Life's What It Is Somtimes

Happy Birthday to LWIIS!

8/04/08 to 8/04/09

I could win a staring contest against my computer screen. The last few days have melted into each other, like ice in my drink. I try to come up with something witty to say, but end up with my foot in my mouth. I guess my heart has a foot fetish. :)

Here is a joke: How do you know your getting older?
When you no longer have a good side.

WARNING POLITICAL CONTENT

I can't help but get caught up in the politics of life. You see I have decent memory of the last decade or so. When Bill Clinton took over we were in a deficit, then he pulled us out of the fiscal quicksand. Then came a Blow job, it wasn't right, nor was it illegal. He betrayed his family, not the country. Then came Ken Starr and the powers that preached. They spoke of truth and adultery, when a handful of them did the same. They lied about it too, that was until the press exposed it. After the so called IMPEACHMENT, came the bill. They spent millions on the investigation, and claimed that Bush inherited a HUGE deficit?

When the People were robbed of a fair election and were force fed manure, we received G.W. Bush. The man lacked the skills and integrity of past Presidents. The man lacked the know how of many other Republican leaders, like Roosevelt and Lincoln. It is who you know in the world, when you want to get ahead in life. It sure doesn't hurt to have many political leaders on your side, all of them with pre designed plans.

Does anybody remember what Bush said in the debates of 2000? The man spelled it out, loud and clear. When he discussed military build up and dealing with the Middle east. When I heard this, I asked myself how can he accomplish these goals. I was stumped at the time, I thought to myself, only if you could rally the majority of Americans to go back there. There were many hints in his speeches that screamed tragedy.

I'm not bringing him up to bash him, only to make a couple points. After 911 happened, he spent billions for the sake of FREEDOM. The man broke constitutional laws, when he could not rewrite them. His administration would not testify under oath, nor would he? Encouraged illegal wire tapping and torture. I was once targeted by Government, by use of illegal wire tapping and have the tapes to prove it! Yes, I recorded the entire conversation. It is a long story and I fear I've said to much. :) ( True story)

His administration destroyed this country in many ways, in ways that will take decades to repair. They contributed to catastrophic destruction across the globe. Manipulated the media, like never before. It bothers me when I hear current lawmakers speak about spending and when the media caters to the Obama haters. Like I said, it will take decades to begin the repairs, let alone make major head way.

I was once a harsh critic of President Obama, I preferred a certain Dennis from Ohio. Only because I had the honor of meeting then Senator Obama, plus asking him a question about the environment. In his own words "a three fer" I was not satisfied. The bill involved McCain and Lieberman. Imagine that? My question was not truly recognized by the public or the press. President Obama did his best, considering my question was a jab at the media, Government, and specifically politicians.

Back to my typical style of ramble writing, my point in hand. I heard the other day, that his popularity in the polls is at 50 percent? How could this be, it took Bush much longer? How can a regime as heartless as the Bush administration had a higher percentage? I mean President Obama has not been in office a year yet.

Cut the man some slack already!

Get off his back about Birth certificates, he would have proved it before running for President. If you want to point out illegalities, how did Dick Cheney become Vice-president then? He magically got his residency altered over night, Bush and him both lived in Texas. It was because it is who you know in life. The average American never receives a speedy process when it comes to important paperwork, especially by Government.

I have a little trivia question for you. How many years or Presidential Administrations have Cheney, Rumsfeld, and Bush Sr. been involved? The truth will blow your minds. After you find that out, look real hard on what they truly accomplished. Look at the deficits and hardships they left behind. I can say this about many political figures in history, but feel humanity has been affected by these people dramatically. At least responsible for Texas manure that has covered Main Street and Wall Street.

If we wish for the current President to succeed, we must help clear the stink. We must work as one, without hidden agendas. I'm not saying we allow any more leaders to write blank checks, but make sure it is spent for the greater good. Not just on vacationing politicians, on people who bicker over everything. Getting pay raises to do nothing and spend their careers denying the people a fair shake.

