An open letter to President Barack Obama
On the eve of Veteran’s Day 2009
 

Good Afternoon Mr. Obama,

Twenty-seven years ago, on Nov. 10, 1982, the newly finished Vietnam Veterans Memorial was opened to its first visitors in Washington, D.C. It was already more than 7 years after the Fall of Saigon and it took $8.4 million in private donations to make it happen, but our fallen were finally given official recognition. However, the names on that wall are only a small fraction of those who gave their lives in Vietnam. Many who returned were scarce better off than those whose names are there inscribed. They are our living veterans, whom you elected hypocrites claim to be so proud of. They were numbers to you then, and they are nothing but numbers to you now. Weapons in an unfeeling hand, wielded as a child wields a wooden sword, swiftly discarded when the game becomes tiresome.

I’ve seen them on the streets in our cities and towns, many reduced to begging for change so they can eat. No, the full cost of the Vietnam war in American blood has never been calculated, and probably never will be. Mr. Obama, if they come begging for change today, where will they find it?

Promises and lies. Today our military fight in two wars on foreign soil, whose goals and objectives are ill defined, and whose endpoints are nowhere in sight. Wars whose main results have been to destabilize nations, tarnish the image of America abroad, increase the threat of terrorism on our own soil, and spill the blood of thousands more brave men and women who believed in our Great Nation. Have you begun to calculate the total cost in American blood for these two wars?

For those fortunate enough to rejoin their families here in the U.S., the struggle continues. Some have had to fight to receive appropriate medical treatment and compensation upon return. A poor economy, lack of jobs, and a continuing lack of comprehensive services for veterans has placed many of these veterans and their families in desperate situations.

I cannot help but wonder what this generation’s Agent Orange will be, and how long the Government will hide behind lies to avoid responsibility. What’s the official Government line on Depleted Uranium these days? Do we know with certainty how much radioactive DU dust our soldiers are exposed to with each breath they take in Iraq?

I will be honoring our military this Veteran’s Day, and I’m sure you will as well. I’m guessing you will be laying a wreath at a some memorial, in honor of the dead and the living who have served our country. When you do, Mr. Obama, you should ask yourself how many more memorials will be needed.

I was thinking that a better way to honor them, perhaps, would be for you to make good on your promises and bring them home to their families and loved ones. Yes, bring them home, and when you do, make sure that they get the benefits they were promised when they enlisted, and the medical treatment they have earned. Then, to make their lives a little easier, you could focus on creating a thriving economy so they can find jobs that pay a living wage … there are many ways you could honor them.

But I suppose they’ll have to make do with the wreath this year. Oh well, it’s better than nothing — isn’t it?

Regards,
David Hester
 

The opinions expressed are entirely my own, and I take full responsibility for them. If you are offended or disagree with my opinions, thoughtful commentary or criticism are welcome. — David A. Hester