My cousin committed suicide. After 4 tours in Iraq and losing so many of his

[Horse with no Name]

buddies, he went to a very dark place that we are all just learning of and obviously could not cope with. With him so far away, the military obviously offered no help for him. I am just learning details and will share more as I find them out. It happened in Georgia. Obviously, everyone in our family is devastated.
I have written many times about the strong military service that my family has provided to this country.
Currently, including my deceased cousin--we have 5 members serving and several retired military.
Apparently, my cousin was writing poetry to help him cope. This is something we didn't know either.
I'm going to share a few of poems with you all and if anyone is interested in reading more--please PM and I will send you a link to his poetry.
May God rest his tortured soul.:cry:

The American Way
Can you believe, the Hypocrisy
They're selling me, so I'll believe

Our nations tragedy, to be free
That's what they're telling me, yet no integrity

Do as they say, not as they do
It's not alright for you

Why are they, leading us astray
Guess it's their American way

We've heard it all before, the knock on the door
Its time we evened the score

I can't stand your misery, your philosophy
That you keep selling me

America is in jeopardy, why can't we really see
Revealing the mystery

Corporations, yes they hold the key, to their Democracy
No freedom really isn't free

They buy their way into our destiny, plant their seed
Fueling the fires of their greed

We need to run away, pray for a better day
Yes change our freedom, and the American way


Darkness
I wanted to move forward
It's never easy alone
Yet I have no right
And am thrown to the wolves
And am
Absolutely
Completely
nothing

I just wanted atonement
Not forgiveness
Yet broken
When I'm honest

I welcome you again
This cell


American Me
White man, hate breed
Elicit worm of poverty
Lost within nothing
Dwelling conscience inside of me

Red man, ancient need
The blood of the wolf
Courses through my veins. . . entirely

Correlation coefficient
The two as one. . . reciprocity
A war of world's. . . pangenesis society

Xanthochroid animosity
Hateful for my territoriality
My blood flows red
For whom I shall be

I've no need for your Omni potency
White blood anger. . . acrimony
Will be your hanging tree
I've chosen my Indian heritage
Lifeblood. . . luminous intensity
Drives my soul. . . my destiny

Endings' Uncertain
I stand before two cliffs in time
My eyes wide open
And gaze outward on the vastness of empty space
And sense the emptiness... growing wide

I pound two stakes within the ground
On both sides of this earthen edge
And fastened a rope between them
Helpless to stop an impending outward force

The rope drew taut, unraveled fast
And I am lost within what to do
Does it matter? Should I care? Should I try?
To keep these spiritual halves together
Or should I stand... helpless

My confusion does not mean absolution
And I will not, cannot stand
Unless for something... find anything
And cast an iron chain, between

I stand between two cliffs in time
As the waters flood within my eyes
And watch as the chain draws taut

[crim son]

I am deeply sorry to hear about your cousin.

I can't imagine how you feel. His poem is beautiful and I'd like to read more if you'd be willing to PM me.

May he rest in peace.

[Horse with no Name]

173. Just an update of sorts

I am humbled by the kindness extended to my family here. Thank you all so much. It means a lot to me. Thank you for the hearts, PM's and suggestions about publishing his work.
First of all, his work is copyrighted and his son will be the one who owns this.
I, too, would love to see it published. It is important.
I am posting a picture

I am haunted by his poetry.
I've made sense of it--and the process that I noticed was the earlier poetry touted the propaganda.
As I have read through it, you can see where he started questioning the propaganda.

I've found out details that I am not ready to share yet...and honestly not sure I ever will.
I want him to rest in peace. I think he has earned that.
I am grateful for the way that our community has gathered around this soldier. And I am honored.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.:grouphug:

[barb162]

176. I'm so sorry.

:(

[mecherosegarden]

1. My deepest condolences to you and your family . N/T

[rockymountaindem]

2. Oh man, I'm so sorry

I never know what to say in these threads, but you have my sympathy :hug:

[Muttocracy]

3. My condolences. What a loss. Thanks for sharing his poetry. nt

[Tangerine LaBamba]

4. I'm sorry

It's unimaginable, what he had to endure. The only thing you can be sure of is that his pain has ended. For that, at least, you can be thankful.

The rest of it, ah, no words will comfort you. Suicide never ends. It is the act that kills the actor quickly and the survivors slowly.

Just try to hold on to the knowledge that he ended his pain. That will help sustain you and your family.

I am so sorry.

[Ladyhawk]

33. Have to disagree with you.

You said, "It is the act that kills the actor quickly and the survivors slowly."

