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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.

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."

America; The Land of Amnesia and Apathy Forgets Why We Fight

Why We Fight. Part I
Please view the series in it entirety. Parts II, III, and IV are presented below.

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

“Speak to the past, and the past shall teach thee.” ~ Inscription on the Caspersen Wing of the John Carter Brown Library

Americans, her allies, and those we have yet to formally declare an adversary awaken each day to a world of glory. In the dawn, we hear only the gentle sound of songbirds. The rustling of leaves also hums in our ears. A silence fills the morning air. It is the tune of tranquility. We open our eyes and see beauty, most everywhere. Although we are awake and alert, Americans have amnesia. We do not recall why we fight, why we fear, and why we are forever at war.

Peace Protester Meets Military Men; Perceptions or Promise

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

This morning, as I approached the peace corner, two of my fellow demonstrators made mention of the soldiers across the street. Weekly, a throng of Iraq war dissenters stands and pickets on the south side of the street. I position myself on the North end of the avenue. I stand alone. On this afternoon, two young men dressed in Army fatigues, soldiers, situated themselves on the median, yards from where I position myself. They carried plastic bins; patriotic banners were pasted onto these containers. American flags and pamphlets graced their station. The military men collected money from passers-by. They distributed literature. They did their work from the same side of the street I favor.

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.

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.

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.

Troops Out Now Coalition Calls for Citizen Action

© copyright 2007 Betsy L. Angert

Many of you may feel as I do. I wonder why does the war in Iraq, in Afghanistan continue. I feel hopeless, even now with a Democratic majority in Congress. In truth, I did not celebrate the Democratic win in November 2006. For me, until actions are taken, and policies put into practice, I feel no reason to rejoice. Currently, the Democratic majority is not doing much better than the Republicans did. Conservatives are not inclined to impinge on the power of the President. Centrists are concerned; dare they be thought too Left or Right. The anti-war contingent is anxious. Might they regret moving too far or too fast.

Each day while Congress patiently convenes, Americans sit comfortably in their cozy homes, apathetic or pounding away at the keys at their electrically powered computers, actively protesting the wars. Meanwhile, civilians, children, and soldiers are dying in Afghanistan and Iraq. As citizens in this country ponder the blood spilled and scream, 'We want justice,' life [or death,] in the Persian Gulf goes on as it has for years.

Surge of Soldiers to Iraq, Rush To Power ©

Surge.

The Bush administration is split over the idea of a surge in troops to Iraq, with White House officials aggressively promoting the concept over the unanimous disagreement of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, according to U.S. officials familiar with the intense debate.

Surge.

Proposed by a handful of retired generals, pushed internally by officials in the National Security Council, and advocated in public by Sen. John McCain, the "surge" has become the hot tactical idea of the season. The debate over a surge is now under way — both about how big to make it and about whether to do it at all. Former Secretary of State Colin Powell said over the weekend that he was not convinced a surge in troops would work, while Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid said his party would support a limited, short-term jump in troop levels.

Surge!

Here's an idea: Let's send more U.S. troops to Iraq. The generals say it's way too late to even think about resurrecting Colin Powell's "overwhelming force" doctrine, so let's send over a modest "surge" in troop strength that has almost no chance of making any difference -- except in the casualty count. Oh, and let's not give these soldiers and Marines any sort of well-defined mission. Let's just send them out into the bloody chaos of Baghdad and the deadly badlands of Anbar province with orders not to come back until they "get the job done."

I don't know about you, but that strikes me as a terrible idea, arguably the worst imaginable "way forward" in Iraq. So of course this seems to be where George W. Bush is headed.

The airwaves are filled with talk of a surge. What does the term mean or more accurately, what will it mean for our troops, their families, their friends, and for our country. Perhaps we might consider the significance of a surge for those living and dying in Iraq. After all, that nation and its people that will feel the greatest impact. Nevertheless, we do not or at least our President does not. He has his own mission.