If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
The Blog
It's not about carving out specialty justice for veterans, but rather about putting similar systems in place that help divert vulnerable populations who require services rather than incarceration.
Obama claims we will be out of Afghanistan by 2014. Romney seems to think that is about right, depending on who's asking. Fortunately, there is a third way for America.
As we once again observe Memorial Day we remember and honor the more than one million American men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in all our wars, including more than 6,800 from our two most recent wars -- and counting.
There has never been an investigation, ceremonial firings, media outrage, or congressional hearings as to "why" the nation has failed again to meet the mental health needs of the warrior class.
Quiz Americans and a surprising number undoubtedly won't have thought about the "memorial" in Memorial Day at all -- especially now that it's largely a marker of the start of summer and an excuse for cookouts.
Obama has long claimed that he would bring an end to the war will end by 2014, which is still way too long to wait. As for sticking around for another 12 years, the very idea should be maddening to anyone.
The dozens of veterans who tossed their medals in Chicago earlier this week deserve to have their protest recorded. Theirs was an act of valor and courage which was arguably equal if not greater to the deeds which earned them those medals in the first place.
As we begin to leave Afghanistan, are we fooling ourselves about what we are leaving behind or what we have promised the people of Afghanistan? Especially the women and girls?
When you look at what the men and women in our military have endured and volunteered to take on (much of we civilians will never know and understand) it really comes as no surprise as to why they are exactly the kind of employees organizations should be fighting over.
Since advocates argue that of private contractors frequently act just as meritoriously and valorously as regular military personnel, excluding contractors from receiving medals means contractors are not seen as part of an honored class.
Now that the NATO summit has decided to transfer power to the Afghans, it is very important that the Afghan armed forces reflect the country's ethnic diversity and become as representative as the democracy they intend to protect.
Is misogyny prevalent and gaining traction in the Muslim world and why did most women vote for Islamists in Middle East elections?
In 1999, Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul & Mary began a project called Operation Respect. Through dialogue, but more importantly, through song, children learn to accept each other's differences and shortcomings.
Perhaps, like his stance on gay marriage, President Obama's stance on soldier suicides can "evolve" into the only humane and thoughtful position -- that of sending condolences to the families of all troops who commit suicide.
A key paradox for progressives of our national political life goes something like this: everybody complains about Congress, but nobody does anything about it.
Simply instituting a democracy is not enough for the future viability of Afghanistan. There needs to be discussion and increased thought behind what that democracy should look like, and how it can best fit the Afghan model.
