A Century and A Half of Family Vets
My connection to veterens goes back to the Civil War--two great grandfathers died.
My great grandfather on my father's side was in the Spanish American War. One uncle died in WWI. Four uncles, an aunt and a cousin served in WWII. A cousin served in the Korean (sic Conflict) War. My brother and a cousin served in the Vietnam War. Another cousin has served in Iraq. And I am really proud of all of them. And I am a stalwart pacifist. I think there are better ways to solve problems than by killing people. I have no illusions that humans are without aggression and so are not capable of waging war unless dreadfully provoked. Some people just get off on violence.
The first time my infant kid would not submit to being buckled into her car seat and I was weeks short on sleep and miles to go on a pressing deadline, I felt the rage rush down my arm. I had to bite my own hand to keep from hitting out. I am not proud of the impulse, but I understood immediately child abuse when a mom is crazy tired.
I think I could kill if suffciently provoked. but I would never choose to become a killer. I love my country too much to shame myself and it by following this course.
200,000 Homeless Vets on America's Streets
But really folks, whether you approve of war as a solution or not, we have an obligation to care for our vets. And 200,000 homeless vets on the streets of America--well, that is just not acceptable. See the below information about a two-day conference concerning vet homelessness starting in DC tomorrow and Thurs. We can pour billions into making ordinary women and men into soldiers, but we can't care for them when they come home??
Natl. Convention in Washington, DC Aims to Raise Awareness and Help Thousands of Our Nation’s Heroes; Discuss Obama's Budget Proposals for Homeless Vets
Speakers Include Members of Congress, National Veteran Leaders,
Former and Current Homeless Veterans and Deficit Hawks
The National Conference for Veterans; May 13-14, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC—The National Convention for Veterans, a joint initiative of the Circle of Friends for American Veterans and the Reserve Officers Association, will conduct a two-day convention to advance a comprehensive veterans’ platform to support homeless veterans and veterans returning from combat zones. 
About 200,000 men and women who served in American uniform are on the streets every night and approximately 4,000 troops have been homeless since returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. About 500,000 of the troops who have returned from combat need top professional counseling only available in about one half of VA Medical Centers. Forty-five percent of all homeless veterans are Vietnam veterans.
WHERE: Reserve Officers Association Building, Ballroom – One Constitution Ave., NE, Washington, DC 20002
WHEN: Wednesday & Thursday, May 13 & 14, 2009 starting at 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST.
R.S.V.P: Media who wish to attend must R.S.V.P to Laura Gross, w: 202-265-5383, c: 202-255-2054, lgross@scottcircle.com. Please include name, media outlet, phone number and e-mail address of each person attending.
And isn't that a shame?
Posted by: Virginia | Friday, May 15, 2009 at 11:38 AM
That cartoon at the top really sums it up!
Posted by: Rita@Goldivas | Friday, May 15, 2009 at 10:00 AM