On Embarrassment

Never did I ever think I would say this, but – – – 

I’m embarrassed for our military.

I’m embarrassed for our country.

I’m embarrassed for all our elected and appointed officials who, for so long, have displayed such ineptitude.

I’m embarrassed for the men and women who fought and died with the mistaken belief that it was for a noble and durable goal.

I’m embarrassed and appalled that we would scamper away leaving billions of dollars of advanced military hardware in the hands of the enemy we have been fighting for 20 years.

I’m embarrassed for the American taxpayer who funded trillions of dollars for another lost cause.

I’m embarrassed for our allies who once thought us powerful, competent and reliable.

I’m embarrassed for the Afghan people to whom we gave hope and then left them to their own uncertain future.

This is not the America I know.

This is not the military I served.

This is not the image I want for America.

We are out of an endless war. Are we in for endless grief?

– – – – Just the view of a common, and embarrassed, man