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An open letter from a mom to son in Iraq

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  • An open letter from a mom to son in Iraq

    Northfield News , MN
    May 17 2008


    An open letter from a mom to son in Iraq


    By VALERIE ENFIEJIAN HOEKSTRA
    Updated: Saturday, May 17, 2008 12:10 am

    As I have watched our country's involvement in Iraq, I cannot help but
    notice where we choose not to be. While atrocities have occurred in
    Iraq, there are other places in the world where they also occur and on
    an even larger scale. Consequently, I cannot dispel the feeling that
    we are there because of oil.

    While not a historian, I am the mother of a Marine and as such, feel I
    have a right to an opinion in light of the sacrifice that our family
    is making.

    As I survey the landscape of the American way of life, it seems that
    our political agenda is clouded by our love of oil, the consumption of
    which allows us to lead opulent lifestyles by world-wide standards.

    Have we considered that were we to divorce ourselves from this love,
    perhaps it would clear our political heads and lead us to live
    differently? Perhaps self-examination and recognition of the manner in
    which our daily conduct impacts others is in order.

    I am looking for a presidential candidate who can boldly say to
    Americans, `You need to reduce your consumption of oil.' While likely
    political suicide, it would be reasonable in my estimation.

    Reduced consumption could be our contribution to the war effort and
    its potential impact on American policy would be a start.

    As a parent, I am willing to sacrifice if our military efforts prevent
    people working in an American skyscraper from having to decide whether
    to burn or jump to their deaths; willing if our actions prevent loss
    of innocent life and aid in granting relief to the suffering.

    As a descendent of survivors of the Armenian genocide, I express this
    willingness fervently. With equal veracity, I express an unwillingness
    to sacrifice so that Americans can consume.

    Become contemplative for a day. Perhaps it may lead us to change to
    energy efficient vehicles, reduce our speed limit and bus rather than
    drive our children to school.

    We may notice product labels and better attempt to buy locally,
    consume responsibly and live simply.

    Doing so may save the life of a soldier or at least give us the solace
    of knowing that our participation in conflict is for honorable
    reasons. Freedom is not free but it does not give us the right to
    enlarge our piece of the pie and consume it with entitlement.

    I offer these words out of sincere concern for the direction in which
    our country seems bound. I speak out of desire to do my part in being
    certain that the orders our serving men and women are required to
    follow reflect a just spirit.

    To our Bret, we anticipate your safe return from Iraq. While being
    away from you is difficult, the joy of reunion makes the wait
    possible.

    I am immeasurably proud of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers
    every moment. Thank you for doing your part and I promise you, we will
    do ours. Stay safe. I love you.


    -Valerie Enfiejian Hoekstra is a Northfield resident.


    http://www.northfieldnews.com/news.php ?viewStory=22680

    From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
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