In today's European Stars & Stripes we have an exceptional batch of Letters to the Editor.
An emphasis on weight standards and morale for downrange troops is at issue in "What she lost in the army."
"Wake up to the lies" is an apt commentary on the anniversary of "Mission Accomplished."
The "GI Bill Revamp Needed" underscores the frustration with "shrinking benefits."
A Staff Sgt in Iraq, working in today's 93 degree Baghdad heat, wants the focus put on solar energy.
And, a First Lt. in Iraq describes a typical pre-movie "trailer" at the base theater.
Stripes letters dating to 2002 can be found here.
Today's Stripes letters:
What she lost in the Army
Upon leaving for this deployment, I would have sworn that if you had cut open my veins, I would have bled green. but I’ve seen where the military is going and it scares me.
***
We were instructed that for our awards ceremony anyone not meeting weight standards will be required to stand behind the stage. They were told they could receive their awards when the ceremony is over. I am big on enforcing the weight control program, but these individuals, probably one-third of our company, have served with us the entire deployment and only now has there been a problem with it.
***
To my fellow soldiers whom my battalion seeks to disgrace, I am proud to have served with you. You have taught me much, and I am honored to have known you. When the ceremony begins I will make sure to be where I belong, next to the soldiers I have so proudly served with, behind the stage.
Wake up to the lies
A "war expert" would be quick to point out the many failures of this administration — how the plans have all been either fantasies or outright lies. From Sept. 12 (the air at ground zero is safe) through the prolific spewing of bile that became a "slam dunk" invasion, this administration does not tell the truth.
Another well-known fact is this administration shops for commanders based on their ability to be a parrot. Now the latest parrot on the pirate’s shoulder has declared a success of the "surge." But troop levels should be paused. Huh?
Maybe Gen. David Petraeus’ "promotion" to CENTCOM commander is a sign that he has outlived his usefulness — or could it mean they needed someone who sees the "big picture" and how huge a threat Iran is to the U.S.?
Mission accomplished? Oh yeah, oil is higher, the inner circle has earned billions, the economy is "slowed," inflation is steadily going up, another $330 million gone today, and the list goes on.
Put focus on solar power
You step outside and it hits you in the face. It’s everywhere all the time. The sun. Solar power is an abundant resource that needs to be harnessed. I’m no engineer, but is it really that expensive and time-consuming to start installing solar panels to provide power for basic comforts we enjoy daily? All the money spent on fuel and generators to power this effort costs more than some solar panels? Not to mention generator breakdowns and the cost to import the fuel over some of the most dangerous roads in the world.
G.I. Bill revamp needed
The very people who squabble about a 3.5 percent pay raise to keep up with the cost of living don’t vote to degrade their own benefits package, yet they don’t have to put their lives on the line in the defense of freedom.
‘Inspiring’ images at theater?
Tanks move in a column. A soldier walks along a concrete wall with his weapon ready. The screen flashes to another scene, helicopters firing toward the ground. It cuts to an image of a .50-caliber gunner silhouetted against the American flag.
These and many more images flash across the screen as "The Star-Spangled Banner" plays before each movie at the Anaconda movie theater. These images of war and violence zip by and I can’t help but think of "The Manchurian Candidate," or some other such film, where propaganda films are played to alter the minds of unwitting participants.