by Georgia Lowe

Lucky Dime Press, 2010, 398p.

Trade paperback, ISBN# 978-0-615-37145-0 $18.95

Reviewed by Mike Few

Georgia Lowe's debut novel, The Bonus, vividly captures a United States President entrenched in rising unemployment rates, pending economic collapse, and unrest abroad that hauntingly echoes today's worst case scenarios. In the middle of this turmoil, Georgia takes the reader on a journey that follows the plight of the Bonus Expeditionary Force, some 17,000 disfranchised World War One veterans and families marching on Washington DC in the summer of 1932 demanding immediate payment promised by the World War Adjusted Compensation Act of 1924. After local police failed to turn away the protesters, President Herbert Hoover dispatched an Army unit commanded by GEN Douglas MacArthur and including MAJ George S. Patton and MAJ Dwight D. Eisenhower to quell the protesters using fixed bayonets and tanks. The resulting violence would tear at the nation's already stressed social fabric and remained a dark footnote in the nation's history.

Georgia's interest in writing this work stemmed from the collective stories of her parents, Bonus Marchers who lived through the Great War and the Great Depression, and she focuses her story on the personal level of those involved. Her main characters, a newspaper reporter, a movie star, and a police chief, are neither protagonists nor antagonists. Rather, they are combat veterans attempting to assimilate back into society after surviving through the face of battle. In their personal flaws and shortcomings, the reader understands the characters humanity, a trait that the veterans might have felt long lost. In modern clinical terms, the characters might be diagnosed with varying degrees of traumatic brain injury (TBI) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In following the journey of the Bonus Marchers, The Bonus provides the reader with a greater understanding of an often passed over event. Ultimately, Georgia's novel does a great service to her parents, and in a time of protracted war, it begs the reader to question the cost of war and what is owed to those that served. This book should be in the kit-bag of every combat leader as they wrestle with the nature of war and warfare.

BLUF. Conventional wisdom argues that the effects of the sanctions—which included skyrocketing inflation, political unrest and an Islamic insurgency—forced the Gaddafi regime to "convert" from a "rogue terrorist state" to a partner in the "War on Terror." Martinez addresses this in his introduction and states that his purpose is to show the reader how the "evolution" of the regime (notice he does not use the word "reformation") occurred as a result of the sanctions and a necessity to face resulting, unforeseen threats. He also wants to show the reader how—though it may appear that real reforms have taken place—the Libyan regime may not have changed much at all.

For those trying to gain a better understanding of Libya, Steven's review and Louis's book is a good start.

