Tom Crane: Should use more power and strength for good

To The Daily Sun,

I have felt that local papers should be focused on local news. However, the events of the past year compel me to speak up against the death and destruction our country is doing and supporting.

I fear our country, even our leaders, do not see or understand the misery and suffering we are inflicting. I see the pictures on TV of sights on a boat and bam; it disappears ― just like in a video game. We read about 175 girls being blown to pieces by mistake, and it’s just "collateral damage." We see pictures of buildings blown apart, dead and wounded, followed quickly by sports and weather. I have had the unfortunate experience of being in a war where we were in the middle of that horror. People don’t just disappear like the videos or are just statistics on the news. They hang on to life desperately and in agony. The vast majority of Iranians suffering and being killed are powerless civilians just like those in Gaza, Vietnam, and other wars.

There are many ways to prevent a nuclear Iran. The peaceful ways are difficult, take a lot of time, and persistence. War seems quicker, but it seldom results in lasting long term positive results. What are the results of all the lives and treasure lost in Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq? What would be different today if we did not fight those wars, or even won in Vietnam? It is not just statistics and videos. For me it was two of my college roommates, my Ranger Buddy, and numerous guys I served with. Now it is someone’s daughters, sons and grandchildren.

We can use our power and strength better and more effectively than for death and destruction. I need to say it.

Tom Crane

Meredith