Posted on 08/17/2005 11:39:47 PM PDT by 91B
I am writing this in response to all the attention that Cindy Sheehan and her protests are getting. I am a deployed soldier with 2nd Squadron, 278th RCT at FOB Bernstein near Tuz Khurmatu, Iraq.
This is my second deployment. The first was from April 2003 to April 2004 and it was spent mostly in Qatar, but I also spent some time at Camp Cedar II just outside An Nasiriyah, Iraq. I volunteered to return with the 278th and I do not regret my decision at all.
Obviously, I believe in and support the war for a variety of reasons. I think that the invasion and liberation of Iraq demonstrated to those regimes that might be inclined to support terrorism that we were serious about our commitment to taking the fight to our enemies. I also believe that a democratic Iraq will serve as a positive influence over the rest of the region. At the same time, having a force in Iraq allows to us put direct pressure on Iran, Syria and Saudi Arabia-all supporters of terrorism in one way or another-and draws prospective jihadis into this country where they can be dealt with militarily.
That is why I am so angry about Ms. Sheehan's media circus. I do not question her grief and anger over the death of her son and I do not begrudge her the right to protest. However, I do not see where her actions serve any useful purpose other than to embolden our enemies and weaken the resolve that is necessary to carry forward the fight to a victorious conclusion.
I admit that there are some soldiers here who have mixed feelings about the war and whether or not we are successful. They wonder how we will be able to define victory and what American soldiers are being sacrificed for. I try to answer that we should not expect the defeat of tyranny and fanaticism to be easy. That victory may not come for years and that we may not know it for years after that. I try to point out that we did not defeat Communist totalitarianism except after a long struggle, and that we were not able to carry the fight directly to its' most important strongholds even then. I also reply that those nations that we have helped to become democratic-South Korea, Japan, Germany-did not become so overnight.
I know that modern Americans are perhaps impatient and that they are perhaps not willing to bear sacrifice for long without some clear indication of success. However, I do not hear any alternative strategy put forth other than capitulation and that is not acceptable. Freepers, and other conservatives, will have to carry forward an important part of the fight. You will have to stand resolute in the face of the attempted emotional manipulation by the media of the Cindy Sheehan's of the world.
This will be difficult as the opposition will claim the high ground, but you must constantly remind the public of the price of defeat. A world in which our enemies can prey on our weakness will never be safe from bombings, hijackings or decapitation. The publicity battle is an important front in this struggle and Freepers have an important role to play.
This ole vet is giving you a snappy salute! Give 'em Hell.
Stay safe
You, OTOH, will be long remembered and appreciated for what you have offered your country: your allegiance, duty, bravery and sacrifice.
Thanks for the terrific letter 91B. There are many, many of us back here who sincerely appreciate what you are doing over there. Even though our opinions don't echo as loudly in the press as the negative ones, we are here and behind you all the way.
God bless you and keep you safe.
Excellent post, 91B. I agree with it. Lots of support for our troops here in our neck of the woods (Alaska). Come on up sometime, the fishing's great, hunting is even better, and you'll just love the "skeeters". GNAT! LOL
Even on FR we are beginning to see the anti-Bush third party FReepers belittling our purpose for being in Iraq.
Never ever doubt that there are not millions who support you and what you are doing. I'll never forget Iraq's election, the ink-stained fingers, and the pride I felt in you all because you and our President made it happen. There are more good things to come in Iraq because we will stay the course. I am so sorry that you even have to hear the media's capitulation to the far left. Keep in mind that we may have been the Silent Majority in one war but we are no more. We are pretty damn noisy and getting noiser. The Left will not stand. May God Bless America!
Thought you might like to see this new site:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1466083/posts
http://militaryfamiliesvoiceofvictory.com/index.php
I'm thanking you, too. I'm 50, and the arthritis is getting pretty bad, so I cannot be there. I'm also not a combat troop, and wasn't even when I was active duty. I did what I could, and did it pretty well, I think, but I could not do what really needs done. I helped your counterparts in the first Gulf War talk to headquarters to find out where to go next, and who to shoot when they got there. God Bless you, and all those who are serving now, whatever they are doing.
You're absolutely right about the lack of foresight in America. My next project is to be a high school teacher, and try to help some kids learn to think for themselves, and find the information they need to make their own decisions, and to know enough history to know what happens to people who ignore problems, who try to appease agressors, and who do not choose to do the right thing, what ever it is, and however much it may cost. With your foresight, you might consider preparing yourself for a similar second career, after you finish your time in service. Good luck and God Bless.
Again, Thanks. :D
The best way to defuse Ms. Sheehan's rants are to find her son's army buddies and ask them what Casey felt about the war. In his own words we can finally tell "mom" to lay off trying to get our guys to turn tail and surrender.
Thanks 91B. You are very much appreciated and admired, and not just on FR. And you are in our prayers.
Got to find a way to supress the ieds. The ieds are what's freaking people out here. I'm sure they're doing the same there but it's what's making people think the situation is out of control.
I've got a theory about the Cindy Shee-han thing. I'm going to post it in a separate post.
Why Cindy Shee-han? Why is she suddenly sucking all the air out of the room? This woman is an insignificant insect but for the attention the msm is paying her. Why Cindy Shee-han?
Generally this is a misdirection play. Look over there! Don't look at the man behind the curtain, look at the funny looking woman in the floppy hat spewing hate speech and getting away with it!
I say they're misdirecting us away from Able Danger. That's my guess. Could be from the Expulsion of the Gaza Jewry, but I don't see a strategic reason for that.
Even though I know why Iraq is so important, I have never heard it explained so well. Any idiot should be able to understand this explanation. Even Cindy Sheehan, moveon.org and their base, the liberal media should get it. I'm not holding my breath though.
God Bless You
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.