REMEMBERING HEROES AND HORRORSOne way to celebrate Memorial Day is to try to understand what war means to the soldiers on the front line. What keeps them there? What holds them together? How does it effect their families?The YouTube reference I give below is just part one of a four part series. Each one has a difference subtitle: "We are Family," "He was my Friend" "Who are We Fighting?" "I Move On." The four are entitled "Killer Blue: Baptized by Fire."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPogyjv20Vk&feature=channelThese short videos are useful to those who want to recall the Heroes of war this Memorial Day. I suggest that we need also to remember the Horrors of war in fairness to all those who died for no reason except that they were there and, also, the atrocities committed in the name of war. Here is an interesting essay stressing that point:Louis Bickford is the authorDirector, Memory, Memorials, and Museums program, ICTJMEMORY, WAR, AND THE MEMORY OF WAR
"Memorial Day is meant to remind us of the hardship of war, and on this Memorial Day I find myself asking how we will remember the "war on terror." What will our children's children know about this period?We choose in the present how future generations will remember the past. One of the great contributions of the human rights movement is showing that how we remember and memorialize trauma in the past -- torture under brutal regimes in Argentina or during the apartheid era of South Africa, the evil committed during the Holocaust -- can help prevent abuses in the future.What does it mean to choose how to remember? Memories come flooding back, often unwilled, sometimes unwelcomed. The raw material of memory resembles dreams, uncontrolled and full of non-sequiturs.But consider the terrible affliction of "Funes the Memorious,"a character in a Jorge Luis Borges short story. He remembers everything, every shadow on every leaf on every tree, and he is thus immobilized and must sit in the dark to avoid sensory experience. In real life, societies, like individuals, cannnot remember everything. We organize collective memory, purposefully or not.Imagining the future, we may choose to remember the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, for example, more in terms of heroism than error, since that is the tendency of all nations. We may remember the irreparable loss of life of those who went to fight, and we will think about their families and the suffering they endured. Our national memory may focus on the deaths of the Americans, in the same way that our memories of Vietnam focus largely on American causalities.Will we remember that there was a place called Abu Ghraib on the dusty outskirts of Baghdad, and that torture took place there, for which we were responsible? Will we remember that we acquiesced to a terrible policy put forward by our leaders and with the endorsement of many -- Democrats, Republicans, journalists, legal scholars -- that allowed for us to ignore international and American law prohibiting torture?If we care about the future, we must, first, clarify the truth. Second, we must find ways of clearly condemning torture wherever and whenever it was committed. Third, we must take steps so that we remember our rejection of those acts. Our thinking about future memory is one way of preventing torture in the future.We need to know the full truth, including who among us was complicit in allowing this to happen, even if it means looking inward to our own communities. Why did not more of us protest more loudly and sooner? Why did so many permit government lawyers to pervert the law for dubious ends, making a mockery out of the idea of reasonable legal interpretation?We must engage in a serious inquiry and introspection with the goal of accountability. Journalists and scholars should continue their investigative research and analysis of what has transpired. A nonpartisan commission of inquiry should also be a part of this picture, as should the continued declassification of government documents. We should also help others transform Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo, and other sites of torture into sites of learning for the future. Seen from the perspective of memory, fair trials of those most responsible for wrong-doing are essential. The documents produced by trials would be vital elements of a true historical record. And trials are the strongest way of representing moral condemnation of wrongful behavior.Friedrich Nietzsche, the German philosopher, identified three forms of history: antiquarian, monumental, and critical. The first sees history as quaint, curious, distant and irrelevant to our current lives. The second celebrates victory, heroism and tragedy in the past as precursors to current glory. The third suggests an engagement with the memory of the past, seeing the linkages between past, present and future and seeking to understand them.Former Vice-President Dick Cheney is seeking to convince Americans that torture was justified. It is clear that he is interested in how this period is remembered; he is speaking both to us and to our progeny. He wants the history books and national memory to validate his time in office, and he is making active attempts to guarantee that they do. He wants to create a monumental history of the period.If former officials succeed in making us forget that there was torture and that it was contrary to our values, they will establish impunity for the present and also for the future. That must not be allowed to happen. Extreme violations of human rights in any context, including a war, are too important to forget. We want future generations to remember that we insisted on accountability for them. Those are good reasons to have Memorial Day."May we all learn something from these voices, something that makes every Memorial Day more meaningful.I wish us peace.Breeze BrysonMay 24, 2009
This is just a suggestion; it’s only food for thought that I am imparting to our President.
