Last night on BBC World News, a reporter called the US Army "the mightiest in the world."Just before the newscast, I had gone through the mail for the day. I had received yet another request to donate money to US military, this time to soldiers in Iraq. At least three times a week, my mail contains a solicitation to donate funds to US military personnel and/or related veterans groups. Some letters request donations to paralyzed or disabled veterans. One makes requests especially for seriously burned veterans. The requests to donate money specifically to support the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan are increasing. I am 1000 percent behind supporting our military, in peace or in war. I have no problem making donations or encouraging others to do so.
But one question haunts me. Why is it that the "mightiest army in the world" needs charity? How is it possible for our government to so mistreat the very men and women on whom we depend to be the first and last line of defense of our sovereignty, safety, and freedom? To support them so little and treat them so poorly that our armed forces need charitable fundraising campaigns in order to receive vital health care or necessary body armor?
The saying goes: Charity begins at home.
Which is where our soldiers need to be.
Home.
Image: Athena helping Herakles to hold up the sky.
From: www.historyforkids.org
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