Ann Coulter

"Since the attack of 9/11, we've won two wars, liberated millions of people from monstrous regimes, presided over one election in Afghanistan and are about to see elections in Iraq and among the Palestinian people. Focusing like a laser beam on the big picture, liberals are upset that, during this period, the secretary of defense used an autopen. " Ann Coulter

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=108&ncid=742&e=10&u=/ucac/20041224/
cm_ucac/happygivingtreefestivaltoallandtoallagoodnight

And so goes Ms. Coulter's rant on Yahoo today. I am not sure where else this publishes except on her website. In the first paragraph, I guess I find a couple of well, lets just say, differences of opinion.

The first being our victory in two wars. I am pretty sure that several thousand American families would wonder at that statement as they care for their wounded or bury their dead. If the war is over...why the heck are our people still being bombed while having lunch?

The Iraqi civilians of Falluja may wonder at the benefits of the regime change from Saddam to George. Under Saddam, they had water and electricity...and a roof over their head. Under George, they have no water, holes in the walls, no electricity and dead bodies in the courtyards. I am not sure that represents a big improvement in their eyes. And that could be a problem.

The US had little to do with Palestinian elections...we were not speaking to the Palestinians because we didn't like Arafat... with some reason. Now we are pretty big...but give credit where credit is due. The Palestinians decided elections are a good thing. Iraqis, on the other hand, face many problems regarding their elections. The largest one, I am sure, is that they may be wearing bullseyes on their backs as they vote. Shoot, US voters can think of many reasons to stay away from the polls and we are in little danger of being shot, blown up or beheaded by crazy people.

The real theme of this Ms. Coulter's rant however seems to be "how dare the peons of this country dare to criticize the Great Mr. Rumsfeld about his lack of simple good manners by signing condolence letters himself rather than by autopen" giving them the same personal touch as a piece of that ever popular "junk mail" all Americans love to get. The peons I am talking about include the retired Colonel who first posed the issue and then wrote his own op-ed piece which included comments from families of deceased soldiers from this war which Ms. Coulter claims is won.

http://www.sftt.org/cgi-bin/csNews/csNews.cgi?database=Unlisted%2edb&command=viewone&id=25

Now Mr. Rumsfeld hot-footed it over to Iraq to serve up Christmas turkey...and schmooze with the soldiers stationed far from home and family for Christmas. Certainly, he needed a couple of photo-ops to buck up his image as a caring individual who really doesn't think of our kids as chess pieces on an ever more bloody game board. I saw the picture where he awarded the Purple Heart to a soldier lying on a hospital bed. Wonder if he was riding around in one of those non-armored humvees that have FINALLY made it to the attention of the American people thanks to a Reservist and a journalist - way to go guys!

And Ms. Coulter, a word for you: maybe you would understand how the mother of a soldier might feel receiving a form letter on the death of her child if you were out buying Elmo dolls for your children's Giving Tree rather than "Ann Coulter action figures" for yourself.

The grief and pain felt on the death of a beloved child feels the same no matter if one is conservative or liberal...and soldiers from Red and Blue states are dying and being injured as you make flippant remarks.

Time to Study Peace

I am struck by the fact that as a society, there are many resources to study war. In a search on the internet, I found very few that study PEACE. Only one University that I found has a "minor" formal study in Peace.

In this season where we speak of Peace and Goodwill toward all people in the context of the celebration of Christmas - have we actually decided what that would mean. Can people actually achieve that goal? Do we have the capability as people to "Turn the Other Cheek" as Christ commanded even when the provocation is great? Can we as a nation that was founded on Judeo-Christian principles follow those lofty goals we have set to promote democracy in all parts of the world? Do we have the right to impose our values on all nations of the world? Or for that matter, our neighbor across the street?

There is a small but growing group of people who have suggested that the United States should withdraw from Iraq because our presence is part of the problem. Certainly we have heard the negative responses to that idea. Even those who believe that we should have never gone to war believe we have a moral obligation to "fix" what is wrong in Iraq using a military option. Certainly LEAVING would take a great leap of faith on the part of our Administration, our Military and our PEOPLE. There would almost certainly be chaos with the various factions trying to seize power. Our vision of a democratic Iraq may never come to be.

But IF we believe that God is in control and IF we believe that part of democracy lies in the ability of a state to determine its own fate is not withdrawl a viable option? Long after we leave, the people of Iraq must determine their own form of government and learn to live together in their small corner of the world. In our own history, that was not achieved in a short defined time line nor on a single election that may not even be viewed as legitimate. We are still working at getting it right.

So maybe it is time to promote the study of Peace and Conflict Resolution from the earliest grades possible across the United States. War does not seem to work in the Christian ideal of bringing Peace on Earth and Goodwill to Men. War does not work for the enemy. War does not work for those killed and injured, nor does it work for their families. Maybe Peace will work.

Wishing All A Blessed Christmas

"For God so loved the world, he sent his only begotton Son"

May the celebration of the birth of a Child
Inspire the light that God placed in all people.