Dear Mr. President Obama,
I know your plate is full of things to do and this Guantanamo issue seems to be a thorn in our side but I gotta say it; again we have the professional, experts, with degrees and ranks writing rules and regulations for others to follow. These experts fail to foresee that they too will have to apply that same regulation to themselves. And now it’s time to apply the Geneva Convention Law on ourselves to obey but instead the Naysayers want to ignore or re-write it.
Throughout the USA, we have Army, Marine, Navy, Air Force bases; some bases are sitting idly and abandoned. My thinking is that why not move these prisoners of war to these bases. It is the Department of Defense’s shoulder of responsibility that is charged with the mission to search, rescue, defend and capture and imprison. Well, they are responsible for housing the prisoners too.
We also have the old American Civil War Camps throughout the USA that was used for POWs and some of them can be put to use. This list of cities with the camps are listed on the Internet. It names Union Camps and Confederate Camps and the cities they are located.
These bases and camps are perfect for the following reasons:
a. It is where our soldiers train; why not train them using real enemies in some scenarios, not all, and use them to deactivate, detrain, and heal both soldiers and prisoners who suffers with Post Traumatic Stress Syndromes.
b. It is where our returning and wounded soldiers can be employed to assist with the daily upkeep, maintenance and punishment, treatment and guarding of such prisoners of war,
c. And our Department of Defense budget should have a mandate and budget that includes this POW capture, placement and treatment.
Sincerely,
AIR FORCE * ARMY * COAST GUARD * MARINES * NAVY
If you are going to be in Washington DC during the Inauguration you may want to attend the Blogfest event to Help Wounded Veterans. see http://www.usaservice.org/page/event/detail/4jqt3
Where were you when the world stopped turning?
“If you want to be important—wonderful. If you want to be recognized—wonderful. If you want to be great—wonderful. But, recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ebenezer Baptist Church, 4 February 1968.
HELP WOUNDED VETERANSSource: David Apperson, LIFE CLOUD
http://veterans.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxFK9
In honor of military pigeons throughout history, I post on this Christmas Eve, information produced by Otto Meyer, U.S. Army (Ret), and supplied by the ARPU, on the American Hero “G.I. JOE” -
“G.I. JOE”American Hero
“G.I. JOE” is the most outstanding military pigeon in history and is credited with saving the lives of at least 100 British troops during World War II. The British 56th Brigade was scheduled to attack the city of Colvi Vecchia, Italy, at 10 a.m., October 18, 1943.
The U.S. Air Support Command was scheduled to bomb the city to soften the entrance for the British Brigade. The Germans retreated leaving only a small rear guard and as a result the British troops entered the city with little resistance and occupied it ahead of schedule.
All attempts to cancel the bombings of the city, made by radio and other means of communication, had failed. Little “G.I. JOE” was released with the important message to cancel the bombing. He flew 20 miles back to the U.S. Air Support Command base in 20 minutes and arrived just as our planes were warming up to take off. If he had arrived a few minutes later, it might have been a different story.
Gen. Mark Clark, Commanding the U.S. Fifth Army, estimated that “G.I. JOE” saved the lives of at least 100 of our British allies. In November 1946, “G.I. JOE” was shipped from Fort Monmouth, N.J. to London, England, where he was cited and awarded the Dickin Medal for Gallantry by the Lord Mayor of London. “G.I. JOE” is the only bird or animal in the United States to receive this high award.
