Why We Are At War

[OJR]

I don't know who wrote this, but it is very interesting and well written.

Orlan

Some of you may not approve of the Iraqi war, and I hope this e-mail doesn't offend anyone, but it's one of the BEST explanation the war that I've ever read, and I feel I must pass it on.

This is the BEST explanation of WHY we are AMERICA, the Home of the Brave and the Land of the FREE!

The other day, my nine year old son wanted to know why we were at war. My husband looked at our son and then looked at me. My husband and I were in the Army during the Gulf War and we would be honored to serve and defend our
country again today. I knew that my husband would give him a good explanation.

My husband thought for a few minutes and then told my son to go stand in our front living room window. He told him: "Son, stand there and tell me what you see?"

"I see trees and cars and our neighbors houses." he replied.

"OK, now I want you to pretend that our house and our yard is the United States of America and you are President Bush."

Our son giggled and said "OK."

"Now son, I want you to look out the window and pretend that every house and yard on this block is a different country" my husband said.

"OK Dad, I'm pretending."

"Now I want you to stand there and look out the window and see that man come out of his house with his wife and he has her by the hair and is hitting her. You see her bleeding and crying. He hits her in the face, he throws her on the ground, then he starts to kick her to death. Their children run out and are afraid to stop him, they are crying, they are watching this but do nothing because they are kids and afraid of their
father. You see all of this son.... what do you do?"

"Dad?"

"What do you do son?"

"I call the police, Dad."

"OK. Pretend that the police are the United Nations and they take your call, listen to what you know and saw but they refuse to help. What do you do then son?"

"Dad, but the police are supposed to help!" My son starts to whine.

"They don't want to son, because they say that it is not their place or your place to get involved and that you should stay out of it," my husband says.

"But Dad...he killed her!!" my son exclaims.

"I know he did...but the police tell you to stay out of it. Now I want you to look out that window and pretend you see our neighbor who you're pretending is Saddam turn around and do the same thing to his children."

"Daddy...he kills them?"

"Yes son, he does. What do you do?"

"Well, if the police don't want to help, I will go and ask my next door neighbor to help me stop him." our son says.

"Son, our next door neighbor sees what is happening and refuses to get involved as well. He refuses to open the door and help you stop him," my husband says.

"But Dad, I NEED help!!! I can't stop him by myself!!"

"WHAT DO YOU DO SON?"

Our son starts to cry.

"OK, no one wants to help you, the man across the street saw you ask for help and saw that no one would help you stop him. He stands taller and puffs out his chest. Guess what he does next son?"

"What Daddy?"

"He walks across the street to the old ladies house and breaks down her door and drags her out, steals all her stuff and sets her house on fire and then...he kills her. He turns around and sees you standing in he window and laughs at you. WHAT DO YOU DO?"

"Daddy..."

"WHAT DO YOU DO?"

Our son is crying and he looks down and he whispers, "I close the blinds, Daddy."

My husband looks at our son with tears in his eyes and asks him... "Why?"

"Because Daddy.....the police are supposed to help...people who needs it....and they won't help....You always say that neighbors are supposed to HELP neighbors, but they won't help either...they won't help me stop him...I'm afraid....I can't do it by myself ..Daddy.....I can't look out my window and just watch him do all these terrible things and...and.....do
nothing...so....I'm just going to close the blinds ....so I can't see what he's doing........and I'm going to pretend that it is not happening."

I start to cry.

My husband looks at our nine year old son standing in the window, looking pitiful and ashamed at his answers to my husbands questions and he tells him...."Son"

"Yes, Daddy."

"Open the blinds because that man.... he's at your front door..."WHAT DO YOU DO?"

My son looks at his father, anger and defiance in his eyes. He balls up his tiny fists and looks his father square in the eyes, without hesitation he says: "I DEFEND MY FAMILY DAD!! I'M NOT GONNA LET HIM HURT MOMMY OR MY SISTER, DAD!!! I'M GONNA FIGHT HIM, DAD, I'M GONNA FIGHT HIM!!!!!"

I see a tear roll down my husband's cheek and he grabs my son to his chest and hugs him tight, and cries..."It's too late to fight him, he's too strong and he's already at YOUR front door son.....you should have stopped him BEFORE he killed his wife. You have to do what's right, even if you have to
do it alone, before...... it's too late." my husband whispers.

THAT scenario I just gave you is WHY we are at war with Iraq. When good men stand by and let evil happen is the greatest EVIL of all. Our president is doing what is right. We, as a free nation, must understand that this war is a war of humanity. WE must remove evil men from power so that we can continue to live in a free world where we are not afraid to look out our window. So that my nine year old son won't grow up in a world where he feels that if he just "closes" the blinds the atrocities in the world won't affect him.

"YOU MUST NEVER BE AFRAID TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT! EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO DO IT ALONE!"

BE PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN! BE PROUD OF OUR PRESIDENT!

BE PROUD OF OUR TROOPS!! SUPPORT THEM!!! SUPPORT AMERICA!! SO THAT IN THE FUTURE OUR CHILDREN WILL NEVER HAVE TO CLOSE THEIR BLINDS...."

"The liberty we prize is not American's gift to the world, it is God's gift to humanity." George W. Bush

[HuntingInMaine]

Wow, thanks for sharing....got me a little teared up while reading(I am such a sap!LOL), but it is a great explanation! I never cared if we were over there for oil or weapons of mass destruction. I have read too many reports from organizations like amnesty international (don't agree with all of their causes, but they are very enlightening as to the conditions people in other countries are living under). The people of Iraq were living in a constant state of fear, something no one should ever have to do! It's funny that when I watch the news, I am told that Iraq wants us out of there. But when I talk with men and women who are serving over there, I hear how the people of Iraq are welcoming them with open arms! I believe we are doing the right thing, no matter what the reason originally was!

