Viet Nam – Circa 2007; Will We Ever Learn?
The situation is quickly turning into another Viet-Nam.There are differences.In the Viet-Nam Era, we sent over advisors, and then we started sending in our militia.
In Iraq, we have already lost over 3,100 soldiers.We are supposed to be helping the Iraqi army to build a sense of calm in the country.
Has that happened?Quite the opposite.
The various factions that are fighting there have discovered our achilles heel; we are not good in jungle or (in this case) "dirty’ war-fare.While we use traditional methods to fight (and spend billions in the process, they don’t
They don’t care how they get their armaments. By theft, coercion,
Black market, etc. To watch the enemy at work is almost like watching a scene from the TV show 24.
The various factions that are fighting there have discovered our achilles heel; we are not good in jungle or (in this case) "dirty’ war-fare.
While we use traditional methods to fight (and spend billions in the process, they don’t
They don’t care how they get their armaments. By theft, coercion,
Black market, etc.
To watch the enemy at work is almost like watching a scene from the TV show 24.
Unfortunately, their net result works.
While our press focuses (nightly) on the number of soldiers killed, a far greater number of our troops are permanently injured.
Lets not forget the lifetime psychological trauma these soldiers face.
Some will be able to overcome their stint overseas. Others won’t.
President Bush has asked Congress to approve the additional funding to send more troops into harms way.
Question; What about additional funding for the V.A. which desperately needs it?
He conveniently forgets to ask for additional appropriations for our wounded soldiers & Vets.
Now its time to reminisce alittle.
Viet Nam.. anti war movement...
That conflict lasted for years, and inspired a whole generation.
Some of the most famous songs of that era had to do with people’s discontent with the war.
Its now 2007. Perhaps some contemporary rap artists should start writing lyrics about how ridiculous our continued presence in Iraq is.
The temporary President of Iraq has the audacity to complain that we’re not providing sufficient funds for his military.
From the outset, this was supposed to be an international effort.
The only problem is that almost all of the other coalition partners have removed themselves from the "theatre’, because they saw the handwriting on the wall... and decided that they weren’t going to sacrifice the lives of their soldiers for such a futile effort.
What percentage of the total funding has come from the US?
I don’t have the time to look at all of the websites which are keeping track of our expenditures, relative to the other Countries contributions.
Save to say, as always, ours is disproportionately high.
And what will Iraq’s President do with the extra funds?
If you look at some reports, the money will be spent funding Third Party contractors (Halliburton, perhaps)
And speaking of Halliburton, how much money has our Senate Armed Services Committee allocated to the Inspector Generals Office (which oversees investigations into misappropriation and misuse of funds)
I’m sorry, Mr. President, we’re on to all of your games.
If you insist on holding your rifle, at least send our troops into the "no mans land" I’ve written about before.
Who knows, you may even land an AL Qaeda leader or two, and see your ratings jump by 1 or 2 %:)