-memorial-day-2

–Paul Whiting (written May 26th, 2025, revised November 11th, 2025, revised May 27th, 2026 and revised June 17th, 2026)

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Blogger's Note: This is a follow-up to my 'November 6th, 2024 Update No. 1 [My Writing About No Longer Being An 'Online Activist' In Any Way, Shape Or Form]' that is located on my blog post "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was," which can be found on my "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" blog. And that update stated, in part, the following:

"Due to Donald Trump winning the 2024 Presidential Election—and until further notice—I am no longer being an 'Online Activist' in any way, shape or form, which includes no longer signing petitions from political, social, environmental and charitable organizations, and no longer sending letters to my Representative and Senators in Congress, as well as no longer making donations to political, social, environmental and charitable causes. Full stop! I am also unsubscribing from any of the emails that I used to receive from political, social, environmental and charitable organizations. In fact, I am even cancelling all of my monthly political donations to the main Democratic fundraising and coordinating organizations, as well as to the USO (United Service Organizations), in addition to cancelling all of my monthly news organization subscriptions, or news organization donations, because I am absolutely terrified of this second Trump administration. ..."

You see, I have restarted donating to organizations which support Active Duty U.S. Military Personnel, including the USO (United Service Organizations)—that I restarted donating to as of April 16th, 2026—and Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA)—that I restarted donating to as of May 25th, 2026—in addition to organizations which support U.S. Military Veterans, including Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), as well as Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)—both of which I restarted donating to as of May 25th, 2026.

So, for the complete updates (with any corresponding ‘My Writing About...’) regarding these restarted donations, please see my blog post titled, "My Point Of View On...Giving Charity And Accepting Charity," which can be found on both of my "Paul Whiting — Math Magician" and "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" blogs, within which you can do a find-in-page search for the updates listed below by their label names (or, by their corresponding ‘My Writing About...' titles, where applicable).

These are the updates regarding my restarted donations to the USO on April 16th, 2026:

April 16th, 2026 Update No. 1

April 16th, 2026 Update No. 1 (Follow-Up No. 1, Written On April 17th, 2026) [My Writing About How I Restarted Donating To The USO (United Service Organizations) As Of April 2026]

April 16th, 2026 Update No. 1 (Follow-Up No. 2, Written On April 19th, 2026)

April 16th, 2026 Update No. 1 (Follow-Up No. 3, Written On May 17th, 2026) [My Writing About How I Restarted Donating To The USO (United Service Organizations) As Of April 2026, Part 2]

April 16th, 2026 Update No. 1 (Follow-Up No. 4, Written On June 15th, 2026, Which Also Discusses June 14th, 2026)

Theses are the updates regarding my restarted donations to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), and to Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA), as well as to Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), respectively, on May 25th, 2026:

May 25th, 2026 Update No. 3, Written On May 26th, 2026

May 25th, 2026 Update No. 4, Written On May 27th, 2026, Which Also Discusses May 2026

May 25th, 2026 Update No. 5, Written On May 27th, 2026

Now, to clarify something: I would normally also refer you to my blog post titled, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was," which can be found on my "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" blog, for these blog post updates (and for the corresponding ‘My Writing About…’, where applicable), but I cannot edit this post anymore—for an unknown reason—as of May 11th, 2026. So, any editing that I have tried to do on this blog post, after May 11th, for some reason won't save...

…Although, on June 20th, 2026, I thought to relocate all of the 2026 updates from my original blog post, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was," to my newer "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was, Part 2." You see, I had created that 'Part 2' blog post as a backup post, because there was a period of time when the original blog post kept being unpublished by Blogger for being too 'spammy'—I am guessing because of all the hyperlinks that I was providing for news articles that I was referring to my readers!

Anyway, that relocation of the 2026 updates seemed to have worked in getting the original blog post to be "editable" again, at least temporarily... But, then, later on that same day, I tried to add some additional text to the post and it would not save again! However, at least this time, instead of just saying that the "Update failed," it specifically stated, "The body is too large." Thus, I am assuming the 'unknown reason' that I stopped being able to edit the post on May 11th was because I had—apparently—reached some sort of blog post size threshold!

(So now, I am thinking of editing out most of the news updates, which I wrote on that original post, because those updates weren't nearly as pertinent to my "Online Activism" as was responding to the text message, email, and regular mail communications that I was receiving from various political, progressive and charitable organizations.)

In conclusion, then: for the complete updates (with any corresponding ‘My Writing About...’) regarding these restarted donations, I can now refer you to my blog post titled, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was, Part 2,” which can be found on my "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" blog, in addition to the above-mentioned blog post titled, "My Point Of View On...Giving Charity And Accepting Charity," which can be found on both of my "Paul Whiting — Math Magician" and "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" blogs.

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My Writing About IAVA's National Moment Of Silence, A.K.A. "The #GoSilent Campaign" (for 2026) [May 25th, 2026 Update No. 3, Written On May 26th, 2026 (Originally From My Blog Post Titled, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was, Part 2," Which Is On My "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" Blog)]:

For Memorial Day 2026, I participated in the IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) national moment of silence, which is thanking us "for joining IAVA as we #GoSilent this Memorial Day at 3PM to honor American heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service and dedication to our nation." That is why I decided to #GoSilent with IAVA at 3:00 PM local time in order to help draw "special attention to the at least 13 U.S. service members killed in the most recent conflict with Iran. Our troops have been sent into harm’s way without clear public understanding of the scope, duration, or end goal of the mission. While these men and women faced that uncertainty, they did not hesitate to uphold the oath they swore to defend this nation. Even as many at home struggle to make sense of this new chapter of war, these service members never wavered. They gave everything in service to this country, and this Memorial Day, we #GoSilent to honor their sacrifice, remember their names, and ensure their service is never forgotten." And I also made a donation to IAVA in order to show my support for IAVA's #GoSilent Campaign and for our U.S. Veterans. –Paul Whiting (written May 26th, 2026 and revised May 27th, 2026)

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My Poetic Notes:

The reason that I wrote this poem can be summed up with the following statement: This poem is in memory of those in the United States Military who served their country defending democracy and who died on "the other, lesser-known battlefield" of suicide.

By the way, this poem is also a rewrite of a poem that I wrote for Veterans Day that is titled, "A Sacred Trust," which is published on this blog. (Please see "A Sacred Trust-Style Poem" in labels for the poem.)

And this poem was also published on my "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" blog (please see the hyperlink below for the blog), since I feel that the message in this poem applies to the message that I am trying to convey through "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer."

This poem was written in Portland, Oregon.

-Paulee

https://paulwhitingwriting.blogspot.com

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The White House
Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release      July 06, 2011

Statement by the President on Change of Condolence Letter Policy

As Commander in Chief, I am deeply grateful for the service of all our men and women in uniform, and grieve for the loss of those who suffer from the wounds of war - seen and unseen. Since taking office, I’ve been committed to removing the stigma associated with the unseen wounds of war, which is why I’ve worked to expand our mental health budgets, and ensure that all our men and women in uniform receive the care they need.

As a next step and in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the military chain of command, I have also decided to reverse a long-standing policy of not sending condolence letters to the families of service members who commit suicide while deployed to a combat zone. This decision was made after a difficult and exhaustive review of the former policy, and I did not make it lightly. This issue is emotional, painful, and complicated, but these Americans served our nation bravely. They didn’t die because they were weak. And the fact that they didn’t get the help they needed must change. Our men and women in uniform have borne the incredible burden of our wars, and we need to do everything in our power to honor their service, and to help them stay strong for themselves, for their families and for our nation.

https://m.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/07/06/statement-president-change-condolence-letter-policy

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International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP):

Welcome!

The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) is dedicated to: preventing suicidal behaviour, alleviating its effects, and providing a forum for academics, mental health professionals, crisis workers, volunteers and suicide survivors.

Founded by the late Professor Erwin Ringel and Dr. Norman Farberow in 1960, IASP now includes professionals and volunteers from more than fifty different countries. IASP is a Non-Governmental Organization in official relationship with the World Health Organization (WHO) concerned with suicide prevention.

If you are feeling suicidal or know of someone who needs help, browse Help (https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/) to find a crisis center anywhere in the world.

https://www.iasp.info

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (please see the hyperlink below for the website):

988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. While some areas may be currently able to connect to the Lifeline by dialing 988, this dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States starting on July 16, 2022.

Talk To Someone Now

If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.

What Happens When I Call The Lifeline?

First, you’ll hear a message telling you that you’ve reached the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

We’ll play you a little hold music while we connect you.

A skilled, trained crisis worker who works at the Lifeline network crisis center closest to you will answer the phone.

This person will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and share any resources that may be helpful.

Remember, your call is confidential and free.

Should I Call The Lifeline?

No matter what problems you’re dealing with, whether or not you’re thinking about suicide, if you need someone to lean on for emotional support, call the Lifeline.

People call to talk about lots of things: substance abuse, economic worries, relationships, sexual identity, getting over abuse, depression, mental and physical illness, and loneliness, to name a few.

https://988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: "If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States." Dial 988

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May 30th, 2022 Update, Written On May 26th, 2022 (Originally From My Blog Post Titled, "My Point Of View On...Giving Charity And Accepting Charity," Which Is On Both Of My "Paul Whiting — Math Magician" And "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" Blogs): Have a Memorable Memorial Day, everyone. I signed a Memorial Day card "for all the brave service members who put their lives on the line to defend our country" from the USO (United Service Organizations) today, May 26th, 2022, that I received today via an email with the subject line, "Sign the card to honor our heroes this Memorial Day", which stated the following:

Paul,

Too many people forget what Memorial Day is really about: honoring the military heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

That’s why we’re asking our most dedicated military supporters, including you, to show their support by signing our Memorial Day card for all the brave service members who put their lives on the line to defend our country. Please, will you be one of the 100,000 grateful Americans we need to sign the card and let our troops know how much we value and appreciate their service?