[wtnhunt]

Wow. That is very powerful adn moving Orlan. Very well put, I might have to print this out and let my 8 year old daughter read it. She and I were actually just talking about this very same thing last night.

[buckee]

Orlan ..That, my friend is the best post I've seen in this forum, for quite some time.
Now that I'm all teary-eyed too.
Thank you buddy, and I'm going to pin this post up top for a while too. http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Gator]

Good post, DA** GOOD POST!!!!

Thansk buckee for pinning this, maybe it will change the way some of our members view the war

[bulldawg]

That's where alot of the problems today start. Everybody starts to think that you have to turn the other cheek, and the bully will go away! Life taught me at an early age, that if you want to get that bully off of your back, you had better take him down. Or, he will keep beating on you until you stand up for yourself. My son was 6 days into this school year on Thursday, and he already had to give a mexican kid a wake up jab. The kid kept hitting him repeatedly. He asked him nice 4 times to stop. The bus driver just kept looking, and doing nothing until my son smacked him in the face once. Then she stopped the bus, and wrote my son up. I told my son to go in Friday to see if the write up stuck. If it did, I told him to tell his principle to call me immediately. The write up was torn up!
Sometimes you need to stand up and say "Enough is enough". And then you start taking care of business the good old fashioned way.
Great post. Thanks.

[buckee]

Slugger doesn't have an answer for this one.

I'd like to know what him and Kerry would tell their kid though ....real curious

[slugshooter]

I think it's pretty harsh and hope a parent actually didn't do that to his kid. By the way, that's not the reason's we were given for going to Iraq, some of ya'll just don't seem to get it though.

[TreeStandBowHunter]

That's a good post. What would this world do without the United States http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[RyanH]

Man that was awesome. That kinda got to me aswell!!!!

[mo_hunter]

That is great thanks for sharing http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Texan_Til_I_Die]

I've read this 5 or 6 times and I've just thought of something to add. Always remember, THEY STARTED IT!!!

[Swamphunter]

Great post!

[TreeStandBowHunter]

[ QUOTE ]
Ooh Rah Staff Sergeant. You tell em. Semper Fi and Ill see ya on the other side.

[/ QUOTE ]

Back at ya Sgt of Marines. Welcome to the forums partner.

[TreeStandBowHunter]

LOAD OF CRAP....PM me please and I'll give you a load of crap http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

[TreeStandBowHunter]

Well you seem like a professor, you figure it out!

[TreeStandBowHunter]

[ QUOTE ]
Wow...what a load of crap.

How does this jive with this explanation:

"In Iraq, a dictator is building and hiding weapons that could enable him to dominate the Middle East and intimidate the civilized world -- and we will not allow it."

Bush 2/26/03

"Right now, Iraq is expanding and improving facilities that were used for the production of biological weapons."

Bush 9/12/2002

If the reason we went to Iraq is to stop Hussein's brutal dictatorship then why are we sitting back and allowing dictators in Rwanda, Haiti, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Albania and even Israel in relation to their treatment of Palestinians? Where is the moral outrage at the treatment of these countries' citizens?

Revisionist history is fun but at its heart it is misleading at best and a load of crap at worst.

[/ QUOTE ]

Going off your posts so far in this thread and a few other threads...sounds like another pot stirrer to me. It's one thing to disagree but to call a nice post like the original one above a load of crap is pretty unsat.

[buckee]

You know what I find amazing in this world. There seems to be this thin line between intelligents and insanity ....LOL http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[TreeStandBowHunter]

I think that everybody knows I am insane http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Especially my fellow Marines while I was in Iraq http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Insanity get's you medals http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[AllArmyoutdoorsSD]

Great post man!!! It is too bad that people can't take this war for what it is..... i know deep in my heart that if my Commander in Chief was to tell the American people what this father told his son, We would not be taking care of buisiness until a few more planes were taken or Sadam actualy fir3ed one of those weapons..... I don't care if we found them or not, Precision Bored Piping is NOT used for oil.. and all of the freaking news? coverage how warning does some one need in order to prepare

[257Roberts]

There are a lot of countries that have wmd's. England, Germany, France all have weopons that can be classified as wmd's. So why not invade them? Because they don't have a tyrant incharge of them. We didn't invade Iraq because it had a horrible dictator. Or because they had WMD's. It was because they had both. If Saddam was a peacefull ruler or our friend then we wouldn't have a problem with the weopons he has. To say Bush is changing his story is a load of crap. The deal was we were going into Iraq to disarm Saddam and to change regiems. Which is exactly what we did. So what if Saddam didn't have stockpiles of WMD's. He had the ability, facilities and the desire to produce them . Had he had them at the start of the war he would have used them on our soldiers causing much more lose of life. Did we wait for Hitler to develop a nuclear bomb. NO. We dissarmed him and changed regiems. And trust me. Hilter was a girlscout compared to Saddam. I think we made the right choice to go into Iraq. Now lets finish the job and get the **** out.

[stevebeilgard]

it's amazing how liberals can change the facts. saddam has weapons of mass destruction. unless, of course, the un lied to us, bill clinton lied to us, all the libs lied to us (1993 to 1998). it's also too bad we pain un inspectors 8 years wages to find those non existant weapons of mass destruction. and, of course, we did in fact locate some.... just not enough for the liberals to agree. in fact, it appears that bush has done nothing at all right for a full 4 years..... you libs are something else.

will you at least agree that it's good that saddam is no longer filling mass graves with women & children? are you glad the rape rooms of uday and kusay are now closed? are you happy that the torture chambers are no longer being used? or, are the thousands of torture victims now telling of what saddam did, all liars? maybe they cut out their own toungs to make bush seem like a hero. yea, that's the ticket. open your eyes, libs. join the REAL world.

