For the last several months, I have not been blogging very much. Many things have happened and so I will post a quick update.
In early December, my son came home from Afghanistan with his unit. He was slightly wounded during the summer campaign. My first impression was how angry he was - a complete change from the young man that had left late last winter. He spoke about his friend that had died and guys that were severely wounded. He discussed the early partnering with the NATO force and how innefectual it had seemed to him. He discussed his feelings about the campaign and his part in it. He has made a decision not to remain in the military beyond this contract date. Many of the things we discussed can not be published here due to OPSEC rules and his right to privacy. But suffice to say, he is no longer a true believer.
We had a nice family gathering to welcome him home in late December at his favorite Italian joint with aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. The dinner and lively discussion (including teasing and jokes) was fun and helped remind all how lucky we were to have him home and in one piece.
During his redeployment phase - I helped him buy his first car: A VW Rabbit. This was a huge change from the car wish list that had come from Afghanistan which included many fast cars. With the "surge" plan we don't know how much time he will have to enjoy his new car. Rumors abound about a new deployment - but again they are only rumors.
Our candidate did not win in November - but his message was picked up loud and clear across the US: Get the US the hell out of Iraq. The newly elected Congress has addressed the issue in fits and starts over the last few months. They remain largely ineffective in changing the course despite the overwhelming desire of the American people to end the war, bring our troops home now and take care of them when they get here.
In December, I was elected to the Board of Directors of Military Families Speak Out. I look at this as an opportunity to push hard to get our world right again. On a personal level, this is very important as my oldest son is planning to marry later this year and my daughter is expecting her first child - my first grandchild. I want a world that nurtures these new beginings in an atmosphere of peaceful security and not war without end.
In January, I was back in Washington DC for a massive mobilization called for by United for Peace and Justice. Tens of thousands of people filled the mall on a bright and suprisingly warm day to call on Congress to stop funding the war in Iraq. We participated in a citizens lobby day and visited several Illinois congressional offices making the point that the only way to end the war was to stop paying for it. The emergency supplemental, unfortunately was passed calling for a withdrawal of COMBAT troops in August of 2008 in the House bill and a non-binding end to combat operations in the Senate bill. Again, the Congress still fails to listen to the people - instead choosing to follow the corporate path to war without end.
In March, Chicago mobilized to mark the begining of the fifth year of the invasion and occupation of Iraq. The mission still remains poorly defined and according to most experts, unattainable but we continue to send young people off to war in an effort to provide the President with a legacy.
And here it is April - cold for Easter but at least in Chicago, no snow. Happy Easter to all and I will try to blog a bit more often.