SIGN THE CARD***

I served multiple deployments during my time in the Navy, and I can’t tell you how much it meant to me and my fellow service members to know that folks back home were thinking of us on important holidays like Memorial Day.

Signing a card may not seem like much, but it sends a powerful message of support and gratitude to our troops as they make immense sacrifices to keep us safe and free. So please, before your Memorial Day weekend starts, will you sign the card now to help show our troops how much you appreciate their sacrifices?

SIGN THE CARD***

Thank you for taking a moment to stand with our troops before celebrating this special day with your loved ones. It means so much.

We hope you have a great Memorial Day weekend.

— [Name redacted], USO

***[I used to include hyperlinks contained within the email messages, or the text messages, to which I am referring in these "Activism Updates"; however, I could not figure out how to include the aforementioned hyperlinks, regarding some relevant action that I had taken—such as signing a petition, sending a letter or message to my representative(s) in Congress, signing a USO 'Thank You' card, and/or making a donation—without including my personal information.]

Plus, after I signed the card, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org website to say to our troops, "As we honor all of our military heroes this Memorial Day, we want you to know how grateful we are for your courageous service and the immense sacrifices you make every day to protect our country."

In addition to that, I already make a recurring monthly donation to the USO in order to show my support for our U.S. Military Personnel! You see, I usually make one-time donations to the USO each month—as often as I can manage when they request a donation via email or text message. Therefore, I am planning to continue making one-time donations to the USO in the future, as often as I can manage to make donations, in addition to making the aforementioned recurring monthly donation.

By the way, did you know that the USO is a not-for-profit organization and not part of the Department of Defense (DoD)? The following description of the USO is from their 'About Us' webpage:

"The USO is not part of the federal government. A congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities, and is powered by a family of volunteers to accomplish our mission of connection."

So, that is why I 'volunteer financially' as a member of the "USO Home Team" through a recurring monthly donation, as well as through one-time donations to the USO each month!

–Paul Whiting (written May 26th, 2022, revised June 22nd, 2022, revised June 25th, 2022, revised June 26th, 2022, revised July 1st, 2022, revised August 16th, 2022, revised November 18th, 2022, revised November 24th, 2022, revised December 27th, 2022, revised December 29th, 2022, revised April 11th, 2023, revised April 21st, 2023, revised April 27th, 2023, revised April 28th, 2023, revised May 14th, 2023, revised May 17th, 2023, revised May 26th, 2023, revised May 28th, 2023, revised June 14th, 2023, revised July 28th, 2023, revised September 27th, 2023 and revised November 18th, 2023)

[I feel like I need to clarify why there are so many 'revised dates' on this 'update,' just like there are often times so many 'revised dates' on other 'updates' similar to this one! You see, I really try to keep my writing consistent as possible across all of my blogs. Therefore, as I am writing, I try to use the same phraseology wherever possible with regard to similar types of my writing so that, when I am editing my writing, I can change all of the similar writing at the same time and in the same way! Thus, a lot of the revisions indicated above, after my name (–Paul Whiting), and shown right after the original 'written date,' are often times due to these aforementioned consistent-writing revisions.]

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May 30th, 2022 Update—Continued [My Writing About IAVA's National Moment Of Silence, A.K.A. "The #GoSilent Campaign" (for 2022)]:

For Memorial Day 2022, I participated in the IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) national moment of silence for those "who made the ultimate sacrifice, including those we have lost due to their exposures to toxic chemicals while serving our great country" in order to remember and honor their lives, their legacies and their last full measure of devotion for our country.

And I also showed my support for the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act," or the PACT Act (H.R. 3967), which is "a culmination of years of work by national veterans groups, to finally establish that if a veteran has suffered an injury from toxic exposures like from burn pits during their deployments, they will be granted disability and healthcare benefits by the VA [Veterans Administration]."

And so, I sent letters to my Senators, via the IAVA website, urging them to support passing this critical legislation ASAP. And, after I sent those letters to my Senators, I also made a donation to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) in order to show my support for IAVA's #GoSilent Campaign and for our U.S. Veterans!

–Paul Whiting (written May 30th, 2022, revised May 31st, 2022, revised July 19th, 2022, revised December 27th, 2022, revised January 31st, 2023, revised March 10th, 2023, revised May 26th, 2023, revised May 29th, 2023, revised September 10th, 2023, revised May 27th, 2024 and revised May 28th, 2026)

[I feel like I need to clarify why there are so many 'revised dates' on this 'update,' just like there are often times so many 'revised dates' on other 'updates' similar to this one! You see, I really try to keep my writing consistent as possible across all of my blogs. Therefore, as I am writing, I try to use the same phraseology wherever possible with regard to similar types of my writing so that, when I am editing my writing, I can change all of the similar writing at the same time and in the same way! Thus, a lot of the revisions indicated above, after my name (–Paul Whiting), and shown right after the original 'written date,' are often times due to these aforementioned consistent-writing revisions.]

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May 29th, 2023 Update, Written On May 26th, 2023 (Originally From My Blog Post Titled, "My Point Of View On...Giving Charity And Accepting Charity," Which Is On Both Of My "Paul Whiting — Math Magician" And "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" Blogs): Have a Memorable Memorial Day, everyone. I signed a Memorial Day card "to honor the military heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country" from the USO (United Service Organizations) today, May 26th, 2023, that I received today via an email with the subject line, "Before you kick off the holiday weekend, please take a moment to thank our troops.", which stated the following:

Paul,

With barbecues, parades and fireworks to look forward to, so many people tend to forget that Memorial Day is an occasion to honor the military heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country.

Before you celebrate this holiday weekend, we’re asking you to take a moment to remember our fallen heroes and show your support for the brave troops sacrificing so much today. Please, will you be one of the 100,000 patriotic Americans we need across emails, text messages, and advertisements to sign the card before Memorial Day ends, and let our heroes know how much folks back home value their service and sacrifice?

SIGN THE CARD***

My husband has had to miss precious time with family while serving in the U.S. Air Force, and while nothing can make up for those moments missed, I can tell you that having the support and gratitude of folks back home truly meant the world — to both of us.

As they risk their lives to protect ours, your signature, combined with thousands from other patriotic Americans, will send a powerful message of solidarity, one that can uplift a service member during their darkest moments. So please, don’t miss this opportunity to thank our troops: Sign immediately to stand with our heroes in uniform ahead of Memorial Day.

SIGN THE CARD***

Thank you for taking the time to be there for our military heroes before enjoying the holiday weekend with your loved ones. It truly means the world.

I hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.

—[Name redacted], USO

***[I used to include hyperlinks contained within the email messages, or the text messages, to which I am referring in these "Activism Updates"; however, I could not figure out how to include the aforementioned hyperlinks, regarding some relevant action that I had taken—such as signing a petition, sending a letter or message to my representative(s) in Congress, signing a USO 'Thank You' card, and/or making a donation—without including my personal information.]

Plus, after I signed the card, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org website to say to our troops, "As we honor all of our military heroes this Memorial Day, we want you to know how grateful we are for your courageous service and immense sacrifices. Thank you for everything you do to keep us safe and free."

In addition to that, I already make a recurring monthly donation to the USO in order to show my support for our U.S. Military Personnel! You see, I usually make one-time donations to the USO each month—as often as I can manage when they request a donation via email or text message. Therefore, I am planning to continue making one-time donations to the USO in the future, as often as I can manage to make donations, in addition to making the aforementioned recurring monthly donation.

By the way, did you know that the USO is a not-for-profit organization and not part of the Department of Defense (DoD)? The following description of the USO is from their 'About Us' webpage:

"The USO is not part of the federal government. A congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities, and is powered by a family of volunteers to accomplish our mission of connection."

So, that is why I 'volunteer financially' as a member of the "USO Home Team" through a recurring monthly donation, as well as through one-time donations to the USO each month! –Paul Whiting (written May 26th, 2023, revised May 28th, 2023, revised July 28th, 2023, revised September 27th, 2023 and revised November 18th, 2023)
---------------------------------------------
May 29th, 2023 Update—Continued, Written On May 27th, 2023 (Originally From My Blog Post Titled, "My Point Of View On...Giving Charity And Accepting Charity," Which Is On Both Of My "Paul Whiting — Math Magician" And "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" Blogs): Have a Memorable Memorial Day, everyone. I received a text message today, May 27th, 2023, from the USO (United Service Organizations), which stated the following:

Hi, it's [name redacted] from the USO. I hope your long weekend is off to a great start - but I'm reaching out today to make sure we all take a few moments to remember what this day is truly about: honoring the military heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country.

We owe them, and those who continue to risk their lives to defend our country, so much. That's why the USO has set a goal of 100K signatures on this special Memorial Day thank-you card for troops deployed around the world to make sure they know we're thinking about them, today and every day.

As a military spouse, I can tell you that your words of support and gratitude really do make a difference, especially when a service member is missing their family or having a tough day. So, I'm personally asking, will you add your name?***

Thank you,
[Name redacted], USO

***[I used to include hyperlinks contained within the email messages, or the text messages, to which I am referring in these "Activism Updates"; however, I could not figure out how to include the aforementioned hyperlinks, regarding some relevant action that I had taken—such as signing a petition, sending a letter or message to my representative(s) in Congress, signing a USO 'Thank You' card, and/or making a donation—without including my personal information.]

So, I signed the Memorial Day card "to honor the military heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country." Plus, after I signed the card, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org website. By the way, this is the second time that I have both signed the card and made a donation to the USO for Memorial Day 2023. (Please see my 'May 29th, 2023 Update, Written On May 26th, 2023,' which can be found above.)

However, I decided to sign the card again, and donate again, because it's for Memorial Day. And I made this one-time donation on the USO.org website to say to our troops, "As we honor all of our military heroes this Memorial Day, we want you to know how grateful we are for your courageous service and immense sacrifices. Thank you for everything you do to keep us safe and free."

