We had 2 minutes tonight (on the issue of a license for the Chico Military Heroes Banner Program) - I wrote mine out: I understand wanting to support our children, to embrace their efforts and stand with them through the difficult times of their lives. Nothing we civilians know prepares us for war and I have lot of respect for those who served whether swept up by the false promises of recruiters, trapped by the lack of job opportunity, simply seeking change or more nobly, to serve the country. Unfortunately these are pointless wars with much suffering and loss, and very poor outcomes. I do not want this banner program because it would inevitably be used to encourage a new generation of guileless young people to be used as fodder of the next war or military undertaking. This is our community-- there are unsung heroes everywhere among us-- parents, teachers, nurses, social workers and countless others. These are our streets, these are our children. Many of us say Honor the Vet, Not War but it is impossible to have this public recognition campaign without glorifying war itself. We already have a war memorial across the street from council chambers, a Hmong general in front of the building and a new 911 memorial on Manzanita. We want an end to perpetual wars, we want an end to the recruitment of children, we want an end to the militarization of our society (especially our police forces!) We think military personnel need to be welcomed home and given their rightful place as civilians when it is their time-- not to become myths of their banner selves. Please reject this banner campaign. Lets promote peace and redirect the cost of this banner program to the needs of our disabled and homeless vets. What about that?
Posted on: Wed, 20 Aug 2014 06:15:53 +0000
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