Hi Ashley,
This is a column I posted a few months ago. I don't expect it to win the contest because it's a column, not a poem, but I thought you and your brother might enjoy it.
Please thank Michael for me. I hope this is all over soon and he returns safely home for good.
Best wishes,
Mark
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Dear Friends,
I thought it might be healthy and educational for all of us here, especially those who enjoy debating the Iraq war effort, to hear directly from a soldier in the field. After all, every one of us here, including myself, are sitting on our asses doing nothing but intellectualizing about the war while these guys are over there doing the dirty work for us, so the least we should do is listen.
The following is an exchange of messages between myself and my good friend and fellow AP member, Catressa. Many of you know and care for her as much as I do. Her husband, SFC Villanueva, is serving in Iraq. She receives many letters from him and his fellow soldiers. She shared one of them with me today. It is from a Lieutenant Scott M. Smiley. The day after he sent this message, he was injured and may lose his sight. Please pray for him, for Catressa’s husband, and all the soldiers in Iraq. Thank you.
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Hi Mark,
Normally, I do not share things like this. But you should see some of the emails that I got from a Lt in V's Unit.
This is from a Commander of 1/24 A Co. Striker Brigade who is stationed in Mosul, Iraq. Something you should also know - These men lost their Captain in the chowhall bombing.
"I cannot tell you how proud I am of the men of Second Platoon. Conducting patrols on a daily basis, spending normally no less than 6 hours outside the wire, Second Platoon constantly makes a positive impact on the Iraqi community. Patrols consist of searching houses, cars, and garages, talking with the people, conducting cordon and searches, and a multitude of other missions. During evening hours we capitalize on our ability to fight at night and conduct raids on known or suspected terrorists. Each and every day that we go out, the men of Second Platoon conduct themselves in a highly professional manner and have conducted themselves this way ever since we stepped foot in Iraq. Daily I am able to witness your husbands and sons shaking hands with Iraqi men, giving children candy and soccer balls while bringing security to a war-torn country. It is an awesome feeling to know that we are making a huge difference in a country so far away while bringing security to our homeland."
- Lt Scott Smiley
To know that you as a writer are committed to seeing that the Soldiers and what they do doesn't go unnoticed does my Heart PROUD. So Thank You, Mark.
Take Care, Be Safe
Catressa
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Hi Catressa,
That is amazing. Thank you VERY much for sharing it with me. If it's okay with you, I'd like to post it on my author page. Please let me know. It must be very disheartening to soldiers who are risking their lives every day to hear people calling the U.S. military an "Imperialistic" force, or that their lives are being wasted so we can control the oil there, and all the other ridiculous arguments posed by people who are naive to the fact of evil in this world and clueless about what is required to keep hateful men from destroying us. People who want to treat terrorists with "kindness" have obviously never encountered true evil. Their throat would be cut in a heartbeat and the last thing they would hear as their life drains away would be the terrorist laughing. They just don't get it.
The irony is I think people who are against the war love the soldiers just as much as those who support the war do. We all want them to come home. The disagreement is only about how to handle the maniacs in our midst, some of whom are running governments.
I also agree that people, even terrorists, should be treated with kindness and reasoned with to hopefully change their hearts BEFORE they kill innocent civilians. But the second they kill one non-military person just going about their day-to-day lives, they have lost all rights to be heard or understood, just as first-degree murderers should lose their lives, too. Anything less is an injustice to the victim, a slap in the face to the victim's friends and family, and a bad message to society about how much value we place, or don't place, on human life. The message a civilized society should give to people considering murder is, "We value human life so highly that if you take one, we will take yours." The same goes for terrorists.
Thanks again for taking the time to send that to me. And next time you write to any of the soldiers fighting for us, please thank them for me.
Mark
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Dear Mark,
I had the most crushing news late last night. The Lt that sent that email was injured in a vbed (vehicle-borne explosive device). He for sure has lost one eye and the other was lacerated. They pulled shrapnel from his brain which is now swollen and he is at Landstuhl in Germany. So please, yes .. . I would appreciate it and consider it an honor. I am including the whole email to you. You can edit and post what you choose.
As Always A Fan, Catressa..
P.S. My Husband is SFC Villanueva. Have to throw that proud moment in there.
The entire letter -
Dear Family and Friends of 2nd Platoon, Alpha Company,
Greetings from Mosul, Iraq. My names is 1LT Scott Smiley and I am the platoon leader of Second Platoon, Alpha Company. I wanted to introduce myself and share with you some of the great things your men have been doing here in Iraq, and give you an update on our progress.
First, I know that I did not have the opportunity to meet all of you at Ft. Lewis so I will share with you a little bit of my background. I am originally from Washington State and received my commission through the United States Military Academy. Concluding the Academy, I attended and graduated the Infantry Officers Basic Course. Immediately following the Basic Course, I married my beautiful high school sweetheart, Tiffany. Several days after our wedding, I attended Ranger School. Upon graduating Ranger School in March of 2004, I received Second Platoon at the beginning of April. I have been honored to be the platoon leader of Second Platoon for almost twelve months now.
I cannot tell you how proud I am of the men of Second Platoon. Conducting patrols on a daily basis, spending normally no less than 6 hours outside the wire, Second Platoon constantly makes a positive impact on the Iraqi community. Patrols consist of searching houses, cars, and garages, talking with the people, conducting cordon and searches, and a multitude of other missions. During evening hours we capitalize on our ability to fight at night and conduct raids on known or suspected terrorists. Each and every day that we go out, the men of Second Platoon conduct themselves in a highly professional manner and have conducted themselves this way ever since we stepped foot in Iraq. Daily I am able to witness your husbands and sons shaking hands with Iraqi men, giving children candy and soccer balls while bring security to a war-torn country. It is an awesome feeling to know that we are making a huge difference in a country so far away while bringing security to our homeland.
Second Platoon daily cleans up the streets of Mosul and has helped 1-24 Infantry make tremendous progress in the fight against terrorism. As a platoon we have found multiple weapons caches to include complete IEDs, AK-47 rifles, machine guns, grenades, mortars, and mortar tubes. Our guys are always paying close attention to detail and many times it has paid off. We have taken a countless number of terrorists off the streets through raids and contact. Second Platoon is always aggressive and never lets the enemy get the upper hand.
In the shadow of the great things we have been doing, there have also been a few losses. PVT Sean Beveridge was injured in the DFAC bombing in December and is continuing recovery in Texas. SGT Chauncey Sprengeler was injured in the arm by an enemy hit and run attack and is continuing recovery at Ft. Lewis. SFC Javier Villanueva was injured in the leg during an intense firefight and is continuing recovery at Ft. Lewis. SSG Edward Farmer was injured in the leg by a sniper and continues recovery at Ft. Lewis. More recently, SFC Charles Tennant, Second Platoon Sergeant, was injured in his foot forcing him to recover back at Ft. Lewis for a couple of months. All of these men did an excellent job while they were here and we are waiting their speedy recovery so they can join us in the fight again.
As a result of our decrease in personnel the past couple of months, we received some new members into the Second Platoon. SSG Patrick Martin transferred from First Platoon Apache Company and is now the Second Squad Leader. SSG(P) Keith Konkol transferred from Bravo Company and is now Second Platoon’s Platoon Sergeant. We also received five new soldiers from Basic: PVT Charles Anness, PVT Benjamin Becker, PVT Jonathan Eddings, PVT Date Jones, PFC Jason McSkimming. All of these men are a great addition to the team and are currently doing an awesome job in their duty position.
I hope this letter has shed some light onto our daily operations and progress here in Iraq for you. I cannot say enough of how proud I am of Second Platoon. I wake up each day excited and thrilled on what the new day’s events will bring and the chance to work with Second Platoon. Despite the long period away from our loved ones, the men of Second Platoon continue to stay motivated and willing to accomplish the difficult missions they are tasked. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. We cannot tell you how much they mean to us.
Sincerely,
SCOTT M. SMILEY
1LT, IN Platoon Leader
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Lieutenant Smiley,
From all of us here at AP, THANK YOU for your service to America and the world, and for keeping us all free and safe here at home. We are so sorry to hear of your injuries, and we pray that you recover quickly and are soon reunited with your wife Tiffany and the rest of your family.
God bless you,
Mark
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ANOTHER SOLDIER'S VIEWPOINT . . .
I just received this IM from another friend here at AP. She and her husband are 20 year veterans of the Air Force.
Dear Mark,
"I wanted to show your "Soldier's Letter from Iraq" to my husband (retiring in 2 months from AF) and when he got up from reading, the tears were rolling down his face. I said to him, "Touching, isn't it?" He could only nod in agreement.
I mentioned to him how, too many times, you get such negative feedback on your views. His response was, "Oh well, we are there to protect them, too."
Yes, you are. And again, thank you.
My initial intention when posting these letters was to set aside all the complicated arguments about the war that occur on this site and present the opinions and observations of a true authority - a soldier in the field. A civilian who has never risked life and limb for a noble cause may find it difficult to understand how someone can have the kind of enthusiasm that Lt. Smiley exhibits in his letter. It's hard for any non-soldier to imagine having any attitude other than, "I can't wait to get the hell out of here and go home." But not only do most not want that, they want to finish the job, and many even re-enlist and go back.
Why is that? Why would men and women volunteer to risk their own lives when the natural instinct is to preserve it? The word that comes to my mind is "Grace". The kind we don't see much of these days. The kind only a soldier knows - who has witnessed the contrast of looking into the lightless eyes of the dead and the eyes of newly freed people full of gratitude extending their hand to them in thanks.
If I want to learn about a subject, I seek an authority on that subject. The soldiers are the authorities on this war.
I'm also interested in the opinion of the people they are fighting for, such as the Iraqi man who, having just risked his life to vote for the first time in his life, said, "God created America to bring freedom to people like me."
Hallelujah.
LATEST UPDATE - APRIL, 2008
Thank you Mark.. for reminding me to update you on Scott.. and on my own husband..
Scott is now Captain Scott Smiley..
He was actually chosen as the 2007 Soldier of the Year by the Army Times
http://www.militarycity.com/promos/SMOY/soyone07.php?loc=ar
You or anyone else can google his name and see what a wonderful inspiration that he is..
And as for Javier ( V ) he was actually just accepted as a COAD. Continuing on Active Duty .. When the reporter showed up here last week he was only the 57th Soldier to get the chance. He has had ten surgeries to repair what ONE bullet did to him. I have never met someone with more integrity or quiet courage under pressure than him..
Take Care,
Catressa
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Catressa,
Thank you very much for the update on Javier and Captain Smiley. I will add your latest comment to this piece as an update. I have passed the link to this around a lot so I know a lot of people will be glad to hear this news. Please express my admiration for and gratitude to them both.
Best wishes,
Mark
Author notes
Please thank Catressa for sharing Lt. Smiley's letter with us. I only posted it. Of course, words of encouragement for Lt. Smiley, Catressa's husband ("V"), and all the soldiers we don't know are also very welcome.
Thanks,
Mark
Written April 7th, 2005
In a list
A contest entry
- Welcome home soldier by agalford7053.
