A new worry for those of us who are peaceful is the very real threat of the U.S. joining with Israel in the bombing of Iran. As I watch 47 saber rattling and saying he hasn’t made up his mind whether to go to war, I am fearful and angry. I realize the military parade didn’t please him because he didn’t think the troops took it seriously – waving to the crowd, marching out of step, and enjoying themselves when they should have looked like a serious military unit. The event at one point put the commander in chief to sleep.

All his campaign promises to bring peace to the Middle East, to make a deal with Hamas regarding Israel, and to find a peaceful solution to the war in Ukraine were simply part of campaign rhetoric to placate his base supporters. Putting American troops in harms way over conflicts that are more safely resolved diplomatically is not responsible leadership. Trying to make up for the disastrous June 14th parade by flexing military muscle is not something most people in this country will support.

It was a good feeling to be part of the large,  peaceful demonstration on Saturday prior to the start of the big parade. Seeing reports of thousands of people opposing decisions being considered in congress made me proud. So many essential government workers, scientists, National park employees, air traffic controllers, hospital employees, and educators have been eliminated or threatened for no reason. I love my country, and I have been satisfied with the lack of military events in the recent past. War destroys. It shatters families, harms children in multiple ways, especially in the war zones. I see nothing good about war. I want to feel safe and unafraid. I want children and grandchildren to be safe. What can we do to make sense of things?