Posted by James K on January 22, 2006, at 18:32:18
In reply to Re: Halliburton and its employees in Iraq, posted by Declan on January 22, 2006, at 16:21:04
There is a branch of conservatism here in USA (it's funny, we call it America, but I've become conscious that this is an international board, and America is two continents and many countries).
Anyway, some conservatives are appalled at the financial cost of this and it's betrayel of limited government. I do fear that our days as an economic power may come to an end in my lifetime. But again, that's not my point.
All the deaths and the even multiple more maimings have yet to be felt in this country. We don't really get information about the devastation of the non-American population, so I'm just going to discuss our guys.
It's not just soldiers either, there was an article in today's paper about a local contractor who lost their (if i did the math right) 36th employee. These people signed on to do a job and expected to work hard and serve and make big money (for them), not to be on the front lines. But you can't really resign under the circumstances. The reservists and national guard members many of whom are in their 40s, never were intended to be used in this manner after a lifetime of serving their country.
We've become such a great country over the years, even with our problems, that I see much fewer wheelchairs and disfigured people than when I was a child. We are all going to have to get used to seeing the young and old in that condition. I hope we treat them better as a society than we did our vietnam vets. Signs don't seem good though. Charity is doing much of the work in rehabilition and services that the soldiers were promised from the Veterans Administration.
We see the returning vets on feel-good television shows and none of them express any regret or bitterness. I have great respect for their service. I hope that my fear that this was all for nothing is incorrect and they never have to face the betrayal. I don't know any vets of this war yet, but I know I will. They are going to be everywhere.
If the group that has gained almost absolute power over us is correct, and this is the right thing to be doing, someday I can look back and marvel at my simplicity. I know that's not the case though deep in my heart. I cry about this.
I cry when I remember one of my good friends who served in the first Gulf War, and how embarrassed I was to be able to get him a job at the drugstore I was working at. This man could drive a tank. He had served his country and no one would hire him. He was grateful for a near minimum wage job in the video dept.
I don't even remember my point. Maybe it's that this government and associated corporations may be destroying what once was the greatest country in history (personal patriotism). I'm not insensitive to the greater devastation of innocents over there, I just think I can only wrap my head around so much at once.
I welcome and am respectful of those who feel differently. I've tried to express my thoughts and feelings in a way that shows sadness not anger. We all have to get through this life and form our opinions and base our decisions through our own filters.
Thank you for reading my perspective.
poster:James K
thread:600156
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/poli/20051121/msgs/601862.html