Quote for the Day…

We are all bad in someone’s story. -Unknown

In today’s column, I take a quick look at these people/issues:

• Afghanistan
• Reading Assignments
• The Western Word Poll

AFGHANISTAN:

The United States’ longest war ended Monday afternoon (USA time) when the last military plane left the airport in Kabul.

Thank God no other military personnel was killed during the evacuation.

Here is how the Associated Press reported it:

The United States completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan late Monday, ending America’s longest war and closing a chapter in military history likely to be remembered for colossal failures, unfulfilled promises and a frantic final exit that cost the lives of more than 180 Afghans and 13 U.S. service members, some barely older than the war.

Reuters reported it like this:

The United States completed the withdrawal of its forces from Afghanistan on Monday, ending 20 years of war that culminated in the militant Taliban’s return to power.
Forced into a hasty and humiliating exit, Washington and its NATO allies carried out a massive but chaotic airlift over the past two weeks, but still left behind tens of thousands of Afghans who helped Western countries and might have qualified for evacuation.

The New York Times:

The last United States forces left Afghanistan late Monday, ending a 20-year occupation that began shortly after the Al Qaeda attacks on 9/11, cost over $2 trillion, took more than 170,000 lives and ultimately failed to defeat the Taliban, the Islamist militants who allowed Al Qaeda to operate there.
Five American C-17 cargo jets flew out of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul just before midnight, the officials said, completing a hasty evacuation that left behind tens of thousands of Afghans desperate to flee the country, including former members of the security forces and many who held valid visas to enter the United States.

After the last plane left, I tweeted:

With the war ending, how about we promote “Team USA” for a few days instead of “Team Republican” or “Team Democrat?” #mtpol @SteveDaines @SenatorTester @RepRosendale @GovGianforte

The shoulda, coulda, woulda crowd will be out in force today.

I am sure conservative talk radio will get to the bottom of the whole mess by blaming the current President, while the armchair generals will be out and about on social media giving their point of view. At least maybe the Facebook doctors and Facebook lawyers will take a back seat for a few days.

I will close this section by saying:

Thanks to all those who served in Afghanistan. Your service and sacrifice were appreciated. #Respect

READING ASSIGNMENTS:

Former NRA spokeswoman Dana Loesch, a rising right-wing radio star, doesn’t care if you call her a murderer
Wow! Could Dana be the next Rush Limbaugh?

Hate crimes rise to highest level in 12 years amid increasing attacks on Black and Asian people, FBI says
There is a lot of hate in this country…

Armed Picnics and Snipers at Family Dollar: Life in a Town With a Government-Approved Militia
This town could be in Montana, but it is not…

School district investigates teacher video encouraging students pledge allegiance to gay pride flag
This should send some on the right off the deep end…

THE WESTERN WORD POLL:

Public schools are starting across the United States. There are several ideas about when schools should start.

This week’s poll question asks, “When should public schools begin the new school year?”

Results will be posted later this week.

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