Reading notes

Lorraine transcribes journalist Seymour Hersh as saying —

This [Iraq] war is a strategic mistake. We have made enemies for life. There will be revenge against us for life. [The revenge will be carried down through five generations. That’s how long they’ll seek revenge.] We are creating Al Quaida.

This grim outcome has been wide open for all to see, for those who have eyes to see, since Day One. Millions of people saw and warned us, loudly. It’s never too late to see: this is not rocket science. It’s sowing and reaping. It’s a cost not counted.

Forgiveness of those in power in the U.S. who have done this is a tough nut to crack. On the one hand, I know forgiveness is necessary lest I poison myself by withholding it. If the damage were constrained to this generation, a distant maybe. But OTOH they’ve afflicted not just us, but our children and grandchildren! — with both the costs of this mistake (direct- and opportunity costs of war, mushrooming national debt) and the consequences of this mistake, a generational curse of vengeance and terror.

(“Welcome to the world, kid. Here’s your credit card with a $26K balance due and oh yeah, there’s a price on your head.”)

What’s it called when someone sets your kids’ house on fire, then leaves town to avoid the financial- and life-and-death consequences?