Daily Archives: July 16, 2015

Tony's Posts

I Am, We Are Chattanooga Strong!

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Today has been one hell of a day in Chattanooga, TN. I have lived here most of my life and this was something I never expected to happen. A young man who immigrated legally here from Pakistan decided to shoot up a Marine recruiting office and then made his way down to a Naval Reserve Station. For more info from CNN click here.

I am kind of stunned by the whole thing. How and why are questions being asked by local, state and federal officials. The president even made remarks from the Oval Office about today’s tragedy. The shooter and I graduated from the same high school many years a part. One thing I know is that we came together as a community. People came to donate blood because it was something they could do. They prayed for those who were lost. We showed concern on social media.

Chattanooga rallied today for one another like we do in this country. I work for the local blood bank and we saw an outpouring from our donors like we had never seen before. People from all walks of life came to help. I am proud of my city. I love my city. I am, we are #chattanoogastrong

Tony's Posts

Live From Instagram!

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This is what has been happening in my city of Chattanooga today. We have experienced tragedy with the deaths of four Marines and the injury of a Chattanooga police officer. I remain proud of my hometown today for how we responded. #chattanoogastrong #Chattanooga via Instagram http://ift.tt/1OhJSlk
The News, Tony's Posts

Active Shooting Situation in Chattanooga

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My city is on high alert because of an active shooter situation. One police officer has been shot. There is a massive law enforcement and first responder presence on the scene.

Tony's Posts

A Ramble About Courage

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Courage is something that is different to different people. Being courageous for many people means being yourself and being authentic. In the case of Caitlyn Jenner it means finally living life on your own terms and making life changes that not everyone agrees with. She is now free to be the person who inside has been wanting to be for many years.

Some people have a problem with her receiving the Arthur Ashe Award at the Espy’s and they have the right to think that. However when you diminish or tear down the courage of one person you do it for others who are in their own right and life courageous. Not everyone is a war veteran or a first responder who march into danger to be a hero. Some of us show courage in just getting up in the morning and doing our work without the fanfare of an athlete or actor.

The transition from Bruce to Caitlyn is one that was done over many years and with some fear because not everyone understands or accepts that change in her life. Maybe we should strive to be more empathetic, sympathetic and graceful in our lives so we can understand people and accept them for who they are and who they want to be.

Remember our world is changing, people are changing, faith is changing for those who have the courage to keep up with it all I salute you. To those who choose to be mired in the status quo I do feel for you there is an exciting new world that is not falling apart but creating something beautiful and real.