IN MEMORY OF OUR SOLDIERS, BUSH “MINDFUL” OF WAR ©

On this Memorial Day 2005, as on memorials days in the past, I feel such sorrow. I wish that we were memorializing peace and not war, the living and not those that have passed. I wish that we were as our current President often espouses, “mindful.” My regret is that we, as a nation, speak of harmony while creating conflict. We talk of negotiations and then often forego diplomatic measures. We fight wars to end all wars, and we do this repeatedly.

Today, in honor of the “holiday” my mind drifts. I contemplate the meaning of this homage. I believe that this day is intended for reflection and remembrance. It is a day to recall all of our fallen heroes, those that served in every war. It is a time to reflect upon “battles” and to consider the lives lost. On this occasion, we might ponder what we treasure. Our thoughts will undoubtedly turn to families, those that grieve the loss of their sons, daughters, fathers, and mothers, and know that they will see them no more. At present, my hope is that we will think about the tragedy of having not learned from history.

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
George Santayana, The Life of Reason, Volume 1, 1905

In recent years, our President and his pundits have decided to unilaterally attack, to bomb, to kill, and to maim, as nations of people protest. The United States declared and engages in war. This action was and is taken in the name of “democracy.” American principals profess “goodness” and then, aggressively they order our youth to fight to the death. The President of the United States speaks of the importance of “God.” He claims there is “evil” and that we must destroy it. Yet, for me, the idea of destruction is vice. The result: Memorial Day.

Continue reading "IN MEMORY OF OUR SOLDIERS, BUSH “MINDFUL” OF WAR ©"