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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."

Congress; "Support our troops. Bring them home!"

VideoVets TV Ad

© copyright 2007 Betsy L. Angert

Tell Congress to "Support our troops. Bring them home!"

MoveOn.org and soldiers far from American shores are asking for your assistance. Families here in the States hope that you will help. We, the public understand the hurts these persons experience. We feel them too. Americans long for a return to calm. Iraqis do as well. There is much evidence that this battle did not need to be. I invite you to speak your mind, talk from the heart, and do whatever you can to help our troops and to free the citizens of Iraq.

Support the Troops; Stop Escalation

© copyright 2007 Betsy L. Angert

Please view this glorious presentation. Support the troops. Stop Escalation

Dear Reader . . .

Tonight I saw a presentation that spoke to me. I share this message in hopes that you too are affected. I have long believed that to support the troops, we must ensure their safety. Placing soldiers in harms way hurts us as a nation. A country that cares for its people does not condone combat. Were I the Commander-In-Chief, I would do all that I could to sustain every life. I would not wish to take a young man or woman far from home and family. Subjecting an individual to undue stress is, in my mind, not just. I do not think a person of any age need endure the conditions of war.

Support Our Troops, In Death And In Life ©

Throughout my life, the musical "My Fair Lady" resonated within me.  As I reflect upon our soldiers, and the oft-heard phrase, "Support Our Troops," I am again reminded of this theatrical production.  Eliza Doolittle sang a song, "Show Me."  She emphatically stated, "Make me no undying vow.  Show me now! Sing me no song!  Read me no rhyme!  Don't waste my time, Show me!"

This was exactly my thought as I read a New York Times article, "Veterans Await a Resting Place That Is Truly Final."  We offer our troops words; too often, our actions do not show them that we mean what we say.  Apparently, whether we are discussing our soldiers serving in Iraq or those toiling in Afghanistan, there is reason to believe, that we, the people of United States of America, do not truly support our troops in life; nay in death.

Stop Congress. Billions For Bombs Not Brains ©

There are times when less words, say more. Perhaps, the proper axiom is “Nobody does, or says it better,” than Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. I know not which statement is most fitting. However, I trust there is little I can say to introduce this request. Please stop Congress; they plan to reduce the funding for veterans brain injury treatment.

Rarely can we act [express love] and react [articulate fear and pain] simultaneously. This is a unique opportunity. We, the people, have the power to do each with a single click.

Activist Unite. Veterans For Peace 2006 National Convention

Photograph and Composition By Betsy L. Angert © Recently, the political blogosphere has been buzzing with talk of action, activism, and conventions. Some are seeking a connection to “real” American heroes. Bloggers wish to show their support for the people that truly serve this nation. Still, they want to promote peace. This announcement might offer the opportunity some crave. Veterans For Peace is hosting a National Convention. The conference will begin August 10 and close on the 13th. Speakers such as author John Perkins, peace loving Mom, Cindy Sheehan, and anti-war activist, Dahr Jamail will welcome attendees. I will share the schedule and specifics below.

Years ago, I discovered Veterans For Peace accidentally. I was an active member of the Orange County Peace Coalition. A person I not yet met, placed a request into the Coalition’s cyberspace. James Ameen, veteran and co-organizer of Arlington West, Huntington Beach project, was looking for assistance. Mr. Ameen was planning a performance piece, an installation, and a work of art. He was documenting the deaths from this country’s most recent aggression, and memorializing these.

Mr. Ameen and co-coordinator, Tom Lash, another Veteran for Peace, were focused. They were seeking persons willing and able to contribute time and energy to their effort. The hope was that they, along with others, would enlighten a seemingly apathetic public. They would tell their personal tales of war and discuss the occurrences in Iraq.

Identity Theft, All Servicemen and Woman Are Affected ©

There was much talk in the news of lost or stolen veteran files. The mainstream media began flooding the airwaves with justifiable concerns for identity theft in May. At the time, citizens were told only veterans were affected. This week we learn millions of active duty soldiers are also impacted.

This initial report was released on May 22. The robbery occurred on May 3, 2006. A Veterans Affairs employee’s home was burglarized. Among the items taken was a computer disk. Supposedly, pertinent and personal records of millions of military veterans were imprinted on the compact disk. Now we know that was not true, there was more.

Much of what was revealed in May was inaccurate. Information was withheld and incomplete. No reason was given for the delay in reporting. Apparently, officials were hoping for a speedy recovery; however, that did not happen.