Crocker owes atonement

Maybe Review editors didn’t notice the blood on Ryan Crocker’s hands (“Hometown welcomes distinguished native son,” June 19). As praise for the “enormity of his job” mounts, don’t forget that Crocker played his part in killing tens of thousands of Iraqis in an illegal invasion/occupation. I’d rather see Crocker brought to public justice as accessory to G.W. Bush’s war crimes.

By embracing the ruthlessness of U.S. empire, Crocker belongs on a long list of murderous U.S. leaders responsible for dozens of Pentagon-inspired interventions in sovereign nations worldwide over the last century, including: Woodrow Wilson, Lyndon Johnson, George H.W. Bush, William Clinton, Richard Nixon, Madeline Albright, Henry Kissinger.

In 2009 we’re giving the Pentagon warlords 54 cents on each dollar of income tax paid. Regrettably, benefits for military veterans at $94 billion are a small fraction of the $1,449 billion budgeted for maintenance of the bloody empire.

If Crocker needs something to do, how about organizing relief groups for all war refugees and victims. Or work with Spokane officials to keep mentally ill and addicted people out of jail, nullifying need for a new one. Using his vast interpersonal skills he could bring together business leaders to address the dangerous growth in regional unemployment.

Chuck Armsbury

Colville