I guarantee you this "actor" has been dying slowly for years.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

35. Huh?

You only die once, in an instant. I was not talking about the process of dying. I know nothing of what was in the poor man's mind - and neither do you. I hope his burden was short-lived, but we don't know.

My experience with suicides, alas, has been voluminous. I wish it hadn't been so, but life has its ways. I've learned far more about it than I ever wanted to know. It is one of the most complicated acts I've ever had to bear witness to, and the reverberations go through generations. Just last year, the father of one of my partners committed suicide. As had his mother and his grandfather.

It's so hard.

[bkkyosemite]

5. My deepest condolences to you and your family.

[hlthe2b]

6. Seems his poetry was his release from the pain...

until it wasn't enough. The thoughts one gets at times like this are absolutely wrenching.

My thoughts and prayers are with your family... This young man has surely found the peace he deserved. I surely hope so.

[Juche]

7. Did he join after 9/11

From the sound of his poetry is sounds like he wanted to do the right thing, but realizes he got caught up in a stupid war.

If he joined after 9/11 and wanted to fight Al Qaeda, then got sent to Iraq instead I'm sure that just compounded the mental distress.

[Horse with no Name]

12. No. He has been in the military since he graduated from High School

It's been over 20 years.:(

[Jamastiene]

8. I'm so sorry for your loss.

:hug:

He would have made an excellent, super talented lyricist.

[barbtries]

9. i'm so sorry

oh, i'm so sorry :cry:

[DesertRat]

10. I'm so sorry

That's so very sad. Peace to you and your family. :hug:

[tabbycat31]

11. i'm so sorry

hugs and thoughts being sent your (and your family's) way at this tough time.

[Lefta Dissenter]

13. I am so, so sorry

I can't imagine the pain and sorrow your entire family must feel. I am just so very sorry.

Thank you for sharing his poetry, and helping us to catch a glimpse of what he felt.

My heart goes out to you. :cry:

[aikoaiko]

14. Damn, just damn.

So sorry for your and your family's loss.

[CitizenPatriot]

15. I'm so sorry for your loss

I'm in Ga, and I'm familiar with a lot of the tough times our troops have when they come home.

IF there is anything I can do for you or your family, please PM me.

For everyone else, please consider checking out the local bases online and seeing the community support groups you can join to help out. You can adopt a soldier, adopt a pet, etc. It may be a small thing, but everything we can do to support them is a worthwhile effort. Just because the govt didn't do their part doesn't mean we can't do the best we can to help...

[ThomCat]

16. I am so very sorry.

You and your whole family have my condolences. :(

Some of that poetry is compelling. It would be a wonderful memorial if it was available somewhere.

My heart goes out to you. To have so many people in your family at risk, and to have lost someone so creative and dedicated.
:cry:

[patrice]

17. I am Sad with you and your Family, Horse with no Name. God rest his soul.

I read your cousin's poetry and I will read it again, until I can hear his voice.

[Stargazer09]

18. I am so sorry for the loss of your cousin

It's obvious that he was in a great deal of emotional pain, judging by his poetry.

:hug:

[kestrel91316]

19. .......

:hug:

[girl gone mad]

20. I have a cousin on his 4th tour right now.

I worry about him so much. Vietnam destroyed my father.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[Horse with no Name]

22. Vietnam killed my cousins Dad too

Slowly--the Agent Orange did the job it was intended to do. He died at age 46.
Please--keep your cousin close...we didn't keep ours close enough.:(

[girl gone mad]

34. I want to, but he never calls..

he doesn't even call his mother and she's worried sick all the time. Holidays, that's it, and he seems so distant then. Was it the same for you?

[Ladyhawk]

31. My oldest nephew is in Iraq.

My Republican family insists the army made him a man and that this is good for him.

Somehow I doubt it.

[Initech]

43. A couple of my buddies have done 3 tours.

They're back for good now and another friend's brother just got his discharge and is currently at the base in Florida about to move back here. I cant begin to imagine what that must have been like. :scared:

[Horse with no Name]

21. I am just now going through these poems so please forgive me

I want to add this one. I wish I knew in which order he wrote them, but I guess we won't know. I think he is talking about our use of phosphorous weapons in this one.

Surreal
Did you see the lights a-coming?
Or was it much too soon
Through the intense humming
Of the LIQUEFIED moon

Was the filth an intense one?
As it rolled to life
Or was it like the setting sun?
SUNKEN like a KNIFE!

Did the bodies sicken you?
as you passed the(KILLING)time
Or were you just the victim, who?
In life, CREATES the crime!

And in the end, your left no hope
Unknowing, lost, you knew not what to do
Oh, how great, the AWESOME rope
To put YOUR neck into!