In addition to that, I already make a recurring monthly donation to the USO in order to show my support for our U.S. Military Personnel! You see, I usually make one-time donations to the USO each month—as often as I can manage when they request a donation via email or text message. Therefore, I am planning to continue making one-time donations to the USO in the future, as often as I can manage to make donations, in addition to making the aforementioned recurring monthly donation.

By the way, did you know that the USO is a not-for-profit organization and not part of the Department of Defense (DoD)? The following description of the USO is from their 'About Us' webpage:

"The USO is not part of the federal government. A congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities, and is powered by a family of volunteers to accomplish our mission of connection."

So, that is why I 'volunteer financially' as a member of the "USO Home Team" through a recurring monthly donation, as well as through one-time donations to the USO each month!

–Paul Whiting (written May 27th, 2023, revised May 28th, 2023, revised May 30th, 2023, revised June 2nd, 2023, revised June 28th, 2023, revised July 28th, 2023, revised July 31st, 2023, revised September 27th, 2023 and revised November 18th, 2023)
---------------------------------------------
May 29th, 2023 Update—Continued Further, Written On May 28th, 2023 (Originally From My Blog Post Titled, "My Point Of View On...Giving Charity And Accepting Charity," Which Is On Both Of My "Paul Whiting — Math Magician" And "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" Blogs): Have a Memorable Memorial Day, everyone. I received a text message today, May 28th, 2023, from the USO (United Service Organizations), which stated the following:

Between beach days and barbecues, too many people forget that Memorial Day is about remembering all the courageous heroes who have lost their lives in service to our country.

𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧. 𝐈𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐬. 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦?

Please, sign the thank-you card now to help reach our 100K signature goal and show our troops that you value and appreciate their immense sacrifices:***

-Team USO

***[I used to include hyperlinks contained within the email messages, or the text messages, to which I am referring in these "Activism Updates"; however, I could not figure out how to include the aforementioned hyperlinks, regarding some relevant action that I had taken—such as signing a petition, sending a letter or message to my representative(s) in Congress, signing a USO 'Thank You' card, and/or making a donation—without including my personal information.]

So, I signed the Memorial Day card "to honor the military heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country." Plus, after I signed the card, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org website. By the way, this is the third time that I have both signed the card and made a donation to the USO for Memorial Day 2023. (Please see my 'May 29th, 2023 Update, Written On May 26th, 2023,' and my 'May 29th, 2023 Update—Continued, Written On May 27th, 2023,' which can be found above.)

However, I decided to sign the card once more, and donate once more, because it's for Memorial Day. And I made this one-time donation on the USO.org website to say to our troops, "As we honor all of our military heroes this Memorial Day, we want you to know how grateful we are for your courageous service and immense sacrifices. Thank you for everything you do to keep us safe and free."

In addition to that, I already make a recurring monthly donation to the USO in order to show my support for our U.S. Military Personnel! You see, I usually make one-time donations to the USO each month—as often as I can manage when they request a donation via email or text message. Therefore, I am planning to continue making one-time donations to the USO in the future, as often as I can manage to make donations, in addition to making the aforementioned recurring monthly donation.

By the way, did you know that the USO is a not-for-profit organization and not part of the Department of Defense (DoD)? The following description of the USO is from their 'About Us' webpage:

"The USO is not part of the federal government. A congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities, and is powered by a family of volunteers to accomplish our mission of connection."

So, that is why I 'volunteer financially' as a member of the "USO Home Team" through a recurring monthly donation, as well as through one-time donations to the USO each month!

–Paul Whiting (written May 28th, 2023, revised May 30th, 2023, revised June 2nd, 2023, revised July 28th, 2023, revised July 31st, 2023, revised September 27th, 2023 and revised November 18th, 2023)
---------------------------------------------
May 29th, 2023 Update—Continued Further Some More (Originally From My Blog Post Titled, "My Point Of View On...Giving Charity And Accepting Charity," Which Is On Both Of My "Paul Whiting — Math Magician" And "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" Blogs): Have a Memorable Memorial Day, everyone. I received a text message today, May 29th, 2023, from the USO (United Service Organizations), which stated the following:

This Memorial Day, help us reach 100k signatures on the card supporting our military heroes. They need to know we have their backs, so please, add your name now! >>***

***[I used to include hyperlinks contained within the email messages, or the text messages, to which I am referring in these "Activism Updates"; however, I could not figure out how to include the aforementioned hyperlinks, regarding some relevant action that I had taken—such as signing a petition, sending a letter or message to my representative(s) in Congress, signing a USO 'Thank You' card, and/or making a donation—without including my personal information.]

So, I signed the Memorial Day card "to honor the military heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country." Plus, after I signed the card, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org website. By the way, this is the fourth time that I have both signed the card and made a donation to the USO for Memorial Day 2023. (Please see my 'May 29th, 2023 Update, Written On May 26th, 2023,' and my 'May 29th, 2023 Update—Continued, Written On May 27th, 2023,' as well as my 'May 29th, 2023 Update—Continued Further, Written On May 28th, 2023,' which can be found above.)

However, I decided to sign the card one final time, and donate one final time, because it's for Memorial Day. And I made this one-time donation on the USO.org website to say to our troops, "As we honor all of our military heroes this Memorial Day, we want you to know how grateful we are for your courageous service and immense sacrifices. Thank you for everything you do to keep us safe and free."

In addition to that, I already make a recurring monthly donation to the USO in order to show my support for our U.S. Military Personnel! You see, I usually make one-time donations to the USO each month—as often as I can manage when they request a donation via email or text message. Therefore, I am planning to continue making one-time donations to the USO in the future, as often as I can manage to make donations, in addition to making the aforementioned recurring monthly donation.

By the way, did you know that the USO is a not-for-profit organization and not part of the Department of Defense (DoD)? The following description of the USO is from their 'About Us' webpage:

"The USO is not part of the federal government. A congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities, and is powered by a family of volunteers to accomplish our mission of connection."

So, that is why I 'volunteer financially' as a member of the "USO Home Team" through a recurring monthly donation, as well as through one-time donations to the USO each month!

–Paul Whiting (written May 29th, 2023, revised May 30th, 2023, revised June 2nd, 2023, revised July 28th, 2023, revised July 31st, 2023, revised September 27th, 2023 and revised November 18th, 2023)
---------------------------------------------
May 29th, 2023 Update—Continued Further Some More Than Before, Written On May 30th, 2023 (Originally From My Blog Post Titled, "My Point Of View On...Giving Charity And Accepting Charity," Which Is On Both Of My "Paul Whiting — Math Magician" And "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" Blogs): Have a Memorable Memorial Day, everyone. I received an email from the USO (United Service Organizations) today, May 30th, 2023, with the subject line, "Yesterday, today, and always.", which stated the following:

Dear Paul,

Memorial Day weekend signifies many things: the start of summer, outdoor festivities and time spent with loved ones. But most importantly, this day is about solemn remembrance, commemorating the brave service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

Yesterday, today and every day, we must reflect on the sacrifice and service of American troops throughout our great nation's history. I am eternally grateful to all the brave heroes in uniform who put their lives on the line to defend the freedoms of our country. We must remember and honor their bravery and commitment every single day of the year.

As you get back to your long weekend, I want to thank this community of dedicated military supporters for understanding what this day is truly all about. No matter what, the USO will continue to remain steadfast in our commitment to honor and support service members and their families — and you are critical to that mission.

Thank you for being a part of this patriotic community and for standing with our courageous heroes in uniform.

Solemnly,

[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]
United Service Organizations, Inc.

So, I wanted to share the email above with you, my readers, as my last 'update' with regard to me signing the USO's Memorial Day card for 2023. You see, I signed the USO's card four times to thank our troops, plus I made four donations to the USO, based upon one email and three text messages that I received from May 26th, 2023 to May 29th, 2023.

(Please see my 'May 29th, 2023 Update, Written On May 26th, 2023,' and my 'May 29th, 2023 Update—Continued, Written On May 27th, 2023,' as well as my 'May 29th, 2023 Update—Continued Further, Written On May 28th, 2023,' in addition to my 'May 29th, 2023 Update—Continued Further Some More,' which can be found above.)

And I did this in order to show my appreciation for the service and sacrifices of our U.S. Military Personnel and our U.S. Veterans. For, Memorial Day truly is a solemn occasion—which is like a memorial service—to honor those who have died while serving in the United States Military. –Paul Whiting (written May 30th, 2023 and revised July 28th, 2023)

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May 29th, 2023 Update—Continued Further Some More Than Before, Like Never Before [My Writing About IAVA's National Moment Of Silence, A.K.A. "The #GoSilent Campaign" (for 2023) (Originally From My Blog Post Titled, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was," Which Is On My "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" Blog)]:

For Memorial Day 2023, I participated in the IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) national moment of silence "for our nation’s heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice," including "those who lost their lives during the Global War on Terror (GWOT)," which is "a war that continues to be waged to this day," because the "GWOT has killed more than 7,000 U.S. troops across more than two decades – every one of them volunteers." And I also made a donation to the IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) in order to show my support for IAVA's #GoSilent Campaign and for our U.S. Veterans. –Paul Whiting (written May 29th, 2023, revised May 27th, 2024 and revised May 28th, 2026)

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October 24th, 2023 Update No. 7 [My Writing About How I Have Changed The Way That I Label My Blog Posts 'Updates' For Any Additional 'Updates' That I Write, After The First 'Update,' By Using A Simple Numbering System, Which Starts With The First 'Update' (Originally From My Blog Post Titled, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was," Which Is On My "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" Blog)]:

I have changed the way I label the blog post 'updates' that I write because I oftentimes write more than one 'update' per day!

