War sucks. Always has and always will. Because of the current national and global climate surrounding the Iraq War, this is obviously a very sensitive issue for many. One thing that is clear to me is that you can question the wisdom and rationale behind the war and the government and still support our country’s troops. This is not an oxymoron.
We don’t need to do a Rosie vs. Elisabeth here on this blog but it’s clear that the war is as “unpopular” as it has ever been and yet, we are sending more troops. At this point, that may not necessarily be a bad idea but everyone agrees: this has not turned out anywhere close to what anyone envisioned. While it would be a horrible idea to simply pick up and leave, when will we hear a clear “exit plan” from the current administration? In an article I read online at Sojourners, it contends that 36 cents of every federal income dollar is used for war – to pay for wars past and wars present. If our budget indeed is an example of our “moral document” – what are we saying to ourselves, to our children, and to the rest of the world?
On the local front, we have a family that drives up from Fort Lewis to worship at our church. For the purpose of this blog, I’ll just leave it with some nebulous information. There are several young children in this family. Both Dad and Mom are in the Army. Last year, the family was “forced” to be separated as Dad was sent to Iraq. But alas, he’s set to return in couple months from his year duty. Kids are excited as they miss their father! The sucky of all sucky news: A month after Dad returns, Mom is now slated to head off to Iraq for about a year. What kinds of !@#$& is that?
Not only on this day but each day, I genuinely want to remember the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces to protect the values and freedom of this country. Thank you.
The United States is far from a perfect country but nevertheless, it is an incredible nation. I am a grateful and proud citizen. But that is precisely my point. Because it is such a great nation, much is to be expected. May the leaders of this country be immensely wise, humble, and discerning as it seeks to carry its role and voice in the larger world.
Memorial Day 2007 – The Blogosphere Remembers
Cox & Forkum
I’ll update this a post a few times today. Other blogging will be light or saved for Tuesday. Feel free to send links to your posts or interesting Memorial Day finds.
In Training
There is nothing in this world like a s…
Thank you for these words Pastor Eugene.
If you’re interested in the blog of an embedded journalist in Iraq, check this one out. It’s quality info from an independent journalist named Michael Yon (Quite possibly this war’s Joe Galloway if you’re familiar with the famed Vietnam War journalist featured in the movie “We Were Soldiers”). His most recent posting “A Memorial Day Message” highlights a good deal of the positive stuff that is going on over there and is too often completely ignored by the media.
- Here’s the link to his online magazine: http://www.michaelyon-online.com/
- Here’s the link to his “dispatches” (blog entries): http://www.michaelyon-online.com/wp/a-memorial-day-message.htm
I’ve been reading his blog for several years now and have found it to be an excellent source of truth. He’s actually begun to be syndicated by FoxNews.com.
I don’t know if you’ve listened to this but I found this interview to be very interesting and thought-provoking, and it addressed a lot of questions that I’d been gestating in my mind. http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/soulofwar/index.shtml