MAY THEY LEAD US TO PEACE

The revelation of the shameful treatment of wounded Iraq war veterans may yet lead us out of our quagmire in Iraq.

It has revealed one of the dirtier secrets of a senseless war of choice resplendent with dirty secrets. That secret is that rulers who mislead their citizens to such policies are only concerned about healthy, fresh canon-fodder to continue their reckless military ventures. Once injured these soldiers are useless to them so they are ignored and given minimal care. It becomes necessary downplay the number and severity of such wounded to avoid embarrassing scrutiny of the war. It is also important to minimize the expense of such treatment to conserve it for endless military adventurism.

Our citizenry voted last November to end the madness unleashed by the current administration. The administration viewed the election results and chose to escalate. The Congress viewed the election results and chose to debate whether to debate.

It is difficult for all concerned to face the enormity of the crime we are committing in Iraq. That is a truth we just yet can’t handle. But no one can deny or turn away from the crime we commit against our broken warriors.

Originally published in Daily Herald, March 27, 2007

ANOTHER DAY OF INFAMY

Wednesday, March 19, 2003, has become another Day of Infamy in American history.

As we approach its fourth anniversary, it is appropriate to compare its import with two other days of infamy: December 7, 1941 and September 11, 2001.

The first two were unprovoked attacks against American soil and citizens, each resulting in thousands of casualties and setting off wars – immediate war with Japan in the first, and delayed war against al Qaeda based in Afghanistan in the second. The third was an unprovoked attack on the pitiful country of Iraq, fueled in part by the September 11 attack on America. Iraq wasn’t involved but it was an outcast, defenseless Islamic target with lots of oil. Close enough.

Virtually every American felt and displayed unwavering pride and sacrifice responding to the first day of infamy. Our unwavering pride was not matched by sacrifice after September 11. The administration told us to enjoy life spending tax cuts we received instead of suffering tax hikes that historically accompany wars. Our small but all powerful military could solve the problem on the cheap while we basked in the glory of easy victories.

Our Iraq war has brought us full circle. Except for the military, we sacrifice nothing: not a minute of our life, a drop of blood or a thin dime. We still spend our tax cuts but our pride has been replaced by shame and revulsion over the unending and senseless slaughter of Iraqis and Americans in a failed military venture. The administration floods Baghdad with thousands more soldiers which only dampens down horrific violence enough to quell calls for withdrawal. But it is a losing game.

Perpetrators were either brought to justice or put on an unending “most wanted” list in the first two days of infamy. The perpetrators of the most recent one have used every power at their disposal to frighten, intimidate, bribe and cajole a docile Congress and populous from rising up and demanding an end to this madness.

Not content with launching one day of infamy, its authors show signs of seeking to new day of infamy by attacking Iran, a country that has never attacked another country like we have.

And if that day dawns it will not be Morning in America.

Originally published in the Glen Ellyn Sun, March 25, 2007

ANNIVERSAY WALTZ

An anniversary is a good time to take stock, whether it be a life, a marriage or alas, a war.

As the fourth anniversary of the Iraq war approaches, those of us who opposed it from the run-up beginning in mid-2002 can say with profound sadness and without glee: "We told you so."

Our fate was cast in this war rather quickly. It took about three weeks to depose Saddam Hussein and about three hours for the insurgents to begin trashing and looting the country, guaranteeing our defeat.

But it will take years, maybe decades for America and the world to recover, if we ever do.

On this fourth anniversary of his Iraq war, one can only sigh and offer: "Heck of a job, Mr. President".

Originally published in the Glen Ellyn News, March 23, 2007