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Welcome Home Soldier.com
Historian, author, editor, educator Remy Benoit's ongoing weblog for Veterans, writers, students, others who believe in learning from and making history. Thousands of articles and posts and a free writing seminar, Using History for Healing and Writing.
30 most recent articles out of 4,352.Shelters and Soup Kitchens | One Man Takes a Stand | IAVA: Top Ten Veteran Issues | A Different View of the Bailout | Dr. Wilmer J. Leon III: Reality is No Rehearsal | McCain and Vets | Paul M. Rodriguez: The Ruricolist | Ray McGovern to Joe Biden | Pickens Plan | McCain and Veterans | Pickens Plan | Who is your presidential match? | "Thanks Hank" | Veterans of Iraq | What if...? | Ann WoolnerA: Sue Them, Jail Them | Bill Moyers and Michael Winship | 1 Million Doors for Peace | Constitution Day | Frank Rich: The Palin-Whatshisname Ticket | Shouldn't those who fight for freedom be able to vote in a VA Facility? | "Live from New York... | The View from the UK Re: Ms. Palin | The 4th Estate | Andrew Bacevich: 9/11 Plus Seven | Troop Levels in Iraq | Afghanistan | Bush Administration Timeline | No Task Too Great! | Power!.Shelters and Soup Kitchens by Remy Benoit
From Heike Barkawitz, Inter Press Service, at Truthout Shelters and Soup Kitchens Hold Crisis Front Lines.
Monday, October 13 2008 | Permanent link | Comment | PrintOne Man Takes a Stand by Remy Benoit
As I sit here watching the hysteria of the market and the campaign, I feel like I am drowning in negativity. Real issues, with real answers, are being avoided in the campaign with all the name calling and doubt casting based on air. We should be aware at the stock market level at how much power we are giving to how few.
In Cook County, one sheriff has taken a stand. From Azam Ahmed and Ofelia Casillas, The Chicago Tribune, at Truthout Cook County Sheriff: I Will Stop Enforcing Evictions.
What if as citizens we took a stand? What if we each bought a share or two of stock and reminded the powers to be that this is our country, not their financial playground? What if we issued a resounding no to golden parachutes with the power of our ever shrinking dollars? What if we demanded the Made in the USA stickers on our purchases?
Have you thought about it? Going into WWII we converted industry to deal with the demands of the war. What would we convert today?
What if we demanded green power, energy independence? What if we said we are not impressed with 24 mph, but want 50-60mph? Supply follows demand, and our demands have been puny.
Pickens Plan.
What if we say to the candidates, stop the dirty politics and address the issues or we won't listen because you are not listening to us?
What if we demanded care of the Veterans we so casually make?
What if we stood up and said We are Americans, and we can do what needs to be done from Vet care, to health care, to ending pork, to corporate and bank regulations, to credit regulations, to maintaining our infrastructure, to building American industry, to education, to green policies? Wouldn't the politicos then have to follow us, instead of us being led around like sheep?
Every other time we were in trouble we have stood up as a nation. I believe that we can do that again. And we need to do that today.
Friday, October 10 2008 | Permanent link | Comment | PrintIAVA: Top Ten Veteran Issues by Remy Benoit
From the IAVA Top Ten Actions for the Next President.
Thursday, October 9 2008 | Permanent link | Comment | PrintA Different View of the Bailout by Remy Benoit
From Aly Van Dyke at Mother Earth News A New Way of Looking At the Bailout.
Also take a look at the Pickens Plan.
Lots of talk last night on both sides in glittering generalities but nothing specific on caring for our Veterans or our planet. Demand answers!
Wednesday, October 8 2008 | Permanent link | Comment | PrintDr. Wilmer J. Leon III: Reality is No Rehearsal by Remy Benoit
At Truthout Reality Is No Rehearsal.
Monday, October 6 2008 | Permanent link | Comment | PrintMcCain and Vets by Remy Benoit
From Brandon Friedman at the Huffington Post McCain's Non-Support for Troops and Veterans: The Master List.