Has any body told us where the trillions of dollars that the Bush Administration spent really went? To protect our freedom, for the war. Then why did it take so long for the troops to receive proper equipment and supplies? Where did all the money that those contractors received go? Where did all the gold that was found in the war go?

How much money did the oil companies make off us hard working Americans, when we supported our troops? How much money did the major Corporations receive from the Bush administration? How much money did the Air Lines get wen bush was president? How much money did the Bush administration gain from their decisions?

I merely bring these questions up, because I'm sick of hearing people talk about Presidential spending. When in the past it was not even a worry for the controlling majority, or the Bush Supporters. It was not a concern to the people who gained from destruction of this once beautiful land of the free.

If all people can do is spread hate and negativity, then shut the hell up. Get a life, find a real reason to dislike a person. I have always said "I can at least find one good thing about every person." Think about it, even the worst people have at least taught a lesson or two.

We must love our fellow man, but that does not mean we have to agree. I have always looked at life in terms of Right or Wrong! I may not have always been in the right, but have known my wrongs.

I suggest we try our best to keep our heads above the manure.
My motto is: If there's manure, then lets put into the garden.

Why I say this is, after time we will share the bounties of our labor. Together we will sow the seeds of hope. We will harvest the love that provides the promise of our children's future.

Once again, I thank you for stopping by my place. In the year I have been blogging on the computer, I have met some amazing people. We have all shared moments that have changed our lives. Might it be a birth or a surgery, an election. A personal triumph or a tragedy, we were there. I know that many people have stopped knocking on my cyber door, and that's OK.

I will keep you in my heart always, I will be here for you when you need me. Just drop me a line and I will respond. I know I have not been knocking on many doors myself, I feel like a stranger these days. Every since I've joined Face Book, I've neglected my friends. Not because I'm lazy, or that I don't care. It's just life's what it is sometimes and I'm lost right now.

When I started to blog, my wish was to teach, not preach! I fear my heart has altered my speech, my mind has left me in breach. My broken sentences and dyslexic writing has allowed academic minds to drift away. I decided to do it anyway, I overcame my fear of rejection from others.

I would be a liar, if I were to say I don't care. Because I love you all for who you are, even if you became just a memory to me.

I'm struggling to be myself, the weight is bearing down. I'm just looking for a place that I can lay my head. I sincerely require realities paradise, not just a farm, A Mob,a job, or a huge bank account in cyberland.

I have some GREAT IDEAS to SHARE with ANYBODY WHO CARES. They are ideas that will require friends, and together we will all prosper. I will give you a hint, it involves a computer.

Ramble, ramble, ramble, Thanks!

Peace&Love
Loren Wesley Ackerman & Family

The Price Of War Is More Expensive Than The Ticket Home

The picture on the left is of "Doc Magoo" and he is my father. Donald Ackerman was just a young man when he enlisted. He started in the United States Naval Reserves, but he couldn't be in medical aspect of the service.

He then enlisted in the United States Army and trained to be a Medic. Arrived in Vietnam at the age of eighteen, he was just a kid. He received 3 Bronze Stars, one for valor. Was wounded 3 times and was given 3 purple hearts. He was also awarded a Silver Star by a General Zais. I posses the photograph with the general, I've seen the Medal growing up, now it is lost. He tried to replace it, but the paperwork no longer exist. He still has other medals and recognitions, but says the lives that he saved are more important!

I have had war on my mind for most of my life, but tried to live with peace. The first poem I ever wrote was titled Peace, and I was only 12 years old. I watch and read the news. I can here the complaints of the world and can drown most of them out. It's not that I don't care about most issues, rather I see through the smoke.

This issue is the most important right now, and next year we will bring back this one. That is just political manipulation at its weakest, playing with our emotions. Pitting us against each other, Rich verses Poor. Minority against non minorities, Republicans vs. Democrats! The same old song and dance, somebody saying they care and doing nothing.

Our Leaders find faults in a plan, criticizing rather than working in unity. I think I've made my point on the agenda of our political representatives. Fussing and fighting, blaming and shaming each other. The bottom line is We Our The People and without us, who would they be?