400 points, ended August 8, 2005, 9 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 65 of 65
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Thank you Mark.. for reminding me to update you on Scott.. and on my own husband..
Scott is now Captain Scott Smiley..
He was actually chosen as the 2007 Soldier of the Year by the Army Times
http://www.militarycity.com/promos/SMOY/soyone07.php?loc=ar
You or anyone else can google his name and see what a wonderful inspiration that he is..
And as for Javier ( V ) he was actually just accepted as a COAD. Continuing on Active Duty .. When the reporter showed up here last week he was only the 57th Soldier to get the chance. He has had ten surgeries to repair what ONE bullet did to him. I have never met someone with more integrity or quiet courage under pressure than him..
Take Care,
Catressa
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Catressa,
Thank you very much for the update on Javier and Captain Smiley. I will add your latest comment to this piece as an update. I have passed the link to this around a lot so I know a lot of people will be glad to hear this news. Please express my admiration for and gratitude to them both.
Best wishes,
Mark
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Thanks, David.
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home run!
congrats & well done -
Thanks, Ashley. Though of course the soldiers are making the greatest sacrifice for us all in this war, the families of those soldiers are making a huge sacrifice, too. The constant worry about their loved ones is a terrible burden. I don't want to second guess your brother about our intentions in Afghanistan. He knows better than I do what's going on over there. In fact, I do agree that our plan was not clear enough. I think Bush and our military leaders rushed in headlong expecting it to be easy with the kind of bold optimism and confidence that America is notorious for, but like in Vietnam, we underestimated the resourcefulness, the treachery, and even the number of the enemy. Still, I think the greatest cause of this war is the fact that many Muslims don't see the world or others unlike themselves in terms of good and bad, they see it in terms of Muslim and non-Muslim. That's the main reason the 50 or so nations that are predominantly Muslim are basketcases economically and politically, and their civil rights abuses are legendary. I know it sounds intolerant, and it is, but I think Islam is a failed religion. It's not adding anything of value to the world. The only thing it has added is oppression, intolerance and torture. All many (not all) Muslims seem to be able to do is blow things up. They can't even pump their own oil. They need us to do it for them. Meanwhile, we all have to sit around listening to how Islam is the "religion of peace". I keep looking for proof of that but I can't find it. Radical Muslims are the Nazi's of our generation. They want to destroy everything unlike themselves. They're also the only ones who ever mention the term "holy war". I think we've stumbled into the middle of a civil war that has been brewing in the Middle East for ages, between the Muslims who want to step into the modern world, and the ones who want to keep it locked in the Dark Ages for the sake of their own power and dominance over the masses. If they win, we all lose.
I know I sound intolerant, and I am intolerant - of oppression, abuse of women, torture, and terrorism. I think that's why it seems like our leaders lied about why we're there - they underestimated how easy it is to scratch the surface of the seething hatred beneath the facade of most practitioners of the religion of peace.
I'm not blindly patriotic, either. There are things going on in America that disgust me, and I'm not even religious. I can't imagine what America looks like to a fundamentalist Muslim, or Christian for that matter. Pornography, mainstream movies, music and magazines - our business cards to much of the world - keep getting more and more depraived. The abortion and STD rates keep soaring. Sex sells everything. Teenage girls brag about bizarre sex while girls who choose to remain virgins until they're married are ridiculed in high schools and universities. Pharmaceutical companies are turning our children into medicine cabinets and ultimately stunting their development. There's even a new trend toward harvesting fetus "parts" from aborted babies - $25 each for ears, $250 for a heart, $900 for an entire fetus, etc. I'm serious. This is not science fiction. Who can blame cultures whose religion dominates their every waking moment for thinking America is "The Great Satan"? I'm not defending terrorists by any means. I think they should all be exterminated. But as Confucius said, "Don't complain about the snow on a neighbor's roof if you're own doorstep is unclean."
Thanks for the emails. I'll definitely keep in touch. I have written quite a few pieces on the war. Here's a short list -
Fractured
On The Side of the Road
Go Now, and Rest
Just Bones
I Want To Believe
There may be a few others but those are all I can recall at the moment. Thanks again for your kind words. And yes, your brother is most definitely a hero.
May God bless you and your family,
Mark
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Mark,
wow. You totally amazed me with this point of view. My brother Michael doesn't really enjoy Afghanistan becasue the Military lied to him about what he was gonna be doing. But he knows the great importance of what he is doing. He knows that he is fighing not only for the freedom of our country..but for the freedom of the little kids and poor families over in Afghanistan.
This was so amazing. I cannot say that enough. I really enjoyed reading this. If you have any more news..please feel free to share it with me. I would really enjoy reading it. I have an email: agalford7053@yahoo.com or agalford7053@allpoetry.com or agalford7053@hotmail.com. You can email me it there if you wish. I would love to hear more. And I can help you with my brother point of view. Another soldier. Another one of America's heroes.
God Bless
~Ashley~
thank you for this wonderful peice -
Well done.
P~ -
Hi Sharon,
Thank you for doing that. Please tell Chris thank you from me for all he is doing and I hope he comes home safely very soon. I'm glad he has friends like you here at home.
Thanks again,
Mark -
Mark this was absolutely wonderful. I finally got the chance to read it all and it brought tears to my eyes. I am printing a copy and sending it to my friend Chris who is in the U.S. Army. He needs a lot of encouragement right now because he is getting ready to go overseas and he has a step-son and another kid on the way right now. He is really down-hearted because he won't be here when his kid is born and to read things like this probably helps him a lot. I will update you on his response when I get one. You have done a wonderful job expressing your opinion again. Great job.
