Upon a Friend Asking if I would consider entering the field of Politics

"Why I do declare Madame, I am deeply offended that you could even imagine the remote possibility that a fine gentleman of the South would be caught in the reprobate congregation of degenerate heathen dastardly carpetbaggers at the State Capitol. To entertain the very idea of political office plumbs the depths of perfidy that are beyond the pale. You will find me in much more respectable establishments, say such as the local gin joint, Miss Lillie Langtry's upstanding cat house, or perhaps in the back room of a seedy motel playing a fine game of poker with respectable gentlemen"

To which my friend's reply was priceless beyond measure:
"Doc Holliday himself could not have said it better, sir."

The Meaning of Life

As written by Robert Fulghum,in his book "It Was On Fire When I Lay Down On It"

" I am a fragment of a mirror whose whole design and shape I do not know. Nevertheless, with what I have I can reflect light into the dark places of this world–into the black places in the hearts of men–and change some things in some people. Perhaps others may see and do likewise. This is what I am about. This is the meaning of my life."

- As attributed, by Robert Fulghum, to Alexander Papaderous

https://storiesforpreaching.com/alexander-papaderous-reflecting-light-into-dark-places/

http://www.goarmy.com/ranger/heritage/ranger-creed.html

RANGER CREED

R ecognizing that I volunteered as a ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of my ranger regiment.
A cknowledging the fact that a ranger is a more elite soldier, who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a ranger, my country expects me to move further, faster, and fight harder than any other soldier.
N ever shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong, and morally straight, and I will shoulder more than my share of the task, whatever it may be, one hundred percent and then some.
G allantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress, and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow.
E nergetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.
R eadily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the ranger objective and complete the mission, though I be the lone survivor.

RANGERS LEAD THE WAY! 
When the Chief of Staff of the Army GEN Creighton Abrams ordered the formation of the Ranger Battalions in 1974, he directed that they would be the elite, setting the standards for the Army.  Maintaining a code of ethics, a Ranger philosophy to live by, the Ranger Creed written by CSM Neal R. Gentry would encompass this philosophy and would be the hallmark of the spirit, discipline, and duty of all Rangers in peace and war.  CSM Gentry was handpicked to serve as the first CSM for the 1st Ranger Battalion.  Still today, the Ranger Creed is a way of life; a guide for how Rangers conduct themselves.  It is the source that binds through loyalty the individual to his Ranger buddies and to his unit.