I feel strongly about many issues, but feel that after 911 we should have learned the truth. Why it happened, not just "The terrorists hate our freedom" attitude. Why we could not keep that (Idea) of unity, and the world working together. The real reason we went to war, not countless versions. It varied from our news outlets and political leaders. You have the right to believe what you want, and feel what you wish.

Plain and simple, the truth is the truth! Bush said that history will be in favor of this war and his leadership? I don't deny that Bin Laden was a Bad man or Saddam was evil. I don't doubt that we contributed to building of the "Freedom fighters" or helped Saddam achieve his power. Because we did, but that was when they were our friends. Think what you want about that statement, but people who watched the news in those times know of its truth. I know that September 11, 2001 was tragic! I cried like most of you, watching those people perish. Hearing the news throughout that day. Passing by my shocked coworkers, then the second plane! It was horrific to witness and is difficult to write about today.

I will not go into the details, because most of us will never forget that day. I will write about in the future, but not now.

What I feel compelled to mention is the costs of Afghanistan and Iraq wars. The costs emotionally and economically. The price that our world has paid with blood on the battlefield. Countless civilian lives have been lost in both countries. They have been victims of war, killed by bombs and by Man. The coalition forces and by small army's of their own people. Killed by misguided missiles and by bullets. In both wars there has been torture and lack of humane importance.

We went over to Afghanistan to find Bin laden and stop terrorism. How can you really stop terrorism? Go to war and kill the people we wish to protect? Support our troops, but give them limited resources. Go to Iraq, because Saddam attacked us? Free the the people only to harm them, and put them in harms way.

Just like Desert Storm, we can't leave? Violence has been in those deserts since before our country was born. Before our Freedom was penned on paper. The best we can do now is to really help them. When our troops pulled that statue down, we won the war. And had a banner to prove it!

What was the Bush administration thinking when we went to war. Then enter Iraq again, after the last time. It was to find Osama, it was to avenge our Nations lost. We lost a few thousand on that terrible day. Those people had families that will feel the full effects of 911, but war will not bring them back.

Now we have servicemen and women stuck in a war with no true meaning. I say that because most justifications have changed many times over. When it began, some were already enlisted. They had no choice in the matter, others were heavily Patriotic. True, red white and blue Americans. Defending our freedom from the evildoers, the violent killers.

Helping take down world leaders who were corrupt and did as they pleased. People who made their own laws and kept the country in fear. Fear and injustice, imprisoning who ever disagreed. Charging them as traitors and punishing them, sometimes by death. Regarding women as second class citizens and promoting violence if necessary.

It's ironic that we went there to assist oppressed people and eliminate criminal leaders. People who G.H.W bush, D. Rumsfeld, and DICK Cheney had political relationships with? At one time or another, wined and dined them. Trained the freedom fighters and provided the weapons. Who was once a Freedom fighter?

Then years later a Political nightmare occurs, the 2000 Election. Bush magically defeats Gore, and the world still says Bush won? Yes, with questionable assistance. I'm a political junkie, an watched the Red carpet debates in 2000. Bush said in a response that he wanted to build up the Military and deal with the Middle East. When he said something in those lines, my heart listened. Look what happened months later, he got his wish. Bigger military and back in the Middle East. Because of 911, he was able to do as he pleased. Damn near every stupid plan his party imagined.

I don't wish to discuss conspiracy theories, only the truth. The truth that we felt by common sense and emotions. By simply watching what is said and by our administrations actions. I tried to keep tabs on all the spending, it was too difficult to follow. Where it truly went and how much was approved. Just like with new one, we should always keep our eyes open. No matter the party affiliation, or the person.

I still believe that we should challenge President Obama on all the issues. The economy, Environmental concerns, these wars. I feel that is our duty to do so. We must respect him and give some patience in these matters. After all Bush did get elected a second time! Eight years of corruption and poor direction takes it's toll.

I passionately care about Our planet! Environmentally, but feel that we can persuade President Obama to end the wars. It would be easier to correct and swifter. I know without a planet there would be no life. But we are adding gasoline to the fires of hate, we are spending money we don't have. To keep our troops in harms way, for a war that now has no meaning.