And in the past, I have labeled the second, third, fourth and fifth 'update' with the following extensions—on the days that I write more than 'update'—to differentiate any additional 'updates' from the first one, as follows:

[1st] Month Day, Year Update
[2nd] Month Day, Year Update—Continued
[3rd] Month Day, Year Update—Continued Further
[4th] Month Day, Year Update—Continued Further Some More
[5th] Month Day, Year Update—Continued Further Some More Than Before

However today, October 24th, 2023, I actually had more than five 'updates' to write, so I decided to change how I differentiate any additional 'updates,' from the first 'update,' by using a simple numbering system, which actually starts with the first 'update' that I write, as follows:

Month Day, Year Update No. 1
Month Day, Year Update No. 2
Month Day, Year Update No. 3
Month Day, Year Update No. 4
Month Day, Year Update No. 5
Month Day, Year Update No. 6
Month Day, Year Update No. 7

Therefore, that is why this 'update' is the seventh one for today! –Paul Whiting (written October 24th, 2023 and revised October 28th, 2023)

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May 27th, 2024 Update No. 1, Written On May 23rd, 2024 (Originally From My Blog Post Titled, "My Point Of View On...Giving Charity And Accepting Charity," Which Is On Both Of My "Paul Whiting — Math Magician" And "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" Blogs): Have a Memorable Memorial Day, everyone. I signed a Memorial Day card "to honor the military heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country" from the USO (United Service Organizations) today, May 23rd, 2024, that I received today via an email with the subject line, "Before you celebrate Memorial Day weekend…", which stated the following:

SIGN THE CARD

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

HONOR OUR SERVICE MEMBERS BEFORE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

ADD YOUR NAME***

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Paul,

Before Memorial Day weekend arrives, we want to make sure we all take a moment to remember what this holiday is really about: honoring the heroes who've made the ultimate sacrifice for our country — and those currently risking their lives to defend our freedoms.

We're counting on 100,000 proud military supporters like you to sign the card via email and text message before Memorial Day ends to show your support for active-duty service members deployed around the world: Will you join thousands of other military supporters and thank our heroes before midnight?

THANK OUR HEROES

Right now, our service members are facing emerging threats from the Iranian military in the Middle East and increased hostility from the governments of Niger and Chad.

In the face of these escalating conflicts around the world, your gratitude and support right now mean so much to our service members risking their lives for our country.

So please, don't miss this chance to honor the fallen and show all our heroes in uniform serving across the globe how much you appreciate everything they do for us. Sign the card now to thank our service members this Memorial Day.

THANK OUR HEROES

Thank you for standing with those who serve this Memorial Day.

The USO

SIGN THE CARD***

***[I used to include hyperlinks contained within the email messages, or the text messages, to which I am referring in these "Activism Updates"; however, I could not figure out how to include the aforementioned hyperlinks, regarding some relevant action that I had taken—such as signing a petition, sending a letter or message to my representative(s) in Congress, signing a USO 'Thank You' card, and/or making a donation—without including my personal information.]

Plus, after I signed the card, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org website to say to our troops, "As we honor our military heroes this Memorial Day, we want you to know how grateful we are for your courageous service and the immense sacrifices you make every day to protect our country."

In addition to that, I already make a recurring monthly donation to the USO in order to show my support for our U.S. Military Personnel! You see, I usually make one-time donations to the USO each month—as often as I can manage when they request a donation via email or text message. Therefore, I am planning to continue making one-time donations to the USO in the future, as often as I can manage to make donations, in addition to making the aforementioned recurring monthly donation.

By the way, did you know that the USO is a not-for-profit organization and not part of the Department of Defense (DoD)? The following description of the USO is from their 'About Us' webpage:

"The USO is not part of the federal government. A congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities, and is powered by a family of volunteers to accomplish our mission of connection."

So, that is why I 'volunteer financially' as a member of the "USO Home Team" through a recurring monthly donation, as well as through one-time donations to the USO each month!

–Paul Whiting (May 23rd, 2024)

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May 27th, 2024 Update No. 2 [My Writing About IAVA's National Moment Of Silence, A.K.A. "The #GoSilent Campaign" (for 2024)]:

For Memorial Day 2024, I participated in the IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) national moment of silence "as our troops continue to be deployed in harm’s way to places like Iraq and Syria," which is why "this is also a good time to remind ourselves of those who keep stepping up and volunteering to risk their lives in order to keep us safe here at home every day." That is why I made the pledge to "#GoSilent with [IAVA] today at 3:00 PM local time to make sure that the sacrifice of the fallen is not forgotten, and to help us remind America of the true meaning behind Memorial Day." And I also made a donation to the IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) in order to show my support for IAVA's #GoSilent Campaign and for our U.S. Veterans. –Paul Whiting (written May 27th, 2024 and revised May 28th, 2026)

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November 6th, 2024 Update No. 1 [My Writing About No Longer Being An 'Online Activist' In Any Way, Shape Or Form]: Due to Donald Trump winning the 2024 Presidential Election—and until further notice—I am no longer being an 'Online Activist' in any way, shape or form, which includes no longer signing petitions from political, social, environmental and charitable organizations, and no longer sending letters to my Representative and Senators in Congress, as well as no longer making donations to political, social, environmental and charitable causes. Full stop! I am also unsubscribing from any of the emails that I used to receive from political, social, environmental and charitable organizations. In fact, I am even cancelling all of my monthly political donations to the main Democratic fundraising and coordinating organizations, as well as to the USO (United Service Organizations), in addition to cancelling all of my monthly news organization subscriptions, or news organization donations, because I am absolutely terrified of this second Trump administration. And I fully expect that democracy in America as we know it will be over! So, I am choosing to not engage in any 'activism' whatsoever—plus, I am not even sure that I will be exercising my 'civic duty' by voting in any upcoming elections because, as a (formerly) donating and a (potentially former) voting Democrat, I totally fear the retribution of President Donald J. Trump. Full stop!

P.S.: It's July 31st, 2025, and I feel like I need to provide an addendum (that is, "an item of additional material added at the end of a book or document, typically in order to correct, clarify, or supplement something") to this November 6th, 2024 'update!'

You see, a couple of days ago, on July 29th, 2025, I copied the text of this update to use as my reason for unsubscribing from a particular political email that I received that same day!

And so, I actually bothered to read this update—in order to verify that it made sense for me to use as a response to the request on this political email's unsubscribe page which stated, "Please tell us why you are leaving"—during which I realized there was a typo (that is, 'a typographical error') in the text of the update, as I have highlighted below, with the correction in brackets:

"And I fully expect that democracy in America as we know [it] will be over!"

Thus, I accidentally left out the word "it" in the sentence above. Hence, I corrected said typo on July 29th, the verification of which can be seen reflected in the addition of the date "revised July 29th, 2025" after my name.

However, as I got to thinking about the fact that I had originally said I may not be voting in any upcoming elections, I realized that, in fact, I did vote in Portland Oregon's Multnomah County Special District Election on May 20th, 2025, just like I usually do! [I always vote in every election (even 'special elections') and I always vote Democrat, which is why I was worried about voting in any upcoming elections given President Trump's clear disdain for Democrats.]

Therefore, I decided to write this "P.S." today, July 31st, as a way to clarify that I am still voting in elections (even 'special elections'), it's just that I am no longer engaging in any 'Online Activism,' during Trump's Presidency, as I explained in great detail above. (I hope that makes sense!)

–Paul Whiting (written November 6th, 2024, revised November 7th, 2024, revised July 29th, 2025 and revised July 31st, 2025)

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May 26th, 2025 Update No. 1 [My Writing About Telling Everyone In America My New Saying, "Have A Memorable Memorial Day," For Such A Solemn Holiday As Memorial Day, By Creating YouTube Music Playlists]: For Memorial Day 2025, I decided to create playlists on YouTube Music in order to tell everyone in the United States of America about my new saying, "Have A Memorable Memorial Day" for such a solemn holiday as Memorial Day...

...And so, in honor of all those who died while serving in the United States Military, I created the following two playlists on YouTube Music in order to say, "Have A Memorable Memorial Day," everyone:

"'Have A Memorable Memorial Day, Part 1' by Various Artists: Somber Patriotic Music" (on YouTube):

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5ASnKWDRID3rbd3KbNDH56ZhVR6yGDFo&si=w-RrGtk0z8qyChOO

"'Have A Memorable Memorial Day, Part 2' by Various Artists: Somber Patriotic Music" (on YouTube):

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5ASnKWDRID0UKIenmgul5kC_IaZ53dPN&si=IJDrhoKCL2sTAu35

Here is the description from both of those playlists:

For Memorial Day, I decided to create this playlist in order to tell everyone in the United States of America about my new saying, "Have A Memorable Memorial Day" for such a solemn holiday as Memorial Day.

Thus, here is "My Writing About A New Saying 'Have A Memorable Memorial Day' For Such A Solemn Holiday As Memorial Day":

On Memorial Day, rather than saying "Happy Memorial Day," I choose instead to say, "Have A Memorable Memorial Day," or I simply say, "Memorable Memorial Day." For, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance—just like a memorial service—and is truly about honoring the men and women who died while serving in the United States Military. –Paul Whiting (written May 27th, 2013, revised May 30th, 2022, revised May 31st, 2022, revised May 29th, 2023 and revised May 27th, 2024)

Plus, here is a poem that I wrote on May 30th, 2021, for Memorial Day on May 31st, 2021, which is titled, 'A Memorable Memorial Day,' and that is also titled, 'A Solemn Patriotic Poem,' as can be seen below:

A Memorable Memorial Day (A Patriotic Poem)

He taps into his memorabilia;
She taps into her photo albums;
They tap into their memories;
A day that taps into the
sacrifices that were made by
souls who have given their lives...

...I tap into my courage;
I tap into my patriotism;
I tap into my humility;
And I tap into a somber,
a solemnly respectful, and
"A Memorable Memorial Day."

