Do we have tens of thousands of vets returning with PTSD and often concussive brain injury who aren't getting adequate support and care? Indeed, we do.  Is our public system of education showing diminished success and public support? Indeed, it is.  Do we have the highest rate of incarceration AND the highest crime rate in the industrialized world? Indeed, we do.  Do we have the most expensive AND  least effective health care system in the industrialized world? Indeed, we do.  Could each of you add half a dozen others issue to this list? Indeed, you could.

Meanwhile, we're dedicating a huge percentage of our resources to foreign military adventurism...somehow feeling we're going to the the "heroes" in the Middle East and rebuild the region in our image.  May I suggest we need to change directions and dedicate ourselves to "putting our own house in order."  It's time we quit fighting and bickering with each other; recognize our problems; and work together to face them.  Gary Crum