[13littleones]

why are we at war hmmmmm?
911 Does that ring a bell?
"Terrorism" the systematic and organized use of violence and intimidation to force a government or community, etc to act in a certain way or accept certain demands. Does that ring a bell?

[Mathews XT Man]

[ QUOTE ]
I think it's pretty harsh and hope a parent actually didn't do that to his kid. By the way, that's not the reason's we were given for going to Iraq, some of ya'll just don't seem to get it though.

[/ QUOTE ]...OH YA SLUG, I remember now.........ALL the Demacrats also said we MUST go to Iraq, well at least until we went and then they changed their mind after got there!!

[stevebeilgard]

we went to war for a HUGH variety of reasons. even the president said there were weapons of mass destruction. the president said saddam must be stopped, at whatever the cost. the president said he was going to attack america at every opportunity. the president said he was working on nuclear weapons. oh, yea. i'm talking about president clintonX!!! check your facts, people.
by the way. we DID find weapons of mass destruction. we DID find the graves of hundreds of thousands of iraquies saddam killed. we DID find the rape rooms. we DID find evidence of his nuclear progress. why do some want to change history? to hurt our current president, bush. i'm personally tired of the liberals, especially those who know liberals cant be elected and changed their names to progressives. (like no one can figgure that out??)

[slugshooter]

[ QUOTE ]

Now for those who say Bush started this War. If you know any thing about our government you will know that the President can not declare war with out the consent and backing of the US Congress. Correct!

Which party controled the Congress and Senate at the time this war was started. DEMOCRATS!!!!!!!!! So lets be honest here, the democrats are the ones who really started this war. Because they voted for it. I can't help it that they keep changing thier minds. TAKE A STAND! 2 more of my cents!

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually, war has never been declared, thus, this isn't really a war, but starting headlines with the War in Iraq and War on Terrorism is shorter and much easier to say than Police Action to remove the threat of terrorism or Conflict to remove Saddam Hussein and instill democracy in Mesopotamia.

Also, if you know anything about politics you would know that the Republicans have controlled congress since the Clinton era except for a little short bit of time early in 2001 in Bush's term when Jim Jeffords became an Independent which shifted control of the Senate to the Democrats for the first time since the 90's, the House was still controlled by the Republicans then in 2002 Republicans regained control of the Senate so for the first time in 50 years the Republicans controlled the Presidency and Congress, when was the authorization to use force in Iraq passed, October 2002, Senate was controlled by Democrats, House by Republicans. So, it's both of their faults. Here's a link so you can see for yourself.


http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d107:HJ00114:

[TreeStandBowHunter]

[ QUOTE ]
Typical Marine always spewing put garbage [ QUOTE ]
Especially my fellow Marines while I was in Iraq
Insanity get's you medals


[/ QUOTE ] your an idiot insanity gets you killed

[/ QUOTE ]

You know it's one thing to joke around in here like a few of us do with the bashing other services and what not but to come in here and be stupid is another. Your comments obvisouly show how stupid you really are now don't they http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

Well I could be ignorant like you but then again, I consider the source. All I can say is you guys need us in the fight. Take a look at history there buttercup, you guys couldn't handle the fight without us in there protecting your *** like in Nasariyah March 03....or did you forget about that battle. I remember real well. They pushed you guys back and we marched on and secured the city. Enough said http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif!!!

[Gator]

[ QUOTE ]
Typical Marine always spewing put garbage [ QUOTE ]
Especially my fellow Marines while I was in Iraq
Insanity get's you medals


[/ QUOTE ] your an idiot insanity gets you killed

[/ QUOTE ]

What an ignorant statement, let me guess, your a darn desk jockey huh? I am with TSBH, we give each other a good ribbing because of the different services we are/were in, but to say some stuff like that is pure ignorant.

[7th]

What a great post, I have tryed this with my sons but not to that point and it works.
What gets me is looking at the news, one would think that we have lost this war and no one is willing to fight to win it. I see it every day, the men and women that are coming home or going back over. They all seem to have a air of pride beaming form them in knowing that they are doing a job that HAS to be done. They know what they face and yet they go to it with no hesitation.
I wish the news would show what is going on in the other 90% of Iraq and 95% of the people of Iraq, that would shock most of the people of the US from what the news shows.
I am proud to be back in uniform again and I feel that it was a strong enough resone to come back after being out 18 years. I have 4 sons and feel it is my honor to be here to do my part to keep the world safe for them.
I don't have to agree with how you feel about this but I put my uniform on to protect your right to feel this way and will do so, just remember not to try to push your way on me.
Just remember that the freedome that you have here was paid for with the BLOOD of them that stood up for us before and will be paid for with the Blood of others that will put the uniform on after us.

[TreeStandBowHunter]

Good post 7th, good post!!!

Check out that casualty thread in the lounge. There have been quite a few Army National Guard paying the ultimate sacrifice in this war. You guys are in the fight just as much as any Active Duty unit over there http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Norm Sauceman]

Maybe I am the only one the verses (only 8 of them) work on so much about the war, but if you get a chance, read Psalms 82. Yes, there are only 8 verses in it and it struck me as to exactly we (The US) goes to war like we do.

[7th]

Norm,
That is one way to look at the way that the we try to do things in this world. I would say that the Curds and Sheiets could be called the poor and fatherless and we are there to Deliver them from the wicked.
Funny thing, with all the time I have at work, I read the Bible more now then ever. It helps alot when I am so far from my family. Last night I just got to the start of the book of Job and will be starting Psalms soon.

