American way and lives lost under Bush

Thursday, Aug. 25, 2005 | 10:57 a.m.

Political history reveals that the conservatives have always wanted the demise of Social Security. Add to that today's Family Medical Leave Act and ultimately Medicare. In reality conservatives loathe any program that would make life a bit more sustainable for the poor and the middle-class elderly.

We are engulfed in a swirling sea of never-ending crises. Our only glimpse of truth has come from journalists, and, because they do not want to reveal their sources or go to jail, this will become rarer.

We are now reaping the vote that saps the blood of our Marines and soldiers. The vote also brought an astounding deficit and ever-climbing national debt. Many of us are seeing the spectre of poverty.

Are we a "silly people" lacking comprehension and foresight? We are in an unhealthy political vacuum. The war in Iraq will last longer than did World War II. As long as our country is under the power of an obdurate leader, we will grieve for the loss of Americans and the America we have known.

MADELYN OLDS