Special Report: Operation Odyssey Dawn - DoD web resource

Task Force Commander Provides Libya Update - AFPS

Libya Costs, Mission Unclear - Washington Times

Gates Sees Airstrikes Slowing Soon - Washington Post

U.S.: Gadhafi's Air Defenses Now Largely Ineffective - Voice of America

Allied Strikes Pummel Libya's Air Force - Washington Post

Amid Rubble in Capital Hints of a Changed Atmosphere - New York Times

Hope that 'Nightmare of 40 Years' will Soon End - Los Angeles Times

U.S. Jet Crashes, Pilots Survive, Gaddafi's Forces Dig In - Washington Post

U.S. Military Faces Questions After Rescue of Officers - New York Times

Snipers, Shells, Tanks Terrorize Key Libyan City - Associated Press

Obama Security Adviser: Gadhafi Faces Increasing Isolation - Voice of America

Defiant Gaddafi Pledges Victory - BBC News

Clinton: Gaddafi, Allies May Be Seeking Way Out - Reuters

Obama Says Gaddafi May Wait Out Military Assault - Reuters

U.S.A.F. Jet Crashes; Crewmembers Safe - Stars and Stripes

U.S. Jet Crashes in Libya, Pilot Received by Locals - Associated Press

Marines Face Questions About Rescue of Officers - New York Times

Obama Tries to Patch Rift as Strikes Go On - New York Times

In Libya, Rifts Open in NATO Coalition - Washington Post

Who's in charge? NATO Members Squabble. - Daily Mail

Obama: No Doubt Coalition Will Take Over Command in Libya - VOA

U.S. Sees Key NATO Role on Libya, but Questions Remain - Reuters

Compromise Emerges for NATO Role in Libya Fight - Associated Press

U.S. Says Libyan Campaign to Ease - Bloomberg

France Says New Non-NATO Body To Lead Action - Sky News

Turkey Wary at Fellow NATO Member France's 'Prominent Role' - VOA

France Could Extend Operations Beyond Benghazi - NBC News

White House Denies Regime Change is Part of Mission - The Hill

Gates: West Trying to Avoid Libya Civilian Deaths - Reuters

Gates Cites Efforts to Avoid Civilian Casualties in Libya - AFPS

U.N. Chief: Nations Must Back Libya No-Fly Zone - Associated Press

China Calls for Libya Cease-Fire - Voice of America

Several African Leaders Criticize Air Attacks in Libya - Voice of America

Britain Says Saudi Supports U.N. Action on Libya - Reuters

Putin Denies Disagreement with Medvedev Over Libya - VOA

U.N. Reports Shortages of Food, Other Essentials in Libya - VOA

Attack Renews Debate Over Congressional Consent - New York Times

Campaign Cost Runs Counter to Belt-tightening Plans - Stars and Stripes

Libya No-Fly Zone Cost Could Hit $1 Billion in Months - Reuters

Captive Journalists Faced Days of Brutality - New York Times

The Cost of Libyan Intervention - Washington Post opinion

Egypt

As Police Protest, Fire Engulfs Interior Ministry Building - New York Times

Egypt's Interior Ministry Building Set Ablaze - Washington Post

Egypt's Interior Ministry Burns as Police Protest - Associated Press

Egypt Committee Charges Mubarak With Killing Protesters - Reuters

Tunisia

U.S. to Give $20 million to Help Fledgling Democracy - Washington Post

Yemen

Yemeni Government Confronts Mass Defections - Washington Post

Yemen's Leader Defiant Amid Protests and Defections - New York Times

President Warns Coup Would Lead to Civil War - Voice of America

Yemeni President Saleh Threatens Civil War - Washington Post

Power Crumbling, Yemen Leader Warns of Civil War - Associated Press

President Ready to Step Down at End of Year - Voice of America

Yemen Opposition Call for Mass Protests on Friday - Reuters

Problems Threaten Hunt for U.S.-born Radical Cleric - Washington Post

Saudis Prepare to Abandon Yemen - Financial Times

Bahrain

With Crackdown, Bahrain Returns to Old Playbook - Wall Street Journal

Human Rights Violations Mount in Bahrain - Voice of America

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia to Hold Municipal Elections in April - Associated Press

