Why We Are At War...
Isn't it amazing how quickly we can learn something and then almost immediately forget it and return to our old ways? Sad, even. Take September 11th, for example. On that day, America experienced it's worst and most devastating attack on American soil in more then 50 years. The cost of lives that day was horrendous, reaching a total of 3,000. Americans were stunned, thinking that here, where everything has been peaceful for so long, nothing could ever happen to us. We're invincible! We mourned. Family members of those victims will always remember the shock and pain vividly; the cut and void left by that empty space at the table goes too deep. But what about those of us who weren't personally connected with 9/11? Sure, we felt the sadness then; very deeply, but what about now? With a war going on, have we taken our eyes off of WHY we are fighting?
To those who oppose the war, even families of victims who don't think going into Iraq was the wisest choice; please pause and think for one moment just how horrific, how bloody and purely evil the acts of those radical Muslims were. Their intent was all evil. They hate us for the threat we are to their safety; they hate us even for our freedom and prosperity. They have hated us for decades and that is not going to change. If we had not gone to war, not only would Iraq still be in bondage and restriction, but we ourselves would have continued to be attacked and bombed. After 9/11 (and even now) we are still picking up traces of radical Muslims here in America who have been hiding, just waiting for the opportune moment to attack. When we went to war, we were saying to every terrorist; "we are America. We will not stand for this kind of injustice and cruelty. We can, and will, fight to protect our rights and our lives. Don't mess with us."
The liberal media is the main source of brainwashing that the average American often succumbs to. Arguments of unfound WMD's, mixed with the unavoidable anti-American view are pulling people away from the truth; terrorists are the enemies, America is the good guy. Honestly, I can't imagine what affect this bombarding on America has on our troops. Here they are, risking their lives for what they believe is good and right, and America is saying "no thanks, we don't need your help, you're only making it worse." I say this; Saddam Hussein was captured... thousands of insurgents have been either killed or captured... schools have been built and girls are now getting an education... women are now starting to be respected as human beings, prisoners have been released, hospitals improved, elections held. I say this is a big step from being dictated over by suppressive men who performed mass murders on their own people. I would rather Iraqi children have life and America be protected from evil than we live in a world where no one has the freedom to speak or have freedom of religion.
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16 comments:
HOW OLD ARE YOU?!?!?!?!!!!
Very nice post, Jennifer. I enjoyed reading what you have to say. Another hyperlink for you, young "VIOLIN-ERRINA".
Hello Jennifer. I read MDG's blog just about everyday. In it he mentioned your blog and how well you write and express your thoughts. I thought I would check your blog out. I read your story "Why we are at War" and have to say that you are one smart and wise young woman. You have it right that the Liberal MSM would rather you forget about the war in Iraq and why we are there. America's attention span is that of a gnat. If it doesn't happen within 20 seconds, then forget it. Click to the next channel. My family has a long history with serving in the military, my uncles fought during WWII, my father served during the Korean War, and in Vietnam. If it weren't for brave men, (and women), defending our Freedom, (with a capital F), none of these Liberal, anti-war, Bushhaters would be able to vent their venom they freely spout so frequently. No, if it weren't for the men and women in uniform, protecting all of our rights, we would still be a colony of England, without any of the freedoms we have today. You have a great sense to your writings, and a unique view of why we are at war for someone so young. Bless you. I wish there were more "kids" (sorry) like you out there in the world. You've got a great blog, one that I will read more often. (Thanks to MDG, he's a good read too)
Jennifer:
I hope you don't mind that I have posted your article "Why we are at War" in my office for all to see. I have a habit of posting the best of several blogs I read (Arghhh, Smash, Blackfive, Cherenkoff, Mudville Gazette, The Gun Line) so others may share in clear thinking that we cannot find in the mainstream media today. Your comments are inspirational, and give hope that the new generation embraces American values. Keep up the fine work.
I found the link to your blog on MDG and am very impressed with your writing at only 14 years old! I too have linked you on my blog (twice, once as a regular read and once directing people to come over here and read your "why we are at war" post). From one Jennifer to another, keep up the great work!
you are a naive and closed-minded child. it is unfortunate that your parents home-school you and prevent you from gaining a broad perspective of the world. Iraq and Saddam Hussein were not parties to the 9/11 attacks. Some day you may gain knowledge and perspective - but America is not always right - and the occupation of Iraq does nothing to protect or help our nation.
