Photo by Paul Deaton

We rightly turn our thoughts and our thanks to those who fought and the many who died in America’s wars. Sadly, we often find out long after a conflict is over that the reason we went to war in the first place was somewhat flimsy at best.

When we ask our often times young men and women to potentially die for their country there should be two very bottom line criteria:   1) that we have exhausted all other means to achieve our goals; and
2) that those who survive will be taken care of properly.

America is once again discussing the events that led us into invading Iraq. This is good. We need open and civil discussions on the march to war so that we do not make such mistakes again. As a nation, the subject of what led us into our various wars must always be open for discussion. With hindsight most of us agree that many of the recent wars have been unnecessary. Vietnam, the Gulf War, the invasion of Iraq should be studied thoroughly to avoid making such mistakes again.

The lives of our soldiers are precious. If we ask them to potentially die, there must be good reason and only after all other channels have been used.

Our soldiers are members of families, sons or daughters, fathers and mothers. Let us resolve to ask for their sacrifice only when necessary.

For those who beat the drum for a war with Iran, will you sacrifice your father or mother? Your sister or brother? Your son or daughter? Yourself? Or would you prefer peaceful settlement be worked on before one of your family members is sent to war?

As we get set to elect new leaders, this is one question that every candidate should answer.

Have a peaceful holiday.