Too Late for the Pebbles...
Mar. 19th, 2003 11:40 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
andveryginger...and so it begins. I'm overcome with a strong sense of deja vu, drawn once again to the television set much the way one watches a train wreck -- I simply cannot turn away. But, as with Desert Storm, I have a personal interest. Back then, it was my cousin, who was in Kuwait, on the front lines. This time, however, it's my own military experience which draws me toward the news. There are ties -- almost tangible -- with these men and women who are carrying out these missions. The one difference? I served during peacetime; fortunately, I never had to face the harsh realities of war eye-to-eye.
But there are men and women out there who are. And, regardless of your stance on the legitimacy of this war, you have to realize that these are fellow human beings and fellow Americans in many cases. Sure, many of them are out there because of the promise of college funding... some are even out there because they didn't stand a chance on the outside. Their reasons for service don't change the fact that they are there, risking their lives, and making a sacrifice for the ideals of freedom and democracy. I don't ask you to change your opinion -- just please pray to whatever god (or goddess) you worship for their safe return.
As for the legitimacy thing... well, that will have to wait when I can make an attempt at diplomacy. Right now, it's just not possible. Especially after the good roasting we gave the UN in Contemporary International Politics.
But there are men and women out there who are. And, regardless of your stance on the legitimacy of this war, you have to realize that these are fellow human beings and fellow Americans in many cases. Sure, many of them are out there because of the promise of college funding... some are even out there because they didn't stand a chance on the outside. Their reasons for service don't change the fact that they are there, risking their lives, and making a sacrifice for the ideals of freedom and democracy. I don't ask you to change your opinion -- just please pray to whatever god (or goddess) you worship for their safe return.
As for the legitimacy thing... well, that will have to wait when I can make an attempt at diplomacy. Right now, it's just not possible. Especially after the good roasting we gave the UN in Contemporary International Politics.
