Buffalo Soldiers of the Past

On this, the 28th day of July, we take a moment as a Nation to salute the brave men who once served this country in times of war and times of peace. They were known as Buffalo Soldiers. Some say this was because their hair reminded Native Americans of the hair of a buffalo, others say it was because they were admired for their fierce combat skills. Regardless, the title was one of respect and honor.

It saddens me that we seem as racially divided today as we did in 160 years ago. And the lines are bitter, filled with a hatred that could very well break this country apart. I am a Catholic Conservative – a card-carrying member of the Republican Party. I bring this up because, despite what main-stream media and left wing groups might tell you, I am not a racist by any stretch of the imagination. I am colored blind – as we all should be in many ways. That is not to say abandon your heritage. As a racially mixed woman, I understand the need to declare, with pride, that I come from Filipino-Spanish-Asian-Irish-Native American stock. Most of all, I consider myself to be a citizens of America. When I look at people, I don’t see the color of their skin or the car they drive or the brand of clothes they wear. I see character. Respect isn’t something that can be demanded. It is earned, and not through your station in life or position of power but through how you conduct yourself, how you treat those around you. While an office of authority or power should be respected, the person in that position might not be deserving of the respect of the office. There is a difference.

Today was intended to show respect to the fighting Buffalo Soldiers who served bravely during the civil war, who faced ignorance and prejudice with their heads held high, who served their country well. We all need to remember that. Is America perfect? No. But rather than tear it down, why not raise it up? See how far we have come and believe that through respect, through acceptance and honesty we can continue on this journey together.

Buffalo Soldiers were men of character. Let character be our legacy.

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Anytime Smoked Sausage Hash
1 (32 oz) bag frozen Southern-style Has Brown Potatoes
2 (12 oz) packages Smoked Sausage
1/2 medium Yellow Onion
2 small Orange Bell Pepper
1 small Red Bell Pepper
1 mild Chili Pepper (Hatch)
Mesquite Seasoning to taste
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste

Thaw Hash Brown Potatoes in the refrigerator over night.

Slice sausage into rounds, set aside. Cut onion in half from root to tip. Reserve half for another purpose. Peel and dice remaining half, set aside. Stem, core and dice bell peppers, set aside. Stem and dice chili pepper, add to the bell peppers and set aside.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coin-cut sausage, season with Mesquite Seasoning and cook until it begins to brown, about 5 minutes or so. Remove sausage from the skillet, retaining any drippings in the pan.

Add onions and peppers to the drippings in the skillet, season with Mesquite Seasoning. Cook; stirring, over medium heat until tender yet still crisp, about 5 minutes. Stir in hash brown potatoes, season with more Mesquite, salt and pepper. Cook for about 15 minutes, until browned and cooked through.

Return sausage to the skillet. Continue to cook until everything is heated through, about 6 minutes. Serve with buttery corn on the side and enjoy.

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Lord, You have the words of everlasting life