regrets, i've had a few

[wolfmoon98]

so i've been thinking a lot lately

Comments

sorry to hear. . . .

[ltgarp]

I made it back without a scratch on me.

my brother's still over there.

the world is strange and incomprehensible at times. . . .

Re: sorry to hear. . . .

[graffiti_sucks]

hey, maybe as a soldier, you can give me some answers:

alot of people on here say that "he died protecting our freedom" and "he died serving the people of america".

do you think serving in iraq is "protecting our freedom"? if so, from what? if not, why not?

and whats the goal being served there with so many people dying... for what?

I have utmost respect for you, and am not trying to argue- I'm just looking for perspective and answers, and I have a feeling you have the unique perspective to help me find them...

Re: sorry to hear. . . .

[ltgarp]

well, in a sense, the operations now in Iraq may arguably be protecting Americans. I know it wasn't the stated reason that we went into the country, but the reality on the ground is that Iraq has become a magnet for terrorist wannabes from all over the world (we aressted sudanese, egyptians, and indonesians in my area during the time I was there), and I guess the logic is, better to engage them there before they focus on striking the US mainland.

This is still a lame excuse for having invaded when and how we did in the first place, and it's a really great example of fighting the symptom of terrorism without doing what it takes to alleviate the root causes of it.

As far as "serving the people of america", I think this is an inarguable point. Every servicemember is fulfilling a postition that Americans have determined to be necessary, and every servicemember is performing a public service that exceeds that of and federal or state employee back home by virtue of the sacrifices and dangers he or she has committed to facing.

Re: sorry to hear. . . .

[graffiti_sucks]

First of all, thank you for your reply- I do so appreciate it.

I think youve answered my question, or at least given me some food for thought.

secondly, I wasnt trying to argue that tthe servicepeople werent serving america in a broad sense- i know that any military or civic duty accomplishes this.

what i dont know, though, is how beign in iraq in the first place served the people of america- like, before defending the americans there or attacking terrorists preemptively was an issue...

i am asking you because i respect your unique opinion... and it seems we might agree with each other on the causes of this war and its justification at the beginning... which is surely very different than its justifications now!

thanks again! best of luck there!

[never_eat_veal]

Yes, rest in peace.

[rivendweller]

I'm so sorry. With love from Rivendell.

[gulsukat]

Rest in peace.

[yes_justice]

Born, never asked.

Rest in peace.