“G.I. JOE,” a dark checker pied white flight cock, was hatched March 24, 1943, at the Pigeon Section in Algiers, Algeria, North Africa. Later he was taken to the Tunisian front, then to Bizerte, and from there to the Italian front.
After World War II, “G.I. JOE” was housed in the Churchill Loft, U.S. Army’s “Hall of Fame” at Ft. Monmouth, N.J., along with 24 other pigeon heroes. In March of 1957, the remaining pigeon heroes were placed with different zoological gardens throughout the U.S.A.
“G.I. JOE” was placed with the Detroit Zoological Gardens where he died June 3, 1961, at the age of 18. “G.I. JOE” was returned, mounted, and placed in the Historical Center, Meyer Hall, at Fort Monmouth, N.J.
--- Otto Meyer, U.S. Army (Retired)--- Former Commander of the U.S. Army Pigeon Service
I dedicate this inspiring story of courage and determination of the pigeon named “G.I. JOE” to the generations of troops that will secure the success of the 44th President of the United States.
May the message of peace come to The White House and spread throughout the land.
Merry Christmas Everyone,
David Apperson, Life Cloud Discussions
American Legion - memberARPU - lifetime memberVFW - life member
Source: http://veterans.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxKt3
We may all have issues with the reasons we're involved in a Middle East war, but I think most agree that our soldiers are doing the best that they can and that they and their families are bearing the heaviest burden. President Obama will do everything he can to expedite the return of our troops, but for those who are still serving away from home, there's something we can all do to help connect them with their families.
You can provide these soldiers with a calling card so that so that every military member in Iraq can make a free 20-minute phone call home. If you have an old cell phone kicking around the house or office, you can recycle it in exchange for a calling card for soldiers serving away from home.
Whoa! The Pentagon seems serious about this: Pentagon to detail military to bolster security; Plan would dedicate 20,000 uniformed troops inside U.S. by 2011 -- http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27989275/
What is Citigroup talking about with the gold??? Citigroup says gold could rise above $2,000 next year as world unravels -- http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/ambroseevans_pritchard/3526645/Citigroup-says-gold-could-rise-above-2000-next-year-as-world-unravels.html. They've been bailed out already! *Errgh!*
See also: Vid clip from Democracy Now! Seriously??? (http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/emk/gGgYfB)
EMK
My son served his country proudly, despite Bush's ultimate betrayal in sending him and his fellow soldiers to fight, and some of them to die, in a war based on greed and contrived evidence, while disregarding real threats to our country. My son toiled everyday in the heat and stiffling squallor of Sadr City, Iraq, based there at Camp War Eagle. The soldiers called it Camp Dirty Bird because of the sewage that flowed through many of the streets. From the day they rolled into Baghdad, they knew little but death, stench, and hate. Sadr City inhabitants hurled rocks, slurs, and taunts when my son went on patrols or missions; but, those were the good days. On bad days, which were most days,they endured day after day of bombings, sniper fire, and ambushes. On April 4th, when they had been there less than a week, they lost eight soldiers in a brutal ambush outside of Dirty Bird's gates. Mortar after mortar struck Camp Dirty Bird, day after day. They bravely endured it all because of their vow to serve when, where and how the president ordered them to serve.
My son and our family believe that one candidate, and only one candidate, will honor our troops and their selfless service to our country by ending a senseless war~ and by only sending them into danger when absolutely necessary to do so. That candidate is Barack Obama. An Obama presidency will follow through on the promise to provide proper care for my son and his disabled brothers and sisters from the Iraq debacle and the other wars before it. President Obama will act quickly to see that all of our troops (finally) have the equipment and armor they need to protect the troops from injuries they need not suffer, while bringing the war safely and honorably to its conclusion.
As a mother of a battered warrior from this war, I want Cindy McCain to know that SHE sent a frigidly cold shudder through MY soul's core when she dishonored our soldiers by using them as political pawns in her false attack last week on Senator Obama, based on ugly lies and invective. Shame on you, Mrs. McCain.
