RB is not the only one to keep lists.
Attached is a link to the names and ranks of coalition forces killed in
the Iraq conflict in August.

http://icasualties.org/oif/prdDetails.aspx?hndRef=8-2004

We are losing an average of more than 2 American Soldiers a day, in this
non-War.
England lost 4, Poland 3 and the Netherlands and Ukraine each 1 young
man.
It is easy to move through this link, to other months and view other
names.
Each name is a hope erased, a family devastated, friends bereft.

I have a 13 year old son.  
I will train him to pick his battles, to fight (and vote) for peace.
I can imagine volunteering him to deliver books to the homeless, but I
can not imagine sending him to a non-war.

Why is this a "conflict" and not a "war"?
Was it the political punch of declaring the war won?
Is it to cheat the soldiers out of "Wartime" pay and benefits?
Why is it being handled this way?
If there is no good reason, why aren't more citizens questioning our
leaders?

I believe my questions are valid, even if they are only leaking out
because my emotional "filters" are suffering a seasonal weakness. 
September is always hard for me.  My Dad died on September 5th, 29 years
ago, and back to school became a perennial challenge.  9/11 occurred on
the first day of school, for many kids, in 2001, and reinforces the
contrast of new beginnings with sad endings.

I am thankful for having so much and feel obligated to help others climb
out of childhood poverty and avoid unequal service.   Are there any Bush
or Cheney sons, daughters or grandchildren in this conflict?  The Bush
daughters are old enough to serve.  They might even qualify for Officer
Training.  Just a thought.  I heard Bush applauding Jessica Lynch and
thought he'd want to feel the pride first hand.

Liz


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