Veteran's Day—A celebration of arrogance—Which I continue to oppose, year after year

By SJ Otto

Every year I run an article to commemorate various holidays—some traditional, as Halloween or Christmas. Not being a Christian I don’t celebrate Christmas, but instead I celebrate the Winter Solstice. There are some holidays, Thanksgiving comes to mind, where the tradition involves controversial events or beliefs.

Tomorrow is Veterans Day and it is probably my least favorite holiday in the US. All across the nation, and on my TV, people will honor the brave men and women who fight wars to keep America the dominant world power. It is a system of imperialism. It is built on arrogance, violence and war. Not long ago I heard singer Patti Smith say something to the effect, that it is ridiculous that we still have the institution of war in the 21 century. One person after the other will claim that “freedom isn’t free.” But I for one do not feel free, due to this country occupying other people’s nation.

One thing that is different this year, an I’m proud to point out that in Congress we have Rep. Ilhan Omar,  Minnesota's 5th congressional district. She is the first congress person in at least 30 years to actually question our nations imperialist actions.

This country still occupies Ira and Afghanistan. We do not need to occupy anyone. I’m proud that after all of these years, we finally have ONE person in Congress that has stood against imperialism. I finally have one thing to celebrate this year.