Think about the amount of news coverage an accident or tragedy that occurs in the US (or even in the "Western" world) will typically receive. I'm listening to the NPR weekend news show right now and just heard about the impact of the hurricane in Texas as well as a train crash in Los Angeles. Both very sad, considering not only the loss of life but the anguish of the survivors. In terms of deaths, it sounds like well less than fifty individuals. And when its our dead people, it makes the news. Compare the coverage to the 600+ who lost their lives when the same storm hit Cuba or Haiti earlier in the week.
With no malice intended toward any of my fellow citizens who are going though hell right now, fifty deaths is considered a good day in Iraq. News of those deaths is generally reported almost as a positive event. That's what I don't understand about the so-called "success" of the so-called "surge." Okay, I get it that the number of random violent instances are statistically lower than in the period before the surge. But success? Really?
Our country is occupying a foreign country, and hundreds of thousands of its citizens have been killed or displaced because of us. Whether we were in favor of the invasion or not, we are paying for it. Its my war, whether I like it or not. If the situation were reversed; that is, if the Iraqis had invaded us and we had suffered similar devastation, I can't imagine feeling anything but hatred toward them. Those emotions don't go away quickly; in fact, they survive for eons. I'm several generations removed from my Irish ancestors. I confess I have only a sketchy understanding of the politics or economics of 19th century Ireland, but put Michael Collins into the DVD player and there's no doubt in my mind about which side I'm rooting for. Consider our collective problem with race in our country. Its been 150 years since slavery was abolished and we still can't have an honest dialog about the impact of race or color on our thinking.
So, how do we ever expect to "win" this war in Iraq? Is it even conceivable to win with "honor?" It seems a blatant denial of common sense to expect so.
PS - haddy dirt day, TMLCP... hope you got my message.
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2 comments:
you are so right...
I just left a very well thought out political opinion that was absolutely irrefutable, and then lost the whole darn thing. Suffice to say, I'm sure all of you would have heartily agreed!
Yes,Dot,I received your message and your good wishes. I would post more but the State of Michigan doesn't pay me to do that, and one of these days I should get to the duties that it does pay me for.
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