We are a nation sustained by wars and all who benefit from them. A trillion dollars here, a trillion dollars there - who’s counting? Who’s even counting the consequences: we haven’t actually won a war since World War 2.
The disproportionate expenditures on the military are sickening.
Dead children and families, dead soldiers who hoped the military would open doors to a better future: we even have antiseptic names for them - “collateral damage” and “casualties”.
Israel might claim necessity, but this is a war of choice for the U.S. no matter how much Trump claims Iran is a direct threat. In reality, Trump’s choice increases risks for Americans. Iran has proxies around the world - retaliation can be expressed over years. Moreover, the Iranian regime is not just a few bad leaders at the top - it’s embedded throughout the society and is not close to being dislodged.
We can deduce Trump’s motives: not losing midterm elections and personal greed. Bibi long ago exposed his zeal for war as a ticket to perpetual power. The human cost is simply not in their equation.
I'm sorry for your brother and what he went through. For the family and what THEY went through. And what all families in similar situations are forced to go through.
This is wrong. We are morally bankrupt and there is no end in sight. Collateral damage. What a nice clean turn of phrase. A phrase that hits you in the gut if you pay attention. All those kids. It's sickening.
What so many in politics seem to not understand (or are unwilling to admit) is that war is complete and total failure - their failure. War starts when diplomacy stops, and diplomacy is the politician's responsibility. EVERY military strike by the trump regime is another failure of Donald J. Trump.
The first image I remember of the civilian cost of the Vietnam War, I believe made the cover of Life magazine. It was the image of a terrified little girl, naked, covered in napalm and on fire, running down the main street in her village.
Thank you again for beautiful words. Today you struck a personal note. My Father was a Marine on Okinawa. He never did recover, nor did our family. My siblings and I carry the scars. You speak for us .
The truths long apparent. “Hollowed out” so succinct.. other words that too kills them . Ended cycles, because somebody doesn’t get their way. It seems the average person is content just to farm , maintain the land, care for the flock but someone wants a bigger flock, or more land. Look, the grass is greener over there.
Maybe we should all be blind. The gifts…. of sight for example so rarely appreciated until it is gone. War. What good is it? Centuries gone on and on…
It’s all temporary..everyone is here for 75 years roughly. Most money is spent for wanting more than content maintaining what is had. Going to or after another planet vs caring for the one we have.
I'm sorry to report I don't enjoy all essays on this substack. The ones signed Mary Geddry seem to me to be clear, concise observations. I'm afraid I find the ones signed by Shanley to be quite different -- longer while being less insightful. I'm very sorry to report this, but I think you should know.
Why would you make this public comment? Obviously, many of us do enjoy Shanley's beautiful writing. You know you can just pass on by, right? 🤷♀️ I appreciate the emotional complexity and insightful perspective she gives us. Like my own daughters, I find her different perspective widens my own worldview. 😊☮️
We are a nation sustained by wars and all who benefit from them. A trillion dollars here, a trillion dollars there - who’s counting? Who’s even counting the consequences: we haven’t actually won a war since World War 2.
The disproportionate expenditures on the military are sickening.
Dead children and families, dead soldiers who hoped the military would open doors to a better future: we even have antiseptic names for them - “collateral damage” and “casualties”.
Israel might claim necessity, but this is a war of choice for the U.S. no matter how much Trump claims Iran is a direct threat. In reality, Trump’s choice increases risks for Americans. Iran has proxies around the world - retaliation can be expressed over years. Moreover, the Iranian regime is not just a few bad leaders at the top - it’s embedded throughout the society and is not close to being dislodged.
We can deduce Trump’s motives: not losing midterm elections and personal greed. Bibi long ago exposed his zeal for war as a ticket to perpetual power. The human cost is simply not in their equation.
I had friends that served in Vietnam and if they came back they were seriously damaged.
I'm sorry for your brother and what he went through. For the family and what THEY went through. And what all families in similar situations are forced to go through.
This is wrong. We are morally bankrupt and there is no end in sight. Collateral damage. What a nice clean turn of phrase. A phrase that hits you in the gut if you pay attention. All those kids. It's sickening.
Best one you have written. Thanks
Beautifully said.
You leave me speechless! 💔
So beautifully written, Shanley.
What so many in politics seem to not understand (or are unwilling to admit) is that war is complete and total failure - their failure. War starts when diplomacy stops, and diplomacy is the politician's responsibility. EVERY military strike by the trump regime is another failure of Donald J. Trump.
The first image I remember of the civilian cost of the Vietnam War, I believe made the cover of Life magazine. It was the image of a terrified little girl, naked, covered in napalm and on fire, running down the main street in her village.
Some things you can't unsee.
😭
Thank you again for beautiful words. Today you struck a personal note. My Father was a Marine on Okinawa. He never did recover, nor did our family. My siblings and I carry the scars. You speak for us .
The truths long apparent. “Hollowed out” so succinct.. other words that too kills them . Ended cycles, because somebody doesn’t get their way. It seems the average person is content just to farm , maintain the land, care for the flock but someone wants a bigger flock, or more land. Look, the grass is greener over there.
Maybe we should all be blind. The gifts…. of sight for example so rarely appreciated until it is gone. War. What good is it? Centuries gone on and on…
It’s all temporary..everyone is here for 75 years roughly. Most money is spent for wanting more than content maintaining what is had. Going to or after another planet vs caring for the one we have.
SMH
Very moving and true. Thank you.
I'm sorry to report I don't enjoy all essays on this substack. The ones signed Mary Geddry seem to me to be clear, concise observations. I'm afraid I find the ones signed by Shanley to be quite different -- longer while being less insightful. I'm very sorry to report this, but I think you should know.
Why would you make this public comment? Obviously, many of us do enjoy Shanley's beautiful writing. You know you can just pass on by, right? 🤷♀️ I appreciate the emotional complexity and insightful perspective she gives us. Like my own daughters, I find her different perspective widens my own worldview. 😊☮️
I too have a brother maimed from war. ❤️