Side effects of war lingers for generations
When a stone is dropped in a puddle, ripples make their way across to bounce back and into each other in an endless multiplicity of collisions, ceasing long after the energy of the falling pebble has been expended.
Chai Vang, son of a Hmong general, came to us as a refugee from Laos and the war in Vietnam that had spilled over its borders, killing and displacing millions. In 2004, in a Wisconsin forest, six hunters were shot and killed by Vang.
Consequences from the disaster in Vietnam continue to ripple across the world. In the states, many of our veterans have been treated for symptoms of mental illness stemming from even brief exposures to our 25-year experience in that war. Effects on the children of Vietnam vets began to manifest immediately.
Grandchildren of Vietnam vets now share stories of substance abuse and family violence resulting from the American military experience there.
If there is still a United States in 25 years, its citizens (including our grandchildren) will be paying for our government's current adventures in the Middle East. For those who cannot imagine this, try dropping a pebble into water and watching until the ripples die.
James Quinn
Greensboro
Comments (10)
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OH YEA .. QUINN ??
WELL YA GOTTA CHOICE: IT 25 YEARS YOU CAN HAVE IRAQI WAR VETS GOING NUTS AND SHOOTING PEOPLE IN THE WISCONSONS OF AMERICA OR IRAQI TERRORISTS IN THE STREETS OF AMERICA BLOWING US UP IN THE NAME OF FOR ALLAH.
(just kiddin')
Posted on May 2, 2007 5:29 AM
Mr. Quinn, excellent analogy. Not only will the grandchildren be paying financially for Bush's Folly; they will be paying mentally as well. How sad. May we find grace in the time of this need.
Shalom
Posted on May 2, 2007 8:20 AM
What is truly amazing, is that Bush vetoes a bill that gives the TROOPS more than he requested! The timetable is NON BINDING so what is our dear little President scared of? And the nerve to say the Dems are not "supporting the troops" when the Democratic bill gives the soldiers more than Bushie does.
He wants to hand off his war to the next President, with as much baggage as possible. No wonder over 70% of Americans are opposed to this administration.
Let's now hear from the 28% who will manufacture whatever they have to, to support Bush......
Posted on May 2, 2007 9:01 AM
Yeah, well we wouldn't loose wars if teh treasonous liebural Demoncraps would just get out of the way nad let the military fight and not be bedweting communist obstructionsists who hate teh TROOPS.
Posted on May 2, 2007 9:13 AM
Thank God the veto is done and over already. Now, Congress and the President can start working together to actually accomplish something. What a waste of time the last few weeks have been.
"If there is still a United States in 25 years" it will not be because of folks who use statements such as "If there is still a United States in 25 years".
Posted on May 2, 2007 9:22 AM
28% approve, around 70% disapprove.
that sounds like some other poll numbers I have heard recently.
http://www.galluppoll.com/content/?ci=26914
Oh yeah, that's right. Those are almost identical to Congress' numbers.
Wow. Wonder who is in control of Congress. Maybe you could help me out with that one, DD.
Neither side has anything to gain by engaging in a pissing match. We have seen nothing but pissing matches for 7 years and, I believe, we are tired of them.
Democrats swept '06 for a reason. That reason was not to fight for phyrric victories.
The '08 Presidential election is the Dem's to lose, I believe. But they better be careful. They seem to be acting like they know they are a shoe in due to Bush's unpopularity. They better not get too complacent and stumble over themselves at the finish, ala the tortoise and the hare. Piddling around, as I believe we have seen them do recently, is a good way to burn through political capitol and make the '08 race much more dicey.
And by the way, Denzien:
ZOMG LOL, super leet post ftw !!!1!!!11!! :)
Posted on May 2, 2007 10:50 AM
... agree, Swanks. What the hell's wrong with one is the same as is wrong with the other. Disgusting.
Posted on May 2, 2007 11:10 AM
Agree Swanks. People are very tired of what's been happening the last 7 years and they want things to change, not just 3 more years of pissing matches. You would think the congressional elections would have gotten the message accross.
Posted on May 2, 2007 1:39 PM
"ZOMG LOL, super leet post ftw !!!1!!!11!! :)"
Hee hee!
Good post, swanks, though it could be argued that the "pissing match" in question is only in question primarily because of one side's refusal to negotiate.
The "my way or the hiway" legislation style that we've endured for the last several years apparently has made some forget that there is a push and pull to governance, and the solid facts remain that the Dems won their seats on opposition to the war and that the American people resoundingly disapprove of the war.
Posted on May 2, 2007 2:26 PM
Notice that Bush NEVER will use the word "Compromise".
Guess they just chest bump behind closed doors thinking the administration is such a "macho" group. What a joke.
Posted on May 2, 2007 8:36 PM