When does complacency stop and outrage begin? “How many deaths does it take ‘til we know that too many people have died”?

Why is war at the top of the list of our nation’s priorities? In the last decade, two major wars have cost more than $1.2 trillion. That’s about 2.1 million spent every single minute! This is unspeakable fiscal irresponsibility, taking support away from everything we as a nation proclaim to value: schools, hospitals, housing, education, elimination of poverty, care of our veterans… the list is endless.

Why does no one seem to notice that our excessive military spending (around 58 percent of our national budget) created the deficit we all deplore? This country has enough money. We’re just spending it in the wrong places.

Feel hopeless? No need! Start with getting in touch with your Congress members. It takes only a few minutes to call. Tell them you support adequate funding for diplomacy, development, and international cooperation and a shift of US policy and resources toward preventing, rather than fighting wars. Former Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates, has repeatedly called on Congress to do just that.

Making a call is not easy for you? Join the club! I, too, find it difficult, but the more I do it the easier it gets. This is the way democracy works. Speak up! Bonaro Overstreet puts it well: “You say the little efforts that I make will do no good; they never will prevail to tip the hovering scale where justice hangs in balance. I don’t think I ever thought they would, but I am prejudiced beyond debate in favor of my right to choose which side shall feel the stubborn ounces of my weight.”

Sen. Lisa Murkowski: 202-224-6665

Sen. Mark Begich: 202-224-3004

Rep. Don Young: 202-225-5765

Mildred P. Boesser

Juneau