It is discouraging that the war in Afghanistan is ongoing and U.S. troops are still getting killed. They are fighting against forces that lack refinement, are merciless and trained to kill. Remember what happened to Russian forces — they were badly beaten. Moreover, it has cost America billions of dollars to support that war, putting America closer to a foregone conclusion: bankruptcy.

Since the government shutdown, the war in Washington between the elephants and the donkeys has escalated, creating more chaos for America.

Veterans and their surviving families have suffered and endured more than enough from having loved ones killed in action in Afghanistan. The unnecessary government shutdown made them suffer even more by denying death benefits, even temporarily.

I am a veteran who proudly served my country honorably. Now I have become hostile and rebellious toward the government. Both parties have disgraced and shamed America.

I have to wonder, has all the gold in Fort Knox been shipped out of the country recently? How much gold is in storage? It is important to know because of the current economic uncertainties facing America.

Finally, was the Nobel Peace Prize wrongly awarded to President Barack Obama in 2009? According to his unworthiness and shameful performance during his first term in office, I have to say “yes.”

I have to characterize Obama as a peculiar person with a special skill — hypocrisy. Before it is too late, the light at the end of the tunnel will burn out. My trust is with God, not with Obama.

Robert Lacombe, Sabattus