Friday, October 3 2008 | Permanent link | Comment | PrintPaul M. Rodriguez: The Ruricolist by Remy Benoit
It is my privilege to bring to your attention the work of Paul M. Rodriguez at The Ruricolist.
The word ruricolist refers to someone who lives in the country.
Each Tuesday you will find an amusing "non-definition" of familiar words or terms. Each Friday Mr. Rodriguez graces us with an essay celebrating the 18th century form of that writing style.
And now, for a limited time, you may acquire the first full year of his essays in book form at
The Ruricolist.
Do visit with Paul—he will challenge your thinking, expand your horizons, and often bring you humorous insights into the workings of the world.
Thursday, October 2 2008 | Permanent link | Comment | PrintRay McGovern to Joe Biden by Remy Benoit
Congress, they tell us, is working hard to resolve the current financial SNAFU, and yes, that term is appropriate. Congress should have been working hard all along and this would not have happened.
Had the intelligence been listened to, perhaps 9/11 would not have happened.
In both situations, warning bells were CLANGING loud and clear, and no one was paying attention.
We are still not getting real answers to real questions. We still are getting a world of "buck passing" as to reponsibility for Iraq, for the financial crisis, for a lack of Veteran care, for the lack of a national health plan, for the inability of middle class America, let alone the less financially well off, to "make it."
The financial crisis is real. Iraq and its plagued war are real and even though all the evidence was not real, the war goes on with surges and talking, and endless talking and money spending and military lives stretched to the breaking point. If your pot roast is burning, do you turn up the heat? Our crumbling eduational system, our crumbling infra-structure are real. Possible confrontation is real in Iraq, alhough Jon Stewart is a big hit in Tehran; although Bush will soon leave office and Ahmadinejad will be challenged for his position in June. Afghanistan is real and the situation is worsening each day. And yet, any yet, no one accepts responsibility for any of this. Ray McGovern's letter to Joe Biden is up close and personal, but it could be directed to all of us, private citizen, Congressman and Senator who is not doing his or her job; the White House, Blackwater and others of its ilk, etc., etc. The truth of all of this is smacking us in the face but it is okay to extend service periods of soldiers; it is okay to ill supply them; it was okay to use pre-emptive war that violates our basic laws. It is okay for a candidate with a very poor pro-veteran voting record to keep saying he loves them. Some of us are "monitoring" that!
Americans are still asking Who is Obama?" Perhaps we need an FDR fireside chat with this candidate when he sits down, stops speeches, and tells us from gut level who he really is, what he really wants from himself, and from us.
Americans have not stepped up until this crisis smacked them in the wallet and shame on them for that.
Read McGovern's letter and ask yourself if it applies to you, to your Representatives, to your President. Demand answers from the candidates, real answers not that you are an expert in foreign affairs because Putin's plane flies over your head. Indeed, how very much seems to be over the head of this vice-presidential candidate. Real answers, not we were misled re: Iraq—how much effort went into truth finding before bandwagoning and bomb dropping?
These are the days of resolution, not just because of the Jewish holiday, but because we have mucked up so much that we need, each and everyone one of us to pitch in and clean up the "Augean stables" even if it is a Heculean effort. The future of our country depends on it.
How about some non-paid public service for those whose golden parachutes meant more to them than their country? Or even, something more to the point of punishment of this crime, for indeed, it is a crime, a series of crimes against this country, and, indeed, much of the world.
From Ray McGovern at Consortium News
To Joe Biden: Time for Confession.
Tuesday, September 30 2008 | Permanent link | Comment | PrintPickens Plan by Remy Benoit
Pickens Plan for Energy Independence at You Tube!
Pickens Plan for Energy Independence.
If not now, when?
If not by me, by whom?
Rabbi Hillel
For those of you celebrating this holy day, Rosh Hashanah, a blessed New Year.
Tuesday, September 30 2008 | Permanent link | Comment | PrintMcCain and Veterans by Remy Benoit
From John Dougherty, the Washington Independent Veterans Groups Question McCain Voting Record Part 2: GOP Hopeful's Record on Vet Benefits Contradicts Stump Rhetoric.