Mayor Guliani's speech has brought me to tears, BUT NOT for what you may think. I have been brought to tears because I am just that offended. Please tell me that people know it was BIN LADEN who attacked us and he is in AFGHANISTAN. Iraq had nothing to do with it. HOW DARE HE use our attack as propaganda for his smear campaign. HOW DARE HE!
I am HOPE-ing and Praying that this horrible speech by Guiliani will only backfire.
Telling the audience that when we "gave up on Iraq, we gave up on America."
Excuse me?
Tell that to the thousands of mothers, husbands, wives, siblings and children of the 4000+ dead soldiers. Tell that to the thousands of soldiers who came back to get inadequate care, mental health, and support before they were deployed for their second, third, or even fifth tour of duty? Who gave up on whom?
Do not insult me, any member of the military, any citizen of the US who gives a damn about what has been happening overseas.
Shame on you, Guiliani. Shame on those who thought his speech was tolerable or acceptable.
We believe that Barack Obama is the right choice for us - for the soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/26355081#26355081
We are veterans who like John McCain, who served honorably, but and we continue to serve our country honorably by not using our military experiences as unjustifiable necessary shields or stepping stones. John McCain has faced and will continue to face many difficult questions that he does not have an answer for, and problems to which that he will provide no solutions to, in the 70 days between now and the election. When he uses his status as a veteran to deflect legitimate questions and concerns, it devalues not just his service to our country but ours as well.
So today, we ask not as Veterans for Obama, but as Veterans of America that Sen. McCain respect the service of his fellow POWs and combat veterans, and stop cheapening their service by hiding behind his own."
~@~ http://vetsforobama.org/ ~@~
I endorse Barack Obama for President:
David AddlestoneU.S. ArmyVietnam VeteranWashington, D.C.
John BruhnsUS Army Operation Iraqi FreedomPhiladelphia, PA
Dave EvansUS Marine CorpsRepublic of VietnamCharleston, West Virginia
Robert G. GardU.S. ArmyVietnam and Korean War VeteranRockville, MD
Richard KlassU.S. Air ForceVietnam VeteranArlington, Virginia
Noel KochU.S. ArmyVietnam VeteranRockville, Maryland
Michael LeaveckU.S. NavyVietnam VeteranWashington, D.C.
Demond MullensU.S. ArmyOperation Iraqi FreedomNew York, New York
Bobby MullerU.S. Marine CorpsVietnam VeteranWashington, D.C.
Jeff PeskoffU.S. ArmyOperation Iraqi FreedomFort Carson, Colorado
Garret ReppenhagenU.S. ArmyOperation Iraqi FreedomDenver, Colorado
George RobertsU.S. Marine CorpsVietnam VeteranWashington, D.C.
Lorin WalkerDaughter of Capt. Bruce Walker, MIA RVNPreston, Washington
Tomas YoungU.S. ArmyOperation Iraqi FreedomKansas City, Missouri
I believe Senator John McCain should hold one of his famous Town Hall meetings with the individuals mentions above and their fellow soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Military donations seen favoring ObamaAssociated Press
U.S. soldiers have donated more presidential campaign money to Democratic Sen. Barack Obama than to Republican Sen. John McCain, a reversal of previous campaigns in which military donations tended to favor Republican White House hopefuls, a nonpartisan group reported Thursday.
Troops serving abroad have given nearly six times as much money to Mr. Obama's presidential campaign as they have to Mr. McCain's, the Center for Responsive Politics said.
I would advise the Obama campaign to change the term "troops" to "soldiers" in the text on this web page.
It may seem trivial, but you never hear anything about an individual "troop" ... but you do hear about a "wounded soldier". The term troop is a forced plurality that makes soldiers seem less important that the sum of their parts.
That's all I got for today.
The buzz this Wednesday (July 30, 2008) is the full tilt negative attacks from the McLimping campaign. Many of the Obama forums are transmitting messages of concern, if not fear and loathing, for the hostile tenor - coming before either of the major party conventions. About as scary as the powerful afternoon storms - common this time of the year in Florida. As I write this, I am tempted to advise: Stay safely inside and avoid indiscriminate lightning strikes and flying debris until it passes.
So it is with a 4th new anti-Obama political advertising appearing on all the news nets: Celebs today... in the wake of the dispicable Troops spot, attacking Obama with false claims that he skipped a hospital visit with wounded soldiers to go to the gym. But like a quickly fading storm, our exposure to the latter ended after a long front page story in the Washington Post that debunked the lie filled political ad.
While the McDevious campaign ratchets up its Anti-Obama rhetoric, we have a couple signficant opportunities to tout Barack's positions AND record that validates who is better to lead our country. Assuming no one at the campaign HQ in Chicago has time to read these epistles, I hope fans of my scribbles with access to campaign decision makers can pass along my observations.
Public statements by the candidate and advertising messages should quickly give attention to falsehoods repeatedly turning up in McCaCa messages:
If you go take a walk down many of our streets, most of the people you will run into are in some way tied to a veteran. They could be grandchildren of those who served in World Wars, parents of servicemen and women, brothers and sisters of those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and some of them are veterans themselves.
Many of the veterans of our society have been trying for years to succeed. The country that they once believed in, the freedoms and liberties they fought for, the people they thought they could confide in, all of that seems to be some sort of fairytale of hopes and dreams to save the world and eventually realizing it was never saved to begin with.
I am a veteran of the Iraq war. I have seen many things, people and places that most will never have the opportunity to see. I chose to enlist because I felt I could make a difference, not only in myself, but in my country and the lives of others. I swore to defend my country as a Chemical Operations Specialist in March of 2003, the same day President Bush declared war on Iraq. I can remember watching the television screens as I sat in the MEPS station in Chicago, Illinois and thinking someday I am actually going to end up there. The attacks, the raids, buildings that were set ablaze, Saddam's regime was coming apart and we were all watching it on nationalized television.
I remember how happy the Iraqi civilians seemed to be that we had tore down his statues, his paintings, this world of torture he had created was about to crumble. It was all so reassuring that I was joining something of the greater good. I felt it was my calling, a mission in which I must complete. I had visions of where I wanted to go in my career, and who I wanted to be.
In July of 2003, I went to basic training confident and with pride. I thought that this was the life I was supposed to lead. I had finally found a way to secure my future, and to make my life better in some way. The challenges of basic training made me a stronger individual. I was able to experience true leadership, dedication and motivation from some of the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers above me. The Drill Sergeants carried themselves with such a high standard that I was amazed at how much trust I had in them. I knew from that experience alone that I wanted to become one of the greatest, and most professional soldiers in the military. I wanted to become a Drill Sergeant.
I remember an event that occurred three days before I was supposed to graduate basic training. It was December 14, 2003, and I was currently in Advanced Individual Training. It was early morning and the time had come for us to hit the lines for breakfast chow. We were all waiting in the chow line and as I took my silverware and tray I could hear a round of applause and cheering coming from the tables that seated our soldiers. I got through the chow line pretty fast, grabbing a banana and some juice so as to find out what everyone was so happy about. "Look guys!" shouted a soldier, "Drill Sergeant they caught Saddam Hussein!" stated another. It was amazing, to see so many people who had no idea what was to come in their future military careers.
I served in Ft. Bliss for several months, but due to the fact that I was not happy with the unit, I continually called my branch manager to find a way out. The problem was I was "fenced" which means the Army basically has you locked into a unit. Finally, after months of calling, my branch was willing to work with me to get me out of there. I was sent to Ft. Hood, Texas in November of 2004, and nearly two to three weeks later, I was put on a plane to Taji, Iraq.
