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Memorial Day. Honoring War and the Fallen? Not Peace and Life

Sam Keen on War

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

Granted on this a day en memoriam we might discuss the military record of our Commander-In-Chief. We could quibble about his service and his unwillingness to sacrifice his life for this nation. We might speak of the Vice President and his own hesitancy to enlist. Perhaps a focus on their folly would be wise; however futile. These men did as they did and do as they do. We will not change that through our rants. Our rage will not alter the world. Reflection on the topic of war might help begin a transformation. However, perhaps, contemplation, a conversation, and a concentration on peace are best.

Reflections of A Solitary Peace Protester

Another time; another place, a long protracted war.

© copyright 2007 Betsy L. Angert

"Standing on the corner watching all the girls go by." I recall the tune; it rings in my head as I position myself at the intersection. I plunk myself there each Saturday pleading for peace. Today was the second time that I stood alone. The other protesters remained across the street.

As I held up my index and middle fingers in the sign harmony, I thought of how I am not observing fancy, flashy, or forlorn females pass. I am interacting with my community. Men, women, the elderly, the young, and the middle age. I cannot tell who will acknowledge me or how they might react to my request for an early exit from Iraq, Afghanistan, or war.

Clinton Speaks of Civil Rights, Voting Rights, Not of War

© copyright 2007 Betsy L. Angert

Dearest Hillary . . .

Your speech at the First Baptist Church in Selma, Alabama moved me. The words, as written are glorious. I cried as I listened to the sentiments; "It matters." Yet, I am conflicted. The issues you mentioned are important. I trust you care for your countrymen and women. Those of color are no less significant to you than their white counterparts are. I believe you too work to defend the rights of the impoverished. Still, I struggle. I have done so for days. I meant to share my thoughts with you alone, for Hillary, you were the object of my renewed realization. However, finally, I recognized that I am not equating your contrary views to a personal biased bigotry. I am speaking to all Americans that think combat cures all or any ills. Thus, I publish this treatise, a letter to you, or perchance to all of us. I offer possibilities, probabilities that we all might wish to contemplate.

Hillary Clinton or Her Husband; War in Iraq

© copyright 2007 Betsy L. Angert
Hillary is resolute even while campaigning in Iowa. She will not apologize for her position on Iraq. The Senator from New York spoke in favor the war in 2002. She voted for the invasion, and she still supports the effort. Missis Clinton prefers we adjust the strategy. Last week she called for a troop increase into Afghanistan. However, for the Senator, the war must be won. She as he, George W. Bush thinks we must succeed in Iraq. Neither proposes a swift exit from this battle. President Bush wants a temporary surge in Iraq. Hillary believes we must extricate the troops slowly. Bush must bear the burden and clean up his mess before he leaves office in January 2009.

Clinton has stayed steadfastly on a centrist path, criticizing President Bush but refusing to embrace the early troop withdrawal options that are gaining rapid favor in her party. This careful balance is drawing increasing scorn from liberal activists, frustrated that one of the party's leading lights has shown little appetite to challenge Bush's policy more directly and embrace a plan to set a timetable for bringing U.S. forces home.

Republicans Smith, Hagel, Coleman React To Righteous Escalation of Troops ©

Slowly, but surely Republicans are becoming as they once claimed themselves to be, "compassionate conservatives." After five years of bloody battles, and promises not kept Senators are speaking out against Administration policies, plans, and a failed war in Iraq. Representatives on the "right" are parting from the President. They want no surge. Some just want to bring our boys and girls home.

In the last two months, Senators Gordon H. Smith, Chuck Hagel, and Norm Coleman spoke out against the Iraq war. These Republicans are reevaluating. They are speaking out, expressing they cannot support this President in his war efforts; nor can they or will they endorse the idea of surge.

The World Can't Wait; Billy O'Reilly Can ©

Please view the video, "Bill O'Reilly gets crazy."

"Deescalate, Investigate; Troops Home Now!"

Speaking with vigor and revulsion on the O'Reilly Factor, Sunsara Taylor, of The World Can't Wait, confronts the fact that even the Democrats refuse to stand up to our Emperor, George W. Bush. The Democrats have expressed they will not do as they claimed they would. Members of Congress are declining the task they were elected to perform. They will not work for the people, the majority of which oppose our occupation in Iraq.

Remembering Veterans. "Dear America, Letters Home From" Veterans ©

I am not an expert on war. I am only an observer, an optimist, and a believer in peace. I admit I do not believe that any war can be fought to end all wars. My trust is in peaceful practices. I think communication is the only way to eliminate combat. Confrontation is loathsome to me. I have yet to see a reason for it.

I accept and experience reactive behaviors reap the same in return. It is my strongest belief that people mirror each other. Actually, scientists have discovered "mirror neurons" in our brains. Humans learn through observation and repeat what they catch a glimpse of. Thus, my preference is never to witness war, not even amongst friends, families, or neighbors.

My heart hurts when I consider the prospect of fighting. Many years ago, I read gut-wrenching letters written by those that fought in feudal battles. These communiqués were offered in a book titled, "Dear America, Letters Home From Vietnam." Soldiers were far from their domicile, longing to share with those they loved. They also feared saying too much.

Jews, Mel Gibson, War. Rehabilitating Hatred ©

“Peace is harder to make than war.” - Stanley Weintraub Those that know me well might ask why would I write an exposé discussing Mel Gibson. I am not a fan of Hollywood or its gossip. I do not go to the movie theatres. I rarely recall the names of actors. Show business personalities are of little interest to me. Their art does not mesmerize my mind. Most of it, I feel, is meaningless. As for Mel, I was unwilling to attend a showing of the “Passion of Christ,” even though a friend offered to pay for my ticket. As much as I believe it is important to know what those that differ from me, think, say, do and feel, the prospect of an anti-Semitic message turned my stomach.

Though this treatise will invoke the name of Mel Gibson, it is not about Mr. Gibson; it is about hatred and whether or not we can rehabilitate the hearts and minds of those that hate.

Israel. Lebanon. Morality in an Immoral War. ©

Moments ago, I received an interesting electronic communiqué. I was asked to read an article written by Ze'ev Maoz, a Professor of Political Science at Tel Aviv University. The title of this rendition is, “Morality is not on our side.” I was intrigued. I read with bated breath. I thought the sentiment excellent. Therefore, I present it to you with this proviso.

Passion of Christ, Allah, Mohammed, the Almighty; All War ©

I am against the Israeli-Lebanese war on every count. I have no interest in the idea of who started it. Bush and his boisterous Bunch can claim Hezbollah the enemy, the bearers of barbaric gifts. I see no difference between the bombs this grass-roots organized front drops and those heat-seeking missiles that Israel launches. Many throughout the globe are blaming Israel for over-reacting, myself among these. Others question this “truth;” they say Hezbollah, Hamas, the Syrians, and or the Lebanese are at fault. As far as I am concerned, they too are responsible.

Nevertheless, this treatise is not meant to promote a discussion about the battles brewing in the Middle East. My choice is to look within, at wars in America.