We are now mired in an off year election period. Unfortunately, voters go to the polls in these periods in smaller numbers than in presidential election years.
However, since we are electing members of Congress, in behooves us to be attentive in choosing those who have a pivotal role in passing legislation that affects us greatly.
On a national level, foreign policy, including decisions on military actions are implemented.
The nation is sick of wars; we must express our opinions strongly. In addition to the terrible toll on our precious men and women, trillions of dollars have been spent I think, on an inflated sense of our mission to change foreign governments, in “nation building.”
We are seeing the lack of success of accomplishing that mission, and, in alienating millions of people and causing enormous suffering and destruction, and displacing millions of refugees.
Considering the enormous costs, much of which we could not afford, could we not have spent it instead for major intelligence gathering abroad and internally, maximum financial aid to improve life in many impoverished nations (becoming much more popular with their inhabitants), and major peaceful diplomatic efforts.
When are we going to think harder about the immorality and arrogance of some of the policies our representatives have espoused, and hope to give them the message that we expect them to change priorities.
We have to urge them to beware of the influence of those who profit from wars, whose principal motives are to get control of the natural resources of other countries.
And when are we going to learn that the anger our actions instigate will never change the minds of other ideologues? When hugely disadvantaged and persecuted populations are desperate, they will not believe us.
Of course, they are likely to resort to violence.
Every time that we are have the privilege of voting, I would hope that we would exercise it carefully.
Esther Confino
New Hyde Park