I left the United States and got to see the airport of Shannon, Ireland. It was one of those moments where I actually remember thinking, "this is really happening, I am about to go to war," but I tried not to think about it to much. Shortly after our time in Shannon, we arrived in Kuwait. Camp Doha was the place, and I was so glad to see a Starbucks. It kind of gave me a little piece of home and I was already a little homesick as it was because I was missing many of the things I used to take for granted, such as a warm house, a bed, and sleeping peacefully. I went with a few soldiers to the dining facility and then back to the phones to make the calls to everyone who wanted to know I made it to Kuwait. Afterwards, I went to my sleeping area, packed my gear, spoke with a few people and waited for the next day.
The process of going to Iraq went smoothly, I remember sitting on the C-130, looking at the faces of fellow service members who showed an uneasiness about themselves. When we landed in Taji, Iraq it was kind of a shock to some. Others were nothing less than terrified. I on the other hand was simply without emotion at all. It was a feeling I have only felt one time. It was kind of like I had accepted the fact that this is what I was sent to do, or I just wouldn't be there. I remember trying to humor myself by saying "This is Baghdad? wow, it's flat and there's like nothing here!" The pilot of the plane then told me, no this is Taji, but you're right outside of Baghdad. Then my first sergeant came up to the plane and yelled out the names of myself and three soldiers. Both himself and my commander grabbed our bags and my first sergeant turned to each of us and said, "you'll see Baghdad soon enough, let's get you troops settled in your rooms."
The next day, I spent the whole day finding out that I was going to cross-train to work outside of my military occupational specialty. My military specialty was Chemical Operations, however, I was trained within days to work as a motor transport operator. My entire company was always on some sort of convoy. I was assigned under Bravo Company, 27th Main Support Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division out of Ft. Hood Texas. The experience was like nothing I had ever been through. Some of the things I had witnessed were like something off of a Hollywood film. It was shocking in so many ways, but in other ways very rewarding. I saw a lot of great things come of this war and a lot of bad things right along with it. It was surely an experience to see compassion in a war torn world of terrorism.
I returned from Iraq and served until April 27th of 2006. To say the least, my chain of command railroaded me out of the military. I was set to ETS in July of 2006 and was given a General under Honorable conditions discharge 3 months before the end of my term of service. I have since had difficulties obtaining a government job, and government funding. I reached out to several organizations to try to figure out what it was I needed to do. I was unable to draw unemployment, which ultimately resulted in the repossession of my vehicle. I have lived homeless, gone several days without food, and ultimately my faith in everything kind of went away.
I feel like my country had betrayed me. The country I believed in, that I fought for, the people I thought I was defending was ultimately a cold hearted world that didn't deserve much of anything. I think a lot of what is going on in our country is because the people who live in this nation are so selfish with what they have. There are not very many good, genuine people who are willing to help others, regardless of the outcome. It is rare to find a person that is not out to hurt you, or destroy your spirit.
I have heard from soldiers who have been unable to provide for their children when they have gotten out of the service. They are told such things as they should not expect special treatment because they are veterans. There are soldiers who cannot work at certain jobs, because they are considered to be unworthy of serving in their units based upon a discharge they may have received.
The thing that people need to realize is that not every soldier who has left the military, is a bad individual. Yes, soldiers did swear to defend their country by raising their own right hand and putting on a uniform. The problem lies in the fact that when people go into the military, it is usually because they have a need of some sort. For a lot of people it is the best way to pull themselves out of a situation. Some people join to feed their children, to pay off the thousands of dollars of college loans and debts they are facing, others may enlist because they need a place to stay, or they want to start over in some way. It is very rare that you will find someone who joins just to fight for their country. Although, it does happen in some cases.
Our soldiers are ridiculed, for joining, persecuted for leaving, and mostly forgotten by those they have to face once they are back in the civilian world. These faces, the ones you see, our veterans both old and new deserve more than this. Our society needs to work to find better care for veterans who are disabled. Society needs to work to help veterans who cannot eat, or sleep, or live comfortably in a home. Our government needs to focus on getting veterans back into jobs and take into account all facts of a discharge before basing an employment decision on them.
The bottom line is our country is ungrateful. Veterans deserve more in this world. However, it seems like with our nation being so caught up in their world in which most Americans think only of themselves, it will be extremely hard to change the world we live in. How many times do we pass by a person with a hunger sign and just keep walking? How many times is it going to take for us to look at children who have no home because their parent was killed in action? How many times are we going to allow soldiers who are severely injured both physically and mentally to go without federal aid? What is it going to take? When are we going to stop and care? These are all questions many of our soldiers, your veterans ask themselves everyday. So I believe it is time for everyone to stop, think, and to listen. To go out and make the world a better place even if it's just something as small as making a child smile for the day. We must change our ways for one day we all shall be judged for our actions.
-Ashley N. Miller OIF Veteran
In a word, YES, for a variety of reasons, not least the following:
1. Everyone, no matter who they are, would be eligible to do service for the country. It would be expected, accepted and be part of the national fabric of society. Drafting is good for building character, instilling discipline, self esteem and the confidence to lead others and also to take directions. It is a golden opportunity for young men to train to be more effective and socially aware people, which would lessen the emphasis on the current 'me' culture. It also helps each soldier to be more socially skilled at a younger age, especially in a multicultural group, and should help to break down interpersonal barriers much earlier in life.
2. Currently defence of the nation rests mainly on the shoulders of volunteers, men and women who are prepared to give their lives for their country, risking the ultimate for their beliefs etc, often with little thanks for that loyalty and patriotism. That is an unequal burden that keeps the number and availability of service manpower at the mercy of those who wish to take up the armed forces as a career. This is not the best situation for such a large country as the US, especially in times of conflict. It also encourages resentment among those whose sons and daughters are dying and the rest who have not contributed as much to keeping the country safe.
3. By having the draft back, everyone will be encouraged to participate in a shared purpose of national defence, while being encouraged to be better citizens. Most families will have greater understanding of the sacrifices involved and, above all, youngsters will be given a greater sense of purpose from an earlier age which should improve social behaviour, personal development and personal perception relating to their own value in the scheme of life, especially in relation to their peers.
How much does the war cost each of us?
Bush gave some people $600 in refunds, he spent millions to send out the notices and the money. Gas, food, and utility costs rise. Houses abandoned because there is not enough money. People can not afford to drive to work. Cities fail and dams burst, leaving floods behind.
We can not afford the financial cost of the war....so we borrow money from CHINA, with a substantial interest rate. China sends up poisoned medications, poisoned foods, and toxic toys. China gives some of the money or sells the loan notes to Arab countries for their oil. Our war is being financed by people who don't like us and by the people we are fighting in the war.
China, Arab-related countries and other foreigners buy large buildings in major cities all over U.S. Now that they own the properties, the owners and their employees can come and go in the U.S. at will. Bin Laden is a son of our Arab friends - so he could be receiving some of our U.S. money.
As Afghanastan revives its economy, it returns to heroin production and sales. Our soldiers get hooked and buy the drugs. Again, our money going to the people we are fighting and some of our soldiers return addicted.
Sound like a set-up for another massive assault on America?
Eighty-five (85) American soldiers died over the past two weeks in Iraq. Did you hear this on the news? Do you know anything about these Deceased American Heroes? Has Bush said anything in appreciation of the people who died or were injured over the past months? He may have said something on the Fourth of July, but even that was not as elaborate as it should have been. Did he bring out wives/husbands and family to publicly say "thanks?"
Why did they die? Why are we in Iraq? What criteria need to occur in order to say that the war is over and we are victorious? Have you attended a military funeral for a soldier from your area? Can you tell me about one deceased or injured soldier based on information from the administration?
Were these soldiers fighting for oil so they can heat their homes and drive to Kmart when they come home? Who benefits from an oil fight? Would you die for some oil? Are the rich fighting for oil in the battlefields. Can the Bush daughters serve in Iraq? Can Cheney's daughter serve in Iraq?
How much "extra" money has Cheney amassed over the past eight years? Is it "blood" money?
Somethings to think about.
