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I support our troops wherever our sometimes short sighted politicians may sometimes send them, 100%, but I thought that story about the teacher in Arkansas was pointless flag waving. I am sure this will not be a popular point of view since I raised this with some of the editorial staff before. About the story itself - I think there are much more productive ways for a teacher to impress upon school children the importance and gravity of sacrifices the citizens of the United States - mostly young people who have not yet lived even half a life - make when this country goes to war. I would hope they are trying to teach the children the importance of electing politicians who are responsible for the guys and gals who may not be around to carry a desk, or may not have limbs left to do that on their return. And while we are thinking about those sacrifices, let's not forget the sacrifice of those left behind to wait, sometimes to grieve, or to raise children as a single parent. I also hope they still teach them why it is necessary to go to war, and why the cost of that in human life, makes the decision to go to war something that should not be undertaken in haste or anger.
The newsletter is great and it is a great reminder of where we all came from. But sometimes the flag waving seems to provide a simplistic perspective on a complex issue. I believe all thinking Americans appreciate what our soldiers are doing, and the sacrifices they have made in every war, police action or (what did we call Grenada?) skirmish. But supporting the troops must include not abusing that loyalty and trust by committing troops to foreign wars imprudently.
It would be great if some of the veterans and graduates of HHS would send in their own remembrances. Why don't you ask them to contribute?
Tim Donovan
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