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.
I also hate that the preview function for a post does not include spellcheck.
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.
You and your fellow service members only deserve the highest praise from all Americans for your devotion to duty and many sacrifices being made.
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.
"Freepers, and other conservatives, will have to carry forward an important part of the fight."
I agree.
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.
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.
Much like the Japanese of 1945. But back then Democrats had a shred of dignity. No more.
*SALUTE*
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.
God bless and keep you.
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
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.
"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.
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.
Stay safe. You're in my family's prayers.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.