Posted on 01/19/2005 9:51:40 AM PST by Mo1
I just received this from my neighbor at home. It was sent to her daughter from her friend in Iraq. I thought it might be interesting for you all to read.
So seldom we get word right from the "horse's mouth". She sent it to all her friends online, so I'm sure she wouldn't mind if I posted it.
Subject: Living the dream of democracy . . . a truly historical day
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2005 03:54:19 -0500
Hello everyone,
I wanted to write an informational update on this truly historical day.
Currently I am surrounded by dozens of Iraqis that are wondering what words
I will share with the world. They tell me that this is the first time in
their country's history that they have been able to vote. Mind you . . .
that this is the "cradle of civilization" . . . . so this dates back to even
before BC.
All of the Iraqis that I work with . . . mostly soldiers, some key
civillians, and interpreters are very excited for this momentous occassion.
Some of them were able to acquire a TV and are watching their version of CNN
very intently.
Today is the culmination of the reason why Hundreds of thousands of Ameriacn
and coalition service people as well as myself are here. This originally
staretd as a war on terrorism . . . Osama Bin Laden . . . and a premptive
strike on Iraq and Saddam Hussein and his "weapons of war". I will not go
on the record about those things . . . but what the public knows and what I
have seen . . . well that is another discussion . . .
We are here, in my opinion for three things. Mind you this is a personal
hands on opinion and in no way is affiliated with any political or military
organizations. This is the sole opinion of one man living in an exciting
and dangerous period of time.
1) Humanitarianism: I truly believe that we are here doing some good. We
are providing food, fuel, and water to areas that had very little or none at
all. We are giving and teaching the Iraqis technology. Now bear in mind
that they are not a truly third world country. There are two parts of Iraq
.. . . the haves and have nots. Bagdahd and siome other limited areas are
metropolitan. Bagdahd and its suburbs have about 5 million people. They
are universities, there are scientific centers and there is government
infrastructure. The vast majority of the country though has nothing. We
are giving them hope. they were beaten down under the previous regime . . .
but are now getting a sense of pride in all theat they do (by their
standards). However we are trying to impose western will on a country that
is not ready for it and not willing to adapt. I believe many compromises
will be made along the way . . and we will be here for at least 10 years . .
.. before we get to where we need to be.
2) Military occupancy. I fully believe that the military will be here for
decades just as we are/were in Japan, Germany, Panama, and North Korea to
name a few. This gives us a strategic location in an unstable part of the
world from which to project power while taking off some of the strain and
attention from Israel. The Iraqi Army loves us at this point and
"enshallah" it will continue to be that way. The facilities are really
being built up and most of the coallition forces have relatively decent
facilities in which they live.
3) Oil . . . Oil . . . and more Oil. Iraq is a toxic wasteland . . . but
it is rich in oil. However despite all the oil . . . the gasoline and fuel
here is scarce and expensive by their standards . . . cheap by ours . . . 25
cents to fill your car . . . . not per gallon . . . but to fill your car.
The quality leaves something to be desired but the price is right. We just
need to help them build better refineries . . . because the fuel and the
money it generates will "fuel" their economy. And hopefully will protect
our environment (Alaska and the Great fishing banks) and reserves . . .
while busting the OPEC monopoly.
This great day is also monumental because women have the right to vote. By
our standards their females are treated like they live in the 18th century
instead of the 20th . . . but leaps and bounds have been made in women's
rights.
The election period has been difficult for me . . . I am unable to get many
needed supplies from Bagdahd and security has been heightened throughout the
country which has crippled my acquistion systems. But I havebeen able to
reallocate resources and provide for the 10,000 people that are contingent
upon my success.
I also happened to be in a (coalition force) compound when a mortar went
off. They blew a siren that was louder than the mortar and hurt my ears.
Then they started running everywhere to battle stations. It was kind of
funnny. I have been shot at so many times and mortared that I am kind of
immune to it. But it was neat to see how serious they are taking things at
this point in time. They have not been in the country long enough yet. It
was like living in a dream once again.
I also felt like the DEA yesterday. I rolled into an Iraqi compound by
myself and seized over $250,000 of Iraqi military equipment. It was not as
dangerous as it might sound but just the things I have seen and done make
this a lot of fun. As the popular quote by General Patton goes . . . .
"when your grandchildren sit on your knee and ask you what you did during
the big war (WWII) . . . you wont have to tell them you shovelled pig shit
in Loisianna".
In any case . . . I am in fine spirits and relatively safe at this time.
But I would like to ask a favor of you all. Please do not take things for
granted in the future. A scrap of bread is better than no food - which we
have plenty of. A dirty blanket is better than no heat at all. A cement
building is better than no housing. Do not judge others for how they live
because many are making the most out of nothing at all. This has been a
truly eye-opening experience. (I know those words are not applicable to you
- but we as a country need to adhere to them).
And most importantly vote. I know that when I get back home I plan on
voting in every election the rest of my life. I love and miss you all but
will see you soon enough.
- Scott
Hmm.
I'm hoping they stay free.
They re-opened a polling station after it had been the target of a terror suicide/homicide bombing.
People came to vote anyway, despite the terrorists trying hard to discourage them.
They have heart, they just needed the means to move forward.
Good letter, thank you.
This is a bit irreverant, I suppose, but have you read the Camel Chronicals from Clarksdale, Ms? They are sooooooooo funny.
HELLO everyone.
In case you haven't read them, or anyone else is interesting in squandering time, here is the link. LOL.
http://www.clarksdale.com/camel/index.html
Thanks for the update.
Hello Ringy -- I'll check them out.
I'm making a bacon and egg lunch for Gabe and me.
LOL. Sounds interesting. :)
It is raining and very cold here. Brrrrrr, shiver, shake.
I'm enjoying reading about the Godolphin Race horses. :)
Great post Gran. Absolutely great!! God Bless that young man Scott.
New thread - yeah!
Your cat marks her spot???? That's not good!! They are supposed to bury their spot.
Hi there Ringy!!!!! How's life??
I am so looking forward to the return of wildflower season
This is a new thread!
Hey Sweetie! I am doing pretty good. :) Over reading about horses and racing. :) Shame on me. :) LOL.
Yes, I feel the same. I've been busy planning my Spring and Summer Garden. Can't wait. Today is just very grim weather. Thank God it's not worse.
So9
January 6, 2005
J.T. Lundy, raider of Calumet Farm empire, released
In a story of particular interest to me as a fan of horse racing, J.T. Lundy was released from a Pensacola, Florida prison this week. Lundy has served four years in federal prison for his actions as the president of the greatest outfit in horse racing history, Calumet Farm. Lundy bankrupted the farm that had never taken on a single dollar of debt before his tenure, and the disaster culminated in the death of supersire Alydar under mysterious circumstances.
http://www.slowplay.com/archives/2005/01/06/jt-lundy-raider-of-calumet-farm-empire-released.php
Hi Precious. SMOOCHES.
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