thedrifter
09-17-03, 05:57 AM
09-15-2003
Guest Column: An Open Letter to the Troops
By Jim Revels
The nation recently observed the second anniversary of the 9/11 attacks by honoring all 3,000 lives lost. Average citizens, police officers, firemen, and soldiers, mothers and fathers, died that infamous day in our history at the hands of radical Islamic suicide murderers.
Such reflection on tragic events usually spawns concern, compels commitment to
action and calls for revenge. Some of you enlisted, as a direct result of the 9/11 attacks. As one who has devoted his entire adult life to the service of this country, I can assure you there is no more honorable calling than answering the call to arms in response to a national emergency.
However, it is my firm belief that you and the American people have not been told the real reasons for your presence in the hellhole that is Iraq today. Earlier this year, during those long hot days in the tent cities, just outside of Kuwait City, you were told the reason for invading Iraq was to liberate the Iraqi people from the grip of an evil tyrant.
Since the successful march to Baghdad, you have not been treated as liberators, but in large part as hated occupiers.
The American people were told you were sent to Iraq to prevent weapons of mass destruction from falling into the hands of terrorists groups who might use them against American targets. So far, no nuclear or chemical weapons of mass destruction have been found.
As public support for the invasion has waned, in this country and around the world, President Bush was forced to reaffirm the reasons for the invasion, in a recent brief speech to the nation, that claims you are fighting the enemy in Iraq so that we will not have to fight him in our city streets. All these reasons are in a sense accurate, but do not constitute whole truth that you deserve.
My fellow warriors, you are in Iraq to plant the American flag in the heart of the remnants of the Ottoman Empire. Military power is an extension of political power. Accordingly, your successful presence in the middle of the Arab world is an exercise of United States power.
Michael Ignatieff, writing in The New York Times Magazine on Sept.7, noted, “The Iraq intervention was the work of conservative radicals, who believe that the status quo in the Middle East was untenable .... They wanted intervention to bring about a revolution in American power in the entire region.” In other words, the real reason that your fellow warriors are dying each day is to re-establish the pillars of American influence in the Middle East.
Of course, this mission will require more time and resources than previously claimed. The establishment of an American presence, militarily and economically, must be done in the face of serious opposition from an array of Islamic extremists who thrive on the chaos created by tyranny.
It goes without saying, your task is difficult, dangerous and rewarding. Those who seek to oppose your presence will experience first hand, the impact of skillfully applied modern military power.
We, who benefit from your suffering and sacrifice, are most grateful. To say “Thank you,” seems inadequate to express our gratitude, but it must do. Rest assured, we Americans at home will hold those accountable who fail to provide the necessary
resources to accomplish your mission with minimum casualties.
My best wishes for your continuing success and a safe return home.
Col. James W. Revels retired from the U.S. Army after a distinguished, 25-year career that included service in Vietnam, where he received the Bronze Star. He can be reached at j077927r@earthlink.net.
http://www.sftt.org/cgi-bin/csNews/csNews.cgi?database=DefenseWatch.db&command=viewone&op=t&id=196&rnd=447.68035601325004
Sempers,
Roger
:marine:
Guest Column: An Open Letter to the Troops
By Jim Revels
The nation recently observed the second anniversary of the 9/11 attacks by honoring all 3,000 lives lost. Average citizens, police officers, firemen, and soldiers, mothers and fathers, died that infamous day in our history at the hands of radical Islamic suicide murderers.
Such reflection on tragic events usually spawns concern, compels commitment to
action and calls for revenge. Some of you enlisted, as a direct result of the 9/11 attacks. As one who has devoted his entire adult life to the service of this country, I can assure you there is no more honorable calling than answering the call to arms in response to a national emergency.
However, it is my firm belief that you and the American people have not been told the real reasons for your presence in the hellhole that is Iraq today. Earlier this year, during those long hot days in the tent cities, just outside of Kuwait City, you were told the reason for invading Iraq was to liberate the Iraqi people from the grip of an evil tyrant.
Since the successful march to Baghdad, you have not been treated as liberators, but in large part as hated occupiers.
The American people were told you were sent to Iraq to prevent weapons of mass destruction from falling into the hands of terrorists groups who might use them against American targets. So far, no nuclear or chemical weapons of mass destruction have been found.
As public support for the invasion has waned, in this country and around the world, President Bush was forced to reaffirm the reasons for the invasion, in a recent brief speech to the nation, that claims you are fighting the enemy in Iraq so that we will not have to fight him in our city streets. All these reasons are in a sense accurate, but do not constitute whole truth that you deserve.
My fellow warriors, you are in Iraq to plant the American flag in the heart of the remnants of the Ottoman Empire. Military power is an extension of political power. Accordingly, your successful presence in the middle of the Arab world is an exercise of United States power.
Michael Ignatieff, writing in The New York Times Magazine on Sept.7, noted, “The Iraq intervention was the work of conservative radicals, who believe that the status quo in the Middle East was untenable .... They wanted intervention to bring about a revolution in American power in the entire region.” In other words, the real reason that your fellow warriors are dying each day is to re-establish the pillars of American influence in the Middle East.
Of course, this mission will require more time and resources than previously claimed. The establishment of an American presence, militarily and economically, must be done in the face of serious opposition from an array of Islamic extremists who thrive on the chaos created by tyranny.
It goes without saying, your task is difficult, dangerous and rewarding. Those who seek to oppose your presence will experience first hand, the impact of skillfully applied modern military power.
We, who benefit from your suffering and sacrifice, are most grateful. To say “Thank you,” seems inadequate to express our gratitude, but it must do. Rest assured, we Americans at home will hold those accountable who fail to provide the necessary
resources to accomplish your mission with minimum casualties.
My best wishes for your continuing success and a safe return home.
Col. James W. Revels retired from the U.S. Army after a distinguished, 25-year career that included service in Vietnam, where he received the Bronze Star. He can be reached at j077927r@earthlink.net.
http://www.sftt.org/cgi-bin/csNews/csNews.cgi?database=DefenseWatch.db&command=viewone&op=t&id=196&rnd=447.68035601325004
Sempers,
Roger
:marine: