My godson Thomas joined the Marines several years ago. His father Tom, who happens to be a very close friend of mine, is a Republican, deep-fried in the lard of Rush Limbaugh and pickled in the bitter vinegar of Sean Hannity. I’m beyond Democrat and could be considered a Liberal with a pitchfork.

My godson has spent the past year in Hawaii. The base had a golf course that overlooked the Pacific Ocean, and he and his fellow Marines spent evenings drinking Pabst Blue Ribbon in town. He has been lucky with his assignments. Until now. Thomas will soon be heading to Afghanistan.

I don’t want him to go. His father feels the same. Yet I believe that our young people in the armed forces are dying in the Middle East because of policies and issues supported by my friend Tom and his fellow Republicans. I don’t care what anyone says or how Conservative radio hosts spin it; wars are propagated and inflamed by the rich. The reasons are concoction, sold to and bought by the masses. The correct war would be a march down Wall Street, the middle class armed with torches and pitchforks, and the only choice given to the criminal fat cats being to jump out the window or get prodded out.

But politics don’t matter so much to me these days. I used to be angry about Tom’s Republican ways. Now I just feel sorry for everyone.

We’re in a world of trouble. All of us.

Be safe, Thomas.