Philly has been a whirlwind of presentations and meeting up with folks. We have playing songs in churches, in bookstores, community spaces, etc, having great discussions, and raising bicycles! We met up with Emma who is the lead organizer for the Bradley Manning Solidarity Network and she came to speak at one of our presentations yesterday. Our event last night at Lava went well and was a lot of fun. In attendance were some Civsol and IVAW friends who came out to support our ride. Lots of love coming around from every place. Thanks to all who have had us; UFPJ, Jane Dugdale and friends, Brandywine, the town of Radnor, Lava, Quakers and friends!
Some disturbing news came today, however, that I can get out of my mind. I'd like to start by asking a question that very much needs an answer; how does one still rationalize the “war on terror” after all that we know about the wars in the Middle East? Of all that we know – how about the fact that there have been more military suicides in the past two years than military deaths in combat! And we lose yet another today!
I received an email this morning from a veteran who shared his thoughts and feelings about his friend and fellow veteran, Keenan Rinehart, who became a victim to suicide last night. As the email pointed out, Keenan was alone in a community of civilians who seemingly refused to recognize and understand his struggle with PTSD and would likely have sent him back to war before going themselves, all while claiming they “support the troops”.
We can't do everything and we all have a lot on our own plates, but if you have the time and the energy, there is a growing movement of service members working their asses off everyday to shed light on the fact that many veterans are struggling with treatable ailments and do not get medical attention, and many times are sent back into combat. They need support. If you are fed up with the wars but support the troops, please dig into the work. You can start with the links at the top of this page (Civsol, IVAW, ARTTE).
Didya ever think (even remotely) that YOU could also be responsible for Keenan's death? Yes, YOU in all of your smug self-righteousness, throwing rocks at those who loved Keenan and would give anything to have him back.
ReplyDeleteYOU are just as guilty as those you condemn with your accusations while their hearts are still raw with the agony such a tragic, needless loss hand delivers. YOU, who with that same vile mouth, spews venom out on those in the military, while feigning some kind of pseudo-allegiance to them. Shame on you for what you write. You weren't there for him. How DARE you curse those who were, as best as they knew how to be.
I'm sorry to offend. I can't defend myself for being anything but human, and I am guilty for making mistakes. Although, these thoughts were not mine but from another veteran who knew him. I see the sentiment as a reminder that this a problem among military folks and that others should reach out. I did question (and still do) my place on the tragic subject.
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