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nice way to show how soldiers acually feel while they are away nice write keep it up and its nice to show ppl what it really means to a soldier and how tough life is when your far far far away from home nice write and keep it!
~!babygurl!~ -
Hi Michelle,
You make so many great points. Particularly this one -
"My son is in Iraq, I cannot imagine the feeling it must give these soldiers to be fighting knowing that there are people at home that don't support them. Regardless of what anyone thinks or feels they are still there, not you or I. They are doing a job that we at home either cannot or are not willing to do. I may disagree with the reasons for the war, but I will not speak ill of the soldiers."
I didn't realize you had so many brothers who went to Vietnam. Please tell them some guy they don't know in L.A. thanks them. Communism was an evil movement, as we have learned so well in the years since Vietnam. Over 60 million died because of an idea for something as petty as owning an extra kitchen utensil. It was ridiculous, and the same thing would have happened anywhere it took root. We didn't do anything about it because there were no cameras allowed behind the "Iron Curtain". We heard rumors and information from the few lucky souls who managed to defect but, apparently, it always takes seeing emaciated bodies behind chicken wire or piles of corpses to move people to action.
Millions suffered for decades in the USSR praying for help that never came. Something similiar is happening in many places throughout the Middle East today. And again, cameras are either not allowed or corrupt networks like Al-Jazeera twist stories and images to demonize the U.S. and further brainwash their own people. As always, the question is, "How long are we going to stand back and watch people suffer and die?" It's that simple. And as usual, the U.S. is blazing the path toward freedom. Something I have noticed when arguing with people who don't support this war - and thus don't support taking out sadistic regimes - is that they usually just don't care about strangers when it comes down to it. When the argument gets deeper, they usually end up saying something like, "Those people have never been able to get their shit together", which reveals an underlying racism and lack of compassion for strangers they can't relate to in any way. But if anything is going to save the human race from self-destruction, it is compassion. The world has become very small, and Isolationism is no longer an option. As John Donne put it, "When any man suffers, it diminishes me, for I am involved in mankind."
Thanks again, Michelle. I'm sure any soldier who reads your comment will be greatly encouraged. I can always depend on you to pour your heart into your work and your responses, and a grand heart it is.
Mark
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teddyb,
I will. Please thank Lee for me. If he has internet access over there, please direct him toward this page. There are a lot of wonderful, supportive comments here from dozens of AP members. That was one of my hopes when I posted it and the great people here at AP didn't let me down.
I hope Lee returns to you safe and sound very soon.
Mark
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jsmaltz,
You make a great point. The Iraqi's are fighting their own revolution. In fact, much of the Middle East is embroiled in a Civil War between the old ways and the new. If the old ways win, we all lose.
Thank you for your service as an MP. Stay safe.
Mark
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A great piece and insight into a soldier's daily life. Although, like most war's and soldier's from different units comes different stories. It doesn't matter where they are, the fact is they are there. Every man and woman that are overseas fighting are someone's father, mother, sister, brother, husband, child. What matter's is that we show those men and women the respect and support they deserve. My son is in Iraq, I cannot imagine the feeling it must give these soldiers to be fighting knowing that there are people at home that don't support them. Regardless of what anyone thinks or feels they are still there, not you or I. They are doing a job that we at home either cannot or are not willing to do. I may disagree with the reasons for the war, but I will not speak ill of the soldiers. This is the second time in my life that I am in the same situation. My four older brothers served in Viet Nam. My oldest did 2 tours there and was one of the first to volunteer. I was one of the lucky ones in my town. All four of my brothers came home safe. And each one had very different stories. Now I pray my son comes home. My 7am phone call 3 weeks ago was very different than your letters here. The pictures that followed were very different than the one you show here. But then they are in a different place, with different jobs to do. But the one thing that is common is that EVERY soldier there rightfully deserves our respect and support and love. I cannot imagine a soldier even my son, having to fight with the knowledge in his head that I do not support him being there. It's our support that helps them do the job they have to do. It's our support that brings them home.
Catressa, I know it is not easy being the wife of a soldier. My prayers are with you, your family, and your husband and his platoon to come home soon and safely into your arms. Bless you always.
~Michelle~
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thank you for posting these letters my exboyfriend is over there. I am so worried about his safety. Please pray for him his name is Lee Mathias. Thank you!!
Edited on Apr 08, 11:57 p.m. because ''. -
awesome
This peice really tells alot, I actually watched Last Letters it came on HBO, just watching parents and wives read the husbands or Childrens last letters really tore me up on the in side. While i watched the show tears poured down my cheeks for the families who had lost there love ones and for the children that would never know there fathers. If I had my way and could do it, I would bring all of our men and woman home just to end the blood shed. I think the president should be man enough to bring everyone home then bomb the hell out of Iraq. Hell havent we already lost enough of our soldiers. Anyway godbless and goodnight. -
this is so heartwarming, i too know many young, good, damn good men who are fighting
wonderful thing that you are doing...and i do hope everyone in the families of the touched return safely and as quickly as possible
_BLOOD) -
Thanks Catressa. I will keep your kindness in mind as I face the next 18 long months without my son here. So many young men and women ( boys and girls growing up too fast really) too far away from home, serving willingly.
Lily ~*
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good write.
