To T_
My response:
1) I do understand the risks, that at any moment they (US Soldier) could die. I *DO* care for their lives. In the same apsect, I *DO* care for the iraqi's lives, and want them to have freedom, and not be constantly in danger of death, etc... I support *freedom*, *liberty*, NOT war. IF there was any other way to bring others freedom, then lets use that instead of war. I realize that the latter isn't always available and that war is sometimes necessary. Now, that doesn't mean that we (US) have to hold their hand. Once they (Iraq) are capable of maintaining the 'fight' themselves, then, we should completely leave. Even withdrawing troops a little bit at a time would work for me. To paraphrase what another blogger (I believe it was parated2k) said: "We went in, we are doing a job, we need to finish the job." (I apologize if the quote is off in anyway)
2) I didn't use a graphic photo of a *soldier*. The photo in question, IMO, expresses what i feel, and what i believe the purpose of bring freedom to iraq is.
My degree to which sending a loved one or close friend over to iraq is different than yours, I admit that, i was wrong in saying otherwise. Does that mean though, that my feelings for them is any les than yours for your husband? I don't know, why, because i don't know what your relationship is like. I can understand that a husband-wife relationship is much more intense/bonding. I'm sure you care for him, thats obvious, but i care for those i know that are or were in the military. To say that I don't is insulting.
3)I never intended to speak for the military. I apologize.
4)I'm working on the 'expressing viewpoints articulately' part. I do understand, and do regard what i said with seriousness. Thats why i said it. (Not as clearly as i should've) Its cause i care. And no, i don't drink.
5)Yes, I am of age. And yes, I have a reasonable reason of why i cannot enlist. My health. It will take time for you, or anyone to believe me. If need be, i can take photos of my various equipment to prove my health condition, if that's what is needed. And yes, i would love to be over their and helping with whatever i can.
I assumed it was me.
There are those, (Who i despise) who would say the soldiers in question were "foolish" enough to follow an administration which lied,etc... Thats how i see that. There will be those who as you said, still view the soldiers as heroic, regardless of the administration, to them, actions mean more than words. I feel that way. (the latter) Thats why i am concerned with those assholes who talk the talk, and don't/haven't walked the walk.
How so? In that those that i know who are/were in the military don't happen to be 'as close' as a husband-wife relationship?
Perhaps I did 'pass judgement'. I apologize. I didn't view it as that at the time.
Experiencing it, sure. Contributing to war, i.e. fighting, yes you are correct. But, I helped the soldiers.
But you can divorce yourself from the continuous cycle of doing the same things over and over.
Yes I do have that history. But, I've buried the hatchet. Not forgotten it. I'm sorry to say that you are wrong in your assumption.
-lucas