The tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas, only served to make SPC Tull’s letter to the editor more poignant and distressing. This young soldier is absolutely right: there is a total disconnect between the present military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and the views of the general public.
Unfortunately this was a cleverly orchestrated and executed move by the previous Commander-in-Chief and his administration. The American public was encouraged to get out and shop and spend; not to question the coffins being returned to this country under cover of darkness, and especially not to question “The War on Terror.” Any dissenting voice was labeled: “If you are not with me, you are against me.” No questions could be asked; if you did, you were disloyal and anti-American.
These wars are tearing apart the fabric of our nation. I have listened to learned people – historians – who tell us that we cannot win these wars under present conditions. The generals are right, they need more troops: One million troops and then be prepared to fight these wars for another 40 years. The Brits could not do it; neither could the Russians. I have not mentioned the trillions of dollars it will cost to perhaps achieve victory.
If the American people want to continue these wars, they must reinstate the draft. In this way, every one of us will be involved and committed to every one of the young men and women who are sacrificing their lives. We can, of course, continue to volunteer in our own small way; to help our neighbors and show PFC Tull that we know the cost of freedom. But it is not enough. We must reinstate the draft and show our support in a tangible way.
There is another road we can take. We could immediately start the process of withdrawing our troops from Iraq and Afghanistan. These are tribal wars and no amount of western-style democracy will work at this time. When the citizens of these countries are ready, they themselves will find the answers. We cannot, and should not, try to do it for them. Call this hotline to the White House and tell President Obama : 800-833-6354.
Peggy Burton
Coupeville
