Originally posted by Joseph_Botwinick:
Just getting worked up over nothing.
I guess we gotta find something to lynch him for.
Joseph Botwinick
That's exactly the way I see it too Joseph!
I don't think it matters whether the letters are hand written, typed, personally signed, mechanically signed, or marked with a drop of blood. I don't hold it against the Secretary of Defense one way or the other. Sure, it would be a very nice thing if all letters could be personally written and signed but, just because they're not, hardly means the person doesn't care. I don't know about today, but in times past it fell upon a person's immediate commander to write a personal letter to the next of kin of the deceased soldier.
What matters far more is what's in the hearts of all concerned and what's done in action by everyone. I care, you care, and the country cares about those lost. We all care because we know the price paid is so great and especially so for the ones lost and their immediate families and friends. It is a sacrifice that must be made. Fellow troops will fight on to victory remembering those who fell before them if the losses are made what they should be. Winning the war is everything. That's why we go to war. To win at all costs. The nation mourns its losses but must not dwell upon it and must remain focused on victory. So many do not understand that today.
There is no one to blame for it except our enemies and their causes! That's what we need to get into our heads. They're the bad guys - we're the good guys. No one - including the President or the Secretary of Defense or anyone else in the chain of command - wants to see any of our troops die, and it's painful when they do. Everything we say and do needs to add support to the just cause it which we're engaged and needs to support those doing the work and leading the work. The rest needs to be put aside.
The true benefit of their loss is the continued freedom and liberty others will enjoy. That is paid for in blood and letters of condolence have nothing to do with making the sacrifice worthwhile or not.
It is understandable that some, in their grief, would be upset over it but it is a real shame that many others would seize upon it to make yet another run at discrediting our leaders. Some folks relish the opportunity to jam a camera into the face of a grieving mother or father and, indeed, it does hurt to "feel" their sorrow. Never the less, the true purpose, I fear, is not concern over the losses but simply petty attacks by some for not having had their choice in the White House or Dept. of Defense.
Patrick
