AMAZING GRACE

Wow!
I check my blog almost daily, and the blogs of friends on my side bar.
I don't comment as much as I used to.
Sometimes I'm just to tired.
Sometimes I'm just not motivated to.
I've become more comfortable with blogging.
For a while I was obsessed.
Checking three or four times a day to see if anyone had commented, or replied to my comments on their blogs.
Now I'm comfortable knowing that those friends that I've made here in the blogosphere are there for the long run, and if I should be so moved as to post something particularly moving to them they'll comment.
And if not, so be it.
I don't do this for profit.
Although I'm entertaining the thought of trying just that.
Maybe in my retirement.
Or,
Maybe after all of our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan are home, and the deplorable situation in that part of the world is resolved.
And that brings me to the subject of my thoughts for this cold and windy day here in New Hampshire.

Mighty Mom, MY WONDERFUL LIFE.emailed a copy of,"A Soldiers Last Words".
It was what I assume was a journal entry of a Sargent serving in Iraq, who was killed in action shortly after writing it.
While he made many valid points, and voiced many opinions that I share with him, there was one subject that I find most troubling.
While I'm certain I'll stir the rath of some, I must get this off my chest.
Some, I have no way of knowing how many, of us who support the troops are of the opinion that a person can't support the troops while simultaneously speaking out against the president.
I beg to differ.

I do not support George Bush, Dick Chaney, et al.

I am in total agreement with those who would have them tried for war crimes.

I support hole heartedly those who would move to have them impeached.

And yet I support our troops 100%.
Let anyone who doesn't buy that, call me on it..

I am not in favor of the immediate removal of all troops from Iraq.
I will not protest our involvement.
I am in favor of taking any action deemed necessary by the military leaders in country to strength the government of Iraq and support the innocent citizens in their effort to live a free and peaceful life.

I do not support George Bush, Dick Cheney, and their advisers.

They all lied and fabricated issues to support their lies to get us into the war, and not a one of them is man enough to admit their mistake.
That being said, I don't support those politicians that would cut funding for the troops as a method of bringing the war to an end.

George Bush now claims that we are in Iraq because there are terrorists there, and we are fighting the war on terror.
Well I've got news for GW. The terrorists followed us there.
They are there to attack us, and they will take extreme measures to get at us.
Even using civilians, women, children and mentally handicapped people to blow up markets and public gathering places.
They play on our humanitarian ideology by posing as innocent people in need of help, and when our soldiers try to assist, they ambush them.

I challenge anyone to accuse me of not supporting our troops because I speak out against our government.

Go ahead.
Take your best shot.

The true non-patriots in this situation are those who would follow the words of a red neck cowboy that thinks the only way to bring democracy to the world is by beating it into others, one country at a time.

On a personal note.

Last week I wrote that we had a tentative date for the 4th brigade to be home.
Now we have a range of dates.
Unfortunately, the range starts at the date we had, and goes forward.
As my friend Airbournedad says, "it's the Army, you can't believe anything you hear until it actually happens".
For some interesting insight, and great writing by his son, a paratrooper with the 82nd, just back from the litter box, visit, One Percenters

I know, I've been a little long winded, but I have one more thing to add.
To all who have stood up and volunteered to serve our great country present and past, a great big thank you.
These are tough times for our military, and the few that are serving are paying a big debt for all of us.
Because we as a nation haven't been asked to sacrifice a thing, as in other wars,the magnitude of what we are doing isn't as readily apparent.
I urge everyone reading this to think about what they have done for their country.
How have you repaid your debt for the freedom and comfort of living in a country where you are truly free to make decisions about what you do, and how you live your life.
Few serve so many can be free is a fraise that comes to mind.
Think about it.
If your young enough,and physicaly able, consider a tour in the military, if not, there are many other ways to serve.
Volunteer in you community.
Do something to make life easier and more pleasuable for those less fortunate.
If you are healthy, and well off, feel the obligation to repay some of your good fortune.
For ideas drop me a line.
To all who serve in any capacity, thank you.