[w8liftinglady]

23. we have "known" each other for 4 years.

I feel for you like I would a friend.I hope your family finds peace.

[Horse with no Name]

30. I share that sentiment with you

You all have been through a lot too.
Thank you.
:hug:

[Triana]

24. Good Heavens. I'm so sorry for your loss. Those poems are heartbreaking...

do treasure them. They are part of him. I have the poems of lost loved ones too, though they didn't die in such a horrible way - it was bad enough but not like your cousin - I'm so sorry.

:hug:

[seemunkee]

25. You and your family have my deepest sympathy

May his spirit find peace and be free from the horrors that haunted him.

[flying rabbit]

26. Peace.

:cry: :hug: Haunting poetry. Sad

[scarletwoman]

27. So very sorry! Oh how awful! Thank you for sharing those poems, they are

so powerful and so heartbreaking... I'm so sorry for your family.

Wishing you all strength and peace.
sw

[scarletwoman]

28. So very sorry! Oh how awful! Thank you for sharing those poems, they are

so powerful and so heartbreaking... I'm so sorry for your family.

Wishing you all strength and peace.
sw

[bertman]

29. May he now find peace. I am sorry for your loss. This is what we do to the brave.

[Mnemosyne]

32. I am so very sorry, Horse. May he find peace. n/t

[Bluerthanblue]

36. so very sad-

I'm sorry... words are little help.

wishing peace, comfort and healing


:hug:

[Vickers]

37. Damn.

:(

[applegrove]

38. I'm so sorry.

[snot]

39. Thank you.

I hope you'll forgive if I add:

"Hatred never ceases by hatred;
But by love alone is healed.
This is an ancient and eternal law."
-- "Dhammapada," Ch. 1, the Twin Verses 5, as quoted by Maha Ghosananda

I'm afraid we are too quick to believe masters who tell us (for their sakes) that we must kill for our sakes.

[roguevalley]

40. Oh god. There are no words. I hug you, Horse, I hug you.

[Iggo]

41. WHAT THE FUCK!

UNBELIEVEABLE!

WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON OVER THERE?!?!?!?!

FUCK!!!!!

[Initech]

42. That fucking sucks.

War always has a dark underbelly to it that a lot of us aren't aware of. It sucks that shit like this happens.

[NC_Nurse]

44. I am so sorry.

:-( May he rest in peace.

[Tsiyu]

45. The world has lost an astounding poet

He has encapsulated this time with his precious words.


I am so, so sorry for your loss and for that of your family and his friends. May the beloved warrior rest in peace.

:cry:

[file83]

88. These words he wrote spoke of a truth...

"Corporations, yes they hold the key, to their Democracy
No freedom really isn't free

They buy their way into our destiny, plant their seed
Fueling the fires of their greed"

Emphasis was mine. That line rings true on so many levels: Lobbying, Advertising (aka "propaganda"), Marketing (credit card offers), recruiting, materialism, product placement in movies, corruption, etc...

[Tsiyu]

116. The words resonated with me

Simple truth laid out.

I cried my eyeballs out to think of him struggling with the breadth of this horror of war.

Why do so many humans just not give a damn about the consequences of their greed?

His death at his own hands is certainly one of those consequences. But the warmongers simply turn away and rub their hands together over their piles of $$$$$$$$$.

[stewartcolbert08]

46. I am so so sorry.....

if you need anything at all........:hug:

[Nostradammit]

47. I am so saddened to hear of your loss, Horse with no Name

I wish you and your family all strength.


I will not rest until the bastards responsible for all this waste are dead.

[Maru Kitteh]

48. I'm gonna tear up now, a little. Too many things to say

and yet none of them quite fit.



:cry:

[Withywindle]

49. I'm so sorry for your loss.

How awful.

His poetry is powerful. I'm sure being able to express himself like that helped for at least a little while. I think you should circulate it widely - there are sure to be other wounded warriors out there who can relate to it.

I hope he is in a place of peace and healing now.

[EFerrari]

50. Heartbreaking.

I'm so sorry, my dear.

:hug:

[madfloridian]

51. Tragic

so sad

[Quantess]

52. ............

[SeattleGirl]

53. I am so sorry, Horse

What an awful tragedy for your cousin, and for those he left behind.

My sincere condolences to you and yours.

[grantcart]

54. You have our deepest thoughts and prayers.

In January suicides out numbered combat deaths in the US military.

[alphafemale]

55. I'm very sorry. I hope you and your family find comfort .

:hug:

[KT2000]

56. Oh no.....

this is so sad. I hope he has found peace and I wish you peace as well.

