Dr. William Freije, I respect that you have served this great nation in the US Army, and having done so, I am “puzzled” as you say, that you do not see where I am coming from. Perhaps you do not realize that I have already honored your request to “consider carefully.” I have considered fully, and by no means did it come easy.
When you have been a part of the military family, you share a union that goes beyond friendship and beyond blood. The men who are currently on the frontlines are closer than brothers to me. Their wives and I share a bond that is stronger than sisters. It goes without saying, it is simply understood. And it is only understood by those within the military family. I should know, I am the wife of an Army Ranger. Do you think it was easy to console my friend who watched her husband of five months ship off? Do you think it was easy to comfort my friend who gave birth alone, as her husband took enemy fire to ensure that same fire does not land on US soil? Do you think it was easy to hold the six-month-old child of my friend who watched her husband deploy for an undisclosed time? Do you think it was easy to explain to a three-year-old why daddy won’t be home for a long time? The “labels” I have dispensed did not come easy.
President Bush and his administration are working to prevent another attack on the United States. If the United States were interested in expanding an empire, we would have stayed in Kuwait after Desert Storm. Furthermore, the Bush Administration would not have released a plan to help rebuild Iraq if they were interested in an “empire.” Again, this is not a war about oil or retaliation. By opposing this war you oppose the men who secure your freedom and safety. If our men in uniform can see this, why can’t you? To quote a soldier who is currently deployed, and whose favorite uncle was a fire chief killed in 9-11; “I fight not for revenge, but to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
In the name of patriotism, I find it ironic that the barrage of American flags post 9-11 have seemed to all but disappear. I think it is terribly sad that the same praise and gratitude shown toward the police and firemen of NY City, is not currently being shown toward our soldiers.
Erin grace Veenker