[Mathews XT Man]

Jim Jeffords...Now theres a guy you want on your ship!!.....ooooops he jumped off!
Glad our troops have convictions..and stick with it!

Where are the cry babies that said we went to war for ..OIL...????? Guess they were wrong ey??

[TreeStandBowHunter]

Didn't hurt my feelings at all. Matter of fact, they have these INSTANT GRAEMLINS in here that you can use on your posts. Yeah, I had the grin face next to the post I made about the insanity. They are there for a reason.

Now back to the hurt feelings. Like I said, my feelings weren't hurt at all. We just try to keep this site clean without any personal jabs. I do not know you therefore I do not know how to take your comments. Had it been someone else like Gator, I would of just brushed it off. See had you used the Instant Graemlin grin face, it would of been a different story.

BTW, next time you type the word "marine", can you capitalize it "Marine". Thanks and keep your head down and stay safe and come home soon. http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Oh yeah, stay cool too cause it is soon going to get hot over there http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[buckee]

"Insanity gets you medals"
Although I'm sure Mike didn't mean that in a broad sense, I think there may be a little truth in there too. I've been around long enough to see a few hero's in my life via the news, TV programs, etc and when you witness some of the things these folks have done, in the heat of the moment, for their fellow human beings, You can't help but sit back sometimes and say...wow, he/she has to be nuts to do that or even attempt to do that , under the circumstances at the time.
Then of course when it's all over, lives have been saved, and that guy/gal that pulled off that crazy rescue (that could be interpreted as insane at the time) or what ever with no concern what-so-ever for his/her own safety. you come to realize, that it wasn't insanity after all, but a unselfish, brave, courageous moment in time, that goes beyond our perception of insanity or crazy or what ever you want to call it. http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

My hat is off to Hero's period.

[Andrea]

I just want to say that no matter what branch of military you are in...I thank you.
It's never a "good" thing to go to war, but Iraq has had this coming for a long long time.

After seeing that stupid video of the beheadings of those innocent people ( and recently they found the bodies of beheaded children)...I don't think we should show ANY mercy whatsoever. Actually, a bullet is too good for those murderers.

An eye for eye, I say.

[Gator]

Chuckem, personally I think insanity, bravery, and courage go just a little bit hand in hand. You got to be just a little of both!

1ID, I though they moved to Germany? Or are you in a brigade that was left in the states?

[Gator]

No harm no foul!!! Just kepp your head down, and come home safe.

Big Red One is coming back to Ft Riley, now that right there makes alot of sense, since what was it 6-8 years ago they moved 3ID to Ft Stewart, and Moved 1ID to Germany. Is there gonna be any Infantry Division left in Germany?

[TreeStandBowHunter]

[ QUOTE ]
but i talk alot of crap http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

YOU http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif...you must not know me then http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Just come home safe man. I made a post in the Lounge paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. I would like to end it as soon as I can and the only way to make that happen is to bring you boys (and myself) back home. I been there in 2003 for the initial wave and then went back in '04 for a few months. I am ready to end this thing http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Reloader]

[ QUOTE ]
You're right, instead they should tell them something like this.

You look out the window and see our neighbor, who you're pretending is Saddam come home with a box full of chocolates for his wife and kids. He then hands each $1000 and tells them to spend it on whatever they want. After that he goes to the old lady across the street and does the same thing for her. But you are the evil president Bush and you see his chocolate and you want it. So you first call the police and ask them to arrest Saddam and give you his chocolates. But Mrs. France (note the Mrs. http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif) the chief of police tells you, you have no right to do this. So in blatent disregard for the police's authority you burn down his house. Then you purposely target his innocent children. You capture him and put him on trial for things he definately did not do, since he's such a nice man. Fortunately there's a wonderful man running against you that will instantly restore peace to the world by reconciling with Mrs. France and the police department. He's for, against, partially for,completely for, and totaly against taking out your neighbor but he's much better then you because offers your country a new direction. He has yet to say what direction that is but it will probably be this way><. But he's the best.

Honestly, sometimes slugshooter, I think this is how you and the democrats view things.

[/ QUOTE ]

That would be funny if it weren't so true! http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[Reloader]

[ QUOTE ]
If the reason we went to Iraq is to stop Hussein's brutal dictatorship then why are we sitting back and allowing dictators in Rwanda, Haiti, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Albania and even Israel in relation to their treatment of Palestinians? Where is the moral outrage at the treatment of these countries' citizens?

Revisionist history is fun but at its heart it is misleading at best and a load of crap at worst.

[/ QUOTE ]

Aparently you have forgoten a few things...
1950s-Korean War....we tried!
Israel has never started a war with palestine and has ended every war the palestinians started once they were secure again when they easily could have taken over the entire palestinian nation not to mentoin Egypt and the entire Arab world...
As for many of the others we must prioritize..we cant take every one of them at once...Sadam showed in the past that he was willing to invade his neighbors and slaughter his own people. Yes we suspected he had WMD's...maybe they still do. We may never know. But trust me...or ask any of the soldiers that have been(I know many but am not one of them)...they caused plenty of mass destruction with the weapons they do have. The primary error a Bush may have made was Bush Sr not mopping Sadam up the first go round...

[BuckMaster058]

That was one of the best posts on here by far. It sure choked me up. That is why I want to say thank you to the men and women that fight for us everyday. And lets hope they return safe and soon.

[leatherneck]

I just got around to reading this, and I have to say that it was outstanding. Thank you so much for shareing it with us.
Semper Fi.
Cpl. schweitzer U.S.M.C.