[SalmonChantedEvening]

57. Tears and condolences for your loss

:cry:

If we do not see to the needs of those who serve, we cannot truly call ourselves a great nation.


Horse, may his spirit be at peace.

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[NikolaC]

58. I Am So Sorry For Your Loss

and your family's loss. Thank you for sharing his poetry, he seems to have been a talented young man who suffered terribly. I don't know what to say other than I hope that he is at peace and for help and healing for you and your family during this horrible time :hug:.

[Hekate]

59. I'm so very sorry at his needless death...

For the peaceful rest of his soul, this is a Buddhist prayer/meditation that can be addressed to "all beings" or just to one. For you and your cousin and your whole family in this terrible time...


May he be peaceful
May he be happy
May he be safe
May he awaken to the light of his true nature
May he be free from suffering.

May all beings be peaceful
May all beings be happy
May all beings be safe
May all beings awaken to the light of their true nature
May all beings be free from suffering.

:hug:

Hekate

[shaniqua6392]

60. I am so sorry for your loss.

Thank you for sharing his poetry. It is beautiful and tortured all at the same time.

[Greyhound]

61. Damn, I'm so sorry. n/t

:hug:

[mnhtnbb]

62. I am so sorry. Suicide leaves such a giant, aching hole in the hearts

of family and friends. May you and your family find peace in remembering the good things in your cousin's life and accepting that he just couldn't handle the pain any more.


As a society, a country, we have a lot to learn.

:hug:

[lenegal]

63. My heart breaks for your family. My sympathies on the loss of

a true Hero. What beautiful poetry. What utter despair he must have endured. God bless.

[proud2BlibKansan]

64. Oh damn

:hug:

[Vinca]

65. So sad and who knows how many times it has been repeated.

My condolences to you and your family.

[malaise]

66. Too sad

Deepest sympathy Horse with no Name :grouphug:

[gademocrat7]

67. I am very sorry for your loss.

My thoughts and prayers are for you and your family.

[yy4me]

68. I am crying for you and your pain, may your cousin rest in peace.

It is a cruel world and no-one should be made to suffer like this.

In my old age, I see the word as less of a place of wonder, more of a place to be until something else comes along.

[lurky]

69. How awful.

I'm sure nothing I can say can even begin to touch the pain your family is in. Please know my thoughts are with you.

[Mari333]

70. sending you all the love in the world

:grouphug:

[geiger]

71. condolences. how he struggled to remain sane.... we can all love him now.

[Ilsa]

72. HWNN, I am so sorry. And please offer our condolences to the

rest of your family.

I wish there was some way to get this information to The First Lady. Maybe there is something she could do to get attention drawn to the problems our military is having dealing with war.

:hug:

[elizfeelinggreat]

73. I'm so sorry.

[geckosfeet]

74. Pain. RIP soldier.

[yellerpup]

75. My deepest condolences to you and your family.

His poetry shines, his pain so palpable. After twenty years of believing in the mission it seems he felt betrayed and used. At his most conflicted, he found the truth of who he truly was and chose. My heart goes out to you, he was a deep person. RIP, warrior-waya.

[bdamomma]

76. my deepest sympathy to you and your family.

heartbreaking situation that must be addressed and treated.

[sellitman]

77. My deepest condolences

There are no words that will console.

Hugs.

[struggle4progress]

78. .

When will we ever learn?

:cry:

[DFW]

79. He suffered a torture of the kind you can't snap a photo of

I feel deeply for your loss--and his.

[TBF]

80. Horse, I'm so sorry. We've been hearing about far too much of this and it's

maddening. I would be honored to read more of his poetry.

[cate94]

81. I am so sorry.

[blm]

82. Standing with you, Horse.

(( ))

[babylonsister]

83. My deepest condolences to you and your family, HwnN.

:cry::hug:

[sinkingfeeling]

84. I'm so sorry for your family's loss. This young man seemed to be very sensitive and intelligent as

seen in his poems. I wish the entire population could read about and know your loss.

[Highway61]

85. So very sorry

[Tommy_J]

86. I'm so sad to hear of this tragic loss. May he RIP

[Veritas_et_Aequitas]

87. My condolences to you and your family

[maxintexas]

89. So very tragic...

I've been thinking about joining DU for awhile - and this post spurred me to action. I haven't made enough posts yet to allow me to send a PM, but I would like to contact the author to find out more about his cousin's poetry.

[Chorophyll]

90. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Peace and strength to you and your family.

