dagblog - Comments for ""My Treat" for Veteran's Day"

I don't know how we got like

Ramona — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 15:09:32 +0000

In reply to Just consider the fact that

I don't know how we got like this. It wasn't always this way. We have an obligation to anyone who gives up even a few years of their civilian lives to enter service for our country. That should be a given. Yet congress seems to have no problem with cutting veterans' medical care or learning that veterans' family members are on food stamps because the pay is too low.

There is no sense of shame in Washington and this is the proof.

Just consider the fact that

SleepinJeezus — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 05:11:43 +0000

In reply to Really lovely, Sleepin. So

Just consider the fact that one of every four homeless men are veterans. I cannot help but think of this figure whenever Veteran's Day or Memorial Day rolls around, with their parades and bunting and flags and militarism and expressions of deep civic pride. It almost seems like hearts pumped too full of patriotism and nationalism leave little room for compassion.

Really lovely, Sleepin. So

Ramona — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:35:33 +0000

In reply to "My Treat" for Veteran's Day

Really lovely, Sleepin. So glad the story is about a Korean War vet. They've always been the forgotten ones, as if the "conflict" was not a real war; as if more than 33,000 American battle deaths didn't count--as if lives weren't changed by what they saw and did during wartime.

But every vet deserves a treat--not just on Veteran's Day but every day. We could start with unconditional health care and help with jobs that actually reflect our admiration for them.

"Thank you for your service" has to mean something more than just a howdy-do. Otherwise it's about on par with "Have a nice day."

You listening, Washington?

Amen Sleepin'. I don't think

Bruce Levine — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 03:51:37 +0000

In reply to "My Treat" for Veteran's Day

Amen Sleepin'. I don't think I've read anything so beautiful in ages. Thanks brother.

Wonderful story

Richard Day — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 23:00:49 +0000

In reply to "My Treat" for Veteran's Day

Wonderful story Sleepin!

Thank you.

I had so many friends who came to college from Viet Nam.

Of the high school friends who ended up there, I just recall the changes in their demeanor when they returned.

Three of them were just plain crazy!

One brought home pix of him sitting on a pile of skulls. No kidding!

I recall one compatriot at school who was always 'up' and laughing and friendly.

The rest were dour indeed.

My father was nuts. And as I look back I recall his recollections of traveling through Europe and weeping over the piles and piles of dead soldiers on the battle fields whilst in his drink!

He had been 18 and 19 during the years of his tenure in WWII.

And after all, it is the teenager along with those in their early twenties who bear the brunt.

Nice story!

Well I am in good company

synchronicity — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 19:53:03 +0000

In reply to "My Treat" for Veteran's Day

Well I am in good company here knowing that others, like me, teared up over this story... Thanks for sharing it:)

sj, like flower, this brought

Aunt Sam — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 16:55:50 +0000

In reply to "My Treat" for Veteran's Day

sj, like flower, this brought immediate tears to my eyes too.

While Brian's kindness and awareness is indeed heartwarming, we need to focus on what we can do to ensure they are better taken care of when they come home. Shame on us.

Aw, Sleepin'...this made me

wabby — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 15:13:33 +0000

In reply to "My Treat" for Veteran's Day

Aw, Sleepin'...this made me tear up a little. Brian is cool. You can tell him I said so.

Thanks for the tellin'.