Sending loved ones and children to fight for their survival. To keep their buddies alive, with the risk of causing emotional injury. An even greater risk of bodily injuries and death. And for what reasons? Many years from now, what will the history books teach their children?

Will their children be effected by the war as well? Can the soldiers live a life without memory and torment. Can they accept the reality of wartime actions without a legitimate justification for these wars. I wish their families and their souls a peaceful existence once they return. I will give them my respect and love.

I grew up with a father who was haunted by wartime actions. He tried his best to cope, he tried his best to be "normal". My father awoke afraid by the sound of a helicopter. He demanded we make no sound as we walked in the woods. "If you were in Vietnam, you would be shot!" I could mention more, but won't right now.

My point is that the best of men do the worst of things in battle. To protect themselves and their men. They go as boys and return as wounded men. Some choose to hide it, but the memories are there. The boy is still crying inside and all those around them are affected. I'm proud of my father, and feel blessed to be his son.



Just before he was diagnosed with cancer, he finally got help. He went to Chicago, Illinois to a place. It was a place for Veterans to get better, a place to let it all out. What he told the doctors there, I will never know in full. Part of me wants to know, but most of me doesn't. He always said when I reached a certain age, he would tell me most of it. When that moment arrives, I will listen. After he returned he was different. Different in a good way, he even started a journal.

When he was there he told me that some soldiers from Iraq had many problems too. That he made friends with them and tried to help them cope. It was then I realized that with all war comes injury. Think about all the veterans who now have brain injuries and lost limbs. Post traumatic stress syndrome (PTSS) and other mental pain. We must welcome these troops home and make sure that they know we still support them.

The Vietnam vets had no parade when they returned and were thought as "Baby Killers" and that's a damn shame. I believe that was the real spit in the face. The Vietnam Veterans lost 59,159 fellow soldiers, 1200 Americans reported killed in action. (No bodies) About 1,350 POWs' missing in action. I've met some of his buddies over the last couple years, they are good guys. I consider them my brothers too, we are all family in the struggles of life.

Wikipedia: 3-4 million Vietnamese on both sides perished. 1.5 million to 2 million Laotians and Cambodians died as well. The Vietnam war was a terrible action, it is considered a conflict to some. Wake up and smell the Napalm, it was a war! Growing up I thought it might have taught the United States an important lesson. Not to get involved into a long lasting war that we could not win.

I would like to get back to the discussion in hand. I feel that this war on terror can't be won, just like Vietnam. The longer we stay there, the more damage is done. The war has taken so many lives already. They are scattered and piled so high, we will never know the true number. The casualties are civilians, "the enemy", reporters,contractors, the Coalition Troops, and US soldiers.

Killed by weapons, accidents, illness, and by suicide. They all happened because of war! Because of past political decisions and the need to "Stay the course"

We The People have a new Leader now, so lets stand together. If you feel anything that I feel please join me in this cause! Help me end this WAR on terror! Help me bring our troops home! Let's work together and help President Obama make the CHANGES he promised!

Please let your State Senator know you care! Make your voice be heard on any issue. I'm going to write President Obama a long letter containing my beliefs on the issues that trouble me the most.

Feel free do what you think will help the troops get home. To stop the bloodshed that stains the streets and hearts of all people.

Here is just a few places I found on the computer that pertain to this entry. I started this entry for many reasons and hope you find it informing. When the It first started the Media covered the War on Terror heavily. We even color coded our levels of Terror. Back then we could keep track of our fallen soldiers by number.



If you wanted to know the extent of our losses and civilian deaths, then feel free. Beware the reports don't all match, but this will do for now. The numbers might shock you, like they did me.



iCasualties: Iraq Coalition Casualty Count - Iraqi Deaths



http://rethinkafghanistan.com/



http://www.iraqbodycount.org/



Cost of War on Terror-Homeland Security Market Research


http://www.homelandsecurityresearch.net/2008/05/01/cost



Paul Rieckhoff: More soldiers Lost to Suicide than to Al Qaeda in January:


Iraq Veterans Storm the Hill


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/

Thank you for stopping by.

Peace&Love
Wes Ackerman