–Paul Whiting (written May 30th, 2021 for Memorial Day on May 31st, 2021, revised June 12th, 2022, revised June 13th, 2022 and revised May 14th, 2023)

[My Writing About IAVA's National Moment Of Silence, A.K.A. "The #GoSilent Campaign" (for 2025)]: Besides that, for Memorial Day 2025—as usual—I participated in the IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) national moment of silence, which is asking “Americans to #GoSilent and participate in a moment of silence at 3PM local time in honor of the men and women in uniform that paid the ultimate price in defense of our nation.” That is why I decided to #GoSilent with [IAVA] at 3:00 PM local time in order to help draw “specific attention to those U.S. service members who were killed while deployed under the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) that was passed in response to the 9/11 attacks, but was used to justify sending them to places other than Afghanistan. Troops killed in places like Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and Niger, in addition to troops killed in Iraq well after America was told that the war there was over.”

https://iava.org/media/iava-urges-fellow-americans-to-gosilent-on-memorial-day-2

–Paul Whiting (written May 26th, 2025, revised November 11th, 2025, revised May 27th, 2026 and revised June 17th, 2026)

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Blogger's Note: This is a follow-up to my 'November 6th, 2024 Update No. 1 [My Writing About No Longer Being An 'Online Activist' In Any Way, Shape Or Form]' that is located on my blog post "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was," which can be found on my "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" blog. And that update stated, in part, the following:

"Due to Donald Trump winning the 2024 Presidential Election—and until further notice—I am no longer being an 'Online Activist' in any way, shape or form, which includes no longer signing petitions from political, social, environmental and charitable organizations, and no longer sending letters to my Representative and Senators in Congress, as well as no longer making donations to political, social, environmental and charitable causes. Full stop! I am also unsubscribing from any of the emails that I used to receive from political, social, environmental and charitable organizations. In fact, I am even cancelling all of my monthly political donations to the main Democratic fundraising and coordinating organizations, as well as to the USO (United Service Organizations), in addition to cancelling all of my monthly news organization subscriptions, or news organization donations, because I am absolutely terrified of this second Trump administration. ..."

You see, I have restarted donating to organizations which support Active Duty U.S. Military Personnel, including the USO (United Service Organizations)—that I restarted donating to as of April 16th, 2026—and Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA)—that I restarted donating to as of May 25th, 2026—in addition to organizations which support U.S. Military Veterans, including Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), as well as Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)—both of which I restarted donating to as of May 25th, 2026.

So, for the complete updates (with any corresponding ‘My Writing About...’) regarding these restarted donations, please see my blog post titled, "My Point Of View On...Giving Charity And Accepting Charity," which can be found on both of my "Paul Whiting — Math Magician" and "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" blogs, within which you can do a find-in-page search for the updates listed below by their label names (or, by their corresponding ‘My Writing About...' titles, where applicable).

These are the updates regarding my restarted donations to the USO on April 16th, 2026:

April 16th, 2026 Update No. 1

April 16th, 2026 Update No. 1 (Follow-Up No. 1, Written On April 17th, 2026) [My Writing About How I Restarted Donating To The USO (United Service Organizations) As Of April 2026]

April 16th, 2026 Update No. 1 (Follow-Up No. 2, Written On April 19th, 2026)

April 16th, 2026 Update No. 1 (Follow-Up No. 3, Written On May 17th, 2026) [My Writing About How I Restarted Donating To The USO (United Service Organizations) As Of April 2026, Part 2]

April 16th, 2026 Update No. 1 (Follow-Up No. 4, Written On June 15th, 2026, Which Also Discusses June 14th, 2026)

Theses are the updates regarding my restarted donations to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), and to Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA), as well as to Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), respectively, on May 25th, 2026:

May 25th, 2026 Update No. 3, Written On May 26th, 2026

May 25th, 2026 Update No. 4, Written On May 27th, 2026, Which Also Discusses May 2026

May 25th, 2026 Update No. 5, Written On May 27th, 2026

Now, to clarify something: I would normally also refer you to my blog post titled, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was," which can be found on my "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" blog, for these blog post updates (and for the corresponding ‘My Writing About…’, where applicable), but I cannot edit this post anymore—for an unknown reason—as of May 11th, 2026. So, any editing that I have tried to do on this blog post, after May 11th, for some reason won't save...

…Although, on June 20th, 2026, I thought to relocate all of the 2026 updates from my original blog post, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was," to my newer "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was, Part 2." You see, I had created that 'Part 2' blog post as a backup post, because there was a period of time when the original blog post kept being unpublished by Blogger for being too 'spammy'—I am guessing because of all the hyperlinks that I was providing for news articles that I was referring to my readers!

Anyway, that relocation of the 2026 updates seemed to have worked in getting the original blog post to be "editable" again, at least temporarily... But, then, later on that same day, I tried to add some additional text to the post and it would not save again! However, at least this time, instead of just saying that the "Update failed," it specifically stated, "The body is too large." Thus, I am assuming the 'unknown reason' that I stopped being able to edit the post on May 11th was because I had—apparently—reached some sort of blog post size threshold!

(So now, I am thinking of editing out most of the news updates, which I wrote on that original post, because those updates weren't nearly as pertinent to my "Online Activism" as was responding to the text message, email, and regular mail communications that I was receiving from various political, progressive and charitable organizations.)

In conclusion, then: for the complete updates (with any corresponding ‘My Writing About...’) regarding these restarted donations, I can now refer you to my blog post titled, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was, Part 2,” which can be found on my "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" blog, in addition to the above-mentioned blog post titled, "My Point Of View On...Giving Charity And Accepting Charity," which can be found on both of my "Paul Whiting — Math Magician" and "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" blogs.

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May 25th, 2026 Update No. 1 (Originally From My Blog Post Titled, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was, Part 2," Which Is On My "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" Blog): Have a Memorable Memorial Day, everyone. This update is a follow-up to my 'May 26th, 2025 Update No. 1,' which stated, in part, the following:

May 26th, 2025 Update No. 1: For Memorial Day 2025, I decided to create playlists on YouTube Music in order to tell everyone in the United States of America about my new saying, "Have A Memorable Memorial Day" for such a solemn holiday as Memorial Day...

...And so, in honor of all those who died while serving in the United States Military, I created the following two playlists on YouTube Music in order to say, "Have A Memorable Memorial Day," everyone:

"'Have A Memorable Memorial Day, Part 1' by Various Artists: Somber Patriotic Music" (on YouTube):

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5ASnKWDRID3rbd3KbNDH56ZhVR6yGDFo&si=w-RrGtk0z8qyChOO

"'Have A Memorable Memorial Day, Part 2' by Various Artists: Somber Patriotic Music" (on YouTube):

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5ASnKWDRID0UKIenmgul5kC_IaZ53dPN&si=IJDrhoKCL2sTAu35

And for 2026—which America's 250th Birthday/Anniversary—I add the following new playlist to the above two playlists:

"'Have A Memorable Memorial Day, Part 3' by Various Artists: Country Patriotic Music" (on YouTube):

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5ASnKWDRID11OSDlxsLkX7sqimeW5_uE&si=l_2rztA0idrQt1Ap

Admittedly, however, this new "'Have A Memorable Memorial Day, Part 3' by Various Artists: Country Patriotic Music" playlist is mostly songs that are more upbeat than the previous two playlists for Memorial Day, which were designed by me to be much more solemn patriotic music.

You see, I was trying to find some really great country songs about Memorial Day—the kind that truly honor the sacrifices made by those who died while serving in the U.S. military—which is why I decided to create this playlist in the first place. Though, there really weren't any of those kinds of songs on these particular playlist albums.

Plus, some of the songs on these albums seemed a lot more like "jazz," or "blues," or even "Dixieland," than "country." So, I selected the only songs that really appealed to me from these specific albums that I found on YouTube Music for this new playlist.

However, I decided to keep this new playlist because I really wanted to "tip my hat," so to speak, to all the song writers of country music, who I feel create some of the best new music, which is what I was hoping to find on these albums!

And, even though I originally created this new "'Have A Memorable Memorial Day, Part 3' by Various Artists: Country Patriotic Music" playlist on Memorial Day, Monday May 25th, I actually started listening to this new playlist on Tuesday, May 26th.

Thus, I first started by listening to the "'Have A Memorable Memorial Day, Part 1' by Various Artists: Somber Patriotic Music" playlist on Monday May 25th, followed that same day by "'Have A Memorable Memorial Day, Part 2' by Various Artists: Somber Patriotic Music" playlist, which carried over until Tuesday, May 26th.

Then, as mentioned above, I started listening to "'Have A Memorable Memorial Day, Part 3' by Various Artists: Country Patriotic Music" on Tuesday, May 26th and finished on Wednesday, May 27th.

Therefore, this new playlist of more upbeat music, I actually started listening to the day after Memorial Day—which I feel is a solemn holiday, like a memorial service—so then I could continue listening to typically more upbeat "marching band-stye" Memorial Day albums until the end of May.

And here is the description from all three of those playlists:

For Memorial Day, I decided to create this playlist in order to tell everyone in the United States of America about my new saying, "Have A Memorable Memorial Day" for such a solemn holiday as Memorial Day.

Thus, here is "My Writing About A New Saying 'Have A Memorable Memorial Day' For Such A Solemn Holiday As Memorial Day":

On Memorial Day, rather than saying "Happy Memorial Day," I choose instead to say, "Have A Memorable Memorial Day," or I simply say, "Memorable Memorial Day." For, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance—just like a memorial service—and is truly about honoring the men and women who died while serving in the United States Military. –Paul Whiting (written May 27th, 2013, revised May 30th, 2022, revised May 31st, 2022, revised May 29th, 2023 and revised May 27th, 2024)

Plus, here is a poem that I wrote on May 30th, 2021, for Memorial Day on May 31st, 2021, which is titled, 'A Memorable Memorial Day,' and that is also titled, 'A Solemn Patriotic Poem,' as can be seen below:

A Memorable Memorial Day (A Patriotic Poem)

He taps into his memorabilia;
She taps into her photo albums;
They tap into their memories;
A day that taps into the
sacrifices that were made by
souls who have given their lives...

