The Doves and the Hawks...
The Doves and the Hawks have squawked just a wee bit too much for me as of late. With troops getting killed by the day, I think that we are past the point where we argue about whether or not this is a just war. The fact of the matter is that no matter what the cause, we are in it, and we cannot just pack up and leave. I really think that the focus needs needs to be on how we are going to straighten this mess out. Oliver had a nice piece on his weblog about how many of the so-called hawks mustered support for the war from the safety of their keyboards. While I did find this to be amusing, I noted that some bloggers who claimed to have been in Iraq at some time took offense to that matter. In fact, there was one poster who commented on Oliver's blog named "Gimp". From the way Gimp described himself and told of his failed attempt to enlist, we can see that his moniker was aptly selected. Anyway, gimp called him a few names, and brought up a compelling point. I am paraphrasing this, but it was basically stating that just because a person does not serve, or cannot serve does not make them out-of-line for supporting the war effort.
At first I chuckled at some of the comments made, but then I thought about it. Just because I have a military background, and have been deployed in a combat zone does not make me any more entitled to comment on military action than anyone else. Admittedly I have trash talked people about commenting on combat actions when they have not elected to serve. But, being that the way that our Constitution is framed, it would seem that perhaps those are the exact kind of people that need to be making these decisions. I suppose that perhaps I need to put my own ego, and sense of self-righteousness in check when I discuss the situation in the Middle East with people. While I do not condemn Oliver for his anti-war stance, or muster behind the "hawks". I find myself now respecting and seeing the validity of both sides of this argument. However, I stlll have to say, "We are there now, there is no going back, let us endeavor to work together to quell the unrest, restore power to the Iraqi people, and bring our boys home soon.
One of our line units was just activated, and I have a feeling that they will be going overseas soon. This is hitting close to home. I am a brand new Lieutenant with all sorts of ideas, a little bit of experience, a whole lot of enthusiasm, and 4 reasons to pray to God that I am not called up...."Wife, Son, Son, and Daughter." I pray to God that the day will come when I no longer here about our troops being killed. I pray to God that peace will come to the Iraqi people. I pray to God soon more families will not have to be seperated, and I pray for the families that will never be reunited.
The Doves and the Hawks have squawked just a wee bit too much for me as of late. With troops getting killed by the day, I think that we are past the point where we argue about whether or not this is a just war. The fact of the matter is that no matter what the cause, we are in it, and we cannot just pack up and leave. I really think that the focus needs needs to be on how we are going to straighten this mess out. Oliver had a nice piece on his weblog about how many of the so-called hawks mustered support for the war from the safety of their keyboards. While I did find this to be amusing, I noted that some bloggers who claimed to have been in Iraq at some time took offense to that matter. In fact, there was one poster who commented on Oliver's blog named "Gimp". From the way Gimp described himself and told of his failed attempt to enlist, we can see that his moniker was aptly selected. Anyway, gimp called him a few names, and brought up a compelling point. I am paraphrasing this, but it was basically stating that just because a person does not serve, or cannot serve does not make them out-of-line for supporting the war effort.
At first I chuckled at some of the comments made, but then I thought about it. Just because I have a military background, and have been deployed in a combat zone does not make me any more entitled to comment on military action than anyone else. Admittedly I have trash talked people about commenting on combat actions when they have not elected to serve. But, being that the way that our Constitution is framed, it would seem that perhaps those are the exact kind of people that need to be making these decisions. I suppose that perhaps I need to put my own ego, and sense of self-righteousness in check when I discuss the situation in the Middle East with people. While I do not condemn Oliver for his anti-war stance, or muster behind the "hawks". I find myself now respecting and seeing the validity of both sides of this argument. However, I stlll have to say, "We are there now, there is no going back, let us endeavor to work together to quell the unrest, restore power to the Iraqi people, and bring our boys home soon.
One of our line units was just activated, and I have a feeling that they will be going overseas soon. This is hitting close to home. I am a brand new Lieutenant with all sorts of ideas, a little bit of experience, a whole lot of enthusiasm, and 4 reasons to pray to God that I am not called up...."Wife, Son, Son, and Daughter." I pray to God that the day will come when I no longer here about our troops being killed. I pray to God that peace will come to the Iraqi people. I pray to God soon more families will not have to be seperated, and I pray for the families that will never be reunited.
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