Some veterans talk about serving their country by flying the flag and buying a red poppy. Nothing wrong with that approach.
Others end up sitting in a foreign jail so America's youths don't get chewed up fighting in this country's endless wars for oil.
Tarak Kauff, local Army veteran and member of Veterans For Peace, is in the second category. Tarak and a Vietnam veteran, Ken Mayers, were holding up a banner at Shannon Airport when they were arrested and later denied bail. They now share a cell in Limerick Jail.
Their banner reads: "U.S. Veterans say Respect Irish Neutrality. U.S. War Machine out of Shannon Airport - Veterans For Peace." Shannon is a refueling stop for planes flying young GI's to the Middle East.
After centuries of ruthless British rule, one might think that Ireland would be more sympathetic to the victims of American's endless wars abroad. Why is Ireland helping to send U.S. troops to Iraq and Afghanistan? And why is Ireland locking up U.S. veterans protesting occupation in the Middle East?
Why don't you ask the Irish Embassy why? Call: 202 462 3939 and leave a recorded message.
Fred Nagel