[monday]

I think you should go back to the beginning of the thread and read my posts before you throw out an accusation

I have read all of your posts and I think I understand your point of view. I just think it is wrong. If Pearl were a Brit or a French man I could understand, but he is American, and we take care of our own. Even the Chinese take care of Chinese that are abused in other countries. Are we to abandon one of our own just because he showed poor judgement? Regardless of what you think of Pearl personally, it is the adventuress and independent spirit of Americans like him that have helped make America great.

Hiding your head in the sand will only make the terrorists bolder. They must know that America will stike back if they attack one of our own or Americans will not be safe anywhere, even in America.

[GussiedUp]

If Pearl were a Brit or a French man I could understand, but he is American, and we take care of our own

Americans are expected to exercise due care and diligence and unfortunately for him, Mr. Pearl chose not to do either. After repeated warnings and even an offer of bodyguards, Mr. Pearl chose to walk right into the enemy's hands. I am still shaking my head over his lack of common sense and survival instinct - what was the man thinking?

There comes a point when the rest are not responsible to put their lives on the lines because one person throws all caution to the wind and does something that is utterly stupid. No in fact we do not owe him the deaths of servicemembers in a rescue attempt. That he is not mindful of his own life is not a reason for us not to be mindful of the lives of our soldiers, not to mention a diversion from their mission.