[DWC]

?was it not the U.S who put saddam in power during the(cold war with russia) and the IRAN/IRAQ war in the 70,s

[buckee]

yewbowman ...you have no right to comment on this thread. You don't vote, remember http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

[TreeStandBowHunter]

[ QUOTE ]
One need not be a member of a political party, in order to point out evil.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hey, sorta sounds like one of those "Forsake the Troops" guys if you ask me. I hope not for his sake http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[browning_gold_12]

first let me say that post is the greatest explaination i have ever heard. second, if any of you armed forces guys and gals, past present or future, thank you from the bottom of my heart. i love you and deeply respect you for what you do, and you are constantly in my prayers. lastly, a little reminder......

http://www.realtree.com/img/500/medium/IMG_0172_1_1.JPG

please, never forget.....

[BowJoe]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Typical Marine always spewing put garbage [ QUOTE ]
Especially my fellow Marines while I was in Iraq
Insanity get's you medals


[/ QUOTE ] your an idiot insanity gets you killed

[/ QUOTE ]

What an ignorant statement, let me guess, your a darn desk jockey huh? I am with TSBH, we give each other a good ribbing because of the different services we are/were in, but to say some stuff like that is pure ignorant.

[/ QUOTE ]

I may not have any room to say anything but even desk jockeys get the job done. Without them no one would get to or from the assigned stations. I still appreciate anyone that serves or has served or is going to serve. Thank you.

[longknife]

I LOVE THE LETTER and Boys if the troops feel they are in the right then i will stand behind them if they feel its wrong then stand behind i will, it's not for us to decide if the war is right or wrong we are not the ones who are getting fired at or DYEING.Why don't you explain these views to the one's that are coming home in flagged drapped boxe's if they are right or wrong.They died with HONOR not hiding behind what'ifs or why's.My brother was was over there and spent a year asking to make it home alive and did not ask once what the reason was they were doing in that GOD for saken crap hole.He watched as two of his friends got hit right beside him.So to whom ever wants to speak out agianst the WAR read this and then wonder how you can explain your views to the HONORED DEAD OR INJURED.They gave, while you complained.Hey your still able to hunt and fish ARE THEY.

[Les]

Great Post. God bless america

[JohnnyStorm]

[ QUOTE ]
So to whom ever wants to speak out agianst the WAR read this and then wonder how you can explain your views to the HONORED DEAD OR INJURED.They gave, while you complained.

[/ QUOTE ]

I haven't read all of this thread so please forgive me if I have the wrong end of the stick.......

I have nothing but respect for members of the armed forces who selflessly follow orders in all manner of awful enviroments. I came close to joining the forces myself but instead became a Teacher. However, just because I respect *them* for their sacrifice I reserve the right to disagree with the reasons for their deployment.

Here in the UK many feel short changed over the Iraq war. Not because we believe saddam to be innocent but because the specific reasons behind the invasion have shown to have been, at best, pessimistic.

[geaux]

Johnny,
Let me begin by saying that I respect all men. Reguardless of race, religion or country. A man should be based on what's inside, not by where he's from or how much money he makes a year.

Saying that I would like to try and explain to you why we Americans or most times believed to be arrogant bullies who don't listen to anyone.

Since the inception of our country over 200 years ago (and I know thats not long compared to the old world) we have had to rely on someone else only one time. I'm sure you're familiar with that instance and I think we should still thank the French for the help.

But when you take into consideration how successful our little exercise in Democracy has been, our ability to fight for and win our freedom, our ability to fight a bloody Civil War, to push Mexico out of the southwest and expand our borders from sea to shining sea, to help save the world from tyranny not one time but twice and then become the champion against Communism and finally with help from our allies put that stain on the earth out of business, to see our economy grow and flourish like no other in the history of mankind, to lead the world in technology, put a man on the moon and at the same time offer money, food and support to all who ask, to be a beacon of hope for those looking for a new life, to watch as those of us born into poverty pulled themselves up by their boot straps to become succesful, wealthy heroes and now to observe our fighting men and women as they grant freedom and democracy to a people who never had a chance to experience the greatest priviledge this world has to offer....well, yes we are born into this history.

As an American it is our destiny to walk a little taller, to push our chest out a little further and to know in our hearts that without this country the world would be a place of great pandimonium.

We are taught from day one that when storm clouds gather, anywhere in the world and the wolf comes calling that you, as an American will be expected to help. There will be no debate, there will be no second guessing. When people cry out, we will help. For over 200 years all they have had to do was ask.

Do we have problems? Sure, we do but I'm often reminded of what the great Japanese Commander said after bombing Pearl Harbour. "I'm afraid we have awakened a sleeping Giant."

When the time is tough and the hour short, I hope the world will know that Americans will pull together and get it done. Our destiny is to police and aid the world and I would say to this point we've done one **** of a job. We may not all wear the uniform but we all are cogs in the wheel. And thankfully the majority of our country still lives by the following...God,Country and Family.

John Brown Jr.

[JohnnyStorm]

I have no complaints with any of what you have just said, except of course remembering the everso slight delay before the USA joined in the fight against the Nazis. http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif My complaint is against those who lead these great people and the justification they use in deploying them. In the UK both parliament and the public were assured by a series of reports and dossiers (by Tony Blair and the incumbent Government) that saddam hussein had WMDs capable of being deployed in 45 minutes. The report then is found to have been formed from a series of University essays found on the internet and famously described in the Press as having been "sexed up". So far nothing has been found in Iraq to back up these claims and they have now been all but denied as ever being true. As a Briton I feel cheated, and angry at the loss of our troops put into action based on a lie. I look to Iran, desperate to develop nuclear weapons and ask "why not them first?", I look to North korea, clearly more advanced with WMDs and ask "Why not them?". I look to our former Empire with Zimbabwe, a country formerly known as "the bread basket of africa" that has been brought down on it's knees bu Mugabe. Now I'm not naive enough to think that you/we can deal with all these places at once, I just think that Iraq wasn't the one to have at the top of the list.

