Real Men Don't Rape

As a victim of 11 years of child abuse, a civilian rape, and a female veteran of the Vietnam era who experienced sexual harassment daily, I am very concerned about the "Culture of Rape" that has become the norm in today's all volunteer military.

That the US military has allowed 1 out of every 3 of its female troops to be raped is an ironic and disgusting fact. How ironic that this massive, aggressive force that has supposedly been deployed to "protect us here at home" cannot or will not protect the females in its own ranks. How disgusting that an atmosphere of open hostility has surrounded the majority of military rape victims who sought treatment and dared to report the crime to their chains of command. How irresponsible that the chains of command have done very little to weed out, punish, and supply mental health treatment to the rapists within their forces.

Ironic, disgusting, and irresponsible, yes, but surprising? Not at all considering the sexual crimes against women and children that run rampant across the United States. Just turn on your television news for this week's report on young women or little girls who have been kidnapped, raped, and murdered.

In everyday America...

1 in 4 girls is sexually abused before the age of 18.

1 in 6 boys is sexually abused before the age of 18.

Nearly 70% of all reported sexual assaults (including assaults on adults) occur to children ages 17 and under. (76)

An estimated 39 million survivors of childhood sexual abuse exist in America today.

And 1 in 6 civilian women is raped or sexually assaulted during her lifetime.

American society thrives on violence. Violent sports and violent movies dominate the entertainment market while all things war make up the bulk of American exports. Is it any wonder that a country that cannot honestly and responsibly deal with sexual or anger issues has sexual violence exploding everywhere?



Although I was not raped during the time that I served in the US Army, I was sexually harassed every day. I barely escaped with my life on one occasion. Two other incidents involved myself and another female soldier (we usually went about on base in pairs for protection). We were stalked and then surrounded by packs of male soldiers who were closing in intent on gang rape. Both times it was dark and we were returning from the PX, which was not far from our barracks, at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas. The first time we talked them out of it. The second time, a male soldier who was a friend of ours, came to our assistance. There were no drugs or alcohol involved on our parts. All three of these incidents were terrifying. It is very difficult for me to write this.

During the national convention this past August, the Veterans For Peace board voted to declare October 12-16, "Military Rape Awareness Week". I have written this piece to do my part to draw attention the indifference and danger that women in the American military face from those they serve with every day.

Please check out this link and distribute it widely - http://usmvaw.com/

Civilians that think sexual violence in the military does not concern them are dangerously wrong. Every time the chain of command acts as a hierarchy of voyeuristic enablers - A RAPIST GOES FREE! What happens when that unpunished, untreated, mentally unstable rapist returns to civilian life? Will he stop? They seldom do...

Do whatever you can to discourage young women from enlisting. They will face far more danger from the enemy within their ranks than the enemy "over there".
________________________________________________

Note - I have not written for almost a year and have been out of contact for that time as well. I have been tired, called in other directions, and just couldn't. explain. I have missed everyone and have thought of you all often. I plan to write more, but not as frequently as I used to - with all my heart, KWW

VETERANS DAY 2008 - A POEM

MOTHER AND SON - FROM ONE WAR TO THE NEXT

The stories told in staring eyes,
monotoned during daylight, and
screamed through haunted darkness,
bespoke unimaginable horror.

The anguish inflicted on my generation
warned of a military madness
that feeds upon the newborn.
I bore fear along with my child

Even as my womb cradled and nurtured,
I knew one day they would come.
Drawn by youth, thirsting fresh blood,
they'd come for you those Vampires of War.

Joyful colors clothed your childhood.
Your favorite: purple.
Never the small-sized uniforms that foreshadow dark future.
Cammies aren't meant for kids.

No guns for my son!
No ominous plastic noise makers
pressed to imitate authoritarian threat!
So you pretended sticks into rifles.

Mother songs lullabied hope and peace
while soldiers who'd put down their weapons
and the millions in our streets,
ended the Tonkin-induced war.

Vietnam swept G.I. Joe from toy store shelves.
But the dolly boy resurrected to
trickle down into little boy hands
via Reagan's pipe dream presidency.

You grew while I taught you to value humanity,
to share, to love, to respect.
I showed you how to step into other existences
yet they lurked. Vulture-like. Watching. Waiting,

Ready to stalk when restless and unsure,
You lost your way in school.
Adventure! Money! Manhood! A mere GED away.
You turned your head, and your life.