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Bravo
Thanks Mark... I'm heading over shortly, for a while. I've written a few poems referencing war in general or particular situations, and found them, well, sparking a debate about american politics. That's not what I was writing for to be sure, and it just depressed me that the focus always goes away from the people and the impact to lives. Thanks for sharing this, it means a lot. ~ARSENIC -
Aww
Hon You will be in my thoughts.. As will your son..take care and if you ever want to talk? Vent or cry? Please hon feel free to im me.. Catressa
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Mark not often do I want to kiss strangers.. But I would love to lay one on you.. Point them in my direction and let me bite off a piece.. Seriously.. I care not what anyone says? I could post pictures here of the graves that Deuce Four (units nickname) has found.. The grief of the families faces.. Most do not realise that Army units have to carry photographers with them and have everything they do documented. Let alone the fact that Reporters? Travel with them for their own safety. So everything all those bodies? Are a Lie? What a crock.. Ignorance is bliss. And as for innocent civilians? Yes some have been hurt. I will not lie.. But weren't they all being killed and held captive? Which is worse? Freedom? And think the military does not have to pay the families back? They do. Trust me.. For every building they lose? Four go up.. That is a rough estimate but I can get you DOD STATS.. They got water, power and food and schools because of the US.. Oh I am livid.. Hold me back.. and all this so some moron can write about bj's in dark alleys? ugh.. not to knock a lifestyle.. I am all for Homosexuals and their rights.. But.. Ignorance? Should be illegal.. Much Love, Catressa
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I make it no secret that I hate war..but it's no secret that I hate fire either..because I love fireman..and don't want to see anyone lose their precious life. My eyes are filled with tears..My brother-in-law was a navy corpsman, he took care of others wounds, but had a wound deep inside his own heart from things he saw in another war..and he took his own life when he came home. For anyone to call a fighting soldier anything but a hero..it baffles me.
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Oh My Darling Reenie.. I had not thought to tell you of Lt. Smiley.. I never get to see you much..
.. How is your back? Ugh better left to ims.. I Love and Miss you, Freckles..
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Dear Cheryl,
Clearly remembering the many hours you spent talking to me when Javier first left? You were my Support as well as many other fine people on this site.. So to see your beautiful words knowing what it is like to be the one left behind? Touches me.. As always your true spirit shines through.. Much Love, Catressa -
Someone here sent me an IM full of vulgar, disrespectful language. (How unusual for a liberal? I was quite shocked. lol) I assume he doesn't post his opinions publicly because he doesn't want people to see his true personality. But to be unable to resist the urge to criticize the war under a piece about an injured soldier is especially repugnant. So, in the interest of exposing more liberal media "brainwashing", here are his messages to me -
His first message -
"Gloryfying war and excusing aggression is unpleasant."
(Note the spelling error. Why is it liberal America-bashers can never spell?)
My response -
"Thanking soldiers is not the same as "glorifying war" and "excusing aggression" is what we would have done had we not invaded Iraq. Hussein killed millions. He was the Hitler of our age and would have killed many more innocents."
(This was his IM in response. Note the change in attitude because I dared to challenge him.)
"You are talking rubbish. Saddam was NOT like Hitler. He did not kill millions. You have swallowed the whole neocon package of shit. The US illegally invaded a country, bombed the living shit out of it and has now invaded it. Britain under cunt Blair licked arse and followed suit. the whole thing stinks on ice. good night."
My response -
It always amazes me how people can be so certain about their facts while accusing others of being brainwashed. Have you ever considered the possibility that you might have been brainwashed in the other direction?
1. Hussein's mass murders are well-documented. They are facts, not speculation. Visit massgraves.info for some photos of Hussein's favorite pasttime. (Killing people.) He was a power-mad sociopath.
2. Iraq was not a "country" or a sovereign nation. - it was an illegal regime created when Hussein broke out of jail and, with other Baathist criminals, assassinated the standing (elected) president and his cabinet, seized a television station, broadcast their dead faces for the Iraqi citizens to see, and announced, "There's a new sheriff in town." That was 30 miserable, tyrannical years ago.
3. We didn't "bomb the living shit" out of Iraq 1% as much as we could have if we were as indiscriminate as the terrorists are. Our attacks are surgical. Yes, some civilians were accidentally killed. Why? Because the terrorists are hiding among them. And why do terrorists hide behind women and children? Because they are depending on our decency. They know we will NOT carpet bomb the entire place just to get them. That's why over 1500 U.S. soldiers have been killed while going door to door in an attempt to weed out the terrorists from the ordinary people. If we were as indiscriminate as you think we are, we wouldn't have one soldier on the ground. We would just keep lobbing bombs in from afar, not caring who we killed, right? Our soldiers keep dying because this is micro-surgery, not decapitation. That's what the terrorists do.
Someone else here sent me this lovely message -
"How many innocent Iraqi citizens have you killed?"
I told him to go f* himself. How else can one answer such drivel? I always like to check out the work of people who leave ignorant remarks on my work, and sure enough, the first "poem" of his I read was about his favorite pasttime - performing oral sex on strangers in dark alleys. Lovely. This guy is a perfect example of everything that's wrong with this world.
I don't care about anyone's sexual orientation but this guy is also an example of why there is so much homophobia. He's everyone's worst stereotype - some twitchy little pervert lurking in dark alleys and parks trying to have sex with anyone who will have him. Truly pathetic.
Sorry, I'm usually not this nasty, but I'm fed up with people like this right now. Ungrateful, mean-spirited, foul-mouthed, nauseating stinkpots oblivious to their own ignorance.
Ah, I feel much better now. lol
Edited on Apr 10, 5:17 p.m. because ''. -
brutally honest
Bravo to you Mark for posting this in the context that you have. I agree wholeheartedly with your analysis of the situation. Regardless of how we stand on this war in principle, the fact remains that there are men and women over there doing what they deem is right, and doing it with conviction; all the while laying their lives on the line for it.
