Unhappy 18th anniversary Afghan war

Every September 11th, the government, the media; indeed the entire culture is filled with remembrances of the 911 attacks. But twenty-six days later on October 7th every year, the start of the catastrophic Afghan war, a senseless response to criminal activity of a tiny, obscure group, is ignored. That is a shame. The war has devastated Afghanistan for 18 years and many decades to follow. Its sorrowful toll is untold thousands dead, millions ruined by injury and displacement, over a trillion in cost....and no end in sight. It goes on from US stupidity, perfidy, arrogance, pride and greed. No wonder it's largely forgotten on a daily basis including its anniversary. No presidential contender will mention it on the campaign trail. The president makes noises about ending it; then caves at the slightest protest from the military, the munitions makers, the cravenness pols and pundits who support it.

We should continue to remember the attacks every year on September 11. But lets also trumpet the ruinous Afghan war on its sad anniversary every October 7, till it's ended. Then let us recall it every October 7 as a reminder of America's folly trying to control the world, at the expense of every good priority America should be engaging.