MY TWO CENTS WORTH.

In reference to Airborne dads latest post on the demise of war reporting, and in particular Lara Logan.
READ ALL ABOUT IT.

I hear it a lot lately.

"Things must be quieting down over there, there isn't much on the news".
The serge must have worked".

And now the news.
Things must be quieting down.

Could it be a conspiracy?
A little help for John McCain's campaign?


Nah, those most honorable Republicans wouldn't have any part of that.

While I have no doubt that the serge did wonders for our over worked and under manned troops in Iraq, I seriously doubt that it did much good.
The war in Iraq is a civil war between tribes that is going to play out one way or the other.
If we, (the US), aid the weaker of the tribes in winning, when we leave the strongest will retake the government.
Our involvement is causing a considerable amount of confusion by bringing Al Quaida, and every other radical Islamic group with an axe to grind with the good ole US into the fray.
I feel a strong sense of responsibility to stay in Iraq and clean up our mess. Yet I feel that if we cease combat operations, and move on to other matters at hand, (Afghanistan), the extremists will follow us, leaving the Iraqi tribes to settle the issue in their own way.
While it probably won't be a democratic process. It will be for the best of the country as a whole.

Just my two cents worth.

I want to welcome kbug to our small but growing group of "One Percenters".
Stop bye and say hi.
KBUG.

Other members:
Airbornedad.
Abnpoppa.
Standing by.

If you have a loved one serving in the military, you are a part of the group.
If you want to be added to the blogrolls, get involved.
Tells us what you think.

On the home front, five days until we pick Matt up at the airport.
I won't forget to charge the battery for the camera this time.

Remember our heroes in harms way daily in your own personal way. The power of thought and prayer is mightier than you think.

Have a great weekend.

HERE'S WHAT I THINK

For what it's worth.

After reading THIS
I was compelled to respond.
while doing just that it occurred to me that I was using up a lot of AirbornDad's space for my blathering, so I decided to turn my comment into a post.
Dad if you take exception at my directing readers away from your blog, please accept my apologies.


A couple of things.

1) A lot of the soldiers read blogs. So they know that they have the support of those of us who write blogs, and those of you who comment.
By showing your support of us, and sending your well wishes for our soldiers, you support them.
My son, Spc Matthew Rider, 2-23rd inf 4th bde strykers, currently in Baghuba, reads this blog, and truly appreciates your support.
He emails me frequently, but is always wary of commenting in a public manner.
Big brother is watching, and they do reprimand soldiers for commenting publicly about their feelings regarding the war...
Unless, of course their opinion is in line with the leaders, and they give a glowing review of how things are going, and tell of how happy they are to be, "living the dream".

2)The support of those who have no one serving is low because no-one but those of us with loved ones fighting are being asked to sacrifice anything.

3) My opinion, (hate me if you want) Our soldiers aren't dieing in Iraq for our freedom. They're dieing while trying to free the Iraqi people.
If we were fighting for our freedom and security, we wouldn't have directed our attention away from Afghanistan and hunting down Ossama to settle George Bush's personal vendetta with Saddam.
Let's not forget that we still have soldiers fighting that battle who are under staffed, and under funded.
Who's supporting them?
Those of us with soldiers who aren't do to get out anytime soon will probably see them there before long.
4) If we were fighting for our freedom and security, we'd be in Pakistan rooting out al-Quaida.
al-Quaida came to Iraq to attack us.
They see the civil war in Iraq as an opportunity to kill Americans.
And they don't care how many innocent Iraqis become collateral damage.
If you really want to support the troops, send letters, or call your congressmen and let them know how you feel about the situation.
Oh, and continue commenting here, and on family of soldiers blogs.
Read some of the blogs on the sidebars of this blog, and "Onepercenters", and comment there also.
The soldiers in infantry units serving outside the wire don't have a lot of free time.
they work long hours with little personal time, but I can tell you that they do spend time on line, when they can, and they do appreciate your kind words, well wishes, and prayers.
As do we, the families.
You too are hero's.
God bless you.

Please not:
I didn't mention our president's glowing review of the war on national television today...