I write this to you on Memorial Day knowing that you served and undoubtedly had friends die in combat. I chose a different way I did not serve in the military I did my best to curtail the war. We didn’t do such a good job welcoming home our troops. Back then it was hard to separate the war from the warrior. I now understand the difference and as you do I applaud the men and women who risk their lives so I may raise my voice for peace.
Thank you for your article I found it well balanced open and objective. I pray for all of us to live in happiness, health, and harmony.
From Douglas Keever
The commandment is actually written that Thou shalt not murder. A slightly different context than killing.
Do you actually think we could “defend” our borders, & stop evildoers from entering better with the forces we would bring home? I doubt it.
It is fruitless to assume we will ever “win” the war on terrorism. Slow it down, perhaps. But there is no way to eradicate all terrorists & and they are not a nation that could capitulate.
We haven’t been doing such a great job for the past number of years with the rest of the active terrorists that aren’t quite as high a profile. It took how many years to find this one we’ve been searching for, and have offered 100’s of thousands of $’s reward for? Even repeating this “finding” once more would take more than a decade. Not exactly a clear and present danger to them today.
I do agree with your conclusions though.
From George S. Robinson Jr.
That was an interesting column in Suddenly Senior. In it you succinctly summarize the conundrum posed by the execution of Bin Laden. On one hand, we are steeped in the ten commandments or other faith’s similar tenets. Prime among these is “Thou Shalt not Kill.” On the other side of the ledger we hear “An eye for an eye,…etc” and act to protect, not only ourselves but also all others on the globe, allies or not.
Was it not difficult on V-J day or V-E in the forties to not applaud the cessation of hostilities? Those two dates meant primarily an end to the conflict and killing in the Pacific and European Theatres of war. Bin Laden’s demise will, hopefully, either end or widely reduce terrorist events around the world.
Thank you for your post so thoroughly identifying the moral and ethical conflicts in this solution and telling of your method of dealing with them.
From S. MacKenzie
Thank you for the article on bin Laden’s death. It echoes my sentiments exactly.
From Joan Griffin
Thoroughly enjoyed your article in this week’s Suddenly Senior. I totally agree with you.
Thanks for sharing.
LESSONS I SHOULD HAVE LEARNED FROM MY MOTHER
by Susan Pierres
Sunday, May 9th we celebrated Mother’s Day. Many of our readers are mothers and grandmothers, and will hopefully be surrounded by children and grandchildren celebrating motherhood. Some older readers are lucky enough to still have their mother around. One of those fortunate children is guest columnist Susan Pierres. This week she writes about her childhood, battling with her mother as a teenager, how her 95-year-old mother has now become her best friend and shares her “Top Ten” list of lessons she should have learned from Mom.
From Michael Graham
How wonderful. I wish I had had the experiences you are having with your mom…
Thank you so much for writing something which in reality stands for all of us.
From Alexa Fleckenstein
Thank you for your fine article for Mothers’ Day! What I wonder these days is what kind of people our mothers were
beyond us? Or – gasp! the unthinkable: without us? Wish my mother were still around. I thought I never listened to her. But in the end, like you, I might have listened more than I thought.
From Saralee Perel
A beautiful, wonderful story. You take the reader along with you on your discoveries.
From Frances Canet
This is wonderful and you are so very right. Seems Mothers get smarter the older they get – or maybe we do. Happy Mother’s Day to your Mom.
From Mara Fisher
A wonderful, most enjoyable piece. It brought me back to memories of my mom….thank you!
From Linda Georgian
I was intuitively guided to open up my SUDDENLY SENIOR email out of my more than 781, and there was your story of you and your mother…which I, of course, read. I loved it and felt great love for you and your mother that I just had to email you myself… My main reason for contacting you is to tell you what an excellent writer you are! and what a wonderful mother and family you have! God Bless You ! and for your contribution!!!. I was enjoying and appreciating your mother’s list of do’s and don’ts…they’re all true!! I laughed about the plastic bag when going to restaurants…my mother ALWAYS did that. Hope to hear and read more of your material.
From Richard Earl
It’s such a shame we all must age. Your mom is a testament to her success in dealing with a long life. For some reason, it’s a comfort to know that 100 years ago most were dead by my
age of 71 years. These days squeaking parts remind me that
this ride will end, sooner not later, and there ain’t no grease
gonna prevent it! And that’s OK…
