Last of Our Kind

Since September 11th 2001, I’ve learned that freedom isn’t free. It costs $12.3 billion a month in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I’ve learned that we must never forget that day. The easiest way to remember of course is to, as President Bush said, “Shop.” We can never forget if we buy 9/11 t-shirts and bumper stickers and of course the yearly commemorative coin.

I’ve learned that Iraq has no weapons of mass destruction.

I’ve learned that Osama Bin Laden is living in a cave in Pakistan and we don’t seem to care.

I've learned that Osama bin Laden is good for business.

Since 9/11, I’ve learned that these colors don’t run, unless of course you count the blood of the 4,155 servicemen dead in Iraq, and the 584 dead in Afghanistan.

I’ve learned that these numbers will not stop rising.

I’ve learned that George W. Bush has done such a good job as President that we elected him again.

Since 9/11, I’ve learned that 9/11 can be used for political gains during political conventions.

I’ve learned that the Taliban are regaining strength in Afghanistan.

I’ve learned that in Iraq, if we pay the insurgents enough, they will stop attacking us.

Since 9/11, I’ve learned that the Iraqis want us to leave.

I’ve learned that President Bush wants to stay.

I’ve learned that Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11.

Since 9/11, I’ve learned that my government can detain people without any rhyme or reason.

I’ve learned that torture is okay.

I’ve learned that spreading democracy is the American way, and that the best way to spread said democracy is at the end of a rifle.

I’ve learned that spreading democracy apparently, is our mission from God.

I’ve learned that democracy cannot be forced on people whose government must be ruled by religion.

I’ve learned that people still think 9/11 was an inside job.

I’ve learned that Americans don’t care about energy independence.

I’ve learned that America is no longer respected in the world as it once was.

I’ve learned that there is a candidate standing for change and half the country stands against him.

I’ve learned that this country can be controlled by fear.

I’ve learned that Muslims are evil because they wear turbans and have beards.

I’ve learned that all of the hijackers were clean shaven and turbanless.

I’ve learned that Iran and North Korea, like Iraq are evil.

Since 9/11, I’ve learned that Republicans know what is right because they haven’t been wrong in seven (make that eight) years.

I’ve learned that we have the best military in the world. There is nothing they cannot do.

I’ve learned that our military cannot force a country to create a stable government.

I’ve learned that the global war on terror will be fought forever.

I’ve learned that we can claim “mission accomplished” without achieving victory.

Since 9/11, I’ve learned that our military is not built by a draft, and because of that, no one cares about the consequences of war.

Since September 11th 2001, I’ve learned that this country has reached a new boiling point. I have learned that we have been waiting for the moment that we can turn the page and attempt to reclaim our place in the world. To return our nation to a place that is looked up to and not down at. I have learned that Americans are tired of failed policies and hawkish administrations.

I have learned that our nation must become stronger, smarter, and better.

Because if we do not, we have learned nothing at all.

Always learning,
LoOK

Sources:
http://www.armscontrolcenter.org/policy/securityspending/articles/gwot_spending_burn_rate/
http://www.antiwar.com/casualties/