AMERICANS, DON’T YOU CARE?

An Open Letter to President Bush Concerning WWII Closure for Veterans
by Robert W. Schneider, Veteran P.T. Boat Officer, WW-II, Pacific

Mr. President:

I’ve written this to you and the people across this country. My program to have Washington get an apology from Japan has failed so far. Not only didn’t  I receive support from Washington, it appears that “suggestion” prevented Congress from replying to me and from answering all mail related to an apology.

This had the effect of stopping my program in its tracks. Without going into detail, Washington showed the face of indifference which most people would interpret as an “We don’t care attitude” In other words, from the beginning to where we are now, indifference ruled.

What I saw coming out of Washington was contrary to what I believe Americans want and need. I see a need for closure, a chance to honor the military and the right to keep our heritage straight. While Americans don’t carry grudges, they need the subtle assurance of knowing that they won the war; it is an inward feeling, but Mr. President, I assure you it is there especially among the citizens who lived through the war one way or another. I don’t know why but people seem to be embarrassed to talk about it…but that doesn’t mean they’ve forgotten. 

On the internet, Japan has a lengthy article about their plans to issue an apology; in my opinion it contains gaps, in other words, it is a work in progress…

Ore House has addressed the problem of Comfort Women which followed the war instead of preceding it. I believe the horse has finally caught up with the cart. 

An apology is simply a means of letting WW-II die with a whimper; the matter has been around too long. I do not understand the attitude of INDIFFERENCE of the government . Let’s assume that we are a government of the people and each one of us writes to our senators and representatives in Washington and politely tell them that we want an apology from Japan.  You get one chance so you may want to copy President Bush. 

Personally, I am unable to accept any excuses. With billions and trillions of dollars for Iraq and the Middle East, we certainly should be able to take care of the apology issue and at a very small cost. Cost should not be an issue in any case.

Mr. President, this is an important matter; what is done now re. apology will influence administrations in the future. Can we leave that heritage for the future especially when the immediate task is not difficult and an apology is wanted? 

Mr. President, the matter is in your hands where it has been all along; I trust the comments above will be of some value?

Respectfully yours,

Robert W. Schneider
[email protected]
Veteran P.T. Boat Officer, WW-II, Pacific

 

 

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