Lots of talk locally about supporting the troops and pics of the flag and patriotism swelling. But is everything really linked? Do I have to like anything else about what people think is patriotic if really the only thing in that scenario that matters is the troops? I think not. But most people lump it all together. A few LC folks are leaving to Iraq. I wish you a safe return. But do I think you are defending freedom? Not at all. You got stuck into a crappy situation for economic and political reasons. You got the short end of the stick and I feel sorry for you. You are going to a place where everyone hates you and you are going to be told horrible brain washing reasons why you are there. And you will be scared shitless of the local situation and scared shitless of what you don't know and scared shitless about what you hear and scared shitless about everything. And if you do add a few "kills" to the 130,000 plus civilians we've killed over there, then you get to live with that for life. I can't possibly think of a more fucked up situation for you to be in. Damned if you do, damned if you don't. The politics will work itself out in a few years. Hopefully you'll still be here.