...I tap into my courage;
I tap into my patriotism;
I tap into my humility;
And I tap into a somber,
a solemnly respectful, and
"A Memorable Memorial Day."

–Paul Whiting (written May 30th, 2021 for Memorial Day on May 31st, 2021, revised June 12th, 2022, revised June 13th, 2022 and revised May 14th, 2023)

Besides that, I made two donations to the USO for Memorial Day 2026 (please see my 'May 25th, 2026 Update No. 2, Written On May 25th, 2026 And May 26th, 2026, Which Also Discusses May 18th, 2026 And May 19th, 2026,' which can be found below).

Additionally, for Memorial Day 2026—as usual—I participated in the IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) national moment of silence, which is thanking us "for joining IAVA as we #GoSilent this Memorial Day at 3PM to honor American heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service and dedication to our nation." That is why I decided to #GoSilent with IAVA at 3:00 PM local time in order to help draw "special attention to the at least 13 U.S. service members killed in the most recent conflict with Iran. Our troops have been sent into harm’s way without clear public understanding of the scope, duration, or end goal of the mission. While these men and women faced that uncertainty, they did not hesitate to uphold the oath they swore to defend this nation. Even as many at home struggle to make sense of this new chapter of war, these service members never wavered. They gave everything in service to this country, and this Memorial Day, we #GoSilent to honor their sacrifice, remember their names, and ensure their service is never forgotten." And I also made a donation to IAVA in order to show my support for IAVA's #GoSilent Campaign and for our U.S. Veterans (please see my 'May 25th, 2026 Update No. 3, Written On May 26th, 2026', which can be found below).

https://iava.org/events/gosilent

Furthermore, I made a donation to Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) as part of my Memorial Day observations (please see my 'May 25th, 2026 Update No. 4, Written On May 27th, 2026, Which Also Discusses May 2026,' which can be found below), as well as a donation to Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) for Memorial Day (please see my 'May 25th, 2026 Update No. 5, Written On May 27th, 2026,' which can be found below).

–Paul Whiting (written May 25th, 2026, revised May 26th, 2026 and revised May 27th, 2026)

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May 25th, 2026 Update No. 2, Written On May 25th, 2026 And May 26th, 2026, Which Also Discusses May 18th, 2026 And May 19th, 2026 (Originally From My Blog Post Titled, "My Point Of View On...Giving Charity And Accepting Charity," Which Is On Both Of My "Paul Whiting — Math Magician" And "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" Blogs): Have a Memorable Memorial Day, everyone. I recently received two communications from the USO (United Service Organizations).

And the first communication, which I received on May 18th, 2026, was a mailer from the USO, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read as follows:

2X THE MORALE-BOOSTING SUPPORT
★ GIFTS BY JUNE 30 WILL BE MATCHED ★

And an additional 'back teaser message' shows an image of a USO American flag on the left and the USO's America 250 Years baseball hat on the right, with the following text:

FREE GIFT for Your Donation to Support Our Military Heroes.

Please scan the QR code or visit uso.org/memorialday to donate online.

https://give.uso.org/page/2605_FLOWERS

And the mailer above stated the following:

[I used to hand-type the text of the documents from these types of mailers on my smartphone; however, it takes a lot of time and energy in order to hand-type these kinds of documents: so, instead, I scanned and copied the documents using Google Lens! Then, I edited the copy of said documents to include all of the italicizing, bolding and/or underscoring where applicable.]

★★★ USO ★★★
FOR THE PEOPLE WHO SERVE.™

[Business name redacted logo]

Dear Mr. Whiting,

The air is heavy and hot ... not from the charcoal and cookouts filling neighborhoods this Memorial Day, but from a place where a U.S. service member watches a horizon where danger rarely announces itself.

Their "holiday weekend" is spent at a cramped outpost with the weight of body armor and the constant thump of helicopters overhead.

While we gather in backyards, they brace for the unthinkable and the unexpected: a sudden alarm and a mission that cannot wait.

On days like Memorial Day, when America pauses to remember, service members are living the very reality we honor — carrying the burden of our freedom on proud, yet tired, shoulders that never truly get to rest.

After 35 years in the Army and now as CEO of the USO, I know firsthand what that sacrifice costs, and how much it means to our troops to know they are not forgotten once the headlines fade.

That's why, as Memorial Day approaches, I'm inviting you to stand with these brave men and women through the USO Salute.

This year, your gift of $10, $15 or $20 will be doubled — but only through June 30, thanks to a generous $70,000 match from [business name redacted].

Mr. Whiting, your support means more than you may realize. Your matched gift today will help provide the essential programs and services that offer connection and encouragement to our troops — especially during the toughest deployments.

Your generosity sustains more than 250 USO locations worldwide — places where service members can get a snack, call home or simply feel the support of a grateful nation. And for those stationed where a USO Center can't exist, you help us deliver a connection to home and the essentials in the most remote — and often dangerous — locations.

One of the most meaningful lifelines you make possible is the simple ability to communicate with loved ones. Through your [...end of this page...]

(over, please)

---------------------------------------------

[START OF SIDEBAR]

Help provide EVEN more:

Phone Calls Home
Bring the comforting voice of family to service members standing watch on the frontlines.

____________________________________________________

USO2GO Packages
Deliver familiar comforts to our troops - snacks, movies and essentials that remind them of home.

____________________________________________________

Tech to Connect
Equip a USO tech space so our military heroes can stay closely connected to the families they love.

[END OF SIDEBAR]

---------------------------------------------

[...start of the next page...] support, the USO provides free phone calls and internet access in hundreds of locations worldwide.

Meeting these needs — and all the others we provide for America's military community — requires a significant commitment, one that costs more than $230,000 every day. As you know, the USO is not a government agency; we rely on the kindness of patriotic Americans like you.

Will you help us honor the service and sacrifice of our heroes this Memorial Day?

Your support today — matched by [business name redacted] — ensures we can continue to be there for those who defend our freedom. Your gift sends a powerful USO Salute that the American people stand behind them.

Thank you for your steadfast support of our service members and their families. Because of you, the sacrifices of our fallen heroes — and the courage of those who continue to serve — will never be forgotten.

Our heroes count on America. And I hope we can count on you today.

For the People Who Serve,

[Name redacted]
Lieutenant General, U.S. Army, Retired
[Title redacted], USO

P.S. With a gift of $20 or more, I'd be honored to send you a USO baseball hat celebrating America's 250th anniversary or an American-made U.S. flag — a small token reserved for our most loyal friends of the USO. Plus, every gift made by June 30 will be matched by [business name redacted], up to $70,000.

P.P.S. And if you feel called to make an even deeper impact, I'd be grateful to welcome you into the USO Home Team — a group of supporters whose steady monthly commitment shows our troops, day after day, that they are never forgotten.

---------------------------------------------

[Side one of an additional insert with the following text:]

DOUBLE THE VALUE OF YOUR GIFT!

Your gift between now and June 30 will go TWICE as far thanks to our partner [business name redacted].

Your matched gift will ensure more:

• Phone calls to loved ones
• USO2GO packages with familiar items from home
• Long distance bedtime stories for children to hear their parent's voice no matter how far away they are stationed
• Community-building programs for military heroes and their families
... and so much more!

Give Today and Receive a FREE GIFT as a Proud Supporter of Our Troops

Choose Your Free Gift:
Flag OR Limited-Edition Hat Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary

[Image of a USO American flag on the left and the USO's America 250 Years baseball hat on the right.]

For delivery, please allow 6-8 weeks from receipt of your contribution while supplies last.

"QR code message": Show your appreciation immediately.

Scan here to give a gift:

https://give.uso.org/page/2605_FLOWERS

---------------------------------------------

[Side two of an additional insert with the following text:]

★ LETTERS OF THANKS FROM THOSE WE SERVE ★

"It means a lot to have the support of the USO out here."

—Captain,
Deployed to Eastern Europe
U.S. Air Force

"It can get tough during a deployment, to say the least, and having a place to step away from duty, even briefly, makes a big difference."

—SPC
U.S. Army

"I always look for the USO. I know I can always count on getting the resources or help I need."

—Petty Officer 2nd Class
U.S. Navy

---------------------------------------------

★★★ USO ★★★
FOR THE PEOPLE WHO SERVE.™

YOUR GIFT WILL BE MATCHED TO SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

✓ YES, I want to give today because my gift will go TWICE as far to provide vital support services for service members and their families. Please accept my gift of:

[  ] $10 becomes ... $20
[  ] $15 becomes ... $30
[  ] $20 becomes ... $40
✓ $17.00 Any amount you give today can have TWICE the value.

Mr. Paul Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

Please enclose your check payable to: The USO. To donate using your credit card, please use the reverse side of this form. Your gift is tax deductible as allowed by law. Thank you for your generosity.

FP [  ] Please send me a free 3-by-5 foot American flag for my gift of $20 or more.

LH [  ] Please send me a free limited-edition USO baseball hat for my gift of $20 or more.

[  ] Yes, I would like my support to go even further by joining the USO Home Team with a monthly gift. (Please use reverse side of this form.)

DF [✓] No need to send me a gift. Please use my full donation to benefit our service members.

"QR code message": Please scan the QR code or visit uso.org/memorialday to donate online.

https://give.uso.org/page/2605_FLOWERS

And, after I read the letter above, I entered the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:

★★★ USO ★★★

Match your gift and support America's service members today!

The USO is there to provide our service members with the critical resources they both need and deserve. Will you rush your gift and have it DOUBLED to support America's military heroes? Please donate today to support our Armed Forces as they make incredible sacrifices for our country.

[Business name redacted] is matching all gifts to the USO, dollar for dollar, up to a total of $70,000, through June 30, 2026.

