A friend recently asked me why we report casualties from the war in Iraq and Afghanistan in diversityinbusiness.com.  That friend was wondering what the war had to do with diversity in business. 

I thought I would share a portion of my response with you because I’m sure many of you are wondering the same.

The answer is simple.  When America goes to war, that war becomes the People's business; and since minorities are among those most directly affected by the war, it is the responsibility of this web site to keep our readers informed about the cost of that war. 

And make no mistake about it; the American people are paying an enormous price for the war in Afghanistan and in Iraq.  We're paying materially, financially, and with the lives and the physical and emotional well-being of our sons and daughters, our sisters and brothers, our mothers and fathers. 

Although the price is high, it is one that must be paid any time our freedom and our security are at stake.

As long as American troops are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, diversityinbusiness.com will list the names of those who make the ultimate sacrifice.  We list their names without any political intent.  Our only intent is to inform the American people, as best we can, of the individuals who have fallen so that we can continue to live in freedom and pursue our personal and business interests.

Let me also state for the record that I am not opposed to war.  I understand the need to take defensive and pre-emptive measures whenever our national interests are at stake.  But preemption should never be used to mask imperialistic intent.  Instead, military intervention should be a part of a well conceived strategy with clearly defined goals that are presented to and sanctioned by the American people. 

Anytime we send our young men and women into harms way, they should also make sure they have the resources and equipment needed to execute a well defined mission, effectively and expediently.  When there is a breakdown in how military campaigns are defined or conducted, then those in authority should be held accountable for their decisions and actions. 

Just as the directors of an organization are accountable to its stakeholders, our political leaders and their policy makers are accountable to the American people.

At diversityinbusiness.com, we are committed to exploring issues of accountability, especially as it relates to the war on terror.  We owe that, and no less, to ourselves, and to those who are willing to die on our behalf.

As an American, I cherish the service and sacrifice of our military personnel.  I only hope and pray that our leaders will formulate and pursue policies that are worthy of their service and sacrifice.