This is and always has been, a very complex situation where there is a lot of gray area which is open to dispute. That said, getting rid of a repressive regime, and there is no doubt
it was, is a step in the right direction. The onus is now on "us" the liberators to not only talk the talk, but to walk the walk and do what we have promised to do.
I could go on but would be repeating what others have already said. I salute you for this.
Henri
Edited on Apr 08, 4:13 p.m. because 'sp'. -
I want to leave some long, touching, thankful comment. But am kind of......speechless. So please note that I am thankful and that really touched me xxxx
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Oh my... this is a fanatastic post and a wonderful tribute to the men and women serving in Iraq. Your compassion for those there as well as the families involved is remarkable.... and your writing about it the way you do, with your skill, is stunning!
I bow to you on this Mark...... you have my greatest respect. Keep up your incredible work in helping people all over the wolrd to understand the truth of what is going on there versus rumor and media, politically oriented, BS.
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Mark,
God bless you for your kind heart. Thank you so much for posting this here. My uncle and a friend is stationed in Iraq right now. I feel so sorry for my aunt and my cousins. He had told me in his e-mails how awful it is to be in a war. Almost every night they could hear rockets and bombings. I am scared for these men. And yet I salute them for their bravery.
With prayers and hope,
ERIS -
Mark,
Again, I thank you. I have friends who are stationed there and it takes so much support to the family members. I have been the one left behind ... the one who needed the support when my husband was away for a year. Your heart just aches.
Thank you for your constant support.
Cheryl
Cheers!!!
Edited on Jun 03, 4:21 because ''. -
Mark , how commendable of you to post this here. I love Catressa to death and was notified of Xaviere's , or as she fondly calls him V by an e-mail from her ....while she was still not quite sure of the extent of his injuries . I was NOT aware that Lt. Smiley was also injured though
Every soldier over there is in my heart every day , but I will be honest with you ( which I hope I can be ) Sometimes I literally have to shut off and look for distraction and maybe just forget for a day or two......but somehow it never completely leaves. I only wish it was all over , and the need for tears on both sides would end ( a local boy just returned home yesterday ) I saw his face on television .....he is only 19 ( 4 years older than my son Needless to say.........well you can imagine my thoughts
Thx for writing this , so poeple can read
xo
Reenie
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Ahhh I have to go to school! but I want to finish reading this! *sigh& in the words of th great Arnie Swarzaniggar "I'll be back"
(feel free to ignore my spelling, its early afer all) Antish xxx -
Dear Sharron,
Thank you very much for your incredible response to this and my other poem, Holocaust. I should clarify, though, the soldiers mentioned in this piece are friends and family of another AP member, Catressa. I shared this out of respect to her, her husband, Lieutenant Smiley who is suffering with serious injuries right now, and of course, every soldier fighting in this war. Your comments deeply touched me and I'm sure they will touch any soldiers who may read this even more since they are so far from home, with fear and danger constantly at their sides.
There's a shortage of support for this war and, as a result, for the soldiers. I'm just trying to fill that inequity in my own little way. Thanks for helping me do that, and so eloquently.
Namaste,
Mark
Edited on Apr 07, 8:53 p.m. because ''. -
Brilliance TRUE GOLD I love you heart and sou
~Dear Mark Rickerby, and all your brave friends and families in the fields of war torn Iraq~
Your letter stopped time for me.
Today is a day unlike any other day.
For I feel even more now how the threads of humanity are hanging on such a fine silken thread.
I know your doing the best you can and I deeply love all of you and understand.
However, the only thing I can do is Penn my unimportant thoughts to you.
As you are the ones caught in the true time trial, we call the human race.
As the evil empires seek to wipe us, out once again race-by-race.
Ode to you and all the Soldiers who are fighting upon war torn shores for all of us today and tonight. May the Lord Bless you and I pray for your safe returns. Godspeed, in all you do, may all of you return safely to your families and your homeland.
You show to us what is truly important and sacred
As some cease to understand what is before us now.
As pieces of men lie torn and battered in the true battlefields of humankind.
In truth, your work here is timeless and we should pay heed in the words and silent warnings you’re brining to all of humankind. Even if you write within the divine lights, do they hear the heart of you? I for one deeply honour and applaud the you in you. For I have seen the future and it is not pretty as we stand in rubbish of war torn once vibrant cities. I want you to understand I Penn my songs and my stories for the truth. I am I am not in the high seas of rock n’ roll, but I know other who are, and they can send messages through to the heartbeat of the world for you. I am only a muse. You have shed some light on me Scott My Smiley, 1LT, IN Platoon Leader. I will pray for your safe return along with all the other valiant men.
The letter from Lt. Scott Smiley is brilliant. Moreover, what you and he are doing I deeply honour.
As the lost in shopping malls sing they know the way. However, you do, I can see this within you. How wonderful to give the children candy and soccer balls, and then evening falls and where do your thoughts go, do they go home and think upon the ones you deeply love. I know deep inside the shores of my eyes I have seen red red snows and I do not know where shall all go, when the red snows start falling, and I hear all your hearts calling. Once upon a time, they killed all the Jewish people in WWII. As well as 56, other million people who lost their lives in the seas of WWII.
If nought for the bravery of the British Soldiers, I would not be here to send this letter to the heart of you. I know the costs and spoils of war upon terras bloody shores. Moreover, I know without the men who stand for peace and security we would all be in deep seas. I humbly thank all of you from the top of my heart, know that I am I am pieces of you. I value the words you are sharing. In order for me to answer you in truth. I had to copy and paste your letters into a word program because I could not read all the words that seem to be hiding by the borders you have selected. However, being resourceful I found another way to read every word you so gallantly share. I know there are ‘hateful men’ that would wish for the entire destruction of the USA. I know, and I am just as sadden as you. Nevertheless, you are doing something real in the fields. Alas, I cannot so I do what I can.