There should be no question about care for our Veterans. It is part of the deal—be there for us and we will be there for you. Why is that so hard to get? Why is that so hard to implement? Does the nation have a conscience?Monday, September 29 2008 | Permanent link | Comment | PrintPickens Plan by Remy Benoit
If you are interested in national energy independence, this is a site you should visit, and you will have an opportunity to inform your representatives and senators about your concerns.
Pickens Plan.
Keep in mind that energy independence will be reflected in our foreign affairs and could mean less war. Support your soldiers with less chance of their blood for oil.
Sunday, September 28 2008 | Permanent link | Comment | PrintWho is your presidential match? by Remy Benoit
From ABC News a quick questionaire to see who is your candidate Election 2008.
Saturday, September 27 2008 | Permanent link | Comments (1) | Print"Thanks Hank" by Remy Benoit
At You Tube Thanks Hank.
Send your bills to Secretary Paulson while you are waiting to see if there is a debate tonight.
I suppose that all of us who live in Louisiana can claim to be foreign policy experts as we have the great port of New Orleans here and travelers from around the world.
I am watching the news. Did someone bring Laugh In. back to television as that can be the only reason we are watching this unfolding insanity. Can one imagine making a presidential run and using politics to play with peoples' heads, and future?
Friday, September 26 2008 | Permanent link | Comment | PrintVeterans of Iraq by Remy Benoit
From Dr. Phil Leveque, Salem-News (Oregon)at Veterans for Common Sense VCS in the News: PTSD, VA Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics.
What kind of nation does not care for its Veterans? We cannot allow ourselves to be that kind of nation. We just can't.
Check your favorite candidate's record on Vet votes and let that help you make a decision.
Thursday, September 25 2008 | Permanent link | Comment | PrintWhat if...? by Remy Benoit
What if we finally got it that we are all truly connected?
What if we finally got it that what we do, each and everyone of us, matters—truly matters?
For some answers to those questions, please join Gregg Braden in this interview with Tara Radio. Gregg Braden.
Thursday, September 25 2008 | Permanent link | Comment | PrintAnn WoolnerA: Sue Them, Jail Them by Remy Benoit
From Ann Woolner at Bloomberg Sue Them, Jail Them, Make Them Pay for Meltdown: Ann Woolner.
Sunday, September 21 2008 | Permanent link | Comment | PrintBill Moyers and Michael Winship by Remy Benoit
At Truthout Moguls Steal Home While Companies Strike Out.
Saturday, September 20 2008 | Permanent link | Comment | Print1 Million Doors for Peace by Remy Benoit
From Katrina Vanden Heuvel at The Nation A Million Doors Open for Peace.
This is an interesting grass roots notion and I do like grass roots politics—but Afghasnistan is clearly missing in this endeavor. Also, educatiohn of the public, without the news hype, of why we are at war in these two places; education about the cultures of these two places; education about our expectations about our role in these two places would go far in having voters demand answers of candidates.
They all just keep saying Afghanistan is so important, but if you note, they never say why, nor what our actual intentins there are.
Stop accpeting hype—demand truth and war by lie just might stop.
Friday, September 19 2008 | Permanent link | Comment | PrintConstitution Day by Remy Benoit
From John Nichols at Common Dreams Constitution in Crisis, Candidates in Denial.
It is good to see someone stand up for the Constitution of these United States. With the blatant usurpations of power that we have witnessed over the last several years, perhaps some of us need to be reminded that the Founders of this country sought to protect our rights—all of them, including the Balance of Power that makes the system work. But remember, it is not only the Balance of Power that is important—it is important that the voice of We the People is heard to protect the very life line of who we are, and of who we can ever hope to be. If you haven't read your Constitution lately, perhaps it is time for a refresher course. Constitution of the United States of America. Please note it does not say red states and blue states, it says United States.
