thedrifter
09-11-07, 07:18 AM
Something To Believe In
by Wayne Simmons (more by this author)
Posted 09/11/2007 ET
Updated 09/11/2007 ET
This is one of those weeks when Americans are listening in disbelief at Democrats’ attacks on Gen. David Petraeus and Amb. Ryan Crocker. Yes, we all have concerns about how the war is being fought. But how can these Democrats be so dismissive of a combat leader such as Petraeus?
And how does Petraeus keep his cool? Where does he get the confidence he obviously has?
There’s an obvious answer to that question: from the troops he commands. Last week, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said, “The violence in Anbar has gone down despite the surge, not because of it.” Schumer -- as ignorant of war as are all the other Dems -- thinks Gen. Petraeus is failing to win the trust of the Iraqi people. I suggest he go there and talk to the little Iraqi boy in this picture.
At no time in recent history has a photograph so symbolized the greatness and strength of America as has that picture of a young Iraqi boy clinging to the tall, statuesque, fearless frame of an American soldier. Weaving through gunfire, looking for IEDs, with dismembered bodies strewn through the square, and with the threat of gun fire that could rip through the crowd any second, a member of the US 82nd Airborne Division walks coolly, methodically through the valley of death like so many American troops have over the past two hundred and thirty years. As the young Iraqi boy squeezes his savior with a vice grip and hides desperately under the soldier’s left arm he becomes, in that moment, the symbol of all nations of the world who have for over a century turned to the United States for protection and the continuation of their democracies and liberties.
Heroism is defined as exceptional courage in the face of danger (especially in battle); a quality of spirit that enables you to overcome fear and do whatever is necessary to defeat the enemy, protect your comrades, your nation and yourself. These photos define clearly the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.
The flame of American greatness burns brightly. It is virtually impossible to understand those who do not recognize or even acknowledge President Bush’s call for national greatness and unity. America is the world’s single remaining defender of democracy and liberty. America is a mature democracy and must continue to recognize its responsibilities to itself and the world. It is America that is called upon time and time again to preserve, protect and defend other less fortunate nations and the oppressed. It is the United States that provides medicine and clothing to virtually every nation of the world feeding not only their economies but their people.
National greatness is not only a moral obligation but has been demanded of the American people in every modern day war. President Kennedy not only said, “ ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country,” he also declared that America should “go anywhere and pay any price” to maintain our national security.
As greatly as we value freedom, it comes at a high price. In two centuries, tens of thousands of American lives have been lost so that hundreds millions of Americans and others around the world could be free. Now, at a time in history when America’s future and very existence is threatened, we have members of Congress in both parties who do not understand that America is the custodian and preserver of democracy and liberty. The war against those who practice and proliferate this terrorist ideology has become the single defining issue and perhaps the last defining issue of American National greatness. To that extent Congressional ignorance regarding the position and importance of the national greatness of America in the world is astounding.
The “free world” we spoke of during the Cold War is no longer free. It is under attack by Islamic terrorists who have demanded that all greatness be Allah’s. Their ideology would compel subservience of us. They believe that the reward for those who choose death to destroy freedom has no limit.
These overwhelming photos are only one example of thousands in American history showing American Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airman and Coast Guardsmen performing heroic acts in our efforts to preserve democracy and liberty. Belleau Wood, Iwo Jima, Cabanatuan, Bastogne, Inchon, Tet and the Gulf War are permanently etched in our minds and in the soul of America. The faces of the NYC fire fighters and police officers who survived the 9-11 attacks are seared forever into our minds.
The nations of the world will continue to cling to America much like the young Iraqi boy and we must continue to stand tall and strong doing our duty for each others’ sake, exuding greatness just like this determined American soldier.
Congressional Democrats seem willfully ignorant of the dangers we face. And of the reason Gen. Petraeus has confidence in the warriors he commands.
Ellie
by Wayne Simmons (more by this author)
Posted 09/11/2007 ET
Updated 09/11/2007 ET
This is one of those weeks when Americans are listening in disbelief at Democrats’ attacks on Gen. David Petraeus and Amb. Ryan Crocker. Yes, we all have concerns about how the war is being fought. But how can these Democrats be so dismissive of a combat leader such as Petraeus?
And how does Petraeus keep his cool? Where does he get the confidence he obviously has?
There’s an obvious answer to that question: from the troops he commands. Last week, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said, “The violence in Anbar has gone down despite the surge, not because of it.” Schumer -- as ignorant of war as are all the other Dems -- thinks Gen. Petraeus is failing to win the trust of the Iraqi people. I suggest he go there and talk to the little Iraqi boy in this picture.
At no time in recent history has a photograph so symbolized the greatness and strength of America as has that picture of a young Iraqi boy clinging to the tall, statuesque, fearless frame of an American soldier. Weaving through gunfire, looking for IEDs, with dismembered bodies strewn through the square, and with the threat of gun fire that could rip through the crowd any second, a member of the US 82nd Airborne Division walks coolly, methodically through the valley of death like so many American troops have over the past two hundred and thirty years. As the young Iraqi boy squeezes his savior with a vice grip and hides desperately under the soldier’s left arm he becomes, in that moment, the symbol of all nations of the world who have for over a century turned to the United States for protection and the continuation of their democracies and liberties.
Heroism is defined as exceptional courage in the face of danger (especially in battle); a quality of spirit that enables you to overcome fear and do whatever is necessary to defeat the enemy, protect your comrades, your nation and yourself. These photos define clearly the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.
The flame of American greatness burns brightly. It is virtually impossible to understand those who do not recognize or even acknowledge President Bush’s call for national greatness and unity. America is the world’s single remaining defender of democracy and liberty. America is a mature democracy and must continue to recognize its responsibilities to itself and the world. It is America that is called upon time and time again to preserve, protect and defend other less fortunate nations and the oppressed. It is the United States that provides medicine and clothing to virtually every nation of the world feeding not only their economies but their people.
National greatness is not only a moral obligation but has been demanded of the American people in every modern day war. President Kennedy not only said, “ ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country,” he also declared that America should “go anywhere and pay any price” to maintain our national security.
As greatly as we value freedom, it comes at a high price. In two centuries, tens of thousands of American lives have been lost so that hundreds millions of Americans and others around the world could be free. Now, at a time in history when America’s future and very existence is threatened, we have members of Congress in both parties who do not understand that America is the custodian and preserver of democracy and liberty. The war against those who practice and proliferate this terrorist ideology has become the single defining issue and perhaps the last defining issue of American National greatness. To that extent Congressional ignorance regarding the position and importance of the national greatness of America in the world is astounding.
The “free world” we spoke of during the Cold War is no longer free. It is under attack by Islamic terrorists who have demanded that all greatness be Allah’s. Their ideology would compel subservience of us. They believe that the reward for those who choose death to destroy freedom has no limit.
These overwhelming photos are only one example of thousands in American history showing American Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airman and Coast Guardsmen performing heroic acts in our efforts to preserve democracy and liberty. Belleau Wood, Iwo Jima, Cabanatuan, Bastogne, Inchon, Tet and the Gulf War are permanently etched in our minds and in the soul of America. The faces of the NYC fire fighters and police officers who survived the 9-11 attacks are seared forever into our minds.
The nations of the world will continue to cling to America much like the young Iraqi boy and we must continue to stand tall and strong doing our duty for each others’ sake, exuding greatness just like this determined American soldier.
Congressional Democrats seem willfully ignorant of the dangers we face. And of the reason Gen. Petraeus has confidence in the warriors he commands.
Ellie