Looking toward a pensive 2022

In my last Veteran’s Corner column, I spoke about my thoughts for the New Year. Although it is now the beginning of March, I am continuing to look forward to 2022 with guarded optimism and some pessimism, which hopefully will remain in check.

What does this have to do with our country’s military? A great deal, actually. The U.S. military was caught in the middle of most of 2021’s failures. The military lost 13 souls in the Afghan disaster while defending their sworn oaths. We betrayed them, our regional allies and those around the world.

Why is it always innocent civilians and the steadfast military that suffers while inept politicians and politically ambitious military brass face no consequences or accountability?

As we go through 2022 this administration, and this nation, has the chance to correct the wrongs of 2021. If the politicians fail, we the people, have the right to oust them when we head to our polling places come November.

Real Democracy is voting Republican or Democrat dependent on qualifications and past accomplishments.

We are a tough and resilient nation and we can endure the rough seas ahead. We are the most generous nation on earth — supporting one another as individuals and as entire countries when in distress.

We will survive with cool heads, compassion, caring, compromise and understanding.

God bless you, readers, and your families. May you experience a safe and healthy remainder of the New Year, as we are about to enter spring, which starts on March 20.

Town of North East resident Larry Conklin is a Vietnam veteran and a member of both the Millerton American Legion Post 178 and the VFW Post 6851 in North Canaan, Conn.