Please Read and understand why I am going.
My Thoughts on the Iraqi War
The very mention of the country of Iraq in society today generally elicits strong feelings, opinions, and emotions. I am no exception to that axiom.
I am a child of the sixties. I grew up watching Walter Cronkite on the nightly news and horrific news footage of the war (yes it was a war not a conflict). The images of the broken and bleeding bodies of America’s (and Canada’s) bravest and best paraded in front of the world in a macabre surreal mosaic of the price of freedom. It was way over done by the news media of the day, but they did not care as long as it got them high ratings.
I submit to you that Vietnam was a war that was not lost in country, but a war lost from within. America, thanks to the likes of Hanoi Jane and many like her, lost her will to fight and turned, not only on our government, but those called to defend the cause of freedom. Our leaders weakened by the incessant whining of the anti-war liberal left of the day, gave in to their selfish and thoughtless demands and we pulled out of a very winnable war for freedom. They, not the brave man and women that fought in the “Nam” are the scourge of the “Nam” era.
You may be asking and rightfully so, “What does this have to do with Iraq?” I have seen the likes of people like Cindy Sheehan, bring the most grievous dishonor and shame to the selfless sacrifice of her son by using the media as a bully pulpit to express her anti=American views and opinions.
But more than that and this warms my red, white and blue heart immeasurably; I have seen a swelling of pro-American pride, not only within my community but in our nation. The anti-war propaganda is listened to and dismissed by all but those who can not separate their emotions from facts and hard evidence. I have seen many young men and women (many that I am privileged and honored to know through friends) step up to the plate and volunteer without hesitation to carry the torch of freedom to other lands and people. I hear stories weekly about how our young men and women want to finish what the started, how the Iraqi populace is worth the effort being expended on their behalf.
I have a daughter in the National Guard, who is NOT even out of high school yet. She volunteered! She knows the price of freedom! My son is thinking about the USMC or the Navy. I asked him why, and he said, “Dad, I want to help!” I smiled and it was all I could not to break down and cry in front of my son as the pride I felt in him was nearly overwhelming for this old sailor! I am so glad the youngster’s of today see that freedom transcends political parties and ideologies. It gives me hope and that is a commodity that is so desperately needed in these times.
America and her allies will prevail in this war for freedom, if her people stand firm and do not go soft. I say” Stand firm America! Do not waver and the righteous cause of freedom will prevail!”
© Steve Cram
27 Nov 05
The very mention of the country of Iraq in society today generally elicits strong feelings, opinions, and emotions. I am no exception to that axiom.
I am a child of the sixties. I grew up watching Walter Cronkite on the nightly news and horrific news footage of the war (yes it was a war not a conflict). The images of the broken and bleeding bodies of America’s (and Canada’s) bravest and best paraded in front of the world in a macabre surreal mosaic of the price of freedom. It was way over done by the news media of the day, but they did not care as long as it got them high ratings.
I submit to you that Vietnam was a war that was not lost in country, but a war lost from within. America, thanks to the likes of Hanoi Jane and many like her, lost her will to fight and turned, not only on our government, but those called to defend the cause of freedom. Our leaders weakened by the incessant whining of the anti-war liberal left of the day, gave in to their selfish and thoughtless demands and we pulled out of a very winnable war for freedom. They, not the brave man and women that fought in the “Nam” are the scourge of the “Nam” era.
You may be asking and rightfully so, “What does this have to do with Iraq?” I have seen the likes of people like Cindy Sheehan, bring the most grievous dishonor and shame to the selfless sacrifice of her son by using the media as a bully pulpit to express her anti=American views and opinions.
But more than that and this warms my red, white and blue heart immeasurably; I have seen a swelling of pro-American pride, not only within my community but in our nation. The anti-war propaganda is listened to and dismissed by all but those who can not separate their emotions from facts and hard evidence. I have seen many young men and women (many that I am privileged and honored to know through friends) step up to the plate and volunteer without hesitation to carry the torch of freedom to other lands and people. I hear stories weekly about how our young men and women want to finish what the started, how the Iraqi populace is worth the effort being expended on their behalf.
I have a daughter in the National Guard, who is NOT even out of high school yet. She volunteered! She knows the price of freedom! My son is thinking about the USMC or the Navy. I asked him why, and he said, “Dad, I want to help!” I smiled and it was all I could not to break down and cry in front of my son as the pride I felt in him was nearly overwhelming for this old sailor! I am so glad the youngster’s of today see that freedom transcends political parties and ideologies. It gives me hope and that is a commodity that is so desperately needed in these times.
America and her allies will prevail in this war for freedom, if her people stand firm and do not go soft. I say” Stand firm America! Do not waver and the righteous cause of freedom will prevail!”
© Steve Cram
27 Nov 05