I am sorry that you see things that way. but as for how my parents chose to educate me, this is a free country and it is their problem, not yours, to see that I am brought up correctly and with a proper view of the world. I believe homeschooling has only shielded me from a lot of the harmful stuff our there in our public schools; would you like me to name a few? segregation. religious suppressment. drugs. evolution. shootings. the list goes on. some people are not concerned at all that their teenagers are on the loose and unchecked in our public schools, but my parents chose to take a differant path and I am proud of them.
no. nothing on this earth is ever 100% correct or perfect. but I am proud of my country and how we have strived to find out and do what is right. everything I have stated here is founded on my sure belief in God, country and family, and nothing you can say can take that away from me.
Evolution is a scientific fact. I'm sorry you choose not to explore that idea. Perhaps you should actually read about it and explore it before you write it off. If after studying the science behind it, you choose not to believe, that's fine. But to just call it evil without even studying it is simply ignorant.
What is "proper"? That which your parents believe? It is possible to have different religions, believe in different Gods, or none at all, and still be a strong, intelligent, successful person in this world. I'm not sure what is "proper" to you.
You seem to be a very intellectually advanced young woman - but I believe that your beliefs you hold so dearly have been unquestioned by you because you are not exposed to things or people that are any "different" than you? Do you know any muslims? do you know any homosexuals? Have you ever been to a foreign country? Have you ever met someone from a foreign country? These are simply things to consider as you grow up. There is nothing wrong with seeing, understanding, and having compassion for people that may be "different" than you.
What is our country doing in Africa? In Darfur? In Somalia? In Liberia? Do you ever stop to ask about those nations - there are atrocities going on there daily - yet we turn a blind eye.
I have explored evolution. and the more I read about it, the more I am convinced that it didn't just happen. and who wants to believe they evolved from some meaningless blob? what hope and comfort does that give you? if you are so convinced that evolution is true, then reading "tornado in a junkyard" by James Perloff shouldn't change your view any. read it and then get back to me.
what my parents teach me and instuct me in, yes, I believe. I trust them and all they teach me.
everyone had their different view and beliefs, as we can both see here. I am not seeking to condemn you or anyone different then me simply because of the difference of our views. however, when I am approached in such a manner that the person I am conversing with accuses me of my charector and the way I live when they do not know me, I am completely inclined to openly share my ideas.
it is not muslims in general I am speaking against; only radical muslims. big difference there. as far as homosexuality; how do you know what my views on that are? for me having never mentioned it, you seem to think you know me pretty well. my dad taught english to Asians and we are often involved with meeting people from all over the world. I have explored different cultures for my part, and am completely happy to leave them alone and stick to being a conservetive American.
no. I see people and ideas different then me all the time. I just choose not to convert to them.
the pains and aches of the world; not until the end of time will these ever end. there will always be an unjust war, terror, bad decisions... always. but if America and it's people always strive to do what it right, and to always be questioning our actions... ALL of us, then I believe we will go along ways in restoring justice to those who seek for pain.
you are a very articulate and intelligent young woman. I would not suggest you convert to my, or anyone's beliefs. I just suggest as you go through life - you stop to question things you're told and explore the truth for yourself. Nebraska is a long way from New York City. I am glad you choose to "leave other cultures alone" - but you should realize how many other cultures are part of America today.
Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, Iraqis, Chinese - in every major city these cultures are largely represented - they are as "American" as you are. Just remember that.
also - ask yourself this - Why do the terrorists hate us? Why do they hate Americans? i don't think there's one right answer, but its wortth thinking critically about it.
Jen...I think that you are doing very well with the discussion you are having with Mr/Mrs. Anonymous. Continue to stand firm.
Mr. Anon...first of all, evolution is not fact. Think about this...if you take a rack of pool balls and throw them on a billiards table, no matter how many times you move the balls around, they do not form themselves into a triangle. Somebody has to arrange them into an ordered form. Charlie Darwin is not moving the balls around. He refuted his own claims.
