[Reo]

"most Americans don't have the courage to see this nation through tough times. Sacrifice, due diligence, and the desire to overcome seems to be lost on most in this nation. We have become a nation of lazy, self-serving people."

The past few weeks I have had an opportunity to read some Civil War correspondence and battlefield reports relating to Antietam, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and the politics and egos with which Lincoln had to contend. The everyday greatness of the participants is humbling. At the same time, the manipulative mendacity of the press and self-interested politicians is every bit as real as that occuring today. It's an exercise in deja vu all over again. The difference today is the speed and totality of dissemination. I wonder if we are not now in a time of peril equal to that of the 1860's.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

From the former CJTF-7:

 now Multi-National Corps-Iraq and Multi-National Force-Iraq:

.

Suicide bomb kills president of Iraqi Governing Council

BAGHDAD, Iraq - An apparent suicide car bomb killed six Iraqis and wounded one other near an entrance to the Coalition Green Zone around 9:30 a.m. May 17.

Reports indicate among those killed is Izzedine Salim, the current President of the Iraqi Governing Council.

There are no reports of Coalition personnel wounded.  

Release #040517a

http://www.cjtf7.com/media-information/May%202004/040517a.htm

 

[PigRigger]

"I wonder if we are not now in a time of peril equal to that of the 1860's...."

I believe we are, and most people in this nation don't understand what is at stake in Iraq and the Middle East.

I am amazed at the total ambivalence that so many in this nation are showing with regard to the WOT.

I work in NYC at major company; most people here are well educated and intelligent. Yet, they show total ignorance when it comes to what is going on outside of the price of gas, the cost of cable television, and how their players did in their fantasy leagues the night before. It appears that the only thing that interests them about Iraq is the England girl at the prison.

The shallow, selfish, and ignorant attitude is breathtaking in its scope and depth. It depresses me greatly when I realize the importance of the battle our troops are engaged in.

Have we really become a nation of idiots? Where is the fortitude and stock of our forefathers? I fear it may be finally gone.

[livius]

The difference today is the speed and totality of dissemination.

Very good point. As for your other point, I agree, we are probably at an equally perilous point in our national life.

[johnb838]

As General Sherman said (paraphrase) "Reporters! I would shoot them but if I did there would be despatches from hell before breakfast."
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As far as totality well, lots of people don't pay attention either to the leftist media OR the rightist.