No Easy War

 “It is not enough to win a war; it is more important to organize the peace.”

~ Aristotle

There is no doubt that United States military force could obliterate the Iranian infrastructure. The question is, would that be wise?

War is straightforward. Its aftermath is more complicated. As we are witnessing, building a pathway to peace is a goal fraught with pitfalls and perils. The process seems like having a tiger by the tail; which way will it turn, and where will it bite? There is no way of knowing.

There are innumerable questions surrounding the current conflict in Iran. Based on current headlines, my first inquiry is, can "a deal" with proven liars be depended upon? I wouldn't count on it. Who will "control" the Strait of Hormuz, how, and why? What happens to the Iranian people who would emerge from war into the wreckage of their country? The list of questions is lengthy, concerning, and growing.

I think back on forty-seven years of conflict with Iran, which has claimed so many American lives. What is happening in Iran today needed to happen, but I believe it should have happened decades ago. The battle might have been more manageable for the United States back then. But there is no way to know for certain. Because among the endless questions, there is one certainty: no war is easy. 

The Story of St. Patrick

"Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future."

~ Oscar Wilde

Today, St. Patrick's Day, I stumbled across a podcast that presents a dramatic reenactment of his life. Saints Alive did an entertaining job on St. Patrick's story. The podcast reminded me of my parents' tales of listening to radio shows when they were young.

I always enjoy stories of saints' lives. After all, they're just flawed human beings like the rest of us. But saints do hold onto their faith and never give up under the trials of this life. It's uplifting to reflect upon them on special days such as today. Happy Saint Patrick's Day to all! 

"I arise today..." ~ St. Patrick's Breastplate prayer

Our Own Worst Enemy

 "It's in your nature to destroy yourselves."

~ Terminator 2: Judgment Day

There are so many contributing factors to consider in the current Iranian conflict, from nearly a half-century of bloody Islamic terrorism to the present-day threat of nuclear war. Thinking back upon my personal history, I realized that I was born during a war, came of age during a war, and lived most of my adulthood watching numerous ongoing armed conflicts unfold. As this point in my life, it's reasonable to assume I'll probably die during a war.

It's difficult to trust or believe anything said or heard on the airwaves. We have heard too much over the years, listened to too many lies, seen too much equivocating, witnessed too few positive results. Today the element of hatred permeates our national politics and culture to a suicidal degree. It's difficult to do anything except hold on and hope for a good outcome. But I am, as so many others are, doubtful that will happen.

Human nature is fallen; history proves we are prone to choose the worst options for solving our problems. After all the war and carnage we have lived through, worldwide over the decades, it's easy to believe that humans are our own worst enemy. Far from seeming like fanciful science-fiction from 1991, the Terminator's ominous words alluding to humanity's demise sound prophetic today.

Scene from Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Respect the Sacrifice

"Honor to the Soldier and Sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country's cause." ~ Abraham Lincoln

We live in a (mostly) free country. People are allowed to criticize the actions of political leaders. Public figures can speak out against military action without being dragged off in handcuffs.

In some cases, that's a shame.

The California Gov. Gavin Newsom, always reliable for a ridiculous quote, calls Israel "an apartheid state." Hey Gov'ner, who claims he can't read but is on tour promoting the book he wrote: The Arabs who live in Israel not only have equal voting rights, but it is also one of the only places in the Mideast where women can vote.

Podcasters Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly are blaring their discontent with the US-Israel operations against Iran. Carlson calls it "Israel's war," ignoring the 47 years of radical Islamist terrorist attacks against the United States that began with the seizing of American hostages in 1979.

Kelly, obviously considering herself profoundly wise, gravely announces that no American should die "for a foreign country." It prompts one to wonder if Megs has ever heard of D-Day or the bloody battles throughout the Pacific theatre in World War II.

Such strident negativity while our troops are in harm's way is, to me, inexcusable. Doubts can be expressed in a respectful manner while honoring the enormous sacrifice that our military families--families! --are making at this crucial time. Our troops' job is to keep us all safe in the homeland, including the naysayers who denigrate their mission. Gratitude and prayers to each and every US service member, especially those now serving in the Mideast.

US Army Soldier saying goodbye to his toddler son.