New Dawn
September 2nd 2010 17:00
As an OIF veteran, I am heartened to see the end of this chapter in American history. Far too much blood has been spilled in the deserts of Iraq. I can only hope that the American government stands by its word that we have truly seen the end of combat operations in OIF. However, I understand that many American forces will remain in Iraq as advisors, with the potential to become combatants. Given the loose regulations on declarations of war, all it takes is one shot to ignite another war.
Now, as an OEF veteran, I am not comforted by the likelihood of troop surges in Afghanistan. It’s as if our military members are simply stepping out of line for Iraq, while preparing for war in Afghanistan. Sadly, I have never advocated our involvement in OEF. Invasion and occupation is no way to wage a war on terrorism. Only “defense,” not “offense,” can protect us from terrorism. Even an advanced post-industrial military machine cannot adequately defeat terrorists on their home turf and in the populations that favor and harbor them. Our government should have learned that lesson in Vietnam. How many more men and women have to die under misguided leadership on the notion that pulling out will symbolize surrender? I suppose that the nature of war will always be that while old men talk, young men die. I implore you to recognize that those sacrificing their lives are not statistics. These are heroes with faces, names, and families.
I sincerely hope that President Obama is truly advocating a means to an end. Following the end of these campaigns, we need to significantly revise our policies. First, the president should “never” be allowed to deploy troops in any fashion without approval from Congress. No individual should be able to decide the fate of so many Americans. This is why we have juries in criminal courts. Next, our military budget has never been significantly reduced since before the Cold War. It is unnecessary to fund our military to the extent that it is constantly ready to wage a multi-theater campaign. We have sickness, poverty, and death within our borders. Social programs need to be addressed. I suggest that the military budget be reduced by roughly 50% to accommodate these issues. I will end by saying that I will always support our troops, no matter their plight. However, I will never again support war in any form. If you have ever left a piece of yourself overseas, you’ll understand my stance.
Now, as an OEF veteran, I am not comforted by the likelihood of troop surges in Afghanistan. It’s as if our military members are simply stepping out of line for Iraq, while preparing for war in Afghanistan. Sadly, I have never advocated our involvement in OEF. Invasion and occupation is no way to wage a war on terrorism. Only “defense,” not “offense,” can protect us from terrorism. Even an advanced post-industrial military machine cannot adequately defeat terrorists on their home turf and in the populations that favor and harbor them. Our government should have learned that lesson in Vietnam. How many more men and women have to die under misguided leadership on the notion that pulling out will symbolize surrender? I suppose that the nature of war will always be that while old men talk, young men die. I implore you to recognize that those sacrificing their lives are not statistics. These are heroes with faces, names, and families.
I sincerely hope that President Obama is truly advocating a means to an end. Following the end of these campaigns, we need to significantly revise our policies. First, the president should “never” be allowed to deploy troops in any fashion without approval from Congress. No individual should be able to decide the fate of so many Americans. This is why we have juries in criminal courts. Next, our military budget has never been significantly reduced since before the Cold War. It is unnecessary to fund our military to the extent that it is constantly ready to wage a multi-theater campaign. We have sickness, poverty, and death within our borders. Social programs need to be addressed. I suggest that the military budget be reduced by roughly 50% to accommodate these issues. I will end by saying that I will always support our troops, no matter their plight. However, I will never again support war in any form. If you have ever left a piece of yourself overseas, you’ll understand my stance.
| 58 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
subscribe to this blog