Syria

Protesters March in South Syria for Fifth Day - Reuters

Protest Spreads to New Southern Syrian Village - Associated Press

'Five Protesters Killed' in Syria - BBC News

Syrian Forces Kill 6 in Mosque Attack - Reuters

Lebanon

Bahrain Bans Lebanon Travel, Sectarian Tension Rises - Reuters

Iraq

Police Officer Killed in N. Iraq Demonstration - Associated Press

Iran

Western Diplomats: Iran Again Violates Arms Embargo - Voice of America

Iran Cited for Arms Embargo Violations, Rockets for Taliban - Bloomberg

Turkey Seizes Cargo of Iranian Plane - Associated Press

China Says Talks Are Way Forward on Iran Nuclear Issue - Reuters

"Iran Will Ruin 'Arab Spring' Hopes for Democracy" - Jerusalem Post

Israel / Palestinians

Gazan Rockets Hit Deep in Israel, Minister Sees War - Reuters

Israeli Attack on Gaza Militants Kills 4 Civilians - New York Times

Israeli Strike Misses Target, Kills 4 Palestinians - Associated Press

Israel Kills 9 in Gaza in Deadliest Day in Months - Reuters

Israel Passes Law Against Mourning Its Existence - Reuters

Former Israeli President Gets Prison Sentence for Rape - VOA

Ex-President Sentenced to Prison in Rape Case - New York Times

Ex-Israeli President Sentenced to 7 Years for Rape - Associated Press

Middle East / North Africa

Arab Revolts Force Diplomats to Remake Lives - New York Times

Tribes With Flags - New York Times opinion

Gates Underlines Dangers in the Middle East - Washington Post opinion

Afghanistan

Afghans to Take Over Security in 7 Areas - New York Times

Karzai: Afghan Troops to Assume More Control - Washington Post

Karzai Names Areas Where Afghans Will Take Control - Los Angeles Times

Karzai Names NATO Pullout Areas - BBC News

Afghan Forces to Take Lead in Securing 7 Areas - Associated Press

Karzai Announces Areas to Transition to Afghan Control - AFPS

Taliban Assassination Campaign Impedes Governance - Associated Press

U.N. Civilian Lead in Afghanistan Wins Support - Associated Press

Forces Detain Insurgents in Afghanistan Operations - AFPS

Medevac Initiatives Save Lives in Afghanistan - AFPS

Soldier to Plead Guilty in Afghan Murder Case - Wall Street Journal

UNESCO: Destroyed Bamiyan Buddhas Nearly Impossible to Rebuild - VOA

Settling the Afghan War - New York Times opinion

Pakistan

Pakistan's President Vows, Again, to Fight Extremism - New York Times

Pakistan President, Opponents Mend Fences - Washington Post

A Would-Be Revolutionary in Pakistan - New York Times

Japan Earthquake / Tsunami

Radiation in Tokyo Water; U.S. Curbs Japan Food Imports - Reuters

Electricity Reconnected to Daiichi Nuclear Reactors - Washington Post

Spent Fuel Hampers Efforts at Japanese Nuclear Plant - New York Times

Japanese Refugees Struggle for Normalcy - Washington Post

Radioactive Seawater Latest Woe for Battered Japan - Voice of America

Radiation Fears Grow From Stricken Japan Nuclear Plant - Reuters

Deadly Cold Weather Strikes Tsunami-Hit Hospital - Voice of America

Rebuilding Lives and American Ties to Japan - New York Times

Pacific Commander Says Mandatory Evacuation Unlikely - Stars and Stripes

Japan Sees Quake Damage Reaching Up to $300 Billion - Reuters

Snapshot: Japan's Nuclear Crisis - Reuters

U.S. Department of Defense

Monroe's Gen. Dempsey Heads to Top Army Job in D.C. - Daily Press

Military Set to Train for End of 'Don't Ask' - Washington Times

United States

Obama Calls for Economic Cure for Illegal Immigration - New York Times

13 Illegal Immigrants Arrested Wearing U.S. Marine Uniforms - FOX News

Continuing Resolutions Hinder Efficiency, Official Says - AFPS

Canada

Canadian Opposition Likely to Trigger Election - Associated Press

Africa

U.N.: Gbagbo Forces Preparing Heavy Weapons in Ivory Coast - VOA

Ivory Coast: U.N. Warns of Forgotten Humanitarian Crisis - BBC News

Ivory Coast's Gbagbo Threatens International Media - Associated Press

South Sudan Says North Bombs Its Territory - Reuters

E.U. Seeks Benchmarks in Extension of Somali Government - VOA

Mozambique, a Budding Narco-State? - Associated Press

Ugandan Police Unit Accused of Torture and Killings - New York Times

Americas

Obama Pledges $200 Million to Fight Drug Trafficking in Central America - VOA

Obama Vows Closer Cooperation with Central America - Associated Press

El Salvador: Drug Traffickers' 'Little Pathway' - Los Angeles Times

Family Says Mexican Drug Lord is Suffering in Jail - Associated Press

Chavez Decree Strengthens Pro-Government Militias - Associated Press

Venezuela Deports Colombian Drug Suspect Sought by U.S. - VOA

Chile President to Ask for CIA Files - Associated Press

Cuba's Castro: I Quit as Party Chief 5 Years Ago - Associated Press

Church: Cuba to Release Last Dissidents From '03 - Associated Press

U.N. Appeals for Patience as Haitians Await Election Results - VOA

Asia Pacific

China Approves Death Sentence for 7 in Xinjiang - Associated Press

Activist Says China Cracks Down on Ethnic Uighurs - Associated Press

Group: Vietnam Detains U.S. Activists - Associated Press

Philippine Official: Military Graft 'Staggering' - Associated Press

Europe

Russia, U.S. Warm on Missile Defense - Washington Post

Russia Set to Profit From Libya, Japan Crises - Associated Press

Ex-President of Ukraine Is Implicated in 2000 Killing - New York Times

Portugal Government May Collapse Before E.U. Summit - Reuters

Spain Clears American of Terror Finance Suspicion - Associated Press

South Asia

India Could Face Water Woes In Coming Decades - Voice of America

Indian Police Seek Former Union Carbide Chief - Associated Press

President Karzai, as the graduation keynote speaker, used the venue to announce his transition plan. The governors of the first provinces that will undergo transition were present to hear President Karzai's remarks as well as to congratulate the newly commissioned lieutenants...was especially encouraging to see the top 15 Cadets from the NMAA graduating class receive their diplomas and personal congratulations from President Karzai.

Here are some of the key points from President Karzai's address:

Reinforcing the critical nature of preventing civilian casualties, President Karzai stated: "The Afghan people may support the international community's presence in Afghanistan, but safeguarding the Afghans' lives, ending civilian casualties, fundamentally strengthening the government and the dissolution of parallel structures and activities are the basic conditions for the continuation of relations between us, America and NATO."

President Karzai also said America and NATO are responsible for fully training and equipping the Afghan forces by the end of 2014. "I know that we are still away from the target, and I also believe that the international community will continue to cooperate and assist the Afghans in other forms. However, changes will certainly be brought to this cooperation and assistance. In addition to accomplishing the transition process, the US and NATO responsibility will be limited to training and equipping the Afghan forces and providing financial assistance."

President Karzai also announced the names of provinces and cities where security will be handed over to the Afghan security forces from NATO troops in mid June this year. He said: "Afghanistan will take over complete responsibility for security in the following areas from Saratan [22 June] of the current year. The responsibility for security of Kabul except for its Surobi district, Panjsher Province, Bamiyan Province, Herat city except for its districts, Lashkar Gah city, the capital of Helmand Province, Mazar-e Sharif, the capital of Balkh Province and Mehtarlam, the capital of Laghman Province. This transition process will expand from the center of provinces to the districts."

He followed by saying: "Transition means defending the country, ensuring security and implementing development projects. It also means the Afghans will carry out all affairs such as ensuring security, implementing reconstruction projects and taking over responsibility for providing governance in all zones and meeting the patriotic Afghans' wish and demands."

I have linked a summary of his as delivered remarks along with a storyboard from the event and several high quality photos from the graduation activities. In addition, you can see more photos, watch the video and read more about the event at www.NTM-A.com.

It was incredibly inspiring to see President Karzai not only formally announce the transition plan, but also to see him charge the graduates representing some of Afghanistan's brightest and boldest young men with the responsibility of providing security for the nation and bringing peace to the people of Afghanistan.

Best,

Dr. Jack Kem