A Somber Anniversary

   March 19 marks the fifth anniversary of the invasion and occupation of Iraq.  While many Americans were glad to see Saddam Hussein's brutal regime toppled, there are also many Americans that are sad and disgusted by what we have lost.  The thousands of young people who have been killed, wounded, or maimed have our profound respect and gratitude.  We honor their courage and sacrifice.  The war in Iraq has produced severe consequences in addition to the lives lost.  We have lost the respect of many of our allies in the world.  Many would argue that as an occupying force we have made the region more unstable and have increased the chances of a terrorist attack on our soil.  In the name of the War on Terror, the Bush administration has justified the use of torture against suspected terrorists and has forbidden those accused to have basic rights to defend themselves.  The administration has also increased the surveillance of American citizens in the name of national security.  The money that has been spent in Iraq has led to a faltering economy at home and could have been spent on health care, education, and rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure at home. The Bush administration has run the most secretive and inarticulate White House in recent history.  Those who disagree with the Bush Administration's policies are deemed to be unpatriotic and disloyal Americans.  I believe the reason that the American people are voting in the primaries in record numbers is that we as a people are sending a message that our next president must be an experienced leader who will rebuild our relationships with other countries and restore our reputation in the world, will be able to articulate his or her vision of America to the American people, and will be able to make us proud of our president once again.

   If you would like to mark the anniversary of the Iraq War and communicate your support of a new direction in our foreign and domestic policy, please attend a "New Priorities " vigil which will be held around the country on Wednesday, March 19.  You can find the location of a vigil in your area by checking www.moveon.org.