Afghanistan

I had a conversation with someone yesterday about the afghan war that really concerned me. The person with whom I was speaking expressed his faith that the people “In The Know” have a purpose for this war and that we, the American people, who are sending their sons and daughters, husbands and wives, off to long deployments to fight and possibly die, don’t need to know the purpose for their sacrifice. In nearly every war featuring the American soldier we were given a clear reason, a purpose, and a set goal to achieve before our soldiers could return to us. But not this war. In this war we have been kept in the dark about casualties, about troop movements, about the purpose and goal. What’s troubling is the number of people who seem to think that’s just fine. It also concerns me that the troops we’re supposed to be supporting don’t know why they’re taking the lives of other human beings. To take a life without reason or purpose, even in war, is callous and immoral. I truly hope that “Because my government said so” will not be an acceptable response at the Pearly Gates.

It seems just a little too much like 1984, in which people were committed to supporting an endless war against a faceless foe and anyone who dared question the reasons for this scarified were deemed enemies of the state. Why aren’t we “In The Know” when we are giving up our families, our time, and our money to support this fight? Who IS “In The Know”? Most importantly, why is it okay with you that you DON’T know? There is nothing wrong with asking questions and demanding answers, and the second your government tells you that there is, it is time for some SERIOUS changes.