I did not take this photo. It’s one of the few snapshots I have of my father when he was in Vietnam. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the wars our government sinks our country into – the ones we know about and the ones they try to hide. I’ve grown very discontent with Obama and really wonder when this country will take a stand and demand our politicians run without lobbyists and big money in their pockets. I think both the Democrats and Republicans have become one in the same in many ways.
When I look at this photo I feel many things, but I can’t help but look at it and think about today and the US soldiers fighting in the countries in the middle east. That war may be officially over on paper, but I don’t believe for a second our government has ceased fire on any culture or ruling body they think threatens their stake at business and making money overseas.
What pains me more is I feel helpless. What can I do? My vote doesn’t count. I’m not going to try to run for office, there’s a good chance I’d get shot by some big company henchman before I made it to a local election because I exercise my freedom of speech and say what I think, and mean what I say.

One thing I love about this photo is that my Dad, Stephen Calderon from Pacoima, California, is throwing a peace sign while he’s away at war. Yeah.