Waxing UnPolitical

Boy I hate to get on a soapbox, but this is the only forum I have to do so, and I know no one will read it anyway. ;)

I recently heard that you can no longer send gifts or get well cards addressed to "any recovering soldier" at Walter Reed Hospital. Instead, people are encouraged to donate money to nonprofit organizations who support our troops.

Is it just me, or do you find this upsetting too? I know this war is about making money but for pity's sake, we should at least have some way to personally let our soldiers know we appreciate them -- and not by adding to the bottom line of some nonprofit organization.

Anyone who thinks that nonprofit organizations do not make money is foolish. People at nonprofit organizations do make money, and their CEOs get million dollar salaries just like the rest of corporate america. And when an influx of money comes in, if you think the CEO doesn't find a way to get some of that in his pocket, you are also foolish.

Politicians who wonder why america doesn't support the war? In World War I and World War II, people were asked to knit sweaters and socks for soldiers. Like me. Actual american families pitched in. Children and grown ups collected kapac for the war effort -- metal to be recycled. Even in the Koren and Viet Nam conflicts women across the nation donated toiletries and donated hand-made quilts for hospitals.

The war against terrorism, however, continually insults americans by presenting the "just send money" message. Even worse, those young people who are dying and away from their families every day do not even have the comfort of receiving something personal -- knowing someone cared about me enough to send me a get-well card, or to make a lap quilt for me while I sit in a wheelchair.

Shame on all of us for allowing this!