Secure donation

[✓] Give once
[  ] ❤ Monthly

[  ] $200
[  ] $100
[  ] $55
[  ] $50
[  ] $30
[  ] $25
[✓] $17

Become a monthly supporter

Would you consider becoming one of our valued monthly supporters by converting your $17 contribution into a monthly donation?

Ongoing monthly donations allow us to better focus in our mission.

[  ] ❤ Donate $10/month
[  ] Donate $5/month
[✓] Keep my one-time $17 gift

Enter your details

First name: Paul
Last name: Whiting
Email address: [redacted]
Phone number (optional): [redacted]
Donate as an organization: N/A

Double your impact

Many employers have a donation matching program that will double or triple the value of your donation.

Just enter the name of your employer, and we'll see if your impact can be amplified!

Your company (optional): N/A

Enter your address

Street address: [redacted]
Apartment/suite/floor: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
Zip code: [redacted]

You donate $17 USD

[  ] Cover transaction costs

Donate

And so, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org website in order to support the USO's following statement: "The USO is there to provide our service members with the critical resources they both need and deserve. Please donate today to support our Armed Forces as they make incredible sacrifices for our country."

Then, after I made said donation, I received an email from the USO today, May 25th, 2026, with the subject line, "Thank You for Your Donation to the USO", which stated the following:

★★★ USO ★★★

[Picture of "a soldier kneeling to embrace a child in an airport setting, conveying a message of reunion and support, with the USO logo on the left."]

Thank you for your generous $17.00 USD donation!

Dear Paul Whiting,

Thank you for your generous tax-deductible gift in support of the USO.

Donation Amount: $17.00 USD

Donation ID: [redacted]

Donation Date: May 25, 2026

Email: [redacted]

Your gift honors the service and sacrifice our troops make for us every day and will provide comfort and support to them and their families.

As a reminder, your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowable by federal law. And if there is a premium associated with your donation, please allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.

If you have any questions or would like to contact the USO, please call [phone number redacted].

-Your friends at the USO

In addition to that, I already make a recurring monthly donation to the USO in order to show my support for our U.S. Military Personnel! You see, I usually make one-time donations to the USO—as often as I can manage when they request a donation via regular mail, email or text message. (I also donate for particular calendar observances, such as Memorial Day.) Therefore, I am planning to continue making one-time donations to the USO in the future, as often as I can manage, in addition to making the aforementioned recurring monthly donation.

By the way, did you know that the USO is a not-for-profit organization and not part of the Department of Defense (DoD)? The following description of the USO is from their 'About Us' webpage:

"The USO is not part of the federal government. A congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities, and is powered by a family of volunteers to accomplish our mission of connection."

So, that is why I 'volunteer financially' as a member of the "USO Home Team" through a recurring monthly donation, as well as through one-time donations to the USO!

And the second communication, which I received on, May 19th, 2026, was a text message from the USO, which stated the following:

Memorial Day is almost here, a time we remember that freedom is never free. As we plan time with family, our troops continue to serve. Add your name to the USO's Memorial Day card today and help us reach our goal of 250,000 signatures of support. Please sign here:***

***[I used to include hyperlinks contained within the email messages, or the text messages, to which I am referring in these "Activism Updates"; however, I could not figure out how to include the aforementioned hyperlinks, regarding some relevant action that I had taken—such as signing a petition, sending a letter or message to my representative(s) in Congress, signing a USO 'Thank You' card, and/or making a donation—without including my personal information.]

And, after I read the text message above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:

★★★ USO ★★★

Honor our service members this Memorial Day

Memorial Day exists to honor and remember the service members who paid the ultimate price in defense of freedom.

Join thousands of patriotic Americans in signing the USO's Memorial Day card to honor our fallen and recognize those who still serve today.

This Memorial Day, we honor our fallen heroes and we express our deepest gratitude to the men and women who still serve our country today. Thank you for your bravery and sacrifice

With gratitude,

First Name*
Paul

Last Name*
Whiting

Email Address*
[redacted]

Mobile Phone Number (Optional)
[redacted]

By providing your cell phone number, you agree to the Mobile Messaging Terms for recurring autodialed donation messages from USO to the phone number you provide & to the Privacy Policy. Msg&data rates may apply.

SIGN THE CARD

---------------------------------------------

Thanks for signing the card! Will you take a few minutes to complete a quick survey about supporting all of our nation's heroes?

Our service members endure harsh conditions to keep folks like us safe. How important is it to you to support our service members deployed far from home?
[✓] Extremely important
[  ] Very important
[  ] Somewhat important
[  ] Not at all important

The USO gives our service members the support they need to keep their spirits up, from phone calls home to A-list entertainment. Do you think it's important to keep service members' morale high by letting them know patriotic Americans back home stand with them?
[✓] Yes
[  ] No

Hundreds of thousands of service members are currently deployed overseas, putting themselves in harm's way in dangerous combat zones around the world. Have you or a family member or friend ever served in the military?
[✓] Yes
[  ] No

Our service members make incredible sacrifices to keep us safe, missing special moments like the first day of school or a baby's first steps while deployed far from home. How important do you think it is to help our service members stay connected to family back home during deployment?
[✓] Extremely important
[  ] Very important
[  ] Somewhat important
[  ] Not at all important

---------------------------------------------

Thank you for taking the survey!

Now, as we work to deliver our brave service members a touch of home, we need to ask for your support.

It takes a lot of time, coordination and funds to get our care packages and other services to the hundreds of thousands of service members who are away from their families, continuing a 250-year legacy of defending our nation. The USO is not a government agency; we are a nonprofit, and we rely on the generosity of military supporters like you.

For a limited time, your gift will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $25,000, thanks to [business name redacted]. When you make a gift of $29 or more, you'll also receive a USO T-shirt as a symbol of your support for our troops. Will you please make a generous matched donation today and send a little bit of home to deployed troops around the world?

EMAIL: [name redacted]
DONATED TODAY: NO
SUGGESTED DONATION: $52

[  ] Yes, I'll donate $29 — send me a T-shirt!

[  ] Yes, I'll donate $52 — send me two T-shirts!

[✓] Yes, I'll donate, but I don't want a T-shirt!

[  ] No, I don't want to donate today.

---------------------------------------------

★★★ USO ★★★

Donate to support our service members

Our service members keep our nation safe. And we work hard to keep them connected to home — but we can't do that without support from military supporters like you. Our heroes are counting on you to be a part of this important work for our country. So please, donate now.

By donating, you agree to allow the USO to use your gift, combined with others, in a matching gift fund.

Secure donation

[✓] Give once
[  ] ❤ Monthly

[  ] $1,000
[  ] $500
[  ] $250
[  ] $75
[  ] $45
[  ] $30
[✓] $20

Become a monthly supporter

Would you consider becoming one of our valued monthly supporters by converting your $20 contribution into a monthly donation?

Ongoing monthly donations allow us to better focus in our mission.

[  ] ❤ Donate $10/month
[  ] Donate $5/month
[✓] Keep my one-time $20 gift

Enter your details

First name: Paul
Last name: Whiting
Email address: [redacted]
Phone number (optional): [redacted]
Donate as an organization: N/A

Double your impact

Many employers have a donation matching program that will double or triple the value of your donation.

Just enter the name of your employer, and we'll see if your impact can be amplified!

Your company (optional): N/A

Enter your address

Street address: [redacted]
Apartment/suite/floor: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
Zip code: [redacted]

You donate $20 USD

[  ] Cover transaction costs

Donate

And so, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org website in order to support the USO's following statement: "Our service members keep our nation safe. And we work hard to keep them connected to home — but we can't do that without support from military supporters like you. Our heroes are counting on you to be a part of this important work for our country."

Then, after I made said donation, I received an email from the USO today, May 1st, 2026, with the subject line, "Thank You for Your Donation to the USO", which stated the following:

★★★ USO ★★★

[Picture of "a soldier kneeling to embrace a child in an airport setting, conveying a message of reunion and support, with the USO logo on the left."]

Thank you for your generous $20.00 USD donation!

Dear Paul Whiting,

Thank you for your generous tax-deductible gift in support of the USO.

Donation Amount: $20.00 USD

Donation ID: [redacted]

Donation Date: May 25, 2026

Email: [redacted]

Your gift honors the service and sacrifice our troops make for us every day and will provide comfort and support to them and their families.

As a reminder, your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowable by federal law. And if there is a premium associated with your donation, please allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.

If you have any questions or would like to contact the USO, please call [phone number redacted].

-Your friends at the USO

In addition to that, I already make a recurring monthly donation to the USO in order to show my support for our U.S. Military Personnel! You see, I usually make one-time donations to the USO—as often as I can manage when they request a donation via regular mail, email or text message. (I also donate for particular calendar observances, such as Memorial Day.) Therefore, I am planning to continue making one-time donations to the USO in the future, as often as I can manage, in addition to making the aforementioned recurring monthly donation.

By the way, did you know that the USO is a not-for-profit organization and not part of the Department of Defense (DoD)? The following description of the USO is from their 'About Us' webpage:

"The USO is not part of the federal government. A congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities, and is powered by a family of volunteers to accomplish our mission of connection."

