Friday, November 10, 2006

Veteran's Day in America-


I decided last night that Veterans ought to get gifts on Veteran's Day. Mom gets gifts on Mother's Day, Dad gets gifts on Father's Day, and look at Valentine's Day, Easter, and Halloween. We spend millions. The men and women who sign up to take orders every day deserve a cup of coffee. At the very least.

Since the elections, DH and I discussed the geo-political ramifications of the changing of the guard. While it is important to get out of Iraq soon, it is important that we are percieved "the winners" when we exit. The Middle Eastern culture will use Al Jazeera to leverage its agenda, not to mention bombs loaded into cars, airplanes, and boats. Canada is the only country on the terror "favorites list" that hasn't been hit; England, Spain, us....when can it stop? How can it stop? Because of the Middle East's cultural history, I wonder if leaving the region will exempt us from further terrorism, and I know it my heart it will not. If we leave appearing strong, someone will be tempted to pester "the evil Empire" to get even; if we leave appearing weak, we are a vessel for their agendas.

The loss of life in the war is announced, reported, and tallied by the media every day. And it's funny how biased that reporting really is. We lose more Americans to DUIs than we lose to military actions. Think about that for a sec, okay?

7 comments:

Joan said...

I'm with you 100% (as usual)!

Both my parents are veterans of the Korean conflict. Veterans are our heros, or should be.

LisaW. said...

It's very sad that we've become so accustomed to DUI deaths that they really aren't news anymore. But when you show it on a graph....staggering...sad state of affairs in the world today. It will be very very interesting to watch how the new political players pan out over the next several months. One of my co-workers' sons was killed in Iraq. I've watched this kid grow up from a gawky middle schooler to the brave and handsome young man he became. He was so proud to serve. His poor family is so devastated. I understand why we're there..on a couple of levels..security, financially, energy....all that...but i don't necessarily believe that the kids who are making the ultimate sacrifices really understand why...they just don't have the life experience and background to "get it"....thanks for another thought provoking post...NOW GO HAVE A CUP OF THAT GREAT VALLETTA KAFE COFFEE. On Uncle Sam.

Anonymous said...

You know how I feel about those who answer who serve in the military. I'm proud of all of them and will always be grateful to every single serviceman and woman past, present, and future.

Grace said...

I am with you 100% also!! You so articulated everything I wanted so badly to say and yet my state voted the otherway!!!

Having a Knit Fitt said...

Bets, a big thank you to you and your husband for serving our country.
Cate

jayne said...

That's a sad statistic, Bets.

I love your swallowtail. A thoroughly elegant piece of knitting. Well done you!

junior_goddess said...

And DH wouldn't take me and DMIL out to Golden Corral, where Vets Eat Free once a year. BIL was the only non-vet!