The After Effects of War

War is a devastating period. It takes a toll on the people, on the land, the environment, the animals and almost every conceivable form of life. Wars fought on a land often render it useless. Farming becomes difficult and the very source of food for the country is threatened. Because the land is ridden with mortar shells and mines, not only do innocent people lose life and limbs, the land too cannot be approached for any sort of development.

Society as we know it is destroyed and it often becomes the survival of the fittest. Social relations go down the drain especially when there is a dearth of food and basic amenities. We have seen countless images of people fighting over emergency relief service vans and the food they offer. The economy of the country takes a beating as well since the nation will have nothing with which to do business with. If no income is generated for the nation, the country will stop being able to progress.

The nation then becomes dependent on foreign aid, which often comes without any riders. The war torn nation can also become indebted to foreign nations and this can put the country at a disadvantage when it comes to international discussions and debates.

War is a terrible thing for the people themselves. Lives are lost and disrupted. Emotions are raw and often the life of peace that seems to be on offer with the end of the war seems meaningless. More often than not people do not agree with the reasons behind the war, there are uprisings against the government in protest, and this can prove dangerous to the governance as well as the future of a country. War has to be the very last thing a nation resorts to for the sake of its people and its own existence.

Filed Under: News, War Tagged With: , ,

Making a Difference

Although the war in Afghanistan and the Iraqi conflicts are happening a world away, they are a part of America’s experience. One day another generation will be reading our current news in their history text books.

Whether we fully support the war or not, it would seem that every American citizen would like to make a difference and contribute to the overall well-being of our world community. Generally most desire to make a real difference for change—a change for the better.

We may feel insignificant or feel that we are only one person, but we can make a difference and let our voices be heard.

The first place to start is at home. It may not be possible to directly influence or turn the opinions of the national government administration, but we can influence the rising generation. Parents can take time to properly educate their children about the war, whether it is through a simple discussion or actually watching the news together to learn more about the war. Children should be given age-appropriate information concerning our country’s current affairs. Since they will be the voters of tomorrow and the ones to have a real say on the future of our country, parents must educate and teach them the best they know how.

Next, citizens can make their voices heard in their communities. Write an editorial in the local newspaper or add your opinion on Facebook or other websites. Be gracious in your comments while still getting your point across. If you are too insulting, people may not take you seriously.

Lastly, if you do want Washington to know how you feel, give your state representatives a call. Let them know how you feel and what you expect of them. Although this may seem insignificant, they do take account of their phone calls. Also consider writing letters to them along with others to collectively share your views.

Filed Under: Operations, War Tagged With: , ,

Your Take on the War

Standing by on a hilltop, Soldiers with the 10...

Image via Wikipedia

There are many varying views on the war since its origin. While the events of 9/11 in 2001 connected deeply and resonated in the hearts of Americans, the war in Afghanistan may seem farther away for those who do not have a loved one serving in the military.

It is easy to jump to conclusions or feel confused from the differing reports concerning the war. Some reports don’t seem to match up, and one starts to wonder what is truth and what is merely rumor.

Obviously the government administration has the final and last say concerning the war and all that it entails. It is essential for Americans though to form proper opinions and gain what knowledge they can about the real circumstances of the war.

First off, if you want to have a better understanding of the war and its impact on America, Afghanistan and the rest of the world, it is crucial to know a little of this country’s history. Take out a map, do a little research on line, check out a book from the library. This way when names, dates, and places pop up on the latest news press, you’ll be able to fully comprehend what the news means.

Next keep an open mind to various views. Americans, like all people, take for granted their surroundings and every-day life things. It is easy to take for granted that other places are the same or at least similar. The truth is that various geographical regions, differing cultures and customs, and daily lifestyles hugely contrast, almost to the point of incomprehension. As Americans are used to relative peace, freedom, and safety, it may be difficult to image life in a country that is not peaceful, where rights are not guarantee, and where citizens fear for their lives at times.

Take time to educate yourself before drawing strong conclusions about the war.

Filed Under: War, Weapons Tagged With: , ,

The Media Trap

The saying goes that you shouldn’t believe everything you hear. This may be the case when absorbing the daily news and media concerning the war. Although, it is best to assume that no reporter or news journalist is intentionally being dishonest or spreading lies, one needs to understand the driving force behind news before whole-heartedly embracing it.

If you are like many Americans, you are concerned about our country’s well-being. You wonder about the well-fare of our soldiers serving abroad in the war, and have questions about war efforts which are trying to achieve peace. You may question military strategies or government administration policies about our presence in the Middle East.

