A recent news article stated that one in three post-9/11 military veterans see the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as a waste, and a majority think our country should focus on domestic problems. An even larger majority of civilians believe this. I think the reason the wars continue is that they are very profitable for the wealthiest, most powerful people in the country. Since many of our political leaders depend on financing from extremely wealthy corporations, like Goldman Sachs, and individuals, like the Koch brothers, lawmakers make decisions that will benefit them. The Occupy Wall Street demonstrations that are spreading across the country offer an alternative vision. Their rallying cry is, "We are the 99 percent" as opposed to the wealthiest 1 percent who are controlling our government. Note: If your income is less than $3 million a year, you are in the 99 percent. Those of us in the 99 percent are ignored or exploited by today's economic system. Of the more than 6,000 troops who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan, my guess is that they and their families are in the 99 percent.
We do the work and make the sacrifices, while the 1 percent reap the profits. The Occupy Wall Street movement hopes to turn our government away from the corporate greed model that bailed out Wall Street and investment banks, and return it to working in the interests of the other 99 percent of our citizens. If you think that our government should stand up for citizens, and not wealthy corporate interests, go online to read the Declaration of the Occupation of New York City (9/30/11) to learn about the issues driving the Occupy Wall Street action. I hope these demonstrations lead to positive change that puts the welfare of our citizens first.
PAT LONG
WEST MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP