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All messages are published
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The general topic of this message is Defense/Military:
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Subject:
Afghan War
To:
President Barack Obama
Sen. Charles Schumer
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand
Rep. Edolphus Towns
November 2, 2009
TO: President Barack Obama
FROM: William Fenton
CC: Representative Towns
Senator Schummer
Senator Gellibrand
Forty thousand more American troops will be exposed to (TBI) Traumatic Brain Injury as a result of their involvement in the war and one in four (approximately 10,000) will have long term emotional disorders (source: CNN documentary, "War Stories" for testimonials by members of congress).
These additional injured troops join the swelling ranks of the hundreds of thousands of already injured service members suffering from TBI, PTSD, and major depression.
These active duty military eventually become veterans who suffer from alcoholism, drug addiction, domestic violence, suicide, acts of community violence and homelessness.
How does this compare to the sacrifices (or lack there of) being made by those who are so eager to send them off to war? Will our national leadership be raising taxes on themselves to pay the operating expenses of this war?
In 1964 after the Gulf of Tonkin incident, President Johnson retaliated by bombing North Vietnam oil facilities. In his address to the American people he said "We Americans know, although others appear to forget, the risk of spreading conflict. We seek no wider war". However that conflict continued for eleven years.
This is no Vietnam, but at least there were real soldiers to fight. Terrorist cannot be fought with Armies and bombs but by good intelligence and covert actions. An ideology cannot be conquered by Armies or shot dead with bullets but can be changed by dialogue and reconciliation. By shared responsibilities and shared benefits.
Regardless of the outcome of the election, ALL Afghans must participate in governing their country (including the Taliban, it is their country too). The Afghans must understand that a "Kingdom divided will be brought to desolation." There cannot be the same mistake made as in Iraq where the Sunni's were left out of the government.
Here is the dilemma: Military experts project to win the war in Afghanistan America will need well over 100,000 troops, 10 years or more of fighting, 15,000 casualties and cost at least $300 billions dollars. This cost is too high to the tax payer, too high to the soldiers giving their lives, and too high for the Nation at large!
We must give PEACE a CHANCE! How much of the $300 billion could we save in pursuit of peace? Instead of spending $300 Billion on war we can spend less than 20% of that on funding micro loans, replacing poppy fields with new agricultural products, providing aid to needy families, and supporting the development of new business, infrastructure and education. We must make sure that whatever aid is offered goes directly to the hands of those that need it most - the people of Afghanistan (micro-loans have been an excellent example of how to do this, as well as direct humanitarian aid in the form of direct monthly food distribution to give hope and indipendence). An investment in the people of Afghanistan will not only save money and the precious lives of soldiers, but it will also ensure the development of a strong and prosperous economy and a future ally. Additionally, we can use American goods, products and technologies in the rebuilding of Afghanistan - increasing the U.S. GDP - a win/ win for both parties!
We should also solicit the support of our NATO allies in developing a strong central government for Afghanistan and in creating with social and economic development programs. Japan and the Asian countries must realize the heavy lifting the U. S. has been doing for the past eight years has kept all international lanes open for commerce and has benefitted the Free World. We must ask them to be proactive with financial support for the development
The Arab states must take a leadership role as well. U.S. intervention has prevented these radicals from creating havoc in their back yards and destabilizing their Governments.
I close remembering President Roosevelt 1945 undelivered address, "More than an end to war, we want an end to the beginning of all wars". It is also written, "Blessed are the Peace Makers".
Respectfully Submitted
William Fenton
Brooklyn, NY
brooklyn , NY
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