[maryf]

91. In memoriam: Action from Veterans for Peace regarding suicides

I am so sorry to hear about your cousin, may he finally rest in Peace. As a tribute in memoriam, some here might consider calling congress...Last I heard it was 18 suicides a day...

VFP SAYS: "CONGRESS MUST FACE ESCALATING MILITARY SUICIDES"


The United States military is scrambling to head off what has turned into an epidemic of suicides. As reported on CNN, 24 service members killed themselves in January of this year, six times as many as in January of last year. 2008 was the fourth consecutive year of increases in soldier suicides.

Veterans For Peace Executive Director Michael McPhearson said this is not a surprise to him. "It is tragic. It is the culmination of years of continuous deployments and general stress the Armed Services have been put under because of an invasion and subsequent occupation that should have never happened."

The Army Times reports that Army Secretary Pete Geren has ordered a February 13, 2009, one day halt to recruitment activities also known as stand-down of the Army's entire recruiting force and a review of almost every aspect of the job in the wake of a wide-ranging investigation of four suicides in a Houston Recruiting Battalion.

One vivid example of this equation comes from the Houston Chronicle, which reported in a May 18, 2008 that an Army investigation attributed the 4 recruiter suicides to a combination of work environment, stress and personal issues. The latest was the March 6, 2007 death of Sergeant Nils Aron Andersson who shot himself in the temple less than 24 hours after his wedding to Cassy Walton. Cassy killed herself the next day.

Veterans For Peace is asking our members to visit with their Congressional Representatives and Senators next week to discuss these suicides, that the occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan contribute to the deaths and how our economy must transition from a reliance on war spending to human needs spending.

> read more on the front page of their website:

http://www.veteransforpeace.org/

[Barack_America]

92. 4 tours.

That shouldn't be allowed, much less demanded.

My sincere condolences to you and your family.

[SaveOurDemocracy]

93. So very sad ...

Wishing peace and healing to family and friends who must bear this loss.

Thank you for sharing his poetry. :hug:

[Kajsa]

94. I am so sorry,HWNN!

What a terrible loss!

His poetry reveals his compassion, understanding
and depth in relating to his fellow man/woman.

My condolences to you and your family at this
very difficult time.

:hug:

[peacetalksforall]

95. Peace of mind and soul to him, to you, to all your family. He left you all

a gift.

Until the day we don't have to say the word hypocrisy.

May our country lead in peace, not in war.

Please consider publishing his poems.

[pasto76]

96. Rest in Peace Warrior

goddammit.

[momto3]

97. I am so very sorry.

I too have a cousin, who is a marine, currently in Iraq on his fourth tour. He is also tormented. The last time he came home he could not readjust to "normal" society. We are all very worried about him.

Peace.

[RainDog]

98. condolences

I am so sorry for your loss.

[Midlodemocrat]

99. How awful for you. My deepest condolences.

And, I would love to read his poetry.

:hug:

[WillyT]

100. Fuck...

:cry:



:banghead:

:grouphug:

[Mad_Dem_X]

101. Please accept my deepest condolences.

:cry: :hug:

[GinaMaria]

102. I'm so sorry. What a horrible loss.

:cry: :hug:

[WilliamPitt]

103. Oh dear God, I'm so sorry.

:hug:

[Fire1]

104. My deepest sympathy to you and yours. I do have a question,

however, and I hope this is not insensitive. Was your cousin caught up in 'stop loss' during shrub's administration?

[G_j]

105. heart wrenching..

:cry:

[goclark]

106. My prayers are with you ~ my 35 yr. old cousin

returned from Iraq and he is in need of help.

His wife left him and told him to keep the adorable 3 year old girl.
It is heartbreaking but that is just the beginning.

He found a low life girlfriend and we believe they are taking drugs together.

Now he wants to give the child back to her mother even though he knows the mother doesn't want the precious angel.

He wants to stop working (great job making good money) and return to the Army!

He refuses to seek counseling and this is a good kid with an IQ of at least 140.

His father has begged him to life with him and bring the little girl with him. He doesn't want to do that either.

These stories are just the tip of the Iraq horror experiences.
Damn George Bush!

:cry:

[DesertDiamond]

107. I am so sorry for your loss. An uncle who was a Viet Nam vet killed himself.

They have monuments for those who died in combat. I think we need a monument for those who commit suicide after combat. They too gave their lives.

[leftynyc]

108. My deepest sympathies

to you and your family.

[MellowOne]

109. I'm so sorry

My love and prayers to your family.


He's one more victim of the Bush Evil Administration.

[KalicoKitty]

110. So sorry for your loss.

Sincere condolences to you and family.

It is so sad the record number of suicides of our military for a senseless war that Bush created!

[roberto]

111. condolences for this truth poet... a mess

[horseshoecrab]

112. I'm so sorry ...

May your dear cousin rest in peace. I wish love and strength to your family at this awful time.

:cry:

horseshoecrab

[Name removed]

113. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. 
[link:www.democraticunderground.com/forums/rules.html|Click
here] to review the message board rules.

[Horse with no Name]

117. Honestly?

I really could care less what you think.:shrug:
There is a reason I didn't post any identifying information here. It is so that the POS just like yourself couldn't find out who he was.
You have a tendency to shit on our fallen heroes--because they don't fit your definitions.

[Midlodemocrat]

118. Horse. That person is a total POS.

The people here who know and love you got rid of him and are here for you in your grief.

:hug:

[Horse with no Name]

125. Thank you!

:hug:

[11 Bravo]

114. They used to call suicide the "Cop's Disease".

Bush and Cheney have so stretched and abused this military that it may now become known as the "Grunt's Disease".

I am so sorry for your loss.

:hug:

[GreenPartyVoter]

115. I am so very, very sorry! *hugs*

[HillbillyBob]

119. I am so sad and furious at the waste and horror that are the reapings of the

amBushco years.
I ll try not to rant, but when I heard in 98 that ( * ) was gonna run for election. I was sure it would be stolen and something like this would be the result, I did not realise just how long it would go on. I did say to a bunch of friends (who have since asked me how I knew).
I was called unpatriotic for saying that Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11 nor did Afghanistan it was the act of madmen not entire countries. Either whether the R regime actually did it or just ignored the intell that the Clinton Administration told them about I cannot say.
I saw the stuff coming out of the neokons spew and put the pieces together.
I have had Holocaust and other survivors of WW2 and the depression all saying things that added up to this if I simply added up the parts correctly.
Then the first Gulf War did not end satisfactorily for the Bushes...
They all need to be rounded up just like their nazi predecessors at the end of WW2.
If the mass media refuses then they are just as guilty in collaborfollowup generations of the same American families that collaborated with those that started the movement that led up to the nazi horrors.
The number of good and decent folks that have died and been maimed physically and emotionally just tears me up inside.
Horse I am sorrier for what has befallen than I can possibly express.

[Swede]

120. Sorry for your loss.

My thoughts to you and yours.

[BrklynLiberal]

121. Such a tortured and sensitive soul.There are no words that adequately convey my sadness for the loss

your family has suffered.
Perhaps you can publish these poems, and they can tell the story that the author could not.
May he finally find peace. :cry: :grouphug:

[mailman82]

122. I am very sorry

to hear about your cousin. May he find peace in the arms of the angels.As a Viet Nam Vet, I have fought the demons of PTSD. I did not get help for twenty two years. In 1990 i was offered out patient PTSD counseling. I took it! Because for all those years I knew there was something wrong with me 3 marriages, alienated kids, and alcoholism.
They put me on meds and it helped with intense counseling. Did the nightmares, the thoughts of suicide go away? No but now I knew there were people I could talk to. I am now 23 years sober still have thoughts, night but somehow it is better.

I also have to say this, my son is a career soldier 21 years in the Army. He has been notified that he is going to Iraq for the third time. He has also done 15 months in Afghanistan. and he is not in special forces! Some people like to throw the word coward around. I ask why did they call me hero in 2001 when in the sixty's and apart of the seventy's I was the worst kind of Marine there could be. I am not a Hero i just enlisted because I Love My country! If he Bushcos had not Fucked around with these Guys coming home now with PTSD Don't think there would be so many Deaths here at home. If you have not been in that DARK between Life and the pain of living then don't judge. Sometime when the pain won't stop and you country has said Fuck You very much. You have to leave. But trust when I say Bush sent these Brave young men to fight and Fucked them over royally. Sorry for the long rant. But no one calls my Brother a little coward. I am pissed,and I dare you to say yo me in person!

[Alcibiades]

132. Why are military folks heroes in 2001 but not in 1971

"3 marriages, alienated kids, and alcoholism" That sounds exactly like my own dad, without the sobriety, though he's cut waaay back on his drinking.

Anyway, in re your point about the veneration of the military, I've noticed it, too, and it seems unlike anything that prevailed in my family, which has been career military, more or less, for the 12 generations that preceded me. The Republicans, particularly, have inflicted this bizarre military-worship on this country, a sort of veneration that borders on militarism, one that historically not prevailed in either American military culture or broader society for most of our history. For most of our history, our military was tiny compared to the so-called great powers. The division between civil and military authority was so strict that, in many cases, active-duty military were prohibited from voting. Then, in WWII, when practically a whole generation or more served, some of that changed, but the attitude did not, as service was something everyone did, even folks not in uniform or in war industries, and everyone understood that.

