Off To War

Off to War

911, Genocide, Terrorists, Chemical weapons and hatred has brought us to this. I do not object to this war but I’m not sure if I agree either.
It’s clear that there is a man in power out there in the desert who doesn’t care that war is coming. He has given a BIG F.U. to the U.N. and to the world. He has never intended to disarm nor will he ever.
What amazes me more than this is how easily people forget. Is it that easy to forget the things that happened just because you are sitting safely at home?
Have you forgotten that Iraq’s leader invaded Kuwait killed innocent people and committed an environmental atrocity by burning as many oil fields as he could? How much pollution was created by this act of destruction? How many lives were destroyed? For those who seem to care more for animals than people, camels and livestock also perished while oil fields burned?
This is no disrespect for the humanitarian who believes that they must protect the animals for they cannot protect themselves. I say that you need to rethink this theory. Try defending yourself against injustice when it happens to you. Without money, or enough money, you are defenseless.
I am not green about the deeper issues (oil) nor am I the Webster’s book of answers. I am somewhere in the middle and I have the right to a point of view.
Another liberty taken for granted, the right to have an opinion. We have the right to do just about anything you want including the act of burning the American flag. This has always been a problem for me. How can one stand in a land that gives you so much freedom and desecrate the symbol of what brought your ancestors here.
The chance to live a better life was given to many who felt they were better off coming to America. By burning the American flag you are saying to every soldier who has laid down his or her life, “Thanks but no thanks.”
Shame on you!
Remember the NBA player that chose not to stand up during the National Anthem stating that America did not represent him? He exercised his American rights then went and picked up his $1,000,000 check. Try that in Afghanistan. This is not the same country of the early 1900’s so please don’t speak for those, who with a paycheck like that, you are clearly not a part of.
Shame on him!
The Eagle’s wing tips may be dipped in blood but the good does outweigh the bad. No doubt about it.
So here is to the force that will go and fight for our freedom. They are leaving their homes and families. Their dreams, for now, are put on hold. They are just like you and me and yet they are different. The civilian is not going there to face death to preserve our right to disagree.
I love this country for what it stands for not for what it owes me. It owes me nothing more than it has given. The rest has always been up to me.


Writers Memo:

I have also included previous reviews of this article. These were given when this article was written.
They are constructive and to the point. Not all agree but all gave fair marks as writers.


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There are occasional times when I am reading articles
in someones portfolio that a particular writing seems
to spark a "Special" interest.
This is such an item.
Very nicely written.
Easy and enjoyable reading.
Thank you for writing and sharing it.

God Bless,
Bobby
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#3. Review Of "Off to War" (nw) [Rated: ASR]

Review By: Anonymous Reviewer
Review Time: 03-26-03 @ 11:25am
Reviewer's Rating: (3.5)
Review Length: 3,505 Characters
Review Follows: [Delete Review]


*smile* It is ironic, isn't it? I agree with the sentiments you've expressed in here, although most of the people that I've talked to who don't know about the necessity or moral imperative of this war are more concerned about the ordinary Iraqi people, and the immediate effects it will have on them, and their feelings have nothing to do with wanting to support an evil despot who has killed and tortured so many of them, himself. However, none of that has anything to do with what I feel is a fair rating for this piece.

First, the things I really liked about it...

"The big F.U. to the U.N." very forceful and to the point.

Also the part where you compare the defenselessness of animals to the defenselessness of people who have to be concerned for where their next meal is coming from and can't really protect themselves from, or fight against tyrants...mainly because they're just trying to stay alive in an oppresive state created by those tyrants.

Even though I share these sentiments, the way this is written and presented makes it seem quickly rattled off, perhaps partly because of the lack of line breaks between paragraphs. It also seems like the thoughts could be more organized, and, if I'm honest with myself, the reasons I enjoyed reading it have so much more to do with having similar sentiments. The best points in this essay, which (in my opinion) could be developed in a way that drives them all the way home, are where you've given hints about the great opportunities that are available to Americans, not available in countries where dissent is not allowed and sometimes punishable by death, and the irony that some of the people who've benefitted from those opportunities sometimes seem to be spitting in the faces of those who've given their blood, and so many times, their lives, to provide those opportunities for them. (I recently read somewhere that many of the loudest ones also have little or no educational background...seems that they feel their huge bank accounts are reasons that their opinions should be considered and respected when our government is making foreign policy) It is incredible if those people can't see what is, in my opinion, the double standard they've adopted. The attitude of "I'll take the benefits of being an American, thank you, but now that I'm all set, we can disband the military and the other assets that protect these opportunities and the rest of the citizens..."

I think an essay like this should also more clearly and squarely face the fact that our country's policies have, at times, been destructive and disrespectful of the rights of certain groups of human beings, but that (along with some other things, including our military) it is the fact that our citizen's have the right to speak out, to act according to their conscience, that has, and all indications are, will continue to keep our country strong.

I'm sorry if I've rambled on and on here, but I hope some of this might have given you some ideas ... Sorry too, if (which I think I did) I rambled more about political issues than how to improve the piece. But I thank you for the post because reading it has jogged my brain and made me think on these issues.

I hope your friend will come back home quickly and safely. He sounds like a wonderful American, and so do you. I know there are many, many prayers being said for him and all the rest.

#4. Review Of "Off to War" (nw) [Rated: ASR]

Review By: Scorpion Blue (22)
Review Time: 02-05-03 @ 7:38pm
Reviewer's Rating: (4.0)
Review Length: 43 Characters
Review Follows: [Delete Review]


A good write. You got your point across. :)

#5. Review Of "Off to War" (nw) [Rated: ASR]

Review By: EodGunny (11)
Review Time: 01-30-03 @ 6:02pm
Reviewer's Rating: (5.0)
Review Length: 442 Characters
Review Follows: [Delete Review]


Nice Piece Lou,
You mirror a lot of the thoughts I have and one of the main reasons I still do what I do. I Love this country and the freedoms it provides enough to give my life in it's defense. The thought of my family and friends not being able to do whatever they want whenever they want keeps me in this uniform, and makes me proud to go where I am sent. This I do for all of us.
Especially you.....my friend!

#6. Review Of "Off to War" (nw) [Rated: ASR]

Review By: housi (11)
Review Time: 01-30-03 @ 1:16pm
Reviewer's Rating: (3.0)
Review Length: 419 Characters
Review Follows: [Delete Review]


You should break up your paragraphs. Makes it look more organised. Although I disagree with a lot you said, you argue and persuade very well.

Another pointer. Don't say: 'I correct myself' It makes the argument look flawed and you've done it twice.

You have a good argument and I applaud you for standing up for what you believe in.

Feel free to review my portfolio.








~LGSerio
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