[geaux]

Johnny,
You may very well be right. I believe that time will be the ultimate test as to what the future will bring in Iraq.

I count myself as a stounch Republican but even I have been a little disappointed in our President lately. But one fact that you simply can't deny is that as Americans we are almost programed to trust and obey our leadership.

I think of what the outcome may have been if Union troops would have walked away from the battle field during those final, terrible days of our Civil War. When even the northern press called Grant a "Butcher" for throwing so many young me into the fire day after day. Or what your own countries outcome may have been if the "Greatest Generation" had rather of burned flags and moved to Canada instead of answering the call.

As a Christian I often feel that our President knows that the final conflict will occur in the middle east. I believe what the Bible says as well and reguardless of the reason for being there enough of us here still think we need to prop up a stable democracy in that area of the world.

I also really believe that the President thought he was doing the right thing. His numbers were very high at the time and after 9/11 all he would have done was tell the American public that we have a need to have a stable operating platform in that region. That's all he would have had to say. The rest of the world may not have come on board but I promise you the American people would have given him the green light. My point is, we were going one way or another.

My hope is that Iraq will become a great Democracy in an area void of justice. But as we know, Democracy takes time.......

[Mcmullin]

good post

[kyhunter]

I very much respect your post,i just wish that it was that easy to look out a window and understand a War. We are a Great Country and Our Soldiers that fight for Us is our family.We all have our opinions on Why We get in the middle of other business.The only thing that is easy to picture looking out our windows is that Our Troops will go where they are asked to go because they are outside looking back in and knowing that Our Familys and neighbors are here Free because they fight so hard for Us, no matter what the task.
Goverments have there own reasons for Starting Wars and We are here just trying to Understand it.

Kyhunter

[huntinsanobsession]

wow great post it got me kinda chocked up had to stop reading for a sec. and think about it great post

[MikeB]

I just read this post. I almost started to cry because when the original was written, I was serving in Afghanistan with the IN National Guard. I remember on 9/11 having to explain to my then 5 yr old daughter what war was and why Daddy was going to have to go away soon. Believe it or not, killing is secondary in those places. Helping the countries help themselves is more important (and more fullfilling!).

[Texan_Til_I_Die]

Excerpt from a recent column in National Review Online (http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MmIzMTcxYWQ2NjA2YjcwZjllOTUwMTYxYzFlOGQ5Yzk=).

Who are these men and women? Who, exactly, are the 130,000 Americans fighting today in Iraq, the more than 20,000 standing tall on the front lines in Afghanistan, and the hundreds of thousands of other soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen who have served courageously in both theaters of war since the autumn of 2001? What motivates these warriors to travel thousands of miles to foreign theaters of war? What sustains them in the heat of the desert and in the heat of battle?

Answers to these questions can be found in history, especially as illuminated by the classical scholar and NRO contributor Victor Davis Hanson in his book The Soul of Battle. This volume, published in 1999, two years before September 11, is a tour de force that merits close reading by students of the past and the present alike. Essentially a study of democracies at war, it highlights one of their enduring, but often overlooked, martial qualities. The “great military strength of such open and free societies,” Hanson reminds us, is “the dramatic manner in which we can mobilize people in a tremendous retaliatory” campaign, often “led by men whom we otherwise do not appreciate — an asset greater even than the excellence of our technology or the sheer superabundance of our military equipment.” On short notice democracies “can produce the most murderous of armies from the most unlikely of men, and do so in the pursuit of something spiritual rather than the mere material.”

What fires these fights? It is, according to Hanson, “the soul of battle.” This is a “rare thing indeed that arises only when free men march unabashedly toward the heartland of the enemy in hopes of saving the doomed, when their vast armies are aimed at salvation and liberation, not conquest and enslavement. Only then does battle take on a spiritual dimension, one that defines a culture, teaches it what civic militarism is and how it is properly used.”

Today, the echoes of history resound in Afghanistan and in Iraq, where democratic armies, led by the United States, have once again marched into the heartlands of their enemies.

Things are not perfect in Afghanistan or Iraq. Much hard work remains. But a great deal has been accomplished. Measured against any historical or contemporary standard, the progress has been impressive. It has been achieved by selfless soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen. One must ask: Who are these men and women? They are the soul of battle, the soul of a great democracy, the soul of America.

[aitchie666]

Not all neighbours turn a blind eye. Dont forget GREAT BRITAIN

[Brianxt]

This is a great post I support my troops and president I am not in the military but if they would have me I would go in a heart beat no mater what.Sadam killed thousands off people with chemicals his on people what more reasone should we need to go in and kill that guy it should have been done along time ago before ever thing had got so bad.Let me be president for one month The fighting would stop in those countries or I would wipe there sorry butts off the face of the eart .Only thing left to be done then is go over there after all has setteled down and push ever thing off in ocean .

[bruteshooter]

Great post. Hope you don't mind I copied and pasted to a email for my entire address book. Semper Fi Marines!!!

[stevebeilgard]

there are 31 countries involved in the war with us.... it's only the liberal media that wants you to believe we are all alone. don't believe what you see on cnn, nbc, abc, cbs. they are proven wrong time after time with misleading info and striaght out lies and made up stories.

[Stinger-Hunter]

I served for 3 years in the Army, voted for W twice - he needs to grab is gonads and start killing people unmercifully instead of playing patty-cake with murderers and rapists.