With my quill Penn in hand. Write down everyday what you see, hear, and feel so humankind will have a historical record of events day by day. How true what you Penn.
“People who want to treat terrorists with "kindness" have obviously never encountered true evil. Their throat would be cut in a heartbeat and the last thing they would hear as their life drains away would be the terrorist laughing. They just don't get it.”
This is exactly what happened in WWII. Moreover, the young ones of today still are shocked that this could really happen. As large corporations move the Ben Laden monies for their greed. To my knowledge, only Pepsi is sold in Iraq. Is this still the truth?
"We value human life so highly that if you take one, we will take yours." The same goes for terrorists.” Mark is brilliant his words need to be immortalized for all time.
Dear Mark, and your wonderful friends who are in peril as we sit in our homes and I feel that I am pieces of you. I understand war. I deeply know what the men are feeling for the simple reason my mother is a survivor of WWII, being a captive of both Auschwitz and Bergen Belson. Need I say more? Yes, the men in the sandy fields of Iraq are there and we are here, but my prayers are with you, in times of peace and war. Some say they care, and some say they hear you, but I really hear you and want to listen and feel all you do. It is so easy to be mean, it is harder to be real tender and stand in truth and beauty. When you wrote Catressa husband may lose his sight. I felt hopeless; there is nothing I can say to easy the pain today or yesterday. I will pray for him and I will pray for you and all who remain in the dragons’ snare. It is such a sad day today, to see the smile on the soldiers face and all the young children standing near him with thumbs up. I am here if anyone in the field ever desires to write too me. I will share what I can in my tender harmonies. Again, I will sing to you, other will give you lip service and I will share with you the truth and the light always. I would love to listen to you and all the soldiers’ stories, to understand the feeling you feel, as you remain so far away on foreign shores.
May God bless you and hold all of you close eternally.
I do not feel worthy of the sorrow you feel yet what you are doing is the truth and very real.
Bravo to the brave men and women who leave their homeland and families to fight for the security of our homeland. I for one know what is ahead, and I fall down upon my knees and ask the force this world to spare, for their still are lovers here there and everywhere. ~Sharron~
Edited on Apr 07, 7:57 p.m. because ''. -
Very touching!
Mark, This was an excellent post you sent here..about those people who defend there countries ....leaving behind there loved ones..and it is so touching to read those letters from them..and to know how things are back there..because most of us don't know exactely what is going on..we just take what we see or hear in the news but maybe reality is much more..
I would like to Thank our fellow poet Cat for giving you the opportinuty to share with us this very touching writings.. and my prayers go to her husband and all those people back there and also those innocent people that are paying the price for mistakes of others..Thank you Mark..that was amazing.. -
David,
No ace. I don't compete. I just do what my heart tells me to do . . . same as you.
Mark
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Belle-Fille,
I wish everyone had the heart that you obviously do. Thanks.
Mark -
Michael,
I agree wholeheartedly. I just wish the people could see that who have been brainwashed by our liberal news media here in the U.S. and are determined to criticize America and Bush no matter what. For instance, I rarely hear any of his critics point out that he prevented Hussein from killing many more hundreds of thousands had he been left in power. They also forget to mention that Clinton and Kerry both wanted to take out Hussein (Clinton even proposed it to Congress!) until it became politically convenient for them to criticize Bush.
I think the problem is most people on this site are very young and they rebel against authority - their parents, teachers, the government, the President, etc. - because they think that's the "cool" thing to do. They're really just innocent victims of MTV. lol
Anyway, thanks for the comment, and for my freedom.
Mark -
Pulling the ace from the pack?
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Bravo
These are the stories we never here in the main stream press and I am ashamed of that. Being a soldier in another war I know firrst hand what our troops are going through. We should be very proud of these young people for putting their lives on the line for us back here in the states. I salute them all for their bravery. May God keep them safe from harm so they'll all come home safe. Thanks for posting these letters, our people need to know what is really happening over there. Take care.
Michael -
Thank you for sharing and letting another person's story be known. My prayers are with all our military, keep them safe until they come home.
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This is awesome. Thank you so much for sharing this with all of us here in AP. I really apreciate it. I never really thought much of the war until now. Now that I think of it, Im really proud of our troups. For those who survived, who havent, and who has. I feel honored to have someone risking their lives to give myself freedom.. From people who have never met me, and maybe never will. I want to give my apreciation to them. This letter has got me to think of everything I could have lost... Or may if there is ever a next time... knock on wood there isnt. Please give you friend a thank you from me. This is wounderful to hear someone telling us thier experience. I will pray for all those people hurt and dying. But keep your spirits up for thats how they will heal. Thanks again.
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Ebeneezer,
Thanking soldiers is not the same as "glorifying war" and "excusing aggression" is what we would have done had we not invaded Iraq. Hussein killed millions. He was the Hitler of our age and would have killed many more innocents.
Keyword - was.
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wow,this makes me miss vincent,even tho hes not in iraq atm...
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Angel,
Thanks for your comment. In response to your question of "God knows what" we are fighting for, I would just say that many Khoranic scholars, as well as many religious and political leaders in the Middle East have agreed that the only way to establish any lasting peace there is by removing tyrannical regimes from power and creating democratic governments. President Bush understands this. The people of the M.E. have been brainwashed by their own "leaders" and mullahs, who work together and abuse the media to keep the people misinformed and fearful because they know fearful, ignorant people are easier to control. It has been going on since ancient Rome and before, but now they have news channels to help them keep their own people sick and suspicious so they can continue to manipulate them.
