[inteldump] Phillip Carter: Oppose the war; support the troops

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Posted by Phillip Carter:
Oppose the war; support the troops
http://inteldump.powerblogs.com/archives/archive_2007_03_25-2007_03_31.shtml#1175289143


   San Jose Mercury News editorial page editor Stephen Wright has an
   [1]essay in today's paper about the struggle of a parent who opposes
   the war, only to see his son fly off to fight in it. It's a moving
   piece:

     Earlier this month, my wife and I stood just outside the security
     line at Oakland International Airport and said a teary-eyed goodbye
     to our son as he headed off to war. He is part of the latest
     "surge" in a war that a majority of Americans think we shouldn't be
     in.
     Pvt. Wright is not yet 19, and a central theme in the national
     debate - Support the troops, but not the war - just got personal.
     Our son had many choices after high school. Joining the Army was
     not a last-ditch effort to straighten out his life or earn money
     for college. Instead, he was answering a call he had felt deeply
     for some time - to be a soldier, to protect America and democracy
     from terrorism. He was prepared to fight - and die - for our
     freedom.
     But now our newly minted U.S. Army cavalry scout is in Kuwait
     awaiting deployment into Iraq any day now. As a scout, he'll be
     responsible for reconnaissance and will go into situations before
     most other soldiers. The scout's motto is: Never pull out.
     That's not the way I feel about our military presence in Iraq.
     After four years of maintaining a troop strength of 100,000-plus
     soldiers, after the deaths of 3,200, the wounding of 23,000 and the
     spending of billions of dollars, it is clear: The best way to
     support our troops is for Americans to put more pressure on
     Congress and the president to devise a timeline for phased
     withdrawal.

   Mr. Wright seems to reconcile the tension in simple but effective
   manner. As a parent, he provides his son with unwavering support. But
   as a citizen, he provides his country with critical thinking about the
   war. I think these duties are important, and that Mr. Wright has
   struck a good balance. I commend him for his piece, and wish him and
   his family the best during the next year.

References

   1. http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_5485138?nclick_check=1