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An Open Letter to FR from Iraq
91b ^ | August 18, 2005 | 91b

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.


TOPICS: Activism/Chapters; Foreign Affairs; News/Current Events; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: cindysheehan; iraq; keepupthefight; military; personalaccount; staythecourse
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I do not write this in search of praise and I am uncomfortable when people "thank me for my service" (I believe in duty). So I ask that responses to this open letter omit any such reply. I will be on and off the computer for the next few days. I apologize in advance for not being able to respond.
1 posted on 08/17/2005 11:39:47 PM PDT by 91B
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To: 91B

I also hate that the preview function for a post does not include spellcheck.


2 posted on 08/17/2005 11:40:36 PM PDT by 91B (God made man, Sam Colt made men equal.)
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To: 91B
That victory may not come for years and that we may not know it for years after that.

I sometimes despair that there are so many who do not understand that.

Great post. Godspeed to you and everyone who works and fights to keep us free.

3 posted on 08/17/2005 11:43:38 PM PDT by JennysCool (Non-Y2K-Compliant)
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To: 91B

You and your fellow service members only deserve the highest praise from all Americans for your devotion to duty and many sacrifices being made.


4 posted on 08/17/2005 11:44:30 PM PDT by Ursus arctos horribilis ("It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees!" Emiliano Zapata 1879-1919)
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To: 91B; 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub; Kathy in Alaska; Fawnn; HiJinx; Radix; Spotsy; Diva Betsy Ross; ...

Canteen Ping!!
An Active Duty FReeper sends a message to Cindy Sheehan.

God Bless You for your service 91B!!
Thank you to all of your brave soldiers as well.


5 posted on 08/17/2005 11:45:50 PM PDT by MoJo2001 (www.proudpatriots.org (Support Our Troops)....8)
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To: 91B
The 1st Cav and 4th ID folks from Fort Hood I talk to everyday agree with you. You keep it up over there and we'll keep it up over here. Our job is a heck of a lot easier. I'm going back to Crawford tomorrow. God bless and stay safe.
6 posted on 08/17/2005 11:45:56 PM PDT by centexan (Go 1st Cav and 4th ID)
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To: 91B

"Freepers, and other conservatives, will have to carry forward an important part of the fight."

I agree.


7 posted on 08/17/2005 11:46:23 PM PDT by Cindy
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To: 91B
Great post. (Don't worry about the spellchecking. It's a small mind that knows how to spell a word only one way.)   ;o)

You all are doing a great thing. Those of us here in the States are simply walking through history. You guys over there are making history.

Kick ass, take names, and forget about the "Not In My Name" chimps. They're just a squeaky wheel looking to get greased.

8 posted on 08/17/2005 11:47:26 PM PDT by Prime Choice (E=mc^3. Don't drink and derive.)
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To: 91B

tough luck, 'cuz I'm thanking you anyway... you, and all others who decide to be the ones to wear the pants in this nation: Thanks, to you all.


9 posted on 08/17/2005 11:47:27 PM PDT by King Prout (and the Clinton Legacy continues: like Herpes, it is a gift that keeps on giving.)
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Comment #10 Removed by Moderator

To: 91B
A world in which our enemies can prey on our weakness will never be safe from bombings, hijackings or decapitation.

Much like the Japanese of 1945. But back then Democrats had a shred of dignity. No more.

11 posted on 08/17/2005 11:48:59 PM PDT by Windsong (FighterPilot)
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To: 91B

*SALUTE*


12 posted on 08/17/2005 11:49:00 PM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (Proud Plank Owner : Department of Homeland Security)
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To: 91B

I define victory by the fact that todays children will not have to fight a war we may not be able to win in the future. The victory in Iraq is about tomorrows tomorrow.
This is something that Americans can have a hard time with in a age of 24 hour news cycles and instant gratification.


13 posted on 08/17/2005 11:49:04 PM PDT by Names Ash Housewares
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To: 91B

God bless and keep you.


14 posted on 08/17/2005 11:49:31 PM PDT by MarMema
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To: 91B

By the way 91B, you may want to get on the FReeper canteen list.
Here's today thread.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1465564/posts

God bless you.
Cindy


15 posted on 08/17/2005 11:49:58 PM PDT by Cindy
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To: 91B

Here on the home front, we'll do everything we can to support the war and persuade others of its rightness, too.

Godspeed to you and all your fellow soldiers; I wish the very best to all of you.


16 posted on 08/17/2005 11:50:19 PM PDT by Irish Rose (Don't make Me come down there. ---God)
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To: 91B

"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 AGREE.


17 posted on 08/17/2005 11:51:12 PM PDT by Cindy
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To: 91B
Prayers for your safety and all our own serving US.

This woman is the perfect symbol for the anti-American liberals. However, fear NOT the lunacy of these who are totally lost. This woman is allowing herself to be used and while the media have given her more than her share of exposure, exposure is exactly what has been given.

This woman does not appear as a grieving mom, but a political tool for the leftist agenda of equalizing all nations. Sadly she has brought shame to herself, her son is still our hero and nothing she can do or say can take that from him.

You stay safe and know that most Americans honor our own and continually pray for your safe return.
18 posted on 08/17/2005 11:51:33 PM PDT by Just mythoughts
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To: 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.

Let not your heart be troubled, and pass it on to your friend's. This too shall pass. This story is all media driven. The American people really don't care about Sheenans political opinions any more than they do Howard Deans.
August in America is always a slow month for news. Sheenan just happened to come along during a blight, and she's been given more than enough media attention to destroy herself.
Be patient. Because of her actions, America supports you even more. The psychological comparison between her and you guys is like night and day.

19 posted on 08/17/2005 11:51:45 PM PDT by concerned about politics ("A people without a heritage are easily persuaded (deceived)" - Karl Marx)
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To: 91B

Stay safe. You're in my family's prayers.


20 posted on 08/17/2005 11:52:58 PM PDT by KentTrappedInLiberalSeattle ("As a conservative site, Free Republic is pro-G-d, PRO-LIFE..." -- FR founder Jim Robinson)
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