It is a chore to respond to the likes of them, but a small one compared to the really important job you are doing over there, so just stay safe and know you have our support and respect.
Thank you. ;-) I have gotten weary of responding to these types. They think they know it all because they're sitting at home watching the news. Some of them come at me in an aggressive manner telling me what needs to be done, as if I'm calling the shots over here. Some of them counter what I say because of what they see on the news.
From now on, I'm just not going to respond to them, or I'll say "Oh, yes, you're absolutely right, we do need to nuke Haditha" and see if they're sharp enough to catch my sarcasm.
After all, they know more than I do. They're watching it all on the news and reading the New York Times and stuff.
Me...I'm just hanging around in Iraq, working seven days a week. What on Earth could I possibly know about what's going on?
I concede to the CNN-watchers. ;-)
I think I'm about to call it a night.
Dearest Allegra, you're so, so right. Trying to discuss "what's happening in Iraq" with people who sound like the NYT or CNN is an exercise in futility.
Much more important, is that you don't use the likes of the NYT or CNN to see "what's happening back home"!!!!!
They try to broad brush our military with the taint of a few misfit's and we aren't buying it.
They moan about the financial costs of the war so we elect officials who vote for military pay raises and upgraded military equipment.
They critize every battle strategy and focus on the few that fail, while we celebrate every success you have.
Finally, they try to bait us to just "nuke" whole cities or countries while we see clearly that you and others like you are working as fast and as hard as you can to win the hearts and minds of the local people who need encouragement and time to be trained. You truly are our finest ambassadors and your example is working as more and more Iraqis step up to serve in their army or police even tho they know they will be targeted. Just now, the news is reporting some sad news of more Iraqi police deaths from the terrorists.
All across the US, your fellow citizens are very aware that we are in a real war with the terrorists, and we want our troops to know that they are supported and appreciated. We are so humbly grateful that you volunteered to take the fight to the enemy, and our hearts ache each time a member of our military makes the ultimate sacrifice or is wounded in this war. You are always in our thoughts and prayers.
love, grandma mac