As a concerned and active citizen, it is very easy to get caught up in the emotion of it all. This is what the news and media intend. Media thrives on readers. Often news press releases and news articles are not written to just convey facts or information. This would be too dry for some and they would lose interest quickly.

This would be a disaster for the media industry. Although it is their job to keep the public informed, they must employ methods that will attract readers to come back again and again.

Getting the public riled up about issues keeps them hungering for more news. Have you ever noticed that there are hardly ever conclusive articles declaring a complete happy ending? That type of article would be too final and really take the reader no where. The media wants us to join the band wagon, to have fiery opinions, and generally keep us interested.

Originally the news was subsidized by government funds. When times changed though, this funding was withdrawn, and the news had to rely on its own means to stay in business.

So before ranting and raving about the latest news, read various articles. Get a second opinion to decipher what is fact and what is put in to raise your emotions. You can then get the needed information without falling in to the media trap.

Filed Under: News, Society Tagged With: , ,

Honoring the Commander

General David Petraeus in testimony

Image via Wikipedia

The war in Afghanistan is on the brink of being a ten-year-long venture. When considering all that has been involved and the grueling day-to-day long activity, the war seems to have gone on a lot longer.

Such warfare has required the time and effort, even the very lives of some of America’s best men and women. Although there are different opinions regarding the war effort and its validity. It can not be denied that those serving our country deserve our heart-felt support and gratitude. They have served well and done the best they can to create peace and stability in a nation with a very rocky history that has been less than democratic or peaceful.

Tackling this kind of challenge has required the very finest of leaders that Washington could produce. Currently, the position of commander of the coalition forces in Afghanistan has been held by the four-star General David Petraeus. Many Americans applaud this great leader’s resume and exemplary qualities. He has credible work experience having worked under two Presidents of the United States in two different wars. He is praised for his work in the Iraqi War when he took command in 2007. Gen. Petraeus is also known for his intelligence and excellent ability to work with others. His public relation skills have been much needed in a country where negotiating and team work have been a challenge.

Although he only took up his current position in June 2010 to replace a former General who was let go for misconduct, General Petraeus is expected to close out his tour sometime in 2011. It is assumed that the administration will allow his release only after the American troops start to withdraw in July of 2011.

Some wonder what will happen since General David Petraeus is not the only top-level official to be nearing the end of his tour. The American Ambassador to Afghanistan will also be expected to leave soon as well as several others who hold high positions.

These leaders will greatly be appreciated for their hard work and contributions to the war.

Filed Under: Operations, War Tagged With: , ,

Banks Help fund Veteran Housing

Veterans have contributed to the strength and well-being of our country in a way that many American citizens may take for granted. Veterans have given of their time, effort, and energy as well as their very lives to sacrifice for the safety and prosperity of the United States.

As they return home from service, many find the transition extremely difficult. Whereas they have been surrounded by battle and weapons, constantly living in survival mode, they must learn to deal with daily life in everyday America.

With all the factors involved, such as health issues, injuries, lack of job training or opportunities, many veterans get stuck in limbo or worse find themselves living on the streets.

Many feel this is an injustice and that there needs to be more done to to help our Veterans comfortably transition to daily life.

In 2011, administration groups as well as financial providers recognize the need for providing affordable, quality housing for Veterans. An example of this is the Huntington Bank along with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs are working together to financially provide rental housing for Veterans in five Ohio and Michigan cities(Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, and Northern Michigan). The Huntington Bank is grateful to have received a 3 million dollar grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati to help fund the construction project. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs will also be contributing a large sum of money to make up the majority of the difference for the 11 million dollar project.

This effort is not only well meant, but will greatly help the Veterans who need that extra boost in the transition process. As Veterans take advantage of this rental housing, they will have to worry less about finding shelter and can focus more on employment, family, and continuing to contribute meaningfully to society.

Filed Under: Protests, Volunteering Tagged With: , ,

Peaceful Protest in Baghdad

Often times the news reported out of Iraq and Afghanistan is littered with violence, assassinations and other clear signs of war. However there are those, though they may not receive the spotlight, which seek peace and hope for change in non-violent ways.

On Monday, February 14, 2011, about 200 such peaceful protesters gathered in Tahrir Square in Baghdad Iraq to demonstrate their hope for change in a Valentine’s Day protest. This square is a small plaza located next to a traffic circle. Soldiers and policemen were present in case violence broke out. But there was no need. In the place of guns and homemade bombs, the protesters peacefully waved red balloons and silk roses in the air. Their cries were of love for Iraq and the necessity of economical change.

It is reported that the demonstrators’ goal was not violence or to overthrow the government administration. Instead, they admitted they could live with the current government, but they want employment, more consistent electricity, cleaner streets and better security.

