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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."

Vice President Dick Cheney Defines Fallen Soldiers; Volunteers For Death

Cheney the man who cares

copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

In a "glowing" statement, perhaps meant to glorify the horrific deaths of the soldiers slain in Iraq, Vice President Dick Cheney offered, "I think it's a reminder of the extent to which we are blessed with families who've sacrificed as they have." The man who, in his youth sought five deferments in order to avoid service during the Vietnam War, went on to state, "A lot of men and women sign up because sometimes they will see developments." Richard B. Cheney helps us to recall the terror Americans felt as they witnessed the Twin Towers fall on September 11, 2001. He explains, this event and the thought of a terrorist threat "stimulated a lot of folks to volunteer for the military because they wanted to be involved in defending the country." "The thing that comes through loud and clear is how much they are committed to the cause, to doing what needs to be done to defend the nation," Cheney proclaimed. Yet, citizens cognizant of the reasons for a possible rise in recruitment remember more than a moment that changed the course of life for many young men and women.

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.

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.

Taxi To The Dark Side; Tales of Psychological and Physical Torture

"Taxi To The Dark Side" – Trailer

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

Americans each have taxied to the dark side in recent years. Vice President Cheney, with the blessings of George W. Bush, was our guide. We were the followers. Citizens of the United States claim to care. Yet, collectively, we allow an Administration to torture detainees in Guantanamo Bay and at Abu Ghraib prison. Our fellow countrymen once honored the Rules of the Geneva Convention. This standards are now thought quaint. Americans no longer subscribe to the theory that intentional physical and psychological torment is a abhorrent. Violations of human dignity are accepted, even endorsed.

Dana Perino and Helen Thomas on Iraq, War, and the Loss of Innocents

White House Spokeswoman Dana Perino and Helen Thomas on Iraq

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

The lovely and graceful Press Secretary Dana Perino stood before correspondents and the country. She stated, while at war the United States slaughters no guiltless men, women, or children. The innocent are not blameless. They are indeed, the enemy. Young, old, and middle age alike, all once thought to be above suspicion, are now considered terrorist. Friends are foe as Americans endeavor to spread good will and democracy.

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.

Bush Invokes Vietnam Analogy; Insists On Victory In Iraq

Bush's Speech on Iraq and Asian Wars

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

Today history was made or perhaps, rewritten. On this date, August 22, 2007, the President of the United States of America, who has long declared there is no comparison between the flawed and failed American involvement in Vietnam and the protracted and poorly planned engagement in Iraq made one. In truth, he offered many. George W. Bush, in a very lengthy speech, delivered to the Veterans of Foreign Wars documented world history in a manner that mesmerized people throughout the planet. Some thought his words wise; other decidedly disagreed. Mister Bush brilliantly crafted the content of his speech in hopes of promoting support for his program, the surge.

Duplicity Among Democrats. Constitution Gives Congress The Power

Democrats' Innocent Bystander Fable

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

The Democratic Debates held early in June 2007 reminds me of many recent rants. Again, I recall the depth of my disdain for the lackluster lunacy that passes for Presidential material. Senator Hillary Clinton hails she made the correct decision when she chose to 'support the President' and send our soldiers off to slaughter. Senator Joseph Biden declares "We have worked hard to try and end this war." Barack Obama states it is not easy to do what needs to be done. Yet, experts state these claims are reason for concern.