3/27/2007
This fight and where I go.
American Soldier says,
I can understand that certain parts of our government want us to leave Iraq. I know the votes and attempts to withdraw us out by next year are on alot of people’s minds but where does it all come to a halt? What I mean is when does it matter most? The message is clear and there is no doubt in my military mind that the majority of the government wants to just turn the cheek and move on. I wonder what they think of if they succeed. Do they think they will save our lives? What happens if the Middle East really goes to shit after we leave? Will they just sit back and let it unfold? I mean if they want us all out then it would take an act of war to send us back.
Or would it?
The politics runs many layers deep in this scenerio. They are so far removed from the scope of things that they truly do not know what is really going in Iraq. What they rely on is schematics, reports, power point presentations and other types of media. I only wonder what it will take. This withdrawal is and will be a let down. I’ve seen the power that we have on those streets and what it really means for us to be there. The long war is exactly that. Most of us don’t like war but we are part of the service and we fight them. We have given so much to keep the enemy at bay. Soon that will change.
If certain people are successful at withdrawing us then I hope they can live with the fact that there will be another war. We will have to go again. However, this soldier will not. They will only cut and run when it gets rough again.
I will leave the service when I’m fixed and I will not be returning. A long vacation is in store for this soldier. One of the biggest reasons for leaving will be the people who will take resources from my fellow brothers in the war. There will be deaths due to lack of re-enforced armor, ammo, weapons, weapon attachments, etc, etc, etc. Soldiers will die and it will be on their watch. Their decisions will take those valuable items away from my brothers and therefore, I cannot support that. I have done my part. I have fought and have nearly died for mine and your rights. I cannot wear the uniform and pretend defend some people who will only want to hurt me or my fellow warrior. Maybe in due time I will change my mind but for now. This is my individual protest against a government who wants to hurt me.
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22 Responses to “This fight and where I go.”
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(((hugs))) We support you, now and always, no matter what decision you make. ((hugs)) to A.S & Mrs. A.S.
AS - can’t say I blame you. Unfortunately those that want to cut and run and in the process not provide what is needed for our troops won’t be held accountable for their actions. To them politics trumps everything and screw the country. It won’t prevent an attack on our soil and yet they will blame everyone else but themselves for the attack. I find it sickening and although this attitude is prevalent with the Dhimmicrats it is not exclusive and there are those Republicrats who have also jumped on board. They think the American people are against the Iraq war without distinguishing between unhappiness with how the war is being fought and surrendering to the Islamists.
OMG… this is the very effect I was afraid of and it is twisting a knife in my soul. I was stunned to see the Cochrane amendment fail. Had it not been for Hagel, the Dhimmicrats would have had their pork, My Soldiers would have not had to worry that the April deadline looms closer without funds for them.
I’m so very sorry My Soldier… I’m so very sorry… I will keep trying… I will not let My Congresscreeps leave you high and dry. If I have to mail checks directly to GEN Patreaus.
The problem here is that our elected offiicals are voting for their reelection and not for the good of the country.
You cannot lay all the blame on Congress, however. Ask people to tell you where Iraq or Afghanistan is and they will not know. Our citizens, for the most part are not based in reality. If the troops come home - the war ends. They is their reasoning. They saw what happened in Nam, and it did not affect this country. Unfortunately, this war does and will continue to do so. They haven’t a clue and you cannot educate them. This is the majority of the population. If it were not, our elected officials would be doing otherwise.
Bobbie
Bobbie has said it all !
Now for the rest of us..Personally I DID NOT vote for any of the Left is…but many folks got their brains twisted and did vote for Nancy and gang, Hopefully they are getting their eye’s opened by this treasonus action. It is unheard of in American history to go against your own military….when something very bad happens over there, maybe folks can remember they themselves are to blame for this Nancy & gang activity. I hope the ones who put them in charge will remember this in ‘08 and correct the terror they have unleashed on our military. Not only do our service people have to fight the enemy, they have to fight their own congress to survive. We need to get on the back of every one who voted to DESERT our military and throw them out, ASAP.
A S you have been very quiet for a year now. Do what you need to do for yourself. And if we can do any thing, Please let us know. We can make calls, & E’s, fax, snail mail. what ever you think will turn the tide. God Bless You !