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect
Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the
common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings
of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this
Constitution for the United States of America..Thursday, September 18 2008 | Permanent link | Comment | PrintFrank Rich: The Palin-Whatshisname Ticket by Remy Benoit
From Frank Rich, the New York Times at Veterans for Common Sense The Palin-Whatshisname Ticket.
Also, from Katrina Vanden Heuvel at The Nation The Unbearable Lightness of Election 2008.
And from Ari Berman also at The Nation Media Breaks Up With McCain.Tuesday, September 16 2008 | Permanent link | Comment | PrintShouldn't those who fight for freedom be able to vote in a VA Facility? by Remy Benoit
From Paul Sullivan at Veterans for Common Sense VCS Testimony in Favor of S 3308, 'Veteran Voting Support Act'.
Tuesday, September 16 2008 | Permanent link | Comment | Print"Live from New York... by Remy Benoit
It's Saturday Night." Palin—Hillary.
Tuesday, September 16 2008 | Permanent link | Comment | PrintThe View from the UK Re: Ms. Palin by Remy Benoit
From Ian Bell at the Sunday Herald, UK at Common Dreams A letter to America: You Cannot be Serious.
Sometims it takes someone removed from the picture to make us look at what we are doing. In a campaign that has been constantly critical of Obama's lack of experience, this is who is chosen to be the proverbial heartbeat away?
Again, as Americans we must demand stands on issues—peace work, negotiation, rather than endless war. Has anyone asked the candidates what our objectives are in Afghanistan, let alone how we intend to achieve them—and at what cost to us and to the people of Afghanistan? Or are we content to accept that "we must be there for as long as it takes." Takes to do, to achieve, what?
Without a goal there is no end in sight.
Have we asked who is making the decisions on those questions, or if they have the in depth knowledge and insight to make them properly?
Have we asked how many of our young it will take for how long?
Have we asked where Osama is, or if anyone is looking for him?
Have we asked about unemployment, a declining infrastructure, health insurance, and a hundred other things or are we content to sit back and watch and listen to hype and tripe?
Have we asked ourselves how much our Constitution means to us, or are we willing to allow a blatant mixture of church and state? Have we studied historically the problems that can and does bring?
Have we asked ourselves are these people our best and brightest—the best we can offer ourselves and the world? Would you allow them to babysit your children, because if you haven't caught on yet, you are putting your children, your grandchildren, and yourselves in their hands. How comfortable are you with that?
If that makes you uncomfortable, well, now is the time to get off the couch and ask the questions—and demand the answers.
Monday, September 15 2008 | Permanent link | Comment | PrintThe 4th Estate by Remy Benoit
The function of the press is to provide news, real news, not celebrity misadventures, half news. Investigative journalism keeps democracy alive by informing voters. With more and more centralized control of the media in fewer and fewer hands, more and more real news is lost; more propaganda is fed to the public.
With those thoughts in mind, join Norman Solomon at Truthout The Sickening Praise for "The Daily Show".
Thursday, September 11 2008 | Permanent link | Comment | PrintAndrew Bacevich: 9/11 Plus Seven by Remy Benoit
From Andrew Bacevich, Tom Dispatch, at Truthout 9/11 Plus Seven.
Tuesday, September 9 2008 | Permanent link | Comment | PrintTroop Levels in Iraq by Remy Benoit
From the AP at MSNBC Bush to maintain Iraq troop levels until 2009
Up to 8,000 U.S. military personnel are scheduled to leave by February.
Tuesday, September 9 2008 | Permanent link | Comment | PrintAfghanistan by Remy Benoit
There is a weakness in foreign policy and it is not only a problem of the U.S. but of most countries. It is a weak link that is easily fortified because it simply calls for understanding of, knowledge of other countries with whom we interact.
Let me point out the absurdity of how we deal with things. Although I am fully certified to teach history in two other states, to do so here I would need to apply, be tested, and show not only proficiency in my field but also in math for which I have no use in a history classroom. These requirements stand despite multiple degrees and decades of experience from 7th to college class teaching. But to be an ambassador to another country, I would not have to show any knowledge of its language, history, nor culture. What is wrong with that thinking, or lack of thinking?
