Memorial Day should also remember those we killed
By David J. Danelo
May 27 at 7:00 AM
... Imagine if those who lost loved ones during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks paid respects to Afghans, Pakistanis, Syrians, Iraqis and Yemenis targeted in drone strikes. Picture CNN, Fox News or MSNBC broadcasting live updates from Texas State Cemetery in Austin, as Osama bin Ladens relatives placed a wreath next to American Sniper Chris Kyles headstone.
That such events are unthinkable, and perhaps even shocking to contemplate, illustrate how tragically invisible the suffering of war has become to us. In Iraq, more than 240,000 people have died since the 2003 invasion, and the total increases daily. Our collective myopia to wars consequences contributes to the widespread opposition toward granting Iraqi, Syrian and Afghan war refugees the right of asylum. The hostility to helping other people should give Americans pause, especially on a day that once commemorated a profound generosity of spirit.
Across the globe, men, women and children are seeking refuge from troubles ranging from conflict to climate change in astounding numbers. Last year, according to the International Organization of Migration, more than 1 billion people 1 in every 7 people worldwide are exiled from home. A quarter of those people has emigrated beyond their country of birth; the rest have been displaced internally from violence or destitution.
Like many Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, I feel deep empathy for the displaced. Although scholars and policymakers frequently note the connection between the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and the global migration crisis, few Americans fully grasp the magnitude of these events. Although I recognize the fears many feel in welcoming Muslim people, I am stunned, and saddened, that we have collectively turned our backs on them ...
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2016/05/27/how-weve-forgotten-the-true-spirit-of-memorial-day/
PeteSelman
(1,508 posts)This would never happen.
struggle4progress
(118,041 posts)and that the very-mainstream WaPo published it
KansDem
(28,498 posts)The fellow on the left.
Smarmie Doofus
(14,498 posts)KansDem
(28,498 posts)It's not a question of who he plays kissy-face with, but he is paying tribute to someone who had in all likelihood a role in the 9/11 attacks that killed 3,000 people and wounded 6,000 others.
Release the 28 pages!!!
polly7
(20,582 posts)and all other large corporations that need 'enemies' to make a profit, right?
PeteSelman
(1,508 posts)But can you imagine Obama or any President coming out and saying that?
The idiot right is crushing him for apologizing "again" when he never has at all, ever.
Baobab
(4,667 posts)I would like to see that happen.