May that Light which is the Spirit of God
Drive all darkness from the Earth.

Have a Blessed Christmas full of Peace, Joy, Faith, Hope and Love.

Christmas at the Fisher House

Army Sgt. Dale Beatty kisses his 6-month-old son, Lucas, while he recovers at the Fisher House at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. (Michael Williamson -- The Washington Post)


What's Daddy getting for Christmas?" Belinda Beatty asked her 2-year-old son, Dustin, as he spun around the tree Tuesday evening, beyond tired after a long day.

"Legs!" the little boy answered.

To link to the story, click here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A21062-2004Dec22.html

Advise to Mr. Bush

Dear Mr. Bush,

The campaign is over. And despite my feelings about the outcome, the "stump" speeches supporting the war can now cease. Those who support your mission will continue to do so...and those who do not will not be swayed.

Today, several Americans lost their lives while having lunch in Iraq. It will be a few days before we know their names...and several days before they will return home. People on both sides of the world will grieve for them.

Families and friends don't need to hear about the mission. I can guarantee that in the days to come, a democratic Iraq on the cusp of freedom will be far from their thoughts as they prepare to grieve the loss of their son or daughter, husband or wife, mother or father, lover, or friend.

So, stop campaigning and simply express sorrow at the loss of these extraordinary people who died "on your orders."

Army Mom

The Christmas Shopping Thing

This has been a unique year for "gift buying" for sure. For the past several years, gifts have not been exchanged among the adults in our extended family. My mother, with great wisdom, saw that much of the meaning of the Christmas celebration was being missed in the frenzied mall runs and frequent calls of "what does (insert name here) want/need for Christmas?" In short, she decided that her family had been blessed and their needs were met.

She was aware that others were not so fortunate as her family. Several years ago, she proposed that we donated part of our Christmas budget to help those who were in need. And a new family tradition was born.

This year, my budget has been spent in q-tips, shampoo, soap, razors and the like to several local organizations sending "care packages" to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I feel as though I have gone full circle to my childhood when gift exchanges with my sisters included those bath oil beads in an array of bright colors and cologne for my brother...all chosen with great care at my dad's pharmacy.

I will get the gift I wanted for Christmas this year. My soldier will be home for Christmas - this year. I don't expect to be as lucky next year since his "planned" deployment has already been announced by the Pentagon.

A Child's Prayer for Peace

For Our World
By Mattie J.T. Stepanek

We need to stop.
Just stop.
Stop for a moment…
Before anybody
Says or does anything
That may hurt anyone else.
We need to be silent.
Just silent.
Silent for a moment…
Before we forever lose
The blessing of songs
That grow in our hearts.
We need to notice.
Just notice.
Notice for a moment…
Before the future slips away
Into ashes and dust of humility.
Stop, be silent, and notice…
In so many ways, we are the same.
Our differences are unique treasures.
We have, we are, a mosaic of gifts
To nurture, to offer, to accept.
We need to be.
Just be.
Be for a moment…
Kind and gentle, innocent and trusting,
Like children and lambs,
Never judging or vengeful
Like the judging and vengeful.
And now, let us pray,
Differently, yet together,
Before there is no earth, no life,
No chance for peace.

September 12, 2001
© Matthew Joseph Thaddeus Stepanek

It is hard to believe that these beautiful words were written by a young child. Mattie, as he called himself, passed away this year at age 13. He was a poet and a peacemaker. His light will be sorely missed in this world.

Bad news

For 900 American children, this Christmas will see a chair at the table forever empty.

1 in 6 soldiers returning from Iraq will experience PTSD.

Wounded soldiers must fight their own government for benefits to help them get on with life

Over 1,300 American Servicemen and women have died as a result of their service in Iraq.

We go to war with the Army we have...not with the Army we wish to have.

Estimates indicate as many as 100,000 Iraqi civilians have died as a result of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the occupation.

Iraq edges closer to civil war.

I have heard that the media only concentrates on the negatives of this war. I must confess, I have a hard time seeing anything positive coming out of Iraq.

Support our Troops?

Specialist Robert Loria lost an arm in Iraq in February when an IED exploded under his humvee. He was discharged from Fort Hood this week with the thanks of his nation and a bill for $1,768.81 leaving him with no gas money to return to his home in New York.

His wife attempted to go “through channels” and get assistance to get her husband home without success. Finally, she went to the local media to plead her case. The local story was picked up nationally…and the emails went out to senators and congressmen in New York from outraged Americans. The elected officials pointed out to the military that this situation gave them a “black eye” and the Army relented. Specialist Loria will not have to repay the accidental overpayment made by our government for "separation pay" or for the “lost equipment” assigned to him in Iraq. ( I am certain the equipment was not on the medics radar when they evacuated him, in shock - bleeding and missing an arm.) Someone in the Army will assist him in filing for “travel reimbursements” and hey…they will pay him for another 68 days. Specialist Loria will be home for Christmas.

