We are living in a critical time in our nation’s history. There have only been a few times since the Revolutionary War that our way of life has been so threatened. We are quickly approaching the 8th anniversary of the terrorist’s war declaration on America and the Western world; the attacks on New York, Pennsylvania, and our Nation’s capital- our generation’s very own Pearl Harbor. Today’s service men and women are fighting every day in unimaginable conditions and yet we barely hear about it in the news. When is the last time you heard any news on what our brave Marines and soldiers are doing in Afghanistan and Iraq? Why does Michael Jackson, Ted Kennedy, and nationalizing health care get more attention than the sacrifices of our troops? This war WILL BE the longest war in our history. Our success in this war is as important as our success in the Revolutionary War for it was in the Revolutionary War that we won our freedom, it is this war that we defeat the terrorists that are committed to killing American’s and destroying our freedom. How can it be that we are at this critical point in our history and we don’t hear about it in the news?
Below is a listing of the top news stories by media outlet:
CNN.com/world:
-Japan oppostion on track for landslide victory
-UK minister denies deal on Lockerbie release
-Voter fraud complaints double in Afghan election
-British Royal Marine killed in Afghan blast
-Olmert charged in corruption probe
-18 killed in attack on Pakistan police station
-Dalai Lama arrives in Taiwan
-Gabon voters to elect new president
-In will, late Shiite leader askes Iraqis to unite
New York Times Home Page:
-Cheney calls interogation inquiry a ‘political move’
-Japanese opposition wins election in landslide
-Former Israeli Prime Minister is indicted
-German elections deliver mixed messages for Merkel
-Remnants of Iraq Air Force are found
-California wins little league title
-Late president’s son favored in Gabon election
-Los Angeles forest fire threatens foothills
-Some building not living up to green label
Now, let me tell you what our troops did today that you didn’t read in those headlines:
-13th ESC Soldiers killed by roadside bomb: BAGHDAD – Two 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Soldiers died of wounds suffered following an improvised explosive device in eastern Baghdad Aug. 28 at approximately 2:30 a.m.
-Afghan-International Security Forces Pursue Taliban Militants in Kandahar
-Afghan-International Security Forces Destroy Haqqani Stronghold in Paktika
I am concerned that we have so many terrorists out there with only one thing on their minds, the destruction of America, and so many Americans don’t even realize how hard we are fighting to keep our country safe.
Darryl Worley said it best, “Have you forgotten?”
August 30, 2009 at 9:09 pm
Very well written blog and so true!
As soon as I saw the title of your blog I was instantly singing Darryl Worley’s song…
I was talking with my Dad earlier today about what you wrote about…he is a Vietnam Vet and both my Grandfathers were in WWII, one a retired Air Force Colonel after 34 years, who was also in the Korean War. Respect for the military was taught to myself when I was a small child. I have been stunned, like you, at the lack of respect given to the military by many in our own Country. I have quite a few friends over in Iraq and Afghanistan now, when I hear from them it’s shocking how little we are really informed of over here.
Why do you think that is?
How could everyone forget? I don’t understand that…
August 30, 2009 at 10:18 pm
It’s a good question that isn’t easy to completely answer. Folks say that the biggest reason we left the war in Vietnam was because the public no longer supported the war. I think a lot of people were just as against the troops as they were against the war. It’s different today. We can draw a lot of parallels between this war and Vietnam. They are both counterinsurgency fights. But the difference today is that while the public may be more against the war than for the war, almost no one will ever say that they are against the troops. That seems to be the real difference. As for the media coverage- I’ve come to find that the news media is not a patriotic industry. The national news media comes with the biases of the reporters, the agenda of the owners, and the drive to sell. It is really no wonder why we get what we get!
August 31, 2009 at 3:34 am
Brian,
Fantastic Blog! Just noticed you had it. I will forward it to others soon. Thanks for your great work and dedication!
ATW!
LTC Matt Shatzkin
August 31, 2009 at 8:59 am
Thank you sir! I have been meaning to get by your office to thank you. I just signed in to Division last week.