As do I. He is being made a scapegoat by liberals, and to save their own hides, by some conservatives.
I have the utmost respect for those that stand by their men - through thick and thin.
Prayers for LT. Colonel West and family.
You honor me greatly and your words have made this ordeal a bit more palatable. I am humbled by the support and care of the Americanpeople and tell them all I love my Land and my Army.
No, LTC West, we are humbled and honored that men of conviction and action -- men like you -- serve in our Army. If our military had not been so "Clintonized", such a minor, direct, and effective action such as you had taken would be completely overlooked as necessary and certainly not harmful to the Al-Qaeda operative you apprehended.
However, my road has ended and I accept that and will gladly take the reward and commendation of a hug from my wife and daughters.
I understand. You are a realist. Even if you stayed in, your career would be forever burdened.
Might I suggest you attempt to accomplish the same goals in another fashion?
There are many civilian careers in which your experience would be vital, and in which you could fight terrorism. Choose a venue and go to school. You could be involved in Law enforcement, Arabic translation for the Pentagon/CIA, or even designing / testing weapons systems that will protect the remainder of our troops. Don't necessarily consider this an end, but a new beginning.
And most important, in your spare time -- such as you might have, what with the children -- VOLUNTEER to keep Clinton and the forces of liberalism out of office. It was the liberal mindset that caused your military career these problems. It is a service for future soldiers, that you help to prevent these people from screwing up the Armed Forces any further.
Present...... ARMS.
Laz.
Not in any way to compare myself to Col. West, but I experienced a similar situation in the nuclear power industry when I found a flaw in their emergency core cooling system. Getting it fixed cost me my career in that industry. In my mind, I had thought they would be grateful that I discovered a major flaw that neither the utility nor the vendor had forseen. That was not the case at all.
F.A. Hayek was correct: Those in charge of organizations care more about their personal feelings than the supposed mission of the organization.
I have found the above statement to be true even in so-called profit-oriented businesses.
I hope so too.
It it is obvious that it might not be the case. That makes the incident with Col West all the more laudable. I am pleased to hear that he is getting the support he deserves.
I have lived through all the wars since WW2 and seen thousands of our family and friends die or get maimed fighting political wars, with one hand tied behind our backs and trading blood for political expedience, time or other arcane reasons we may never know.
Suffice to say it sickens me every time.
Fighting a "nice" war is an oxymoron. Most of us do not want to be killed or to kill. If placed in that position I would have a tough decision to make. If we are not determined to win, and we are forced to accept the enemy making the rules, I might choose to be shot by my own side for refusing to accept that.
The other 800-pound gorilla in the living room is the discussion that hasn't happened: innocent civilians. Is there such a thing?
Particularly in asymmetrical war, to what extent is it possible for terrorists to continue their bloody hobby for months or years without the overt and covert support of the "innocent" population?
Once goaded into war, to what extent should we accept the senseless "baby milk factory" and "innocent civilians" enemy tactic?
God bless Colonel West and God grant that we can support him and all those who willingly go into harms way with a faith and commitment to principle and the defense of our Republic and liberties.
HalfFull -- FYI.
After what he has done for us, it's the least we can do for him.
I join you in that prayer; I also believe it to be true.
It appears to me Col. West may have been caught up in the PC madness bequeathed the military during bent willie's seige. May it soon end.
I hope he knows, or comes to know, we Freepers are just a few of the millions that appreciate his dedication and service to our country. That he made a tough call in a difficult situation speaks to his character. He didn't pass the buck. An honorable man IMO.
FGS
Dear MR. West,
We have never met and probably never will, but I want you to know that you are one of my heroes. Thank you for your service. Check out this website to find LOTS more folks like me who would just love to give you a great big hug of thanks and sincere appreciation: www.freerepublic.com. If it wasn't for soldiers like you, there would be no USA. You are in my prayers. I have emailed my senators and representative about your situation. Hope that helps!
Warmest regards,
Star
"StarCMC" on Free Republic -- Check out the USO Canteen FReeper Style -- we'd be honored to have you join us!
This is his response:
God Bless you and thanks but hero is a title reserved for My Men and not me. Thanks for the prayers and it has been my honor to serve America for these 20 years. I could really use a big hug from all of you but especially me wife and two daughters.
God bless you and all America, LTC Al West
This guy is the real deal -- and he IS a hero despite his protests to the contrary. Thanks Jeff for keeping us informed! God bless!