Sadly, this happens all too often in the all volunteer Military. Young people facing lives forever altered come home to Memorial Day Parades once a year and little yellow ribbon bumper stickers which say "Support the Troops." What they receive is little assistance to get on with the business of living. Specialist Loria was granted 68 days of pay. The average wait time for VA benefits is 150 days leaving the burden of his disability to be carried by his family.

Is this any way to treat our heros?

Tough Question - Stupid Answer

From the New England Journal of Medicine. Typical injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device explodes under a humvee.


Spc. Thomas Wilson: "Why do we soldiers have to dig through local landfills for pieces of scrap metal and compromised ballistic glass to up-armor our vehicles?" Shouts of approval and applause arose from the estimated 2,300 soldiers who had assembled to see Rumsfeld.

"You go to war with the Army you have," Rumsfeld replied, "not the Army you might want or wish to have."

It is obvious to me that Mr. Rumsfeld has never stood by and watched a human blown to bits. It is equally obvious that he has never cared for someone who has sustained a severe traumatic injury, nor has he stood by while the victim has worked to learn to live with the aftermath of the injuries sustained.

Due, in large part, to medical advances and rapid medical response teams, many more soldiers are surviving what would have been in prior wars, a fatal injury. It remains to be seen if we are doing these soldiers any favors.

Mr. Rumsfeld's response to this soldier's inquiry was ludicrious. Even if this war had been a "necessary" or "just" war, we have been engaged for some 20 months and US taxpayers have paid billions of dollars to finance it. I am sure most Americans had the expectation that our troops would have the best safety equipment available to do their jobs. We were told multiple times that that was the case by Mr. Rumsfeld and other members of the Administration.

Specialist Wilson's question is a valid one. It is one that should be asked by ALL Americans.

To read the full story link here: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20041208/ap_on_re_mi_ea/rumsfeld

To view the full slide show published in the New England Journal of Medicine, link here: http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/351/24/2476

A Bit of Sanity...and Joy

Sanity --in canine form

There are always those days when the problems in the world can be almost overwhelming.

On those days, I take a walk with my hubby and "the boys". Well, if the truth is known, we walk and they run!

Their obvious joy in their world...and the game... are a reminder that there is beauty in the chaos of life. You just gotta go for it!

Support the Troops and Keep Our Promises

CITIZEN-TIMES.com

The way our country treats returning soldiers is a national shame

By SPECIAL TO CITIZEN-TIMES
Dec. 2, 2004
6:04 p.m.

Supporters of our invasion of Iraq cheerlead from their armchairs for the women and men of our military. Some folks send packages of goodies and letters to soldiers and sailors. Veterans for Peace stand on a street corner each week asking to bring our troops home. These are all examples of different ways we express our support for U.S. soldiers.

But what about support when they come back? While some historical references reflect an effort to support our soldiers upon their return from battle, our history of neglecting
soldiers also flourishes and seems to be getting worse.

For example, in 1693 Plymouth Colony offered support with an order that any disabled soldier injured while defending the colony would be maintained by the colony for life. And in 1780, the Continental Congress offered half pay for seven years to officers who served until the end of the war.

However, the Continental Congress also promised some soldiers land in exchange for their service. Looking at genealogy sites on the Internet, one can find desecendants of these soldiers still trying to collect on those unfulfilled promises.

Read the rest of the article here: http://www.citizen-times.com/cache/article/print/71703.shtml

To Care For Him Who Shall Have Borne the Battle

"With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan--to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations." Abraham Lincoln, March 4, 1865

I read several local stories over the last few months about a young soldier from the area who was paralyzed in a tank accident in Iraq. His crewmates were killed and he sustained a neck fracture. In medical speak it is called a "hangman's fracture". The results are paralysis from the neck down. The condition, sadly, is permanent. He breathes using a ventilator. He is 23 years old.

He survived an injury that in earlier wars would have been fatal. He is now home with family and fighting yet another war - this time with the very government that sent him to Iraq in the first place. And sadly, he is joined in his fight with combat vets from other wars - with very poor results.

It seems that even as our President ordered young men and women into combat, he cut veterans benefits. The system, stressed from caring from vets of other generations, will be sorely tested as more vets with severe physical and psychological injuries return home.

This young man was awarded full disability pay from the VA. And where the sum awarded sounds adequate, it is less than the cost to care for him...according to the VA's own figures (and they are based on numbers last examined in 1998). So who cares for him to keep the costs down? His family, of course. President Lincoln, at least, seemed to realize that when our soldiers are tasked to fight in service to the country, our nation must take care of those who survive and for those who are left behind.

The full story can be found here: http://www.suntimes.com/special_sections/veterans/cst-nws-wvets03.html

For information on the cost of caring for a wounded soldier, according to the VA, click here: http://www.herc.research.med.va.gov/Slides/HERC_course_11-3-00.ppt