The Left wants a repeat of Vietnam. As to the results, the Left does not seem to be greatly bothered by the millions of deaths that resulted when American troops were pulled from that war. They did not, do not care, and will not care if/when they are successful with Iraq. The Democratic Party has blood on its hands; the death of millions can be laid at the Party’s feet, but it has not slowed them down any. It is amazing to me, however, they do not say a thing about Afghanistan. Will they start with that next?
AS, personally, I do not blame you. There is nothing worse for a soldier, who gives his/her all, and to find out that there is not the support at home. This is especially true when the party in charge of Congress has nothing but disrespect for our military. As I stated earlier, if you say you support the troops, you let them finish the mission they started.
For years, the Democratic Party has been trying to find a way to get us out of Iraq. Our soldiers are political pawns in a political game that the Democrats are playing in Washington. The end result of that game is to destroy George W. Bush. To me (and I know many will disagree) the only similarity I see between Iraq and Vietnam are the actions of the Democratic Party in both of these conflicts.
AS, you have paid your dues. But the end result of this game for the Democrats is the destruction of our military. It won’t be done by a war with an enemy. Instead the enemy will be closer to home, and it is an enemy that will be elected by people who do not understand the risks or the danger this country faces. This enemy hates not only America but those who remind one and all what America is and how we stay Americans. It is through people like AS and his brothers and sisters in arms. That is how we stay free.
Again thx AS
AS…. sigh… I can only imagine your frustration. I know it must be so difficult to watch the politicians debate and make decisions on something they are so far removed from. They truly can’t see the forest for the trees. What saddens me is that even the Republicans have now forgotten the objective. It is enough to make you throw up your hands and say to hell with em all! You have done your duty bravely and honorably. That is all you can do. Live quietly and try to heal yourself. I am one American that appreciates you and ALL of the American Soldiers, whatever the outcome of this war! If we pull out, we know it is certainly not the failing of our strong and brave men. I would not blame a one of you for not re-enlisting after this!! Heaven help America!! We will just be an easy target.
I get exactly what you mean.
Keep healing, that’s your main mission for now. Life is a long time, who knows what you’ll want to do with the rest of it; you might even find yourself back in uniform again some day. Or not. You’ve served honorably, it’s okay to let someone else step forward and make the best of the same opportunity.
I’ve quoted you and linked to you here: http://consul-at-arms.blogspot.com/2007/03/re-this-fight-and-where-i-go.html
A.S. I completely understand where are you are coming from. It saddens me greatly to read these words and to hear them from Sgt. and others. I saddens me more to see the troops being treated like children in a divorce. Morale needs to be boosted not crushed and to cut and run puts a message out there that your efforts were for naught.
Godspeed, A.S.
Wow! I found www.iraqthemodel.com today (Mar 29) and from there found this blog. What an eye opener! Thanks your posting your thoughts. I will do my best to spread the word. Liberals and conservatives need to do their homework and discover a point of view that doesn’t rely on politicians or alarmists with not-so-carefully-hidden agenda.
God bless you all!
Dan
AS,
I’m so sorry for what’s happening and I know that you have given your all to our country and I for one “thank you” so very much for your service to this country so that we can be free! Take care and I know that whatever you do in the future, you will do well
I am utterly disgusted with our representatives if you can call them that! Especially the ones who voted against our country and our troops. They are trying to appease the hollywood crowd and the left wing bunch who want us out of Iraq at any cost, even at the cost of hurting our military and our country which they are doing.
If we do get out of Iraq, then the terrorists will have another base to work out of and plan their evil schemes against us and the world.
I thank you wholeheartedly for your service and putting your life on the line. I do hope, though, that all soldiers do not think like you on this issue. You cutting and running from your soldiers does not do any good for America and for your fellow men and women in the military. Frankly, I know what you are going through, but quitting doesn’t solve anything. I know I will take flak for this comment, but that is how I feel.
I can understand, and you have done more than others can ask and most will never do themselves.
Thank you. Now find some place safe and well away from population centers to live out the rest of your time in some degree of peace with your family.
Thanks so much for the time and energy you dedicate to your blog. Soldier Life is a labor of love and it has enriched my life. I check in many times a day so I don‘t miss a thing!