I think this strange attitude of veneration has come down to us from the top down, not the bottom up. The upper crust harbors some strange veneration of the military because they know no one who serves, and almost none of them have since the Vietnam era. They look at the military and think "goodness! those kids gave up a chance to start out at jobs earning $75k a year to make less than $20k a year--they must be saints!" I think that they are so out of touch with the basic economic realities of the US today that they don't understand that, in addition to patriotism, the military is a much better opportunity than those available to many people in many parts of the country.

[lightningandsnow]

123. I'm so sorry.

:hug:

[MissDeeds]

124. I am so sorry for your loss

and the pain you and your family are feeling. :grouphug:

[Raksha]

126. I'm at a loss for words, except to say I hope you find peace.

And thank you for sharing his poetry. One more American tragedy, among so many.

[TXDemGal]

127. I am so, so sorry for the death of your cousin

My most heartfelt condolences to you and the rest of your family.

Thank you for sharing some of his poetry.

[getthefacts]

128. Sorry for your loss

May God comfort your family and take care of your cousin. I dream of the day when we will need not sacrifice so many beautiful lives for the sake of war. The poems are very powerful also. Please keep sharing.

[GoldenOldie]

129. I'm so sorry!

As others have already responded, his life,his talent and eloquence in expressing his emotions should not be lost. His poetry should be published. Your family could contact Veterans for Peace, Iraq/Afghan Veterans support groups, etc. My grandson who returned from his first tour to Iraq is now struggling with PTSD and the demons that he came home with, knowing that it will be soon time for him to return. These powerful poems may help ones like my grandson and by doing so, he lives on.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

130. Condolences on the loss of your cousin

He had a real way with words, and it's sad to lose anyone, but especially a talented young man like that.

I think it will be years before America fully understands all the damage wreaked by the Bush administration and its enablers in politics and the media.

I fear that many more fine young people will be crushed by the burden of what they have been forced to see and do. :cry:

[Bluenorthwest]

131. Peace to you and to yours

This is so sad. His poetry is wonderful.

[lisa58]

133. I'm so sorry for your loss

[Iggo]

134. I'm very sorry for your loss.

(And please accept my apology for my earlier response. I get stupid mad at the wrong times sometimes.)

[windbreeze]

135. Tearing up, as I read this...his poetry is haunting...

You can feel what he was going through....So sorry for him, and for your families...familiar with suicide, and had a husband who did two tours in Vietnam...I understand and feel the pain...wish a person could do something other than say...I'm so sorry...I wish we could take back all the pain and suffering we have caused...wb

[mzmolly]

136. I'm so very sorry.

My heart goes out to you and your family.

[sarge43]

137. Deepest condolences to you and your family.

A terrible loss, a terrible waste, a terrible injustice.

May your cousin now have the peace he was denied in this world.

[kenichol]

138. I cry for all of us

And pray your family can be comforted.
My late husband lost both legs at Chu Lai Vietnam, committed suicide in 1998. The costs of war are too great to go to war unless it's the ONLY option left, after trying every other option.
Oh God.

[Fireweed247]

147. That's horrible!

:cry:
Another war based on lies and wasted lives...and we didn't even learn our lesson...

"It is time to make war Archaic"
DJKucinich

[serbbral]

139. I do not know you, but I am truly sorry ........

(((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))

[Joe Bacon]

140. So sorry.

:cry:

[Career Prole]

141. I'm so very sorry.

He can rest now. Stay strong.

[proud patriot]

142. FUCK

I'm so sorry ..

:cry:

[spanone]

143. another life destroyed by a trumped up illegal unnecessary war from bu$h*/cheney

so sorry. such a waste.

[KathieG]

144. So sorry for your loss.

:-(:-(:-(

[Redstone]

145. Jesus, I'm sorry for you and your family.

Redstone

[freemarketer6]

146. I'm sorry for your great loss. . . . . . . .......... nft

dd

[Fireweed247]

148. His poetry is amazing!

You should put it in book form, or pass it on to Veterans for Peace.

[ooglymoogly]

149. We are brothers and sisters in solace...there are no words for such wrenching moments....

maybe a few...his poetry plays exquisitely, sometimes beautifully, but always sadly on the heartstrings....thank you for his poetry, his words will not be forgotten

[me b zola]

150. I am so sorry

:grouphug:

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

151. I'm so sorry for your loss. Very tragic indeed.

[graywarrior]

152. I don't have words

I am so sorry...

