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Rethinking Afghanistan; The Terror Tax

Rethink Afghanistan (Part 3): Cost of War

copyright © 2009 Betsy L. Angert.  BeThink.org Tax time is reason enough to reflect on our budgets, personal and national.  How realistic are our expenditures?  Do we spend more than we earn?  Does our income allow for a few irrational indulgences?  Do discretionary dollars exist?  Might we consider our ample debt.  Does this represent a temporary deficit, easily resolved, or an obligation that cannot be paid promptly.  We may wish to rethink our reality.  At home, families have taken scissors to credit cards.  More than the minimum payment is made.  The intention is to lessen liabilities and increase savings.  In the month of April, after we pay Uncle Sam, most of us concluded, it is time to clean our own fiscal house.  Next, we move to the nation's ledger.   Expenses  The largest share of our moneys go to military operations.  The terror tax has become a tremendous burden of American household and communities.  Yet, few wish to rethink this "duty."

The Wolf Barack Obama Feeds

Pt 1 - National Cathedral Message - Story of The Two Wolves

copyright © 2009 Betsy L. Angert.  BeThink.org It was 11:22 Ante Meridian, on January 21, 2009.  I did as I rarely do.  I stood silently and watched television.  As one who listens to what is aired, and does so from another room, this was an unusual occurrence.  However, the Cherokee wisdom of wolves, an illustration that represents the internal strife within every human being beckoned me.   Then, at the very same hour on the very next day, again I was compelled to do what is odd for me.  I did not say a word as I glared at humanitarian actions took place on the screen.  President Barack Obama proclaimed, by Executive Order, the United States would not torture.  Nor would we, as a nation, detain presumed "combatants" without a just trial.  On each occasion, I was in awe as I gazed upon what I had not imagined would come to pass.  Upon reflection, the two events seem to be related.

Human Cost of Occupation; 4000 American Soldiers Fall

4000 U.S Now Dead In Iraq

copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

Their names and faces are known. Yet, these servicemen and women remain invisible for most Americans. Their families suffer, and have for years. When the troops were abroad, relatives worried. Now that these four thousand are gone from Earth forever, the persons that love them still wish to bring them back. Semper fidelis, always faithful and forlorn.

Exit Iraq; Public Opinion Changed. Support for War Sustained

Where Have All The Flowers Gone? - Peter, Paul and Mary

copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert

To everything there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones,
and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
a time of war, and a time of peace.
~ Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

They say life is cyclical. Peace prospers in a era. Epochs are filled with tales of war. Currently, in the United States, this is the political season. Issues are the topic of import. While at times, it seems rumors rule during the ritual run for the presidency, mostly, people want to speak of what affects their everyday life. Some say, "It is the economy, stu***." Others declare military defense and homeland security are the subjects we must speak about. A few say, we must secure our boarders. This theme ties the two aforementioned together. Jobs and terrorism are the greatest concern. Then there are those who inquire, "What happened to talk of the Iraq war?"

John He Is As Are Americans At War

john.he.is

copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

It has long been said, "war is the last [best] option." Human beings, in an attempt to appear rational, reason that of course, diplomacy is preferred. Man-kind [sic] says he will do all in his power to pursue peace. Once domestic tranquility is achieved, two-legged mammals will do what they must to preserve harmony. Then this logical creature claims he must defend himself against all enemies. He will fight for what is right. Man forgets; what is ethically essential to gain and retain peace is the principle, "War must never be an option."

Less Jobs. More Wars. A Progressive Platform

Less Jobs. More Wars.

copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

Republicans rant. It is our patriotic duty to support the war. Every citizen must fund murderous actions and accept more soldiers, and civilians will fall. Our countrymen need to devote millions, billions, and trillions of dollars to the cause. We, the people have no choice. Our image is at stake. The world's greatest superpower must win! Americans must never say die. We must only discuss victory.

In this nation, might makes right. It is it not this war it will be another. Americans will remind people throughout the globe, we are strong.

A Climate of Fear Permeates; Morton High School Students Protest

Climate of Fear

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

"The tragedy of our day is the climate of fear in which we live and fear breeds repression. Too often, sinister threats to the Bill of Rights, to freedom of the mind are concealed under the patriotic cloak of anti-Communism [terrorism, nationalism, or compassionate Conservatism.] It's far easier to fight for principles than to live up to them." ~ Adlai Stevenson. 1952 [Governor of Illinois, Democratic presidential candidate]

It was a quiet day in America; yet, the feeling of fear was palpable. Oceans away, in Baghdad, the air was filled with the smell of napalm. Frightened, as the young contemplated their future, seventy some courageous and committed students filed into the Morton West High School cafeteria in Berwyn, Illinois. Trepidation for their lives, and the lives of friends, family, and those innocent Iraqi citizens they never met prompted these pupils to take action. The young and eligible enlistees protested the war in Iraq.

War Wounds; Trillion Plus Dollars Presidential Treasure Chest

Keith Olbermann Video. War Chest Pains

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

The numbers are in. The Afghanistan and Iraq wars are costly. Time and again, the Administration asks for money to support the soldiers, to surge, to build what they have razed. Budgets are supplemental, burgeoning, and befuddling. Where do the funds go? Towards futility, an uncertain future, or mere folly.

Democrats Dance United; Kucinich Differs. Exit Iraq, 2007 or 2013

New Hampshire Democratic Debate September 26, 2007 part 1

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

For months, Senator Hillary Clinton stressed, she and her fellow Democratic hopefuls agree on the issues. Clinton leads in the polls. Ultimately, she guides the electoral dance. The former First Lady steps to the Right and the rest stride with her. When Hillary courageously asserts, her companions perceive they too have permission to be bold. As the graceful "girl" glides, so too do the boys.

Potential Commander-In-Chief Hillary Clinton Blames Iraqis

Senator Hillary Clinton on Iraq at South Carolina Debate

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

In times of war, it is often difficult to distinguish the wrongdoers from those in the "right." Each bumps and bruises the other. Frequently, both participants in a dispute share blame. However, there are those occasions where one party pounces, beats the other to a pulp, and then places the onus on the victim. The Iraq war may illustrate such a dynamic. Indeed, this conflict may be the epitome of what occurs when men and women justify their fight.