So, that is why I 'volunteer financially' as a member of the "USO Home Team" through a recurring monthly donation, as well as through one-time donations to the USO! –Paul Whiting (written on May 25th, 2026 and May 26th, 2026, revised June 14th, 2026, revised July 5th, 2026 and revised July 6th, 2026)

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May 25th, 2026 Update No. 3, Written On May 26th, 2026 (Originally From My Blog Post Titled, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was, Part 2," Which Is On My "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" Blog): [My Writing About IAVA's National Moment Of Silence, A.K.A. "The #GoSilent Campaign" (for 2026)]:

For Memorial Day 2026, I participated in the IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) national moment of silence, which is thanking us "for joining IAVA as we #GoSilent this Memorial Day at 3PM to honor American heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service and dedication to our nation." That is why I decided to #GoSilent with IAVA at 3:00 PM local time in order to help draw "special attention to the at least 13 U.S. service members killed in the most recent conflict with Iran. Our troops have been sent into harm’s way without clear public understanding of the scope, duration, or end goal of the mission. While these men and women faced that uncertainty, they did not hesitate to uphold the oath they swore to defend this nation. Even as many at home struggle to make sense of this new chapter of war, these service members never wavered. They gave everything in service to this country, and this Memorial Day, we #GoSilent to honor their sacrifice, remember their names, and ensure their service is never forgotten." And I also made a donation to IAVA in order to show my support for IAVA's #GoSilent Campaign and for our U.S. Veterans. –Paul Whiting (written May 26th, 2026, revised May 27th, 2026 and revised May 28th, 2026)

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May 25th, 2026 Update No. 4, Written On May 27th, 2026, Which Also Discusses May 2026 (Originally From My Blog Post Titled, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was, Part 2," Which Is On My "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" Blog): Have a Memorable Memorial Day, everyone. I received a mailer from the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) sometime during the month of May 2026, which stated the following:

[I used to hand-type the text of the documents from these types of mailers on my smartphone; however, it takes a lot of time and energy in order to hand-type these kinds of documents: so, instead, I scanned and copied the documents using Google Lens! Then, I edited the copy of said documents to include all of the italicizing, bolding and/or underscoring where applicable.]

The Armed Services YMCA

Dear Mr. Whiting,

Skyrocketing costs of housing, groceries and child care — and high unemployment rates among spouses — have left 1 in 4 brave active-duty service members and their families struggling to afford enough to eat.

Our heroes are on the front lines, willing to put their lives on the line. They shouldn't have to worry about feeding their children. Since 1861, support from friends like you has helped the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) provide service members and their families with the assistance they need.

You've given to support our troops before. They need you now more than ever. Please.

And right now, thanks to [business name redacted], your gift of $15, $25 or even $50 or more will be DOUBLED* to deliver food, low- or no-cost child care, employment assistance and more.

Serving those who serve,

[Name redacted], Vice Admiral, USN (Ret)
[Title redacted] and [title redacted]

All gifts matched 2X!

---------------------------------------------

Your gift supports our troops and their families!

[✓] YES! Please match my gift to support military families.

[  ] $15 →DOUBLES TO→ $30
[  ] $25 →DOUBLES TO→ $50
[  ] $35 →DOUBLES TO→ $70
[  ] $50 →DOUBLES TO→ $100
[✓] My best gift of $10.00 DOUBLES.

Paul Whiting
[Apt. No. redacted]
[Street Address redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]

Please enclose your check made payable to Armed Services YMCA or see reverse to give by credit card.

[  ] Make my gift monthly.

Make your gift online: asymca.org/May26

https://give.asymca.org/campaign/770422/donate

Armed Services YMCA
Keeping our military heroes & their families strong.

---------------------------------------------

Since the Civil War, the Armed Services YMCA has been serving our troops and strengthening military families with the generosity of our donors.

1861 —• Civil War (ASYMCA services begin)

President Lincoln wrote that the "benevolent undertaking for the benefit of the soldiers, was "proper and praiseworthy."

1917 —• U.S. enters WWI

1941 —• Pearl Harbor propels U.S. into WWII

1950 —• Korean War

Serving soldiers during the Korean War and continuing through the Vietnam Conflict.

1955 —• Vietnam begins

1991 —• Desert Storm

2001 —• 9/11 spurs Global War on Terror

2020 —• Global Pandemic

Over 2 million lbs. of food distributed: 4,000 children of essential workers in child care.

2026 —• Your Support

Serves thousands of military service members and families at nearly 100 military installations country.

---------------------------------------------

Without YOU, the ASYMCA would not be able to support our military community with:

MILITARY SUPPORT PROGRAMS
Programs exclusively tailored to meet the needs of military members and their families serving throughout the United States.

HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE
The ASYMCA provides programs to help brighten the holidays and strengthen family connections to bolster fortitude in families struggling with the challenges of military life.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT
The Armed Services YMCA offers early education and development opportunities for toddlers, camps and resiliency programs for school-age children and family bonding opportunities for all ages.

Please visit asymca.org to learn more.

THANK YOU for helping to strengthen our military families!

---------------------------------------------

[The following is the text of a notecard enclosed with the letter above.]

Dear Friend

Food insecurity is a reality for military families. The Armed Services YMCA is here to help, but we can't help all the families that need us without you!

Thank you for supporting the ASYMCA and for sending your most generous gift today.

[Name redacted]
Vice Admiral USN (Ret)
[Title redacted] and [Title redacted]

---------------------------------------------

[The following is the text of an additional insert enclosed with the letter above.]

★★★ URGENT ★★★ URGENT ★★★ URGENT ★★★

Emergency Support for Our Troops and Their Families

U.S. service members are deployed in the Middle East and across the globe on dangerous missions.

This is a critical moment to stand with those who give so much for our freedom.

Please don't wait. Rush your gift today to stand by our brave service members and the loved ones counting on them. IT WILL BE MATCHED UP TO $150,000 FOR TWICE THE IMPACT!

And, after I read the letter above, I entered the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:

ARMED SERVICES YMCA
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

Give Military Families the Support They Deserve

The need is urgent: food insecurity, frequent relocations, worries about the cost of living and the stress of separation during deployments weigh heavily on young service members, their spouses and their children. Your support empowers the Armed Service YMCA to meet these challenges with services that strengthen military families and reduce financial strains.

YOUR GIFT FUELS RELIEF. You'll fill food pantries, fund child care and provide critical assistance, ensuring no military family is left behind.

Make an Impact Today!

[✓] Give once
[  ] Monthly ❤

Choose an amount to donate one-time

[✓] $10
[  ] $25 SUGGESTED
[  ] $50
[  ] $100
[  ] $200
[  ] $300

$10.00 USD

[  ] Dedicate my donation

Donate

Armed Services YMCA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, and your donation is tax deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Please keep your receipt as your official record. We'll email it to you upon successful completion of your donation.

---------------------------------------------

$10.00 / One-time

Finish & donate

First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting

[  ] Hide my name from the public.
[  ] Hide my donation from the public.
[  ] Donate as an organization

Email for receipt: [redacted]

[✓] It's OK to contact me in the future.

Address: [redacted]
Address 2 (optional)
Zip code: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
Country: [redacted]

Donate now

And so, I made a one-time donation to the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) on May 25th, 2026, since "skyrocketing costs of housing, groceries and child care — and high unemployment rates among spouses — have left 1 in 4 brave active-duty service members and their families struggling to afford enough to eat." That is why I contributed to ASYMCA as part of my Memorial Day donations, because "thanks to [business name redacted], [my] gift of [$10] will be DOUBLED to deliver food, low- or no-cost child care, employment assistance and more." –Paul Whiting (May 27th, 2026)

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May 25th, 2026 Update No. 5, Written On May 27th, 2026 (Originally From My Blog Post Titled, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was, Part 2," Which Is On My "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" Blog): Have a Memorable Memorial Day, everyone. I received a text message on May 25th, 2026 from Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), which stated the following:

FINAL HOURS: Hi Paul, it's Team WWP. We're texting to ask for your help before Memorial Day ends. Warriors who lost friends in service are struggling today. Hours remain to provide 2X the free, life-changing help. Please GIVE BY MIDNIGHT to have your gift matched up to $100K. >>>***

***[I used to include hyperlinks contained within the email messages, or the text messages, to which I am referring in these "Activism Updates"; however, I could not figure out how to include the aforementioned hyperlinks, regarding some relevant action that I had taken—such as signing a petition, sending a letter or message to my representative(s) in Congress, signing a USO 'Thank You' card, and/or making a donation—without including my personal information.]

And, after I read the text message above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:

WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT

Donate Now

This Memorial Day, honor our nation's heroes with a gift that goes twice as far.

America turns 250 this year. We can never repay the generations of heroes who gave their lives for the freedom we enjoy today. But we can honor them by providing free, life-changing help to the wounded warriors who are still with US.

Thanks to a generous matching gift from [business name redacted], your Memorial Day donation will be doubled up to $100,000.

Please don't miss your chance to honor and empower wounded warriors with 2X the impact.

• Your gift of $100 doubles to $200
• Your gift of $75 doubles to $150
• Your gift of $50 doubles to $100

[WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT AMERICA 250 LOGO]

Choose A Gift

[✓] One-Time Gift
[  ] Monthly Gift

You'll make the most impact for our wounded warriors when you support them with a monthly gift. As a monthly donor of $19 or more, you will receive a Wounded Warrior Project® fleece blanket.

[  ] $250
[  ] $150
[  ] $75
[  ] $100
[  ] $50
[✓] $10

[  ] Make this a gift in honor or memory of an individual.

Your Information

First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Address Line 1: [redacted]
Address Line 2 (Not Required): [redacted]
Country [redacted]
ZIP Code [redacted]
City [redacted]
State [redacted]
Phone Number (Not Required) [redacted]
Email Address [redacted]

[✓] Yes, I would like to receive communications from WWP with updates on warriors and programs.

[  ] This donation is on behalf of a company.

[  ] Yes, I would like to cover the 3% processing fee.

Donate $10.00

And so, I made a one-time donation to Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) on May 25th, 2026, since "[they're] texting to ask for [my] help before Memorial Day ends," because "warriors who lost friends in service are struggling today." And "hours remain to provide 2X the free, life-changing help." That is why I "[GAVE] BY MIDNIGHT to have [my] gift matched up to $100K." –Paul Whiting (May 27th, 2026)

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This "Small All White in the Forest" Post No. 143 was edited on September 29th, 2026.

"Poetry is using the fewest words possible in order to describe all that is possible to describe." –Paul Whiting [June 1st, 2022]