I had a feeling this discussion would turn interesting in a hurry 
.
First, thanks to those who have expressed appreciation for my service. Realize however I demand no automatic respect because of it. Sure I came back from the Gulf through the medevac system with a chestful of medals, but save any respect for my friends who died over there, and the servicemembers who are dying now.
I don't mind saying it's hard though. Even after a dozen years I think or the Gulf war every single day at some point, and during the course of this year I've had to deliberately and constructively adjust my thinking a good deal.
For instance, I know all too well how difficult it is for combat vets to reabsorb into society once the fighting stops, and over the past few months we created a whole new generation of them. In short order I'm certain to have a few of them come to me needing jobs, and I'll know for a fact my direct experience will be much needed to assist their transition back into the workforce.
Meanwhile, I quietly advise those of you who are expressing hatred and disdain toward Iraqis to make damn sure you know why you feel that way. Personally (and it took more than a year before I told this to anyone) I knew as soon as I watched the lived feed of a plane hitting the WTC we'd be going into Iraq. Once another hit the Pentagon it was confirmed, even though no clear evidence has been forthcoming for our reason to be there.
Backing up a moment, considering the people who masterminded 9/11 firmly believe they performed the world an enormous service in this action, come from the culture who invented algebra and are a good deal more clever than Americans generally, you don't have to make too many leaps to start reasonably conjecturing why we haven't found any WMD in Iraq yet, even though all the evidence points toward their existence. It isn't as though the Bush administration is exactly difficult to anticipate.
From a purely military mentality, anyone who hasn't read it lately should brush up on "The Art Of War." Hate your enemy if it helps, pity him as required, kill him when necessary, but always, always respect him.
The Iraqis attacking coalition forces even right now are patriots in their own right. Surely anyone can see this. The US has more WMD than anyone in the world. If someone invaded and occupied us because of it (and it looks like they have), what would you be doing in retaliation?
.First, thanks to those who have expressed appreciation for my service. Realize however I demand no automatic respect because of it. Sure I came back from the Gulf through the medevac system with a chestful of medals, but save any respect for my friends who died over there, and the servicemembers who are dying now.
I don't mind saying it's hard though. Even after a dozen years I think or the Gulf war every single day at some point, and during the course of this year I've had to deliberately and constructively adjust my thinking a good deal.
For instance, I know all too well how difficult it is for combat vets to reabsorb into society once the fighting stops, and over the past few months we created a whole new generation of them. In short order I'm certain to have a few of them come to me needing jobs, and I'll know for a fact my direct experience will be much needed to assist their transition back into the workforce.
Meanwhile, I quietly advise those of you who are expressing hatred and disdain toward Iraqis to make damn sure you know why you feel that way. Personally (and it took more than a year before I told this to anyone) I knew as soon as I watched the lived feed of a plane hitting the WTC we'd be going into Iraq. Once another hit the Pentagon it was confirmed, even though no clear evidence has been forthcoming for our reason to be there.
Backing up a moment, considering the people who masterminded 9/11 firmly believe they performed the world an enormous service in this action, come from the culture who invented algebra and are a good deal more clever than Americans generally, you don't have to make too many leaps to start reasonably conjecturing why we haven't found any WMD in Iraq yet, even though all the evidence points toward their existence. It isn't as though the Bush administration is exactly difficult to anticipate.
From a purely military mentality, anyone who hasn't read it lately should brush up on "The Art Of War." Hate your enemy if it helps, pity him as required, kill him when necessary, but always, always respect him.
The Iraqis attacking coalition forces even right now are patriots in their own right. Surely anyone can see this. The US has more WMD than anyone in the world. If someone invaded and occupied us because of it (and it looks like they have), what would you be doing in retaliation?