A civil war has been going on in the M.E. for a long time (way before 9/11) between the reformation movement and continued tyranny. We are helping the reformation movement. If they lose, the kind of mass murder we have seen in Iraq will continue in many places in the M.E., and there will be a huge increase in terrorist attacks on western countries. Terrorist's no longer recognize boundaries and they hate anything unlike themselves.
I realize President Bush comes off as a dope sometimes, but I think he sees the big picture regarding this war, as many Middle Eastern intellectuals do. I also wish we could just keep to ourselves, but ignoring hotbeds of hatred is no longer an option.
Thanks again for your thoughts. I hope you don't mind hearing mine.
Take care,
Mark -
Cat read something to me today written by a soldier about his wife. Stating basically that he sees his wife as the hero and not him. She was the one who filled in for the soldier who went off to iraq while keeping her own responsibilities intact. This to me is Cat to a T. She is an amazing woman and stronger then I could know. Where as I may not agree with the war ~ I do support the troops and I am in awe at the strength of their families and friends. Thank you for taking the time to write this.
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I applaud you for posting these wonderful and moving letters. All the wonderful men and women that serve and protect should be honored. True heros. My prayers for all those that have lost their lives and prayers for the surviving families.
Truly heartwarming to read this. -
Powerful
Tell her to take courage and I will keep him in my prayers for he is in a dangerous place and you are so right. We need to remember them for what they do and be glad that they are willing to do so. Especially when others have different ideas about everything. I have two nephews there and we have to hear from the soldiers and not the media's version of things. -
I am an Army MP, and as far as im concerned the president is NOT an idiot. he may some ill intentions yes, but look at the multitude of good that is coming from this, how much life did we loose during the revolution? not as much as these people have. small price to pay for freedom...... thank you much for posting this. showing people that it isnt as bad as it looks, hope shines brightest in the dark
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Thank you for sharing this with us here at AP. My prayers are that these soldiers return home both soon and safe. I applaud their efforts and their courage. God Bless
Ruth -
Although I am a peace loving individual, which I am sure each soldier is as well...These men and women are brave and have the best interest of America at heart. My brother was stationed in Japan for two years, and is heading to Iraq soon. I would hope with all my heart that he serves under s soldier much like Lieutenant Smiley. These are young soldiers who honor and serve as their duty calls, and for that they should be supported and commended. I salute their efforts. No, I do not like our president, but I love our soldiers. My political views do not weigh into the respect I have for these young men and women. God Bless and Keep them all. Thank you for sharing this with us, we need to know these things. The media is so hush, hush, it is hard to know what is going on unless we have direct contact as the writer Catressa, and her husband. I think this is a very important post. It makes you THINK!
Lisa Ann
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indescribable
Having friends that are in the military, this hits me in the heart. Hard. I have lost some to this war, so I can feel the emotion in this. It's not a poem or a stroy. It's reality, a harsh one, but reality. I applaud this being shared, I hope others will do so also. -
Thank You Again Mark for caring enough outside your own box about what others do. I have been blessed here on this site with many good friends(Venessa and Serenity) and spoke with them on the phone today.. Like I told Venessa.. It is knowing that there are people like you in the world that make it worthwhile. And though I meant it for her? The same applies to you my friend. So many seem so quick to jump on the bandwagon and say what a unjust thing we are doing there. I know why they are there and I support those reasons. With my entire heart. We are there to better THEIR WORLD. And yes while some Terrorists and Suicide Bombers are still at large? The country is changing and they grow tired of it. The way of one or two is not the way of them all.. Again.. You have always stood out for your devotion to our Troops.. And for that? I am honored to even have you mention my name.. Loving thoughts, Be Safe Catressa
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It's sad. To know that we server under an idiot for a president! Look at what these men are doing and for god knows what!
It's sweet that you put this on your page. Thanks! -
I love reading things like this. Being a Navy Brat and an Army Wife, themilitary is a soft spot for me..
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Catressa is a very strong and proud women, I am lucky to have her in my life and she is very strong to handle the loss she has had in her life. And Also I am very Proud Of V, for putting his life on the line for us among with the other soilders, I have friends that are out there and my prayers are always with them. And Some of them are comming home shortly about time, But I pray for the Day when All the soilders will come home. Thank you for posting this.
Jenn -
Thanks for sharing this with us as I think every American citizen has concern over the situation. I have a daughter-in-law who just returned from Iraq. She was stationed at the Bahgdad Airport processing soldiers in and out.
May all our soldiers return in safety and may we remember the ones that didn't. Be Well and Be Blessed.
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:((
Though i do not agree with the war itself i back our soldiers 100%. It is not there fault they are away from home puting there lives on the line and i feal they should be respected properly. If my fiance had not finished his enlistment before all of this he would be over in Iraq right this moment. I feal the ignorence of some in this country whom mainly put down the men protecting them are just scared to see the truth.To1LT SCOTT M.SMILEY and to all the other soldiers defending my friends, family, children, and myself my prayers are with you (as allot of others are) in the hopes that you return home soon.
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well this is definatley an interesting write. Im not sure i completley understand but i commend you on expressing what you believe in. good luck to you and take care!
!
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Bravo
Bravo for sharing this and to Catressa too.This was a wonderful idea.I salute all the brave men and women in the military.A nice dose of reality is always a good thing.I wish them all a safe return to their families.Helen
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This was very interesting, and this is very close to home, having one of my best freinds recently leave for Iraq, he is one of AP's own, gentlycanthrope. This here was an awesome write, it gives our soliders, more of a face and voice. Hopefully this will show others that they are not just killing machines.
Take Care
~Laura~
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