Newsweek Article: The War in the Words of the Dead

Newsweek published an article this week that shows the letters from those fighting in Iraq. It does the same thing that we attempt to do with the Women and War project: it shows a variety of perspectives and it shows how families are affected. Author Jon Meacham says,

"No matter where one stands on the decision to invade or on the conduct of the
conflict over the last four years, the Iraq War is indisputably a curious
thing. For the first time in the experience of any living American, we have
sent an all-volunteer force overseas to advance our interests for a
prolonged period, and virtually nothing has been asked of the vast majority
of those who do not have loved ones in the line of fire. The bargain is
hardly fair. If we take the president at his word, the men and women of the
armed forces are fighting and dying over there so that you and I will not
have to face mortal danger over here."

Thoughts about war, Peace Corps

I estimate, conservatively, that I am a week away from submitting my Peace Corps application and beginning that process. I think talking about this war with friends and with strangers made me consider my values like I never had before, and it made me realize how many values I didn't act on. I remember telling Emily at one point, "But everyone lives their values every day, whether it's conscious or not." I reflected on my day-to-day existence and realized that my values were on the side of what was easy, or convenient for me, more often than I thought about what the impact would be on other people. I have reduced the amount of driving I do in order to reduce my carbon emissions (and hopefully alleviate global warming). I'm saving some money now, too. Ultimately I also realized that I couldn't stand by while children and their families all over the world lacked the means to a secure life and future. And I started to look into the Peace Corps. Ultimately, I decided to apply before Christmas, and have been working on my application since. Thinking about leaving my family and friends for two years is scary, but I know it's worth it for what I will do AND will get from it. I believe I'm able to contribute to the welfare of people who don't have access to the information, resources, education, or technology that I take for granted in the United States. I'm also looking forward to being a representative of the Unites States abroad, to talking about the rights I enjoy here and how I exercise them.