The truth, with which I'd armed you, once targeted,
was swiftly and effectively neutralized.
You swallowed their bait. They set the hook
and reeled your from my arms.

Fourteen years on, the PTSD hid behind your unfocused stare.
It was your guarded monotone I heard during the day.
And you who faced the dark demons brought by sleepless terror, Alone.
We could not protect you there.

Then you challenged the Vampires of War
by speaking truth to their prey
and turned numerous boys from a war-torn path
your brother among those who walked away.

And now, You've survived the battle within.
Victorious, you win it still every day,
giving each of us who love you
the freedom to finally say...

Welcome Home Son, Welcome Home.

Love you, Mom
November, 2008
___________________________________

I've been working on this poem since September. I began it after the Veterans For Peace Convention while we were visiting family in Michigan. It has taken me two months to complete after many rewrites. I was determined to finish it by Veterans Day because I am sure that it is a story oft repeated.

The story is true and is dedicated to my eldest son, a disabled veteran.

We must replace the Culture of War with a Culture of Peace.

What if they gave a war and nobody came?
KWW

Obama - Something Beautiful Happened

We were nervous - not daring to breathe freely, and definitely afraid to think that we could vote an end to the eight terrible Bush/Cheney years that have taken such a toll on many of us. It was a long November 4th here in California but with the election of Barak Obama to the Presidency, it was well worth the wait.

No one in our small house was able to speak at the moment we realized that Obama was the winner. My stomach was in knots. I fought to process what was happening before my teary eyes when, like the flower in the above photo, the entire world burst into one joyously beautiful bloom.

Yesterday's election of America's first president of color was historic beyond our immediate grasp. I still tear up when I think about the African Americans, who having endured generations of slavery, Jim Crow laws, and voter intimidation, stood in line for hours to elect our nation's first black president. And when I look at the images of the Obama celebrations that took place all over the world, I am overwhelmed by love pouring from our neighbors around the globe.

Barack Obama brings with him a respect and tolerance for others that has not been seen during the neoconservative Bush Administration. He is an intelligent, well educated man who is also a skilled diplomat. The Obama Administration will not be noted for irresponsible, reckless policies for Barack Obama carefully considers what is placed before him, seeks advice as needed, and listens when it is given. I am only sorry that his remarkable grandmother, Toot, did not live to share the events surrounding the election of her grandson to the Presidency of the United States of America with the rest of the world.

We have taken the first step toward PEACE. Let's walk with Obama as we journey toward a Culture of Peace.

.......Kitchen Window Woman.......

Sarah Palin - A Madonna and Child Disconnect

We've all been talking, we mothers, grandmothers, aunties, sisters, friends, and an equal number of men (who are not taken in by Sarah's teasing winks) about Sarah Palin's strange parenting behavior. Her treatment of her offspring brings to light yet more evidence that she does not possess the character, values, or skills necessary to serve as Vice President or President.

Candidate Palin's children have been used as political fashion accessories for years as their mother, a perpetual campaigner, has staircased herself toward the most demanding political office possible, the American Presidency.

Infant son, Trig Palin is a frequent political prop for his ambitious, attention-seeking mother. The roar of worshiping crowds, the lights, and the cameras at times when he should be quietly rocked to sleep is bad enough, but to expose an infant to all of the germs passed around during public mass gatherings is completely irresponsible. Trig has been handed off like a football to his mother after she has finished speaking. She holds him long enough for the cameras to acknowledge her saintly status then passes him to her 8 yr-old daughter. Why isn't her little girl home doing her homework or in her bed instead of holding her baby brother on a public stage?

Would Sarah Six-Pack's teenaged daughter have become pregnant if mom had been available to have an open, honest talk with her about her body, sexual feelings, sexual responsibility, and birth control?

Ever since George W. Bush imposed his $176 million dollar abstinence-only sex education programs on our youth, STD rates in among American teens have risen dramatically while teen pregnancy rates are double those of girls in European countries. Many of the boys and girls who have "pledged" to abstain from having intercourse until marriage keep their promises by engaging in both oral and anal sex. And those teen couples, who in the heat of youthful passion break their oaths and indulge in unprotected intercourse, end up pregnant.

