Geo -
thank you Thank You THANK YOU!!
It is a welcome change to hear that there are those out there that are proud of our "patroling the playground". I feel for Berg's family. But ---- we are there for a reason. We should have stayed and finished this mess the first time. If we give in, or elect someone who will give in, and leave, there will be another 9-11 to force the issue one more time. If we pull out of Iraq, it devalues in a way the lives of those that gave their lives there during Desert Storm and this war. The images we have been shown should inflame the country, show us that those who were in power and are seeking power do not value their countrymen. Let's NOT do the same. I wish we had never been drawn into this war or any others before. However, like it or not, not everyone in the world seeks peace and equality and happiness. The abuse that a few of our service men and women at all levels inflicted on the Iraqi prisoners is dispicable. However, this is not the norm of the true American people. The bullshit about "following orders" is not what we represent as a nation. I hope and pray that this "war" will end soon and that we can be confident that we have helped another nation find their way of freedom, whether or not they follow our way of democracy. I get frustrated listening to those that believe that if we pull out of Iraq that they will behave and quit with the attacks and hatred. This is not going to happen. I was beginning to think that I was one of the few that felt this way because of what I lost during the last "peace keeping mission".
Sorry for the rant. I just really hope that the deaths in this conflict will not be for naught.
Also, remember that Memorial Day is coming up soon. Remember it for what it is. It is for remembering those who have given their lives for us and our freedom to believe and be truely free. If there is a rememberance ceremony in your town, please go. If not, take a moment or two and remember what our fathers, cousins, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, etc. etc. gave for us to have this freedom. Every year I go to the cemetary here that a program for Memorial Day. The programs are moving (not because of the talent of the singers or speakers - BELIEVE ME) but for the message. The message that what the military members AND their families have given to ensure our freedoms.
As a closing - Thank you, my cousins, uncles, aunts, parents, sister, and everyone else. Thank you for serving, protecting and supporting us as individuals and as a country.

WOW - would have known I had all that in me considering I don't post that often?