Out of the Pocket by B. E. Stanfel - Book Excerpt

suffering caused by leaving whatever evil you are trying to correct, like a despot on the throne, in place. You want to wage the war “efficiently” in terms of human suffering. Finally St. Thomas discusses the right intention for waging war. Only two possibilities are presented: either the furthering of some good or an avoidance of some evil. On the one hand, the U.S. is furthering good by bringing democracy to Iraq. But is bringing democracy to Iraq a good thing? Maybe it should be more socialist, like Sweden or France or Canada? At least their health care is paid for. On the other hand, how is endangering the lives of Americans furthering good, especially in a country that did not attack us in any way (I still don’t buy the WMD theory). We haven’t had any terrorist attacks since 9/11, so maybe we should be on the offensive. Yet, heightened security, not a war, might be the protection. Honestly, I don’t care if this war is justified or not – I just want my dad home.

December 18 - Well, I’m almost finished with these entries for Creative Writing. I have to tell you, Ms. Boge, that I’ve enjoyed writing in this journal, ESPECIALLY since you don’t read it (I hope). I’ll miss writing stories (not the poems) and “free writing” every day in your class. Maybe someday I’ll write a book about a soldier fighting in the Iraq War who ends up receiving a Congressional Medal of Honor. It’s time to head to Starbucks to pretend to study for my first set of finals tomorrow: Government, Social Justice, Algebra II – no problem.

Did you ever worry about your friends, Ms. Boge? (I’ll just pretend you are answering in my head.) I’ve been such a slug lately; I think I’m losing my friends. Not Mary or David of course, although I have to admit I’m not much fun to hang around these days, but my other friends like Bear and the football group. I haven’t gone out with those guys in ages – even Heather snubs me in the hall now. Did I suddenly become unpopular, or am I just no fun anymore? Do I smell? Maybe I have an odor problem. Ah, who cares, right? I’ve got a couch to go lie on.

December 19 - Finals status report: Government: Multiple choice = D; Essay on the Iraq War: A+. Overall grade for test=C????

Social Justice: Essay = B Algebra II: Estimated 30% on test – I should have been listening when Mary was tutoring me. I seriously hope I don’t flunk.

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