I try to maintain a level of sympathy and compassion for those that have been and are planning protests around Bush to bring our troops home sooner than later.
Unfortunately, it's become difficult to keep my mouth shut any longer let alone find the patience to understand this rationale.
I have family and friends currently stationed overseas that are serving our country as freedom fighters - to maintain our country's security and uphold freedom for us all. May God continue to bless them and keep them all safe! For those that have perished... it was not in vain.
They fight many battles each day - NOT just the physical battle of combat. And not to make less of this real situation regarding their many battles, but to get to my point....
In a "what if" scenario, would these recent protestors feel the same way:
1) If it had been us or our railways that had been bombed instead of Britain's?
2) If we pull out and something happens that compromises our security; we're terrorized again. Will they be singing a different tune?
3) Do they realize the cause and effect of their requests?
And what really gripes my arse is the fact that the news will continue to update us all on a daily basis of protestor's campaigns, and which no doubt will focus on the negative reasons for pulling out of Iraq and surrounding areas.
What kind of message does this send to our sons and daughters that signed up to protect our country? To protect the freedom we all take for granted?
Have we become so complacent that we believe we are invincible? That we are not targets here on the homeland? Just because there are atrocities happening overseas does not mean that it couldn't happen here. Just because we've been helping for 1 year too many (as some feel), doesn't mean the work is done. If they discontinue their work "over there" - don't think for a minute that it's over when we pull out and come home. Believing that we are safer just because we are not active overseas or that we haven't been terrorized on the homeland since 9/11 is a fallicy or mistruth that terrorist would like you to believe otherwise.
When we work at changing ourselves, our way of life, loving and giving; when we have peace within, there will be peace throughout. To give up helping others in the name of God, Allah or a God of your understanding is giving up on yourself. In my opinion, it shows a lack of love of self and others.
Ahhh, but I suppose the argument might be - "there's a fine line between..... "
There are many pros and cons and opinions regarding this issue - and I am genuinely sorry for the many lives that have been lost - from all countries that have participated in the War on Terror. And on a similar note, I applaud each and every service member and am grateful that they have what it takes to stand ground and protect the good that still exists in this sometimes hateful world / time.
Is it out of grief that one would want to bring our troops home?
Is it out of a fear that it will only get worse?
Let's stop and think for a moment - what are the positives that this "War on Terror" has given the world:
1) We were able to apprehend "alive" - Saddam Hussein
2) We are presently helping the country of Iraq rebuild in more ways than one
3) We continue to secure countries from "top taliban leaders." Hence, reducing the risk for continued terrorism
4) Contrary to popular belief, there are many people in Afghanistan and Iraq that are happy for this intervention and grateful for the peace and democracy that outside countries help them strive for.
One thing I think we tend to forget is that these are countries that have been part of the 100 year war(s). They don't know anything different than fighting for life; treachery; treason; pain and suffering. Children are brought up to learn survival skills which include killing if need be.
Do you remember going to school and having to carry a weapon to protect yourself? I don't think so. But you have noticed a trend in today's society that does just this, haven't you!
So this brings me to another rant.... do we bring our troops home so they can help us fight our own terrors? Do we clean up our own backyards before we trespass on another country's problems?
Maybe a good question, but it keeps coming back to the fact that it isn't just "their" problem. What problems happen anywhere, causes conflict EVERYWHERE. Maybe it's time the focus was based on the good that is happening so the good can be felt everywhere. Good wins over evil - and don't tell me that's just in Star Wars.
Be careful what you wish for, you may just get it.