[ohbowhntr]

I think too many people in this country have already forgotten 9-11-01, and some of those whack-jobs even believe it was a staged thing. All of those LYING democrats who want to claim there were NO WMD, should listen to their own sound-bytes....
http://www.bercasio.com/movies/dems-wmd-before-iraq.wmv

I'm Veteran proud, and kept my name on the inactive reserve list, until just this past month, when I was sent my final paperwork notifying me that my name was officially removed as I'd put my time in. If called, I'll gladly go to protect this country from TERRORISTS. TERRORISM is why we are in IRAQ, and why we SHOULD be staying there for a while. GOD BLESS the TROOPS, and those of you guys are still in, THANKS for being this country's "bodyguard."

[Will_in_cky25]

coming from someone who fought, sweat, and bled beside my brothers and sisters in arms I say WHOOA. It pains me though that I can't fight anymore but just like anyone else else in here who sreved, I would stand up (slowly, can't help it though) and fight again

[Turtle]

Why are we at war? Because it needed to be done.

After 911 America would have accepted nothing less
Something had to be done

Toby Keith even wrote a song about it
When we could see clearly
Through our big black eye
We lit up your world
Like the 4th of July

And America Applauded

When Bush gave his statement and Declared to bring the ones responsible to justice, he said we will not waiver and we will not falter.

This brought back bad memories for me. I served under his father during Desert Storm/Shield with 24th Inf Div.
After that one we wavered, we faltered. When the UN made the decision that our mission was over , we left.

No one talks about how all the ones that sided with us were slaughtered once we left. No one speaks a word about all Kurds we left behind unprotected were mowed down.

I for one am glad George W. has stuck to his word.

It took a lot to get these people to trust us again and if Hillary were elected and stands by her word to start immediate withdrawal I don't think America will ever be able to hold it's head quite as high again.

[lucysmusicbox]

America been America .The United States is know for getting involved in other counties problems and thinking that USA can solve them with war

[crazylegz70]

I have a real problem with the war being that we went there to "find the attackers behind 911" and when we couldnt get that done the wonderful bush administration changed it to "iraq and WMD". Now that we tore apart what government Iraq did have, the Republicans want to stay there until it is fixed.....Cut your losses and call it finished....we have wasted money and good people have died for NO REASON AT ALL. Offend who it may, but it is the truth....

I really hope that families who have members serving right now remember this when it comes time to vote. I really hope they dont want 4 more years of this....

[wtnhunt]

I have a real problem with the war being that we went there to "find the attackers behind 911" and when we couldnt get that done the wonderful bush administration changed it to "iraq and WMD". Now that we tore apart what government Iraq did have, the Republicans want to stay there until it is fixed.....Cut your losses and call it finished....we have wasted money and good people have died for NO REASON AT ALL. Offend who it may, but it is the truth....

I really hope that families who have members serving right now remember this when it comes time to vote. I really hope they dont want 4 more years of this....

Truth is Lance that "cutting our losses" and leaving would be a mistake, your guy Obama even agrees on this. You may also want to go back and read some of this thread as well as doing some fact checking. The war was voted for by our nations leaders, they did at that time think that Iraq had wmd's and they did believe that Saddam Hussein was a threat to the world, Bush alone did not just make the decision that we were going to engage in a war that was not needed and McCain has actually criticized the Bush administration on the handling of the war. Guess some are quick to forget that Hussein was caught, also some are failing to acknowledge that top al qaeda operatives have been caught and some killed, and that we have not had another attack on our soil.

Your reply is your opinion, nothing wrong with posting opinions here.

[crazylegz70]

[quote=wtnhunt;946437]Guess some are quick to forget that Hussein was caught, also some are failing to acknowledge that top al qaeda operatives have been caught and some killed, and that we have not had another attack on our soil.
quote]

I agree with you for the most part except for this statement. I personally believe that these people (Iraq) might have needed to be ruled with an "Iron Fist". The people that Saddam ruled over were not and still are not rational people there is nothing we can do to change that. I can say whole heartedly that he was not a good person and was in no way a good leader, but look what he was dealing with. I agree that we have not had an attack on our soil YET, however I find it hard to believe that republicans can defend their choices by saying that they are nipping terrorism. Terrorism will NEVER be stopped and all we are doing is aggrevating and elevating an already bad situation. I was trying to point out that the original reason we went to war has now been aborted and we are on to some other objective after we havent even stopped Al Qaida. This particular terrorist group is active in 60 countries? How are we slowing that down in Iraq? So in other words....Bin Laden is still alive, Iraq is still a nation of ruthless people and terrorism is better off sitting back knowing that we are going broke trying to win a war that is unwinnable....CUT YOUR LOSSES AND TAKE CARE OF YOUR OWN COUNTRY!!!

[Leo]

Why are we at war? Because it needed to be done.

After 911 America would have accepted nothing less
Something had to be done

Toby Keith even wrote a song about it
When we could see clearly
Through our big black eye
We lit up your world
Like the 4th of July

And America Applauded

When Bush gave his statement and Declared to bring the ones responsible to justice, he said we will not waiver and we will not falter.

This brought back bad memories for me. I served under his father during Desert Storm/Shield with 24th Inf Div.
After that one we wavered, we faltered. When the UN made the decision that our mission was over , we left.

No one talks about how all the ones that sided with us were slaughtered once we left. No one speaks a word about all Kurds we left behind unprotected were mowed down.

I for one am glad George W. has stuck to his word.

It took a lot to get these people to trust us again and if Hillary were elected and stands by her word to start immediate withdrawal I don't think America will ever be able to hold it's head quite as high again.

You were there. You saw. You got it right. It's absolutely incredible to me that some folks don't put more value on the opinions of those that WERE ACTUALLY THERE!

I'm surrounded by folks who were there. Then there again and again. I've heard what you are saying over and over.

