Now what? The attack on Iran was the action I’d feared. It seems to have had no real purpose. It was not authorized by Congress as is required by the Constitution. According to news reports, it  didn’t hit strategic targets, it just hit. Today Iran claims to have attacked the American base in Qatar. I’ve seen no news that confirms that, but a military response was expected. I feel so many emotions, anger, fear, frustration…I think about the inevitable collateral damage. Innocent people, structures, children will be directly or indirectly affected by this action and the reaction. The Republican administration is responsible for allowing this unprovoked act of war to occur. Congress has a clear responsibility to be involved in any  military action. For this bombing to happen is unforgivable. 

I grew up at the end of WWII. Family members and friends were involved as participants and survivors. Friends were lost. Families were torn apart. My parents tried to spare us as much as possible, but we were aware of changes in our lives. There were shortages, rationing, increased expenses. We weren’t aware of the ravages of war as it wasn’t on our shores. Because of advanced weapons of war, and the long-distance striking potential of those weapons, the U.S. is vulnerable to the destructions of war here at home. We’re just 6 months into this presidential term, and life could be upended in a moment.

Our children and grandchildren deserve to live in peace. Growing up should be a positive experience. The moments that keep us sane involve good music, being outdoors in pleasant weather, having natural habitats undisturbed by those who would ravage the forests, pollute the waterways, make the air unbreathable with pollutants – all for profit. I pray for us all.