If we can allow our military to sacrifice their very lives in Iraq and Afghanistan, why are the rest of us not more involved? If the soldiers’ families continue to be devastated in such an endless carnage, why are our lives so little affected?
Is it too inconvenient for those of us on the home front to sacrifice something? As a society, the parties go on, the games continue, the seasons revolve and we find our minds fixed on anything but the greatest tragedy of our generation. Our main concern is if we can afford the gasoline for our summer vacation.
I fear that unless we have a loved one involved in this war, little thought goes into their turmoil. (I know no soldiers in this war, but have met many a grandparent and loved one who is hurting.)
Even more disheartening is the lack of a national will to bring it all to an end. Our military did the job appointed to them. The soldiers deposed the dictator and the politicians set up an Iraqi government.
The Iraqi parliament is nearly as divided as our Congress when it comes to decision making. The members of the parliament sit in the Green Zone, guarded by our soldiers and considering a two-month vacation this summer. Sounds more and more like our legislative body in Washington.
How’s that for gratitude? While our soldiers try to keep order in Iraq streets, the turbaned-and-robed politicians, each with his own body guards and army, act as there is all the time in the world to solve the problem. All this as the internal civil war continues to wreck havoc all over the land.
The Republicans in Congress do not want President Bush to lose his war, and the spineless Democrats don’t have the integrity to get us out of the civil war. It is sad beyond words the lack of insight and patriotism now being exhibited in Congress.
The most they can agree on is how much of a raise to give themselves. National polls show the Congress as a whole at about 28 percent, even lower than President Bush.
Dear reader you are right. All my griping about the situation will not change it. I’m sharing my heart because the foolishness must stop. This column is to remind me of what is the most important thing, not the convenient thing.
It is important our voice is heard again. Heard and heeded. Is it eccentric to make a call for justice? Are we out of step if we want an end to the Middle East slaughter?
Some say for us to leave would bring chaos to the region. It probably would whether we leave this year or 20 years from now. Let’s either get behind the war as a nation or get out before more people are scarred and killed.
The very inconvenience of this war should generate serious dialogue with some answers. Pray with me for men and women of courage–leaders who will stand up and be counted to end the unholy war sooner than later.
Britt Towery, a retired Baptist missionary, writes for the Brownwood Bulletin in Brownwood, Texas.