Even suggesting abandoning those now who would be helpless in the face of even more unspeakable tyranny is the most selfish and inhumane thing I have ever heard. Turtle is absolutely right. The Kurds were slaughtered after Desert Storm and in large part that is blood on American hands. In the eyes of the world we started this thing and need to finish it.

[crazylegz70]

Its funny cause I know more people that were included in the war than most on here and I can guarantee that 90% of them say it is a joke and they couldnt wait to get out of the mess they were in.

[stevebeilgard]

i'll politely disagree once again. we have an all voluntary army, and almost 100% of them agree with what they are doing. not 100%, as there are always some who disagree with anything. but, close to 100% agreement there.

[DocMort]

I have there, I have seen it, I have done it matter of fact I just returned a month ago. 98% of the people in Iraq welcome the Americans with open arms. The soldiers, airmen, marines, and sailors that are over there right now, will not faulter, and will not fail as our commander in chief has said before. We gave to much notice for anyone to find WMD's in the beginning and now look, the amount of violence has went down since the surge began. As for anyone who says we need to pull out right way just remember what Sept. 11 looked like and multiply that by 10 and you can get a good look at what will happen next time. Just think about the troops that you disgrace when you pull everyone out. You don't support the US then move out.

[7th]

Crazyleqz,
Doing my job, I guarantee your right to say what you would but I have to ask you this: where do you get this 90% from? I work with the troops all the time that have been (been again and again), going over or coming home and it is a resounding 99%+(even though I have only talked with 2 people that said we was doing the wrong thing there) in support of what we are doing there?
If the war was going so bad, why would units that are getting ready to go back is turning people away from going with them? I know of a unit that turned away more volunteers to go with them, and then they actually took with them? (This was not a small unit either)
I have friends that are amputee’s that are looking for ways of going back to “do their duty!”
Having been there and working with the Iraqi people, they do want us there, they want what we have: Freedom.
Cutting our losses as you put it is snatching defeat from the mouth of Victory. Disgracing the sacrifices that every trooper has given for serving in Iraq, belittling the sacrifices the family has give: the night’s mothers have rocked little ones to sleep, the cold nights with an empty bed, fear with every passing day that this may be the one and everything else they have to endear.
Sorry, I will get off my soap box but I would like to know how you know more troopers that were there then most and also talk with some of this 90% you talked about. I have lost a lot of friends there and I am ready to go back as soon as they ask me.

[turningcustomcalls]

First and foremost let me say that I greatly appreciate our armed forces who put there lives on the line everyday for my freedom and the privilages I enjoy, like sitting in my home piddling around on the computer.

Second, I must also say that I have supported President Bush through out his entire presidenticy. While I have certianly disagreed with him on some issues and his handling of issues, I feel he was/is the man for our nation the past 8 years. I will hate to see him leave office.

Third, I would like to offer my two cents about the war on terror especially in Iraq and Afganistan. I feel we are doing the right thing in invading those countries and rooting out terrorist and insurgants. The fact that Saddam Huessin is dead, is worth our efforts overseas, not to mention the countless other terrorist leaders who have been killed or captured.

While I see the good in the work our troops are doing, I feel that the leadership, including The President, is looking at this war from the wrong prespective. The goal is to provide freedom and democracy to the Iraqis, and I feel freedom is a unrealistic goal. Iraq and Afghanistian are muslim countries and Islam does not promote equality and freedom. Islam works by fear and supression. America was founded on the Biblical principal that All people are created by God and deserve certain rights and privilages. Therefore freedom and democracy is a realistic goal for Americans, but not Islamic countries. If we were to successfully kill or capture every terrorist in the Middle East, it would only be a matter of time before a new generation of terrorist would come along, following there theology and trying to please Allah. Our troops could literally be there forever. There is no end to Islamic extremist.

It is my understanding that devout Muslim's are to destroy the infidel's. An infidel is anyone who poses a threat to Islam. The terrorist are fighting us, not becaues they hate American's but because they are devote Muslim's who believe they are doing Alah's will.

Islam also teaches that the only way for a Muslim to know for sure they will enter paradise is to die fighting the enemy's of Islam. That explains the suicide bombers. They blow themselves up with the hope of heaven. That is why the hijackers took control of the planes on 9-11. It was there theology that motivated them to cause the destruction and chaos that day.

What I am trying to say is we cannot measure our progress by the democracy of a Islamic country. Our goal should be to keep terroist off US soil and keep them from doing more harm. Up to this point, we have done that. We need to have people who understand the Muslim theology offer guidence to our military leaders. This war is not about freedom, because muslim's do not operate on principles of freedom. This war is about theology and trying to keep America safe. God Bless the United States of America!

[bowhuntnsmycrack]

i really like this post. i have supported the war in iraq since it started. people say its for oil,people say its because bush wants to finish what his father didnt, but you know i knew from the very beginning it was to save our neighbor. theres a country song that says in it they hit and he just turned his cheek dont think for a minute he was weak well ya know that just tells me that man has never had to fight for anything. as for the guy with the mexican kid on the bus hitting his son, if the bus driver said anything to him it would have been racial profiling and then there would be a big lawsuit so thats why your son got introuble because now a days immigrants cant because its considered racial. very touching and ya know what sometimes people need a good ol fasion passionate tail whippn to show who's boss and that were not gonna take it.

[clrj3514]

that was absolutely amazing. great post

[Canoekiller1]

Whether it is why we originally wento or not, its a great point and it is right, and of course no one did that to their kid but i guess u just dont get it

[dawgitall]

Wow! I feel blessed to have read that. I am a better person because that was shared with me. I will carve out time specifically for my daughter and I to read it together. Thank you and God Bless.