Sarah Palin's pregnant 17-yr-old daughter is not alone as the pregnancy rate among American girls is 7.5%. American teenaged girls are twice as likely to become pregnant as British girls, and four times as likely to get pregnant as Swedish or French girls. Unfortunately, American teenagers are far less prone to use contraceptives.

What is even worse is that Governor Palin is pushing her daughter to marry a boy who famously posted the following comments on his My Space page, "I'm a F**king Redneck and I'm proud of it", "Ya f*** with me I'll kick (your) ass" and above all, "I don't want kids". The stats on failed teenage marriages are even worse than the STD and pregnancy rates. Teen marriages frequently involve domestic violence and abandonment. Why would any caring parent encourage their child to enter into such a dangerous partnership? It is a given that Palin's oldest daughter believes that she loves the father of her child but it is also well know that immature love is fleeting at best. The Middle Class Palins will have to buy their grandchild a nanny or its daddy may hit its mommy if it cries too much or if daddy can't go out to play...

Candidate Palin's treatment of her baby and her daughters is upsetting enough but when the fact that she lied her eldest son into harm's way is added, she emerges as an indifferent mother at best. She told her child, Pvt. 1st Class Palin, 19, who recently deployed to Iraq, and his brigade, that they would "defend the innocent from the enemies who planned and carried out and rejoiced in the deaths of thousands of Americans."

Sarah, it is well known that the Iraqi people NEVER attacked us, and that the Bush Administration lied us into an unnecessary war. Innocent Iraqis have died as well as innocent young Americans. More recently, you stated that your son is over there fighting for my right to protest here in America. Wrong, again. The Iraqi people have not threatened my right to protest or any other of my Constitutional rights but the Bush Administration has. Your son is fighting to establish American control over Iraq's oil fields. "We the People" are fighting to protect our rights here at home!

Candidate Palin must think that it looks good for her youngest children to appear on stage, her pregnant daughter to marry a jerk, her son to serve a lost cause in Iraq because she is a child-woman whose sole desire in life, is to always be the star. It is all about Sarah, all of the time, even as she worked a frenzied crowd into calling for the murder of the opposing presidential candidate, "kill him"....

It is up to we women to voice our concerns about Sarah Palin's disturbing behavior - the men would stand accused of being mean to poor little Sarah.

Peace begins with children - so cradle them in your arms and "teach your children well"...
...............................Kitchen Window Woman.................................................

Sarah - You and Joe Six-Pack Don't Understand - It is The "Constitution First" - NOT "Country First"

An Angry White Man and a Self-Centered White Female - Whatta Terrifying Combo - Geez!

Let's begin with the fact that it is NOT and NEVER has been, "COUNTRY FIRST" here in The United States of America. That silly slogan heralds the Bush Administration's trillion dollar American tax-payer financed war against the nationalization of Iraqi oil fields. The oil fields in Iraq, instead of belonging to the Iraqi people, have recently been returned to the privatized control of American and European corporate interests. It has taken over thirty-five years, but congrats to Shell Oil, its lobbyists in D.C., and its overseas operations.

Most of us have known her type since we were children. Some of us learned about her by watching her operate and others grew to know her after being victims of her obsession. We are not blinded by her dazzling facade; we are instead, repulsed. She exists for audience and adoration and will do anything to advance her all consuming cause - herself. She has never been, nor will she ever be, one of us. Sarah Palin is all about Sarah Palin no less, but always wanting more.

Her addiction started in infancy as it did for generations of her sister types. Each baby daughter coo, smile, successful attempt at walking, word uttered, and first BM in the potty brings brings a guaranteed round of applause and encouragement from parents and caretakers. She's so pretty, so cute, so smart, and definitely an unprecedented, very special, one of a kind. It was during her infancy, that Sarah stopped growing emotionally. Trapped by her ever expanding need for the spotlight, she learned to focus on obtaining fix after fix of attention. During this time, her developing intellect was limited forever to the skills needed to secure her center stage position. Many seeds planted in life's garden grow and bear fruit. Unfortunately, for all of us, Sarah, like her brother, George W., were planted in the same narcissistic row where their competitive, compulsive behaviors were able to thrive unabated.

