Ponderings

I've been watching Good Morning Vietnam as I work on a circle journal that needs to be sent out tomorrow. I usually don't watch that movie, but tonight I did. I have to admit, a couple of tears escaped, and that wasn't even in the sad part. As I watched Adrian Krohnhauer (sp?) talking to the troops, it just made me so sad. I was sad for the lives lost and the disrespect they and all the troops were shown. Not just by the every day citizens who protested and were down right crummy to those who fought, but also by the politicians. The big whigs in Washington who were supposed to be on their side and have their back and sold them out. The advisers and supposedly smart men who decided it was better to tuck our tails and run than to finish what we started. I wasn't around then, but it bothers me....a lot. I thank the Lord that we have a President now who has the foresight to see that more damage would come in pulling out prematurely than will happen if we stay. No, I can't predict what will happen, but I do know this: the likes of Ted Kennedy and his cronies continuously compare Iraq to Vietnam. I don't think that comparison can be made yet...we're still there. Doing what we should. Unfortunately, though, the bad guys, the terrorists can draw strength from Vietnam. We were worn down then, if they just keep trying hard enough and pushing against us long enough, maybe we'll give in again. Some Washingtonians say we should pull out now, but that is the worst thing we can do. I guess they think it will save face, but with whom, I wonder? The Arab Street? A. Who cares? and B. how? The way I see it, that part of the world considers toughness and might a virtue. Show any weakness, and you're done for.

I heard some of the State of the Union speech tonight (read the transcript, I thought it was a great speech), and I was moved by the letter President Bush read from Marine Staff Sergeant Dan Clay who was killed last month in Fallujah, "I know what honor is. It has been an honor to protect and serve all of you. I faced death with the secure knowledge that you would not have to.... Never falter! Don't hesitate to honor and support those of us who have the honor of protecting that which is worth protecting." Thank you all who protect us.