Today's observance was intended not to glorify war, but as a solemn way to recognize its end. In that spirit, today I continue my commitment to advocate for a peaceful resolution to end the war in Iraq, and prevent war with Iran. We do not need more veterans. Instead, we need to honor those we have by fully funding services designed to meet the challenging and diverse needs of the men and women who have served in our military. We can say 'thank you' with the immediate elimination of waiting lists for care and benefits.
We can say 'thank you' by ensuring that the mental health needs of returning soldiers are considered a medical priority and providing the adequately trained staff in sufficient numbers so as to guarantee that every solider receives the best standard of care possible.
We can say 'thank you' by the immediate elimination of pay and benefit inequities between U.S. military personnel and private paramilitary contractors who often perform the same work, in the same situations, for a fraction of the compensation. Those who wear our uniform deserve more pay, not less.
We can say 'thank you' by keeping our recruiting promises to help pay for college in a realistic and meaningful way that accurately compensates veterans for the true costs of higher education.
We can say 'thank you' by encouraging a real national conversation about the toll of war on the future of this country, not just in dollars and cents, but in the loss of production and innovation that will come as a direct result of the permanent disabilities of our wounded.
We can say 'thank you' by redefining what support means. Forget the rhetoric. It isn't about showing respect to the flag and it isn't about whether you wear a lapel pin. It isn't about a 99 cent magnet flung on the back of some car. This is what true support would look like: not one homeless veteran. Not one.
We can say 'thank you' by working as a nation to eliminate the stigma associated with PTSD, depression, and other identifiable and treatable mental health issues so as to eliminate this debilitating barrier to service provision.
We can say 'thank you' by finally ending the flawed 'don't ask, don't tell' policy. We must bring honor to all our veterans by allowing them the respect and dignity they deserve. Sexual orientation has nothing to do with patriotism or the ability to do one's job. Existing benefits and supportive services must be extended to the families of LGBT military personnel and they must be permitted to serve openly without fear of discrimination or harassment.
We can say 'thank you' by praying for peace.
13 comments:
We can say "Thank-you" for the privilege to write written rebellion without fear.........
Freedom is NOT free.........
again, you make me proud. bush's many cuts to veterans benefits are also abhorable and there is no excuse. i've reposted this.
The soldiers are beginning to understand some things.
The "patriots" don't give a damn about what happen to them. We do.
The "patriots" gleefully send our Armed Forces off to die without even so much as second-guessing the strategy. They then insist that our soldiers CONTINUE to die long after it is obvious that any more killing will net absolutely nothing in the long term.
We value their lives.
The "patriots" start screaming "COMMANISM!!!" if anyone so much as suggests that we pay up for what is necessary to give our soldiers whatever they need in the battlefield.
We would gladly pay more to make sure our soldiers have what they need, even though we adamantly oppose Chimpy's Oedipal war on Iraq.
When you get down to the brass tacks of things, we are the best bet for our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines. We will insist that they not be put in harm's way except in the most dire of circumstances. We certainly WILL NOT limit our support of the soldiers to yellow car magnets and flag pin lapels.
Welcome to the Reconstitution blogroll.
A powerful post M! My niece whom I helped raise is in Afghanistan. We hope that she will be home for good this Dec...but you know how that goes with BushCo still in office :(
As a veteran now growing old, your words give me hope for the future...
Pass along a hug to your brother from me? Please?
alan
(U.S. Navy 1973-78; helicopter mechanic HS-4 assigned USS Kittyhawk 1973-74; USS Ranger 1974-75; HS-84 1975-78
Married to a Navy veteran as well; active duty 1972-1978...)
Supergirl - I heart you forever!
JR - I am honored that you consider my little blog worthy of your blogroll. I am reciprocating. :)
Dusty - I am praying for the safe, prompt return of your niece, and all of the other active service personnel in the Middle East.
Alan - Thank you (and your sweetie!) for your dedication and service. The next time I see my little brother, I will certainly pass on your well wishes. (Though only after I smother him with hugs and kisses from ME!) :)
Thank you for stopping by my blog today, Melissa.
Regarding our military and the benefits they should be receiving, I don't understand why they aren't being given full scholarships to college when they return, or at the very least, for every year they serve in active duty (it doesn't need to be consecutive) they should receive one year of college tuition and books.
oh, wow, and stuff! I am a friend of Mary Ellen's at Divine Democrat....and I gotta say thanks for posting the 'Recovering American Soldier'. Some of the brothers are going to be there a long time.....it was a long time ago, but I remember friends that laid a long time forgotten in VA's across the nation.
Don't let it happen again....ain't no use arguing about whether war is right or wrong....when just a stamp and a note can make the day...make the whole week...of a brother or sister who just went and did what they felt was right. It would be evilly wrong to forget them...Win the peace, Win the love. Thanks.
Thanks for the hat-tip, Melissa. You were certainly correct. Same message... Different words. It's a pleasure indeed when great minds fall in the same ditch.
I hope and pray your little brother makes it home sahe and sound.
Such a powerful post.
"We can say 'thank you' by praying for peace"
I second that.
Thank you for visiting over at Watergate Summer, and also thank you for this wonderful post...and remembering the VETS should be center focus for all of us....their lives hang in the balance- mostly because as Jolly pointed out- the HigherUps have forgotten their precarious situation....
and yes, I pray for Peace everyday..and will always pray for peace...and that we get them ALL home as soon as possible- and that we take better care of them when we get home..
Oh, I forgot to ask, would you mind terribley if I added you to the Watergate Summer Blogroll- you have a wonderful blog....but I always ask first..
that is a beautiful picture of Levi.
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