Published: October 30, 2009 10:15 am      

No more war for profit and mind games

Editor,

In 2002 I wrote president Bush twice. In the first letter I said, “Do not make Afghanistan or Iraq another Vietnam.” In the second letter I said, “Allow history to be told about Spanish, American and Indian on Indian atrocities committed in America.”

I believe these two points are relevant because both Vietnam and the destruction of American Indians were tragedies for all of us. And Iraq and Afghanistan only add to further resentment. Extreme trauma or torture has a way of lingering in the human soul, especially when civilized people are destroyed in such a way. The president did reply, but he said they were going after Al Queda until the job got done.

Here is my problem with pseudo warriors. They want war, but sometimes it is an excuse for stealing natural resources and making money for the war machine, or pure politics. However, ask them to take a rifle and join the front lines fight. Ask President Obama or Ron Emmanuel, who are pushing for reinstating military draft, if they’ve ever served. No. They’ve never served, but they want our kids to forcefully serve.

I earned a C.I.B. in Vietnam and I am for the draft! But I say take everybody, rich and poor who is capable, no exceptions. When they find out military eats its own and isn’t a democracy, let’s see how many people like war then.

America needs to get over millions dead in Vietnam and American soldier’s babies left without support there also.

What happened to them can happen to us.

Finally, bring soldiers home now. No more war for profit and mind games. Thank you.



Ruben N. Gutierrez

San Marcos