[foxfeet]

153. I'm so sorry for your loss.

I wish peace and healing to you and yours.

[a la izquierda]

154. Wow, my sympathies for your family.

No one in my family has served since my grandfather (WWII, Navy). My family does the cop/firefighter thing. But my husband's two brothers and his father all served. My two brothers-in-law served in the first Gulf War, my father-in-law in Korea.
Thank you for your family's service. And I am so, so sorry for your loss.

[Zoigal]

155. My sincere sympathy to you, Horse

and to the rest of your cousin's family and friends. Too bad the US forces don't offer
the healing ceremonies that many traditional Native American tribes do. It might help
the returning vets balance their lives again. Peace. z

[CLANG]

156. All my love and comfort sent your way

There are no words. Just know that we care.:hug:

[Cabcere]

157. I am so sorry to hear about your cousin.

:( This sort of thing seems to be way too common, unfortunately. Lots of :grouphug:s and vibes to your family. Peace.

[midnight]

158. Obviously your cousin was a very wise and sensitive soul.

Hugs to your family at this time.

[Thickasabrick]

159. My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time. Thank

you for sharing his poetry with us so that we could see a glimpse of the struggle he was going through. I am hopeful these will give you and your family strength in the days ahead and perhaps they will open some closed eyes and minds so that people who are very close to where your cousin was can be saved.

I am so sorry for your loss.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

160. I'm so very sorry :( nt

[pinto]

161. Sorry for the loss to you and yours Horse with no Name.

Take care.

[George_Bailey]

162. I'm so sorry, dude.

It breaks my heart so hear of so much hopelessness among these poor souls who never should've gotten sent into Iraq in the first place. We've all read, I believe, of the higher rate of suicides during this and Afghanistan.

Then again, there are wingnuts who keep downplaying this because these suicides like your cousin comprise only a tiny fraction of the total force. Well, I would imagine that that number looks a helluva lot larger when you lose your dearest flesh.

So, again, allow me to offer my inadequate condolences.

George Bailey
http://welcomebacktopottersville.blogspot.com/

[Jack Rabbit]

163. ((()))

Pebbelz.com

[tnlefty]

164. I am so very sorry for you and your family.

And especially for your cousin. :hug:

[onefreespiritedchick]

165. I am so sorry for your loss

My brother-in-law has served over there and tells how difficult it is on everyone. My thoughts are with you and hope you remain strong through this.

[mt13]

166. i am so very sorry for this tragic loss.

nt

[Carolina]

167. so very sad

and deepest sympathy to you and yours :hug::hug::hug:

Perhaps you can turn this senseless loss into something constructive. Send this powerful poetry to President Obama and venues with wider audiences/readers than DU... Let them all know why this war should end NOW, why BushCo should be held accountable, why corporate rule must end, how we, (the people) are not fooled by the corporatocracy hypocrisy despite the GE/Disney/Fox bread and circuses pabulum...

:hug::hug::hug:

[silver10]

168. I am so sorry for your loss

Reading his poem, he is a very deep, intelligent person. Thank you for your family's service to our country. Please be strong.

[bridgit]

169. Heart Striking News!!

[defendandprotect]

170. May there be peace ahead soon for all of us -- especially for our soldiers ....

and their families.

And for all those harmed by these brutal and cruel wars for profit.



The American Way
Can you believe, the Hypocrisy
They're selling me, so I'll believe

Our nations tragedy, to be free
That's what they're telling me, yet no integrity

Do as they say, not as they do
It's not alright for you

Why are they, leading us astray
Guess it's their American way

We've heard it all before, the knock on the door
Its time we evened the score

I can't stand your misery, your philosophy
That you keep selling me

America is in jeopardy, why can't we really see
Revealing the mystery

Corporations, yes they hold the key, to their Democracy
No freedom really isn't free

They buy their way into our destiny, plant their seed
Fueling the fires of their greed

We need to run away, pray for a better day
Yes change our freedom, and the American way

[sueh]

171. So, so sorry...

:grouphug:

[dem629]

172. My deepest condolences on your loss. Words just aren't enough.... n/t

[yellowdogintexas]

174. I just hate hearing this. So sad, such a terrible loss in so many ways

I lost my dad to suicide, it is so hard on the family.

my condolences

[Ecumenist]

175. Oh my God, You have my deepest, deepest condolences.

I am so VERY sorry this happened to you family because of the evil committed by a few of the most vile "people" at the top. Godspeed, his sweet spirit and may he rest in peace, poor sweet boy. Your family will be in my prayers. How much longer, Dear Lord, how much longer?

[Swamp Rat]

177. .

:hug: