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.
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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