Sarah of the pageant wave. Sarah trained to dance around "gotcha questions" deemed far too expository or unimportant to address by pageant, and debate trainers alike. Her thrust is to use her vagina and breasts like a passport to garner the "our bodies, ourselves" votes. Sarah who mainlines accomplishments, and Sarah, who wants to "I am one of you" her way to the Presidency needs to learn that we sisters, mothers, and grandmothers, who have fought for freedom and our families for generations, do not seek her shallow representation. Her pretty face, sexual organs, and down-home byline do not impress us, but her selfish motives do.

Religion is a matter of choice. What we do with our bodies, how we live our lives, and which spiritual path upon which we each decide to embark, are all matters of individual choice. Sarah Palin made an individual choice. She chose to join and advance the beliefs championed by those who claim to speak for "America's only GOD". Sarah Palin chose to join the American Taliban who are the flipside of the radical Muslims in Afghanistan. The notorious Taliban share the same monotheistic religious beliefs, need for total dominance, and demand, along with the equally radical American Christian Right, that their religious rules must be obeyed by all.

Sarah is not curious about other cultures and people, does not respect those who are different from herself, nor does she concern herself with inclusiveness or tolerance. Sarah manufactures her own truths and has limited her human development by adhering to a reckless diet of competition in pursuit of legacy.

While she seeks to win her biggest race, her biggest pageant ever.... we can all see that her world view suffers from a lack of diversity. She suffers severe mental and emotional constipation. Sarah, you are not one of us. You claim America for "Joe Six-Pack" and his wife, (who is a wannabe you.) What you don't realize, Sarah, is that "Joe Six-Pack "and his long-suffering wife have determined the events of last eight years.

The "Six-Packs" voted for your counterpart, George W. Bush - TWICE! We are in an unnecessary war (which you never protested), trillions of dollars of debt, and currently a financial disaster that threatens to destroy our entire democratic nation. We cannot afford any longer to allow Joe Sixer and his spouse to determine the fate of America's future. Been there - Done that - NO MORE!

The answer does not lie in Alaska, nor in you. It lies battered and bruised in our Constitution . The slogan that was chosen by your running mate's operatives is all wrong. It is not "COUNTRY FIRST" - it is ,and always has been THE CONSTITUTION FIRST! Otherwise, you cute little dazzler you, our American Democracy will cease to exist.

SARAH PALIN - YOU EVEN LIED TO YOUR SON WHEN YOU SENT HIM OFF TO WAR IN A COUNTRY THAT NEVER RAISED A HAND AGAINST THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

You said to your child, Pvt. 1st Class Palin, 19, who recently deployed with the Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the 25th Infantry Division to Iraq, and to his brigade, that they would "defend the innocent from the enemies who planned and carried out and rejoiced in the deaths of thousands of Americans." That was a lie or a sign of pure intellectual LAZINESS on your part. Over one million two hundred thousand innocent Iraqis are dead because of people like you who were willing to kill based upon the lies of George W. Bush and his Neoconservative handlers.

You have recently stated that you would wage war against Pakistan and Russia two countries which possess real WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION. I guess you must limit your reading to the unbelievable myths printed in The Star and The National Enquirer - they are known to offer large print and easy to understand, entertaining, very sensationalistic verbiage.

P.S. - PTAs at many schools across America do not have enough active volunteers. The Sarah types have driven caring, talented parents away. After all, it's all about Sarah and her sister types - all of the time.

Let's send this selfish creature back to Alaska,
...............Kitchen Window Woman.................

Democracy Massacred in Minneapolis/St. Paul

Fascism - a. A system of government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, stringent socioeconomic controls, supression of the opposition through terror and censorship, and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism. b. A political philosophy or movement based on or advocating such a system of government.

*Note - I periododically repost the Early Warning Signs of Fascism to remind everyone of what we are facing here in America. Fascism is on the march in the United States.

...............Early Warning Signs of Facism.............

1) Powerful And Continuing Nationalism

2) Disdain For Human Rights

3) Identification Of Enemies As A Unifying Cause

4) Supremacy Of The Military

5) Rampant Sexism

6) Controlled Mass Media

7) Obsession With National Security

8) Religion And Government Intertwined

9) Corporate Power Protected

10) Labor Power Supressed

11) Disdain For Intellectuals & The Arts

12) Obsession With Crime And Punishment

13) Rampant Cronyism & Corruption

14) Fraudulent Elections

My husband and I are both members of Veterans For Peace. Last week we flew to Minneapolis to attend the 23rd Annual Veterans For Peace National Convention. The theme of this year's VFP convention, my first convention ever, was 'Peace, Liberty, and Justice for All' and the focus was on the use of nonviolence to promote a culture of peace. It was a positive and enlightening experience especially in the face of the 8-year systematic assault on American Democracy by the Bush neoconservatives and the Christian Right.

