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Woodstock,lessons learned, and lost by Neil Miller

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Fifty years this weekend an event that has shaped a generation then and now, happened upstate.The things that lead up to Woodstock and the lessons from it still hold true today.

Its been said that Woodstock could never happen again,and that’s totally correct.The late 60’s brought together the greatest music of our times.The creativity, the variety and the energy of Janis,Carlos,Jimmy,Jerry,Jorma and Sly , and more could never be re-created.

.Although we have many fine groups now,with the over production of concerts we will never have the uniqueness of the music scene then.

So, what did we learn from Woodstock,and what lessons did we forget?We learned to share life in its fullness and the joy of music and companionship with all around us.We learned that those with political views tried to use that as a lever for their own purposes.We learned the strength of beliefs that bind a nation together.

And what lessons did we forget?we forgot that the musician of that time brought a vision of life as they saw it and shared it with the world. and we forgot then ,and today,that others[read that politicians} would try to use that against us.

The moral of this editorial is simple:trust in your beliefs,your heart, your love of life,family. god and country. Dont let others destroy what made our generation unique in what is was then and now.Do good in this life, to yourself and to others. Neil Miller/publisher nysportsextra copyright 2019

From despair to hope.A story about suicide among 1st responders and the battle to help them by Neil Miller nysportsexta

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Members of Sworn Guns, a law enforcement riders group dedicated to suicide prevention for 1st responders Neil Miller /nysportsextra

Today, 08/04/19,in Greenport Village, Long Island,motorcycle units of the NYPD,NCPD,SCPD and NY state, along with concerned civilians, numbering in the hundreds,gathered after a run to celebrate the life, and to reflect on the passing of former NYPD Inspector Mike Ameri, who took his life in May of 2016.

gallery Neil Miller /nysportsextra

Mike Ameri was the friend of NYPD Inspector Rich Green ,that started this memorial run in 2016 to honor his memory, and to create a group to promote awareness of the epidemic in !st responders,and to financially and emotionally support the families of officers and other 1st responders that take their own lives.

Inspector Green riders group is called the Sworn Guns, which ran the event today. Many,many other law enforcement rider groups from all over the tri-state area participated in todays event.

Rich and I talked during the event,where he stressed the importance of outreach to officers at risk and how to remove the stigma of 1st responders asking for help, and reading the signs of at risk officers.Rich said”If you know someone that is considering suicide dont hesitate to help them.A day, an hour ,a minute may too late to save a life”

Rich’s group gives financial support to children of fallen officers for their education.Rich also talked about a bill at the federal level,if signed, would provide funds for research,prevention and treatment for 1st responders.

    gallery Neil Miller /nysportsextra

    Todays outpouring of brotherhood between these officers that share the same duties and stresses of police,fire ,EMT ,only helps to highlight the difficulties of their jobs, and the negative outcome that sometimes happens.Inspector Green hopes that his efforts along with others at the local and national level will raise awareness of this disease so that no one that serves feels ashamed to ask for help if needed.Let us all ask God to guide and help this brave men and women who protect us each and every day.