Posted on 09/27/2004 9:22:54 AM PDT by FlyLow
There is no argument that one soldier killed in Iraq is too many! Shouldn't the same be true for any individual killed or sacrificed at home or on the streets of Los Angeles.
Much has been made particularly by the media of the numbers of US soldiers killed in Iraq during the ground war that began in March 2003 and the subsequent military actions in an attempt to establish stability and train Iraqis for self rule.
Through September 7, 2004, 1,000 US soldiers lost their lives in Iraq due to both hostile and non-hostile actions. This is certainly a tragic loss correctly reported in the media and mourned by the US populace. However focusing exclusively on these statistics does not provide the much needed perspective.
According to the FBI Uniform Crime Report of May 24, 2004, the number of murders reported during calendar years 2002 and 2003 show a matching death toll exists in several US cities. Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City reported 1,168, 1,246 and 1,184 murders, respectively during the subject 24-month period.
(Excerpt) Read more at aim.org ...
Bump
There's a big difference between deaths in the States due to crime or car accidents etc. and deaths in Iraq. It just plain sucks over there. Nobody wants to be there. I speak from first-hand knowledge. I've sent a couple dozen soldiers over there already (I'm a company commander in the National Guard). I'm just waiting until my unit as a whole gets tapped to go. I'll do my duty of course and soldier on. But in my opinion not one of those filthy scumbags is worth the life of any of my soldiers. F*** em'.
There's a big difference between deaths in the States due to crime or car accidents etc. and deaths in Iraq. It just plain sucks over there. Nobody wants to be there. I speak from first-hand knowledge. I've sent a couple dozen soldiers over there already (I'm a company commander in the National Guard). I'm just waiting until my unit as a whole gets tapped to go. I'll do my duty of course and soldier on. But in my opinion not one of those filthy scumbags is worth the life of any of my soldiers. F*** em'.
I'm sure that's your experience with your own men. But about 2 weeks ago, I was talking with a young guy who served in Iraq and was about to return to Iraq. He told me he couldn't wait to get back there and was obviously excited about all the good things we are doing there. He said (and I quote), "I love it."
Speak for yourself sir. I've been there, so have all my friends, and we are waiting to go back. I'd rather fight those scubags in their dirt where I can fire when threatened than sit in my office here in the US and wait for a plane or car bomb to get me. I'd rather have 24/7 A/C, a soft bed and a warm wife, but those things are threatened by those same filthy scumbags, so until that threat is gone I do want to be there, otherwise who will?
I guess we can just wait and fight them as they are flying planes into our buildings.....
God Bless and Protect You and all your friends American _Centurion.
My son is there. Our community had a candlelight vigil last week in honor of our area soldiers in Iraq and in honor of another young man from our area, Matt Maupin, a prisoner.
My son was home recently from leave and he disagree with you. We had 3 attend the vigil who were on leave, 1 wounded soldier who had performed heroically (actually -- I read the account) and received a bronze star, and Maupin's parents and family.
They all were national guard or reserve and they all disagreed with the spirit of your letter. They believe they are winning and that they are taking the fight to the enemy -- better to fight them over than than at home. A post such as yours would demoralize them because its tone calls into question the validity of their sacrifice.
Remember the 3000 killed on 9/11.
How many more terrorist murders have our 1000 brave dead prevented?
>>How many more terrorist murders have our 1000 brave dead prevented?<<
oh that is so touching and so meaningful...it strikes at the heart of what is going on in Iraq...thats exactly why our armed forces are there....
God Bless your son
National Guard Enlistment Oath:
"I, _____________________, do solemly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the State of ___________________ against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the Governor of __________________ and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to law and regulations. So help me God."
I've been Active Duty for 17 years, sir....and I've been to Iraq. I'll go again because it's the right thing to do in the LONG-TERM best interest of the United States of America.
If you say "F*** them" - you might just as well say the same thing to your children and grandchildren, if you have them. If we do not confront these scum and win the war on their turf, they'll bring it back to ours.
I will not stand for the prospect of my daughters wearing burkas.
pinging you to see a parents reply
I dont think one american life is worth 1000 of theirs either... I DO think that killing terrorists on their own soil, is way preferable to trying to in America....
just my opinion but I have to ask, what the hell are you doing in the Military with the attitude that if you are asked to fight, you get to bitch about who your enemy is?? ever turn down a paycheck from the military??
Comparing those numbers that died in Iraq to traffic accidents and crime in America only discredits those that gave their lives. It's a very low class, very offensive thing to do.
adding you to my prayer list....
and thank you for the service to our country :)
I don't remember who it was I heard speak last week,he pointed out that during peace,an average of 500 or so soldiers in training lose their lives every year.This puts the 1000+ casualties after 18 months of combat into perspective.He did not say whether the current count of casualties(1000+) includes those killed while training,or if it is in addition to those killed in training.
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