Iraq is a righteous cause. Al-qaeda perpetrated the attacks of 9/11. Al-Qaeda was being harbored in Iraq. Al-Qaeda tries to kill me everyday. Most of those Al-Qaeda are not Iraqi, but the nation of Iraq was ruled by an evil man who sympathized with their cause, harbored their agents, financed their attacks, and killed hundreds of thousands of his own people.
MDG
Jennifer, I hope that my daughter will bring up my Granddaughter to be as bright as you are. My daughter spent 10 Months in Iraq, and she has stated that we are not fighting Iraqi’s, but people from other countries. Just remember that Anonymous is out to lunch on most of her/his thoughts. You are doing a fine job and keep up the great writing! I wish I could write as good as you!
it is refreshing to see a young person who is fully engaged in what's going on in this world.
i found your website from MDG's site. He's one of many soldiers writing about what the reality is like on the ground in Iraq.
In reading these comments however, I don't think that "mr/ms anonymous" is meaning to attack you - so much as offering different perspectives.
I grew up in a small town in the Midwest - and moved to Washington DC for college and later grad school...sometimes, until you actually interact with people of other faiths, other races, other ethnic backgrounds - you don't really realize how closed-minded we all can be. i guess i would second the comments about keeping an open mind, that's all.
Anyway - for what its worth - you do write well.
Kat;
yes, I think the part about me being rather naive is true. I am young and still have a whole lot more to discover about other people, cultures and ideas. however, as I am learning here at home from my parents and teachers, I am also trying to keep an open mind. somehow, though, I get the feeling our anonymous commenter is not even considering what I have brought up. if I have been too harsh in my answers than I am sorry.
God bless America!
Hi pat,
My name is Leigh, I live in Australia. I also came to your site from mdg. It's an incredible thing this internet don't you think, and especially blogging I reck'n
I have never met someone like you (or mdg)... but I have read about people like you, I have heard about people like you, and have seen/heard interviews of people like you... but this is the first time I have had a chance to peak into a journal by someone like you, and especially the first time I have added a comment...
I want to thank you for being so brave in keeping this journal, (especially considering the pressure you are under after mdg linked to you). I hope you are still keeping it in 10 - 20 years time. I hope you get an opportunity to travel, study further, learn languages, read blogs from around the world, and interact with many different people, and I hope you continue to log it in your journal.
Of course even if you didn't travel, study further, read lots of blogs, etc, your journal would still be interesting, and the interactions you are having with me, mdg, anonymous etc is pretty good in itself! What I hope to see in 10 or 20 years is a record of your development - how you changed or remained the same. etc.
(Sorry for such a long comment) In case you are curious, I guess I am what you call a 'liberal' but I suspect our understanding of that is different. I am very sad that our countries have invaded Iraq, I can see no reason for it (the s11 terrorists came from Sadi Arabia and there are no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq - apart from US weapons...) I am sorry for the life being lost, the immense suffering, and the hate being fuelled by this senseless war. But I am thankful that I have access to reading your's and mdg's points of view, and in some way understanding what it is that motivates you to support this war and your President.
Thank you and take care.
Jennifer,
I cannot tell you what all of our troops think when they come across media and or individuals saying effectively "No thanks, we don't need your help, you're making it worse."
My Marine son gets a pretty unpleasant look on his face when it is a reaction to the media and states "And you'll be the first ones hiding behind me yelling save me when your building gets bombed"... and a few choice phrases that don't bear repeating...
But when citizens have taken it upon themselves to approach him to explain that the President is an idiot, the military is full of n'er do wells who had no option in life other than the easy task of being a soldier (this shows that they have NO IDEA), Iraq is an illegal war ad nauseum he waits patiently until they run out of things to say. He then asks them if they are finished and lets them know that he's proud to ensure their continued right to insult him. He explained it to me as when you are the protector you are the protector of all...
So he gets ticked off, but holds himself to a higher standard of conduct and bearing than those who profess to have the "big picture" or "the real story". I cannot garauntee this is his reaction 100% of the time - but this was his reaction the 5 times I was with him .
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2006/11/26
/cnn-iraq-correspondent-i_n_34945.html
here - you should read this.
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