At our Ohio/WV gettogether Thursday, OhioWFan shared about her son, who just returned after some 14 months in Iraq. He said the Iraqi people were appreciative, grateful, loving and welcoming toward the U.S. and coalition forces ... all the things the Koppels and Jennings of this world don't want us to know.
I really don't see how the American public is supposed to interpret the drumbeat of gloom and doom about Iraq as anything other than anti-war propaganda. Just like what we were fed during the Vietnam War. The only thing that keeps our enemies from winning this time (and only by a sliver) with their propaganda is those brave men and women serving are volunteers. That has certainly put a crimp in their mission. Yet, it doesn't stop them from continuously droning on about keeping our troops 'safe'. How many in the military do you know signed up to be 'safe' while they do the most dangerous work in the world?
I really enjoyed reading about OhioWFan's son and his tour in Iraq and that kind of insight is very helpful for me because my nephew will be going to Iraq in November. He's in the Mojave Desert right now training to learn how to conduct check points with cars and sweep buildings. He's been accepted into driving school and hopes to be trained to drive a Bradley tank. Hal (his nickname) is only 19 and we're all worried about his upcoming tour in Iraq but very proud of him.
Hal signed up in the midst of the liberation of Iraq and he didn't sign up to get a free ride for college, he signed up because he loves his country and his family and wants to protect both.