WARNING:POLITICAL RANT - READ AT YOUR OWN RISK

Yesterday we went to the US Embassy's Fourth of July celebration - yes, it was early, but fun nonetheless as we ate hot dogs, hamburger, cotton candy and other American fare. There was Uncle Sam walking around :

and patriotic music playing - a bit hokey, but comfortably familiar. Ariana had her first snow cone(in a cup) and was very happy bouncing in the big giant bouncy ride (what in the world do you call those things, anyway?)

It was held on the Embassy residences, a complex that looks very much like any housing complex in the U.S., with several moderately sized buildings separated by large patches of grass. The party was staffed by the complex residents and it was nice to see the diversity so prevalent in the U.S. - a nice change from the homogeneous world of Japan.

At about 2 o'clock, the parade started - lead by representatives of our armed forces, holding flags.

As I looked into their young faces, I saw the pride and sense of responsibility that carrying that flag represented. Their families were cheering on the sidelines. Earlier that day, I had been served food by others who serve our country for a living. Whether away fighting or work here at the embassy, there lives are at greater risk because of that choice.

I looked in those flag carrying soldier's faces and started to cry. Because we have let them down. We have sent them and keep sending them into harms way badly prepared, without proper planning, without the tools they need to succeed. And we keep sending them. After their tours are over, we say "sorry, gotta go back". Having to leave their families after an already long period of time and head back to a situation that even the experts are saying cannot be won.

I looked into those soldier's faces and wondered if they were the lucky ones. The one's stationed here in Japan and would never have to actually go to where the fighting is. If they would be safe.

I wondered about all of the other ones - all of the young people all over the country with the same innocent faces, the same pride and dedication, the ones being sent.

And I thought the powers that be, the powers in control of it all -

"the deciders", should be ashamed.