Still Pro War

I want to reaffirm my support, not only of the troops but of their mission.

Senator Durbin's comments, focus on Gitmo, poll numbers, &c. have obscured the goals and achievements of the War on Terror.

I have mentioned my friend’s emails before. I respond infrequently because I think that she does not enjoy my responses, but I respond occasionally because -- well -- I can't stop.

Today she sends an EJ Dionne column with a preface about how she has always suspected a global conspiracy. She cites the Dionne column and a Bill Moyers interview on CNN as substantiation.

Here is my response. I was happy to affirm my support:

I should be nice and let a few more go by, but I MUST comment on today’s email

I read every word you send, by the way. I worry that you are less exposed to alternate views. Today’s email quotes E.J. Dionne and Bill Moyers, whom I consider to be two of the most far left and anti-administration people in Journalism today. Yes, Thomas Friedman supported the war, but I would not say that he supported the administration. Friedman is a moderate liberal, not a right winger.

I’m sure the war could have been prosecuted better and I wish Iraq were more stable today. But I clearly believe there is far more hope for an Iraqi today than when Saddam Hussein was filling mass graves and throwing people into recycling shredders. The elections in Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine-Authority, and Lebanon – plus the growing movements in Egypt are all direct benefits of the Coalition’s muscular approach to terrorism.

The US will likely never be “safe” as our open society exposes vulnerabilities. But I certainly feel that we are safer with Saddam out of power and many al-Qaeda leaders captured or killed.

We’ve paid a high price, and I flatly reject that those who have died have done so to enrich the wealthy. They did it for their country and to make the world better – and I believe that they did.

I hate to end on a side note but rich folks enjoy stability: make deals with Saddam, make deals with the Saudis, keep the money rolling in. Inviting instability is a bold move that was not done for profit, it was done for freedom. History will judge its efficacy but I am confident judging its intentions today.

With love and respect,

Your friend.
jk

More eloquent and important than me, Col. Repya write the Minneapolis StarTrib today, hat-tip Power Line

I was so upset when I read the Star Tribune's Editorial today that I sent off this letter below to the editor from my duty desk in Baghdad, Iraq. The voices of millions killed by Hitler, Stalin & Pol Pot are rising from their mass graves and demanding an apology. Durbin is wrong and the Star Tribune is wrong even more. Clearly they are not on our side! Soldiers over here keep asking me why America has forgotten 9-11. I keep telling them that the liberal media won't let the American people see the images of the murdered and tortured Iraqis we find every day over here. Please keep up the fight back home and I promise the American military will win the war over here!

Thanks you for your service. Colonel!

Freedom on the March Posted by jk at June 21, 2005 12:45 PM