Comments on: Veteran’s Memorial, Soldier Field

By: Braidwood

Braidwood — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 03:44:20 +0000

“What Obama restores here is something Bush suppressed in his assault on the American psyche. It’s stillness, and poetry.” Seriously. Maybe that’s why the (later) cover of the New Yorker made me want to cry. A deep breath.

By: Spencer

Spencer — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:01:47 +0000

One thing I see here that I can’t remember ever having seen in any images of Bush is the evocation of sacrifice. In the memorial, in the somber tone, and in Tammy Duckworth’s lost legs.

By: lytom

lytom — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:50:22 +0000

Antonio, re his mandate: You write and believe that Obama “spoke clearly about his intentions in Afghanistan”…
Given the two candidates having almost the same platform on this issue, I do not think the voters had any real choice to vote on another course in Afghanistan and for that matter in many other issues…
It seems to me US is locked in on a course which Obama will not change.

By: Ann of NY

Ann of NY — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:48:13 +0000

Those are very powerful photos; they pulled at me from the mainstream coverage. They show two intelligent and thoughtful people performing a ceremony on behalf of the rest of us. I thank them for their care, for the decency that is so obvious.
I honestly believe that Sen. Obama will help us to elevate our thinking, to strive toward his level. He will increase our understanding and acceptance of the human condition while he directs us toward a meaningful celebration of the American spirit.
Thank you for the photos.

By: Antonio

Antonio — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:07:54 +0000

Sorry for the double and triple postings. I don’t do this often. Please.

By: Antonio

Antonio — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:07:01 +0000

Lytom,
I agree with you fundamentally. Politically, you might consider your terms of satisfaction. My sense is that you will be among the first to bail on the Obama presidency for he’s destined to disappoint our highest aspirations, yours, mine and I’m certain even his own.
Re his mandate: I disagree. He spoke clearly about his intentions in Afghanistan. My sense is that he may be mistaken. I hope that he will choose a wiser policy there, one that will include regional solutions supported by regional powers. The destruction of Al-Quiada needs doing; I don’t believe they will negotiate or stop at any point from pursuing their goals.
Re the things done in the name of democracy: Ditto.
RE Bush brought to justice: I would vote yes if it were put to a referendum. And Cheney, and Rumsfeld, and Addington, and several others. Justice in the open, televised, beamed live into every classroom.
RE funerals: You need to reconsider the value of President Obama acknowledging in public the cost of Mr. Bush’s policies. I would add, if I gave myself in to impulse, that he should do the same for some Iraqi family suffering the destructive ripples of that shocking and aweful night in March of 2003. It cannot happen in the real world, but if it were to happen, so much of the imbalance of the world could be restored. I experienced the sorrow and displacement of war as child, and I know that we barely imagine the lives of Iraqis.
You and I don’t really disagree. I hope you and I will work to make this coming administration successful, despite the imperfections that will come.

By: Antonio

Antonio — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:04:22 +0000

Lytom,
I agree with you fundamentally. However, politically, you might consider your terms of satisfaction. My sense is that you will be among the first to bail on the Obama presidency for he’s destined to disappoint our highest aspirations, yours, mine and I’m certain even his own.
Re his mandate: I disagree. He spoke clearly about his intentions in Afghanistan. My sense is that he may be mistaken. I hope that he will choose a wiser policy there, one that will include regional solutions supported by regional powers. The destruction of Al-Quiada needs doing; I don’t believe they will negotiate or stop at any point from pursuing their goals.
Re the things done in the name of democracy: Ditto.
RE Bush brought to justice: I would vote yes if it were put to a referendum. And Cheney, and Rumsfeld, and Addington, and several others. Justice in the open, televised, beamed live into every classroom.
RE funerals: You need to reconsider the value of President Obama acknowledging in public the cost of Mr. Bush’s policies. I would add, if I gave myself in to impulse, that he should do the same for some Iraqi family suffering the destructive ripples of that shocking and aweful night in March of 2003. It cannot happen in the real world, but if it were to happen, so much of the imbalance of the world could be restored. I experienced the sorrow and displacement of war as child, and I know that we barely imagine the lives of Iraqis.
You and I don’t really disagree. I hope you and I will work to make this coming administration successful, despite the imperfections that will come.

By: John

John — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:37:53 +0000

She looks hopeful, I think. Optimistic. Proud.

By: lytom

lytom — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:31:49 +0000

Antonio: “A healing moment for this country and this world would come if once he becomes President, Mr. Obama would attend the first, not the second, the very first funeral of an American member of the military who had served in Afganistan or Iraq.”
What would be a healing moment for this country and this world is to have wars ended!
The continuation of the killing is unacceptable. Attending a funeral will not be a healing moment! Though Obama got the votes, I do not think he got consent to keep up the wars and aggression for the empire.
Healing would come if Obama would publicly recognize all the evil done in the name of “democracy.” Healing would come by bringing Bush to court and not by protecting the criminal.

By: Texrednface

Texrednface — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:30:24 +0000

The credits describe Tammy Duckworth as a paraplegic. While she is a multiple amputee, she does not have paralysis of the lower body involving both legs.