The war in Afghanistan is approaching its twelfth year.  Over 80,000 American serviceman and women are fighting there, right now.  Our casualties recently crested the 2,000 mark.  I realize that foreign affairs are not my purview, and not a topic for my campaign.  Nonetheless, I think that ALL elected officials need to speak out about this war.  I’m old enough to remember how other conflicts went.  There was a clearly defined mission, a definition of victory, and regular updates from the Commander in Chief and/or Secretary of Defense.  I can’t remember President Obama ever giving an address to the American people regarding the state of the war.  2000 of our troops have died!  Doesn’t that warrant at least an occasional mention?  That equals one of our brave men or women dying every two days.  I’d like to know how things are going and when they’ll be able to come home.  Don’t let them get away with it any more.  Call the White House.  Call your Senator.  Call your Congressman.  Tell them that we are paying attention. , we do care, and we demand to be kept informed.  This can’t be a shadow war any more.  Our service men and women deserve better.