America paid tribute to its war veterans over the weekend with ceremonies, concerts and solemn gatherings across the nation. Washington D.C. was the scene of a particularly stirring tribute, the twentieth annual PBS National Memorial Day Concert held outside the Capitol rotunda. Many in the audience were moved to tears by the incredible story of one veteran, Jose Pequeño, a New Hampshire National Guardsman and former Marine who was critically injured by a grenade tossed into his Humvee in Iraq. The driver was killed, and Pequeño, brought to the hospital with a traumatic brain injury, was not expected to live. But he did, miraculously, and with the loving and dedicated care of his mother and sister, he began a years-long recuperation that has included 17 surgeries and a sometimes excruciating regimen of physical therapy.
Initially, doctors predicted that Pequeño, who lost two lobes of his brain in the attack, would live out his life as a vegetable. But he astounded medical opinion and his family by uttering the single word, “Mom!” when his mother caressed him during an early bedside visit.
We Must All Pitch In
Actresses Diane Wiest and Katie Holmes told the dramatic story of Pequeño’s long and difficult road back, and of how his mother and sister had dedicated their lives to his care. This is a responsibility in which all Americans can share, another speaker, Colin Powell, told the audience. The former Secretary of State and four-star general urged viewers and those in attendance to reach out to neighbors with sons or daughters who require special care because of injuries sustained in war. The government cannot give caregivers all of the assistance they need, said Powell – “they need more help from people like us.”
The PBS show was one of the most moving and memorable TV broadcasts we can recall. It was billed as an outdoor concert, but the emphasis was where it should have been: on the enormous sacrifices that America’s soldiers have made to keep the nation and its allies free.
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Bullish Reversal Coming in Dollar?
On Tuesday, the stock market will begin a week shortened by the Memorial Day holiday and made more interesting, perhaps, by last week’s weakness in the dollar. We’ve been bearish on the greenback recently but are looking for a potentially important low in the NYBOT Dollar Index at 80.05. Last week it fell hard, slightly exceeding our prediction so far with a dip to as low as 79.85. If this bottom holds, it will significantly affect quite a few other markets, since the dollar’s sharp decline since early March has been accompanied by rallies in the stock market and in precious metals, and by a collapse in Treasury Bonds prices. All of these trends are likely to reverse if the dollar finds traction at these levels, so we’ll be watching the DXY closely for signs of a resurgence.
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Contrary to Colon Polyp, Americans are already sharing the burden of the wholly unnecessary costs-they’re called ‘taxes’. Perhaps that hack is feeling guilt over his pimping the idiot actions that brought about-and is still bringing about-these tragic misfortunes.
With you on that one, Rantly. Powell’s got a burden (his UN charade that cinched the war) that no one can take away. Must weigh heavy and he deserves it, but unfortunately, that isn’t gonna help his victims one bit, no matter how many platitudes he spouts.
Colin Powell deserves better than the comments recently made. Who was president and vice-president while in cabinet? Being the good soldier he followed his commander-in-chief and his fellow conspirators without being apprised of the “dark side” to start the war.
America has to live with the failure of the Bush II dynasty of nasties.
Good call on the buck. A good day to reflect upon what war brought US.
Speaking of passing the buck, absolutely no sound taxpayer reason we are going bankrupt for Afghanistan Opium Poppies and Iraqi Iranian insurgents trying to prevent the fall of Empire. Breaking things and killing people makes as much sense as borrowing and spending our way out of debt. It enriches a corrupt few at the expense of many.
Every single rationale including “War will pay for itself with oil access” proved specious and Russia invaded Georgia just to prove it to US.
iWar won the first 30 days when Saddam toppled. Any longer occupation with depleted uranium shells abusive. US simply may not turn Afghanistan, Iraq or any part of the middle east into post-war Germany or Japan. US may lose Asia and Israel if we do not let or help them crush the crazy leadership command of Iran and North Korea armed by China and Russia. We have 11 carrier battle groups (soon 12) with cruise missiles, Davey Crockett projectile quick nukes and predators for crying out loud. Absolutely no reason any American should die or be disabled in combat ever again. Criminal war crimes unnecessary and may be prosecuted by Red Cross et al…
I am wondering if Yen will revisit that 79 level again…wonderful short during the early 90’s
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See my related note to Zahid, Albert. RA
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