Memorial Day originated as a special day to honor those killed in any kind of military action. But times have changed.
Suicide now kills more soldiers in the middle east than die in combat. Veterans returning from war are dying as the result of a failure to provide adequate treatment. Whereas 6,886 soldiers have died since 2003 in various US military operations, the US Department of Justice reported that 4,813 people were killed by police in the US between 2003 and 2009, and the Washington Posts reports that over 900 people have been killed by police each year since they started tracking in 2015.
As is well known, gun violence and medical errors kill far more Americans than terrorism, yet the proposed US budget includes a $54 billion hike in defense spending which includes more Navy ships and Air Force planes, neither of which are effective in the current battle against religious extremism.
Over the past few years Pluto, planet of death and rebirth, has been opposing the Sun in the US astrological chart which has intensified the eruption of murder and violence in the country. This will likely only increase as we get closer to the time of the US Pluto Return in 2020-2023.
I propose that on this Memorial Day we honor not only the fallen heroes, but also the fallen citizens whose only crime was to be nonwhite; the veterans who returned from war to find their lives decimated and with no hope of a bright future; the innocent victims of the mentally ill who are freely able to purchase assault weapons.
And let’s also remember that freedom goes beyond sending young boys to be cannon fodder for billionaires to enrich their pockets through sales of arms and oil, or to enable individual prejudices against certain groups or religions.
NONWHITE? really?
a very big disappointment to read this from you
Every now and then I like to express my opinion.
I’m so saddened by this terrible distortion of Memorial Day. Do you have no understanding of our nation’s debt to its warriors who gave the supreme sacrifice and the incredible burden those who served and lived after putting themselves in harm’s way. What you’ve written about street violence is totally incomprehensible and totally in another category of social issues. Astrology can and should bring spiritual light and guidance and understanding.
Shame on you. Shame on you. You’ve taken a step into Darkness and used your “musings” for a negative purpose..
I’m sorry that you feel this way Georgia. I believe I do have an understanding of what has been sacrificed, as well as the ongoing sacrifices made in our culture in the name of freedom
Well, I disagree with these comments. I think you make several very important points, Lynn.
Clearly (at least to me) you never intended to diminish the importance of the sacrifice our military personnel made in the line of duty, which is the purpose of this holiday.
However, the invisible war at home on our own citizens (yes, especially non-white!) is worth discussing, and on this holiday, why not? If not now, when?
I thought you presented a carefully considered opinion that has much truth to it.
As a military family member, I thank you for suggesting that the real shaming should focus on how so many vets NOT killed in war end up on the streets, homeless, with inadequate support systems, mentally shattered, or as victims of random violence and, worst of all, as suicides.
If street violence and social issues aren’t pure enough for “spiritual” topics like astrology, then what is?
Kudos, Lynn. A difficult topic, but one you have tackled with heart-felt insight.
Thanks Beth – you explained my position more clearly than I was able to. Much gratitude.
When did this turn into a political site????????????
Enlightenment is FAR above politics.
If I want political opinions I’ll watch the news or go to fb.
This blog is about connecting planetary influences with people and events in our everyday world. I write about everything from the stock market, to celebrities, to personal growth, to spirituality and attempt in all things to shine the light of wisdom into the dark places. Not everyone will agree with every point I try to make, but hopefully all of my readers will accept my hope to educate and enlighten.
Doctors Kill 2,450%