GOLD STAR OPINION- EASTER 2008 KEVIN & JOYCE LUCEY 3.23.08

On this day as we celebrate Life and the Resurrection, there are so many of us bearing the burdens of loss, grief
and bewilderment - and some of us who even struggle the struggles with faith and hope.

The timing of this year's Easter coincided with the fifth anniversary of the war; our son's 27th birthday and with the
rapidly approaching formal 4000th casualty of this war - the true number of casualties being so much more than
the " formal " numbers indicate

The timing also collided with Bush's ineffective reasoning and rationales for the war which appear to be forever
changing - but finally appearing to be finally reflecting with our son's opinion for their launching this war ... the oil
...and Cheney's disdain for the American people and the philosophy of this nation's people - that this is a
government for, of and by the people - as reflected in his now infamous " SO " when a reporter recently
questioned him as to his reaction as to the public's belief about the war.

This government truly is not of this nation's people ... not of those we know.

During this past weekend at the Winter Soldiers at Silver Springs, Maryland, we stood with true patriots of this
nation - those who not only espoused but who brought to life the very basic foundations on which this country
was founded.

It was once again so bewildering - why would other citizens of this nation stand in protest and criticism trying to
chill others' freedom of speech - one of the rights we are allegedly trying to give to other peoples.

Why would their criticism be so selective - criticizing those who exercise freedom of speech but not the
government or the VA for failing to care for our veterans - their less fortunate brothers and sisters in arms.

It is time for this nation to make this government responsible for failing this nation's people  ... and even more
importantly, this nation's warriors and veterans. Let us never forget who works for whom ... whose values are
most important.

On this day, we can only pray that Life can be breathed back into this country and that her greatness and true
values can once again be ressurected - that we once again can make this nation be a true leader.


To all of our warriors, veterans and all their loved ones as well as all who live in this great nation - may all realize
the true meaning of this time and celebrate the true meaning of Easter.
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EASTER 2008