We faced this problem in Vietnam, we face it in Iraq, we face it in Afghanistan. Indeed, we face it in many places and do nothing to learn from it.
From Kathy Gannon of the AP at Common Dreams Afghans Fed Up With Government, US.
Monday, September 8 2008 | Permanent link | Comment | PrintBush Administration Timeline by Remy Benoit
From Nick Baumann and Dave Gilson at Mother Jones Bush's Reign of Error: A Timeline.
Sunday, September 7 2008 | Permanent link | Comment | PrintNo Task Too Great! by Remy Benoit
I am sitting just having watched the weather forecast for Ike and what I saw unnerved me. No, "they" don't know exactly where this particular hurricane is going, but "they" do have it aimed at us again. I could say that life just couldn't be that cruel, but we all know it sometimes can be.
My phones are still down; those is parishes south of us have been told a month before their services like electric are restored. They are permitted to go see what is left of their homes, and then, they must leave before 6PM a time when they should be settling into supper and an evening to rest from the labors of the day.
But the thought occurred to me through my rattled nerves and crunching stomach that there is so much in life that does not have to be so cruel. One of the Vets I have come to know said to me once that the world is so beautiful—why can we not see that and work harder for what is good, positive, uplifting, and grace filled. We seem to see out the dark side as though it had something to give us besides destruction and death. Is it that we think we see something there that will give us more; lead us to a more powerful place; better help us fulfill the purpose of our lives?
Ah, but we too easily blame “them” whoever they may be for “making us” choose such a path without ever looking backward to see what it is that we have done, what was done in our names, that led to where things are. Nor, do they look to what horrors that will cause somewhat further, often just a bit further, down the line.
We speak as though we know the only path; the right path; the only acceptable path, but do we?
If one thinks of the vast multitude of life forms, of their respective life ways of being and surviving, perhaps we might note that there are many ways to life, to build, to grow on this planet, in this universe.
Can we change, indeed, stop the path of a hurricane? No, not yet at least, but we can change our own destructive ways, attitudes, and actions so we do not bring the hurricanes of war to level lives.
Just something to think about as Hanna churns up the East Coast and Ike does whatever he is doing.
On a personal note, to the men of the West Point Class of ‘68 who are enjoying their 40th Reunion celebration this weekend, it has been a great honor and a pleasure to work with you as your editor. I do so hope you are pleased with your memory book—Both Sides of the Wall Reflections of the West Point Class of 1968. Do please let me know how you like it.
Both BG and I so wish we were there with you, but although we are here doing what needs doing after Gustav, and perhaps before Ike, we are still gripping hands with all of you. May God Bless you and your families, and indeed, thank you for your continual and exemplary devotion to your oath of Duty, Honor, Country. No Task Too Great for ‘68!
Saturday, September 6 2008 | Permanent link | Comment | PrintPower! by Remy Benoit
Hey there,
We got power yesterday, cable today, and still without phones. Those south of us are in a bad way and some will not have power for a month.
Please, no IKE!
Love to all, unscrambling my brain,
Remy
Friday, September 5 2008 | Permanent link | Comment | Print
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All contents copyright Remy Benoit or their respective authors. The advice on this site should not be construed as professional advice. If you are in a state of crisis, you should seek professional aid in your area.
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Both Sides of the Wall: Reflections of the West Point Class of 1968 (Edited by Remy Benoit).
Read Jerry Wenstrom's review of Loving.
Rhea and Jordan Devereaux had it all: undying devotion, a tender love, and a grand passion. And then the Vietnam War separated them. Follow the course of their love across time and space. Journey with them through the steaming jungle; dance with the Mardi Gras revelers while revolution unseats Louis XVI and protestors on the Washington Mall scream, Hell, NO. We won't Go. Sail with Laffite's pirates into Devil's Isle and rejoice as an unconditional and timeless love emerges victorious.
Read an excerpt from Loving.
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