You have done much to educate the world on what it means to be a Good Soldier and American man, and have brought needed attention to the issues you and your fellow Soldiers’ face. I believe you will continue to affect change whether you are in the service or not, and like others have said, your supporters are behind you 100% regardless!
thank you for your service and putting your life on the line. Your fortitude is a true testiment to the American Soldier.
No matter your choices, always know we are behind you!
check out other messages of support at:
http://www.usasupportourtroops.com/support_messages.php
Thank you for protecting America……….I hope God will protect you and give wisdom to our leaders!
Great job, in both words and deeds. I can’t blame you for coming to this conclusion. I’ve been reaching the same upon seeing an entire branch of government disavow an action it earlier supported, with soldiers still in harm’s way.
Serve a people and government who so easily backtrack after they’ve already put others at risk? No way. I don’t trust that sector of society anymore, and have told military members I know as much.
What if a backtracker is elected President in 2008? What would they do if we had to go back into Iraq or Kuwait then? What if things worsen in Darfur and we have to send in troops? Will they be more feckless, or less, with your flesh and blood?
I understand, and would do the same. It’s not quitting. You’d be serving the country in other ways, strengthening civil society or using your military experience in some way.
Military top brass and terrorism experts, Baker Hamilton Commission ALL make the claim that there is no military solution to Iraq. Seeing as how most posters here seem to be pretty much Pro military, how do posters on this this site consider that conclusion?
Personally, from reports and many intelligent commentaries I have read, it seems that US policies are one of the main ways to address the”War on Terror”, in other words a CHANGE in certain specific policy areas could bear significant fruit in diminishing the threat of terrorism if in fact that is the real stated goal.
Many terrorism experts think that scaled down (speacial ops), smaller foot print police style and increased intelligence gathering is a more appropriate way to proceed with fighting terror. More of a police style approach than a Pentagon type. They claim that the large scale, large footprint method currently used by the Pentagon is one that may in fact be creating more terrorist than are being gotten rid of.
Globally the increase in terrorism attacks has apparently increased over 700% since we invaded Iraq so perhaps there is some merit to a different approach. What do people here think?
Better hurry up if you are going back to Iraq the mission will be ending soon is my guess. The “surge” is not going to work IMO. The generals who had the most direct experience – John Abizaid and George Casey – were against the “surge,” as were the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
President Bush needed to “keep false hope alive” if he was to fend off anti-war legislation. So was born the “surge,” less a new military strategy than a political device.
I was in during Desert Storm.Even though I was a combat soldier I didnt get to go. I think we lost like 139 personnel then. We are well above that now and when we leave and need to return in 10 years, we will lose more. I agree with you lets finish the job!!!! I wish I had stayed in the Army so I could be with brother. Very few know the price of freedom and none of them seem to be in the government. Good luck and God speed.
Damn straight, Donald. We will be back in ten years or sooner if it’s left half-assed now. My brother fought in Desert Storm. His son is fighting in Iraq. I don’t want my nephew’s children fighting the same war in the same place…again.
The Pentagon is NOT using the big footprint method. That’s the problem. The soldiers ARE policing now. Those are the tactics and methods they are using today on the streets of Baghdad. Had a large-footprint strategy been followed (which it never was) the insurgency could have been crushed long ago.
Instead, we have a small force of 140,000 conducting police operations and cajoling the locals for intelligence. The military leadership has told the politicos of both parties time and again that there is no military solution for this. Being pro-military has nothing to do with it. You don’t have to believe there’s a military solution for everything because you’re pro-military. That would be dumb. COIN experts in the military know political agreement is the ultimate solution. It’s the nature of counter-insurgency.
There is no police-type vs. Pentagon-type of action. The forces there are policing now. “Pentagon-type” action isn’t always a huge force with tons of armor in a large footprint. That’s only one variant of warfare that the Pentagon does.
The military knows it can only provide breathing space for institutions to strenthen and build, but the ultimate reconciliation has to be done by the people — politically. It’s been saying so from the very beginning. It’s a combination of political and security measures that is needed. It seems civilians are finally catching on. A little late.
One thing though. What if a Dem is elected in 2008. How will that CINC lead the armed forces given what the Dems are doing with this funding bill? Will she have anyone left in the military to command? Will those that stay feel any loyalty to the President? Think about the long-term relationship the Dems are compromising with their game playing on this funding bill.