THE REPUBLICANS HATE OUR FREEDOM!

As veterans we have taken an oath to "support and defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic". As Veterans For Peace we have pledged to use nonviolent means to do so.

Together, Republican Nationalists, neoconservative corporatists, and the Christian Right have succeeded in leveraging the most profound and dangerous threat to American Freedom ever faced by this nation. The eight dark years under the reign of George W. Bush have seen the Constitution set forth by our founding fathers red-lined and the consequent rise of American Fascism. The threat to our country is domestic. The terrorists who comprise the threat live among us. They seek to destroy not only the Constitution upon which American Democracy is based, but all of our inherent rights as well.

What happened in Minneapolis/St. Paul during the farcical 2008 Republican Convention is very telling. The FBI, Secret Service, and local law enforcement, under the questionable leadership of Ramsey Co. Sheriff, Bob Fletcher, violated the Constitutional rights of the press, and pro-peace, anti-McCain demonstrators every chance they got. Weapons (including an AR15) drawn, the Minneapolis/St. Paul law enforcement traitors excuted pre-emptive, warrantless raids on private homes against the peaceful citizens that they were sworn to protect.

Please explore this site; http://iwitnessvideo.info/

The invasive aggression by the Minnesotan army of Darth Vader look-alikes was pre-emptively excused by Bush operatives under the guise of "probable cause" and "conspiracy to commit civil disobedience". It is unfortunate that our employees in the intelligence and law enforcement communities seem to have confused Mein Kampf and The Communist Manifesto with the Constitution. They have crossed into the realm of "thought police".

View the RNC/ police actions in Minneapolis/St. Paul here:

Http://www.democracynow.org/2008/9/1/stream

Unnecessary force was employed to confiscate computers, cameras, video cams, cell phones, printed and written materials, press cards and credentials and journalist's notes. The Bush conspirators have not only violated the freedom of the press, they have proven that they will stop at nothing to suppress the freedom of speech to advance the manufactured truths and propaganda required to move Americans toward acceptance of the fascist form of government they all support.

Please review the following Amendments:

.......... Amendment I ..........

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or of the right of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

.......... Admendment IV..........

The right of people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath of affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.

*Note - There were children in the private homes that were the targets of the pre-emptive home invasions. One man was asleep in his bed when yanked to his feet by the armed intruders. He was naked. He was not allowed to cover himself but was zip cuffed and told to lie face down on the floor. He remained on the floor cuffed and naked for an hour! These methods have been employed against the Iraqi people by the occupying American forces for over five years now.

The whole world is watching as the USA is bludgeoned back into the Dark Ages by Republican barbarianism. It is only those who've chosen ignorance over patriotism who do not see.

AMERICA HAS BECOME A VERY SICK COUNTRY UNDER REPUBLICAN RULE.

We must fight to save our nation with nonviolence.

................Kitchen Window Woman................

P.S. - We are on vacation in Michigan visiting family. I felt very strongly, however, that this piece needed to be written - KWW

The Abuse of HERO

I'm a Hero. You're a Hero. She's a Hero. He's a Hero. Wouldn't you like to be a Hero, too?

Our brave Heroes. Our Heroic men and women. My Hero. Your Hero. They're all American Heroes.

Everybody costumed in camouflage is a Hero? Being there makes one a Hero? Getting shot down while flying an A-4 Skyhawk "tinkertoy" bomber names the pilot Hero and answers the experience requirement for the presidency? Death of any kind while in uniform guarantees Heroic status? He was a hero? She was a Hero? Fallen Heroes, sacrificial Heroes, martyrs to materialism and military mania, today's mythical media-made Heroes dominate our deeply embedded culture of war.

When did ordinary translate to Heroic? How did the everyday common doing one's job morph into Heroic feat? Here, there, everywhere, all the time Heroes... the qualifications for heroism have been Orwelled into mediocrity.

Lies have become truths. Informed, questioning citizens have been labeled traitors. Nationalist thugs have become super-patriots. Innocent Iraqis were categorized as enemies. Black became white. Peace became war. Up became down. Occupation disguised itself as democracy. Heaven became hell. Slam Dunk became quagmire. Human beings became collateral damage. Day became night. Escalate became surge. Wrong became right and Hero became a marketing tool, a muzzle that inhibits open debate, a shield to protect war profiteers, and an absurd justification to extend the illegal war against Iraq.

Hero sold America this unnecessary war as Heroic hopefuls rushed to exact revenge on innocents. Heroes actively fighting, wounded or dead were used to dissuade concerned citizens from questioning their government or demanding accountability. To voice dissent was propagandized as sullying the sacrifices of "our Heroes". Heroes, who survived America's battles, have long been hired by war manufactures to put a good face on their evil products because as everyone knows: Heroes are good. And finally, the most hideous assertion. Americans must continue to fight and die because to end the Iraq war would mean that all of our Heroes (and over one million Iraqis) have died in vain. More must kill and die for nothing rather than admit that those who died before them died in vain. No one should die for a oil leaking pack of lies!

Last century Alvin York took out five machine gun nests and captured 132 prisoners. Sgt. York, motivated to protect his wounded comrades, did all of this single-handedly. His actions were extraordinary and therefore considered heroic. A little over two decades later, a seriously wounded Lt. Audie Murphy, surrounded by enemy forces and under fire, held his position while calling in artillery fire and then ran to climb atop a burning tank to man its machine gun. Murphy had stopped a German counterattack. His actions, also extraordinary and above and beyond the call of duty, were those of a hero.

9/11 saw several hundred heroes (many of whom since have perished) commit astonishing acts of selfless courage. Today those surviving heroic firemen, policemen, medical personnel, and citizens who, after saving lives and digging through the rubble and ash of recovery work, are not only sick and unable to work but have to beg for public assistance and medical care. The 9/11 responders exploited to inspire enlistment and launch a war were then rendered "Forgotten Heroes" when they were no longer useful physically or politically. In hindsight the neglect and abandonment of the 9/11 Heroes, if nothing else, has exposed how skewed the American concept of Hero has become.

Every member of the military is an automatic HERO drooled over by a public whose conditioned responses to flags and uniforms resemble those of Pavlov's dogs. It is an unfortunate American shame that many of those whose humanity, concern, convictions, and courage lead them to take extraordinary actions above and beyond the ordinary remain unsung Heroes. Some have even been threatened or punished for telling the truth or refusing to obey wrongful orders.

Hero is even being used to shield Republican presidential candidate, John McCain, from questions about his character and competence. It is implied that to seek information about Senator McCain is somehow unpatriotic. Heroes must not be questioned even if their act of heroism is suspect. John McCain, a prisoner of war, survived. Survival is simply survival. Surviving is not Heroic.

Heroes are a dime a dozen in Bush's America. Heroism has been cheapened. Heroes are sold to the American public on the television, over the radio, and on the Internet accompanied by the tinkling of piano keys or the sad solo tone of a trumpet. Families who've suffered the loss of a loved one in one of America's numerous military ventures are given Hero to assuage their grief. He couldn't have died for nothing. She couldn't have died for oil. It comes around full circle as Hero potential is used to lure our young into the clutches of recruiters. Uncle Sam Wants YOU - to be a HERO! What better way fill the slots left emptied by those who've died.

Hero is the most effective, stealth propaganda campaign waged as yet by the Pentagon and it's partners in crime, the war profiteers. Who sees the truth when blinded by the dazzle of HERO?

Only when Johnny (and Jenny) come marching home and need care for wounds mental and physical, does the shine on Hero tarnish. Tragically, he and she become Forgotten Heroes. Those who called upon Our Brave Heroes to serve, then callously toss them atop the others of generations past, on the refuse heap of lives wasted for lost causes.

We must break this cycle of abuse.
.......Kitchen Window Woman.......
______________________________________________________________

*Note - I haven't written for a long time. I had a case of writer's block. This one has been on my mind for a while. Today we are on our way to the Veterans For Peace Convention in Minneapolis and are real excited. Then we will go on to Detroit to visit family. I will write if I have access to a computer. Hope you are all well - Peace. KWW