"This is a serious matter that has gotten 4,000 boys (and girls) killed. Just on the U.S. side. ""
Meatpuff, I fully understand, quite likely more than you, how serious the situation is. I not only just read through many of the UN Security Council Resolutions to see how deep/shallow they read (I believe in original sources- not wicked pedias- not Katys, not Robins, not Boortz, not Larry or Bill or other spins- perhaps a new generation has to be taught about original sources and issues of credibility) and realize that we both can find what we want out there to justify our own opinions. Having worked as one of 4 paid staff members on a gubernatorial campaign with the Dick Morris as its advisor and other names you'd recognize as frequent callers, I am FULLY aware of how news on deadline is created and biases that exist within the media. So, no, the sources quoted, other than the UN from its own website(as an original source) aren't good enough.
Having been a part of the military family (Ranger (1st and 3rd Batt), Airborne, 121st Military Intelligence, LRSU, 108th (?) Drill Sgt, 1??th Inf and Special Forces (I spent my honeymoon night inside the guarded concertina'd wire of the Ranger compound at Fort Benning, GA in the orderly room- he had to pull CQ that night) since the early 1980's and having just recently gotten to kiss my husband again (Mar 08) after his return from his Army tour of Kuwait/Iraq and not knowing if he will have to return AND knowing that too few of our country's citizens are bearing the physical burden of the war, I'm fully aware of how serious the situation and the costs, to both the soldiers, the families, and to the American and Iraqi peoples. Perhaps you or the others bear a greater burden. My hat is off to you for that.
Having rendered comfort to his young widow during the proceedings and recorded for posterity and for his children on film and in writing (the pictures are too controversial,the article is googlable but I prefer to remain anon on this board) the arrival of a fellow LRSU-Airborne-Ranger soldier's body from under the belly of a Delta jet while the Atlanta (world's busiest) airport stopped to pay their respect I, more than you, fully comprehend the cost of this war. AND, they are not BOYS and GIRLS. You might be surprised at the average age of the majority of our soldiers (most of whom are Army and Marine as they are the ground troops upon whose shoulders most of this war falls).
3/19/03- 6/5/08 as reported in the 16 June 08 Army Times (which I read regularly) : OIF US service member casualties: 4079, wounded in action 30,182. That's OIF. For OEF 10/1/01- 6/5/08 508 killed, wounded 20,042. Still missing or considered captured: 3. This does not include contractors or Iraqi civilians. Nor does it include those of other coalition countries. Whether the "in vain" argument comes up or not remember that each volunteered. But they only go when they are ordered and stay with the support of the American people upon whom they depend to make wise decisions after counting the costs.
Too few of our country's citizens are bearing the physical costs of this war. This is increasily evident in the bonuses required to maintain the existing troop strength and statements by individuals such as General Petraus that our "troops are stretched". Listen carefully when you hear these words. He's speaking the truth. That means it's either a draft or an end. It cannot go on like it is. The fiscal costs (and enormous waste) are too high for the rest of the country to handle and increasingly, it's the US in it alone as others draw down.
Our country's situation is very complex and the future is looking odd given the choice of candidates.
Which brings me back to the topic of Amtrak. I do not believe that our President gets given consistently, unbiased and reliable information on which to base his decisions. So,how DOES he get his information on Amtrak? And secondly, how many of you have given your informed opinions about Amtrak's future to his office?
PS: Grammar police: Just shoot me now.