It is reported that one out of every five Iraqis is unemployed. They only get electricity a few hours a day. There call is for the government to truly mean the necessities of the people.

At the same time some speculate trouble since the majority of the unemployment is among the youth. With the current news of violence in surrounding countries, many wonder if the youth of Iraq may follow suit. They often vent their feelings on Facebook and have organized Facebook groups with names such as “Blue Revolution” and “Streets of Baghdad for Change.” As the newly established government takes full reigns and listens to these chants for better jobs and electricity, change can be peacefully brought about.

These protesters stance is a symbol that people can express their feelings in non-violent ways and still gain the attention of the press. While some may feel that the only means of turning a tide is through weapons or damaging actions, there are many that do believe that peaceful organization can help change the world and overcome the need for war.

Filed Under: Protests, War Tagged With: , ,

Selecting A Prosthesis

If you have lost a limb or sustained an injury, then maybe you could consider getting a prosthesis. A prosthesis is a form of modern technology that has increased tremendously within the last decade. The designs used are truly phenomenal and allow someone to have a finger, hand, or whole limb attached as a prosthetic. In simple terms a prosthesis is used to describe when someone loses or was born without an external body part. A medical team will them reconstruct a replacement that the person can use to function as a normal person would. Often people will never know you are wearing one, unless you make it obvious and tell them.

The Reasons For A Prosthesis

The reason for using a prosthesis is usually as a result of two main circumstances. If you lost a leg while you were away fighting, then you could obtain a prothesis. A person who was born without a hand would also be able to obtain a prosthesis. Thus, these are the two main reasons that someone would lose a limb and need a prosthesis. Other situations might include cancer or a car accident. Overall it is mainly a circumstance that results in a limb or digit being lost and the person can be limited in what they are able to do. It is great that we now live in an era in which these devices are available.

Selecting A Prothesis

The cause for disability might have a limited effect on being able to receive a prothesis. In some instances it is the condition of the rest of the limb that the doctor could be concerned about. During the process the doctor will assess you to see if you are good candidate for a replacement. Therefore, if you are a good candidate, the replacement that you obtain, will be carefully constructed to match your skin color to appear natural.

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Applying For Veteran Benefits

When someone is a veteran, this will mean that they were previously within the military and served the nation in this capacity. When the person has finished serving, or if they are injured, they can be discharged as a veteran. Since they have served the country in this capacity, they can then have access to various services called veteran’s benefits.

These benefits can be a variety of services such as medical care, education or even a pension. Within the United States, the benefit system for veterans is administered by the federal body known as the United States Department of Veteran Affairs. This is the federal body that all veterans must make an application with in other to receive any veteran benefits. The situation or process is not difficult as long as you have the necessary documentation.

The Department of Veteran Affairs will only issue benefits to those veterans that were actively serving. Thus you would need to prove that you actively served within the military. Someone serving in the Navy will qualify also. Proof that the person did serve within the last five years is one of the main requirements to qualify for benefits for the government.

A veteran should also be able to show that they finished their active service. This could be as a result of the period of service ending, or the person being discharged. Normally we think of someone being discharged for medical reasons, but it is also possible to be discharged for family reasons that they need to resolve.

To qualify for benefits, the veteran would just need to show why they are no longer serving within the military. After getting the necessary proof, it is just a matter of going to the local veteran’s office, applying online or giving them the office a call to place in your application. You will just need to answer the appropriate questions to see if you qualify.

Filed Under: Training Tagged With:

No One Really Wins

Anyone who is “ pro war” might suggest that the reason the country should go to war is because it will win. Some people see the other side that the battle is against as having lost, once they surrender. Yet war is really one of those things that no one wins it. The media might declare a winner, but this is not the case. War is not like a long distance race in which the first person to cross the finish line is declared the winner. Instead it is just a matter of looking at who lost more.

Casualties

Definitely within a war the number of casualties are unbelievable. The longer the war persists, the worse the number of casualties. The awful part of this situation is that the people killed or injured are usually those who have no idea why their is a war going on. In the country the war is against, the bombs might injure or kill the wives, mothers, and children that the men left behind to fight in the war. These are the people who are greatly affected as they are to poor to leave the area. Not only are the civilians injured but also the soldiers who have left or drafted to fight in the war.

Disruption To Family Life

Another reason in which there is no real winner in a war is the disruption it does to the life of a family. With the father or brother away, the women in the country must earn a living and provide for their children. It could take years before the male returns to the household, and this is if he ever returns. Therefore, there are some countries in which there are villages of only women.

Disruption To The Economy

A third reason no really wins a war is the way it affects the economy of both nations. In the end it is such a drain on the country’s financial resources.

Filed Under: General Tagged With:
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