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rvrcowboy wrote:
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><font size="3"><font
face="Times New Roman">I am curious as to the thoughts of people like
Nick Gier regarding the two American soldiers recently abducted from
the road checkpoint south of <st1:City><st1:place>Baghdad</st1:place></st1:City>.<span
style=""> </span>While Nick is quick to criticize the mission of our
troops and post every story detrimental to them and their mission here
on the forum, I have heard nothing from him about our two captured
American GIs.<span style=""> <br>
</span></font></font></p>
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As a person who opposes the war and who probably has some opinions in
line with Nick from the little I've seen of his postings, I'd be happy
to tell you my thoughts. My heart goes out to them, and I hope they
are brought back safely. A disagreement about the overall strategy of
the war and our reasons for waging it does not mean that there is any
hatred of the people on the front lines (or back in the States at a
desk job, for that matter). I don't see how this connection can be
made. Couldn't you argue that people who oppose the war come down more
on the side of those serving in it then those who want to keep them out
there where they can be shot, killed, or abducted?<br>
<br>
<blockquote cite="mid000a01c6941e$513ab710$a188e942@SHERWINHOME"
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><font size="3"><font
face="Times New Roman"><span style=""> </span></font></font></p>
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face="Times New Roman" size="3"> </font></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><font
face="Times New Roman" size="3">Wouldn’t it be great if only we could
hope these two soldiers would be treated as well as those suspected
terrorists at Gitmo?<span style=""> </span>If they were, we could be
sure they were being sheltered and offered clean clothing and daily
food, of their own religious confection no less.<span style=""> </span>We
would know they were being provided with Bibles and given time to pray
to their God in Heaven.<span style=""> </span>We would know they had
access to showers and toilet facilities and personal toiletries.</font></p>
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<blockquote cite="mid000a01c6941e$513ab710$a188e942@SHERWINHOME"
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face="Times New Roman" size="3"> </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><font
face="Times New Roman" size="3">The families of these soldiers would
feel great relief if they only knew their sons, brothers, fathers, and
loved ones were going to be facing interrogations backed up by anything
as humane as sleep deprivation or solitary confinement.<span style="">
</span>Even the possibility of their loved ones having to face
barking dogs, a little personal humiliation or perhaps even being
stripped naked and forced to wear their underwear over their heads
would be a relief compared to the thoughts of what may well happen to
these two American soldiers if they are not found and freed soon.</font></p>
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The other side tortures them even worse, so a little torture on our
side is thus a good thing? If it's agreed that torture is a Bad Thing,
then we should have the moral conviction to not use it even if it's
convenient. If you would not want yourself or your family tortured,
then how can you argue for the torture of others?<br>
<br>
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face="Times New Roman" size="3"> </font></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><font
face="Times New Roman" size="3">Yes, I am curious what people like
Nick Gier think of these young American men.<span style=""> </span>Do
they believe they deserve what they get?<span style=""> </span>After
all, they volunteered to serve in a military commanded by the great war
criminal, George Bush, himself!<span style=""> </span>Surely, they
knew they would be called upon to commit war crimes of their own under
such circumstances.<span style=""> </span>Doesn’t that make them
criminals in his mind as well?<span style=""> </span>I can only
imagine people like Gier celebrating the demise of these fine young men.<span
style=""> </span>Oh sure, they talk about supporting the troops but
we all know that is hogwash.<span style=""> </span>It is impossible
to support someone you believe is voluntarily committing war crimes and
murder, even if it is under orders.<span style=""> </span>After all,
they could have stayed home and cowered down, like terrified chickens
in the <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Methodist</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType>Church</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>
in <st1:City><st1:place>Tacoma</st1:place></st1:City>.</font></p>
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I spent two and a half years at the Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD. I
signed up because I wanted to do my part for my country.
Unfortunately, I ended up failing electrical engineering and didn't
make it to graduation. I, personally, have nothing against any of the
active duty personnel serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, or elsewhere around
the world. I do oppose this war because I don't like the thought of
people dying for who knows what reasons. What exactly did Saddam have
to do with 9/11, again? If we're going to ask our young men and women
to fight for us in some foreign country, *I*'d like to be completely
clear as to *why* before we even get there.<br>
<br>
No use worrying about spilt milk, I guess. I'd just like us to wrap
this up as best we can before more tragedies happen and more men and
women are killed or tortured or both and maybe learn from our mistakes.<br>
<br>
Paul<br>
<blockquote cite="mid000a01c6941e$513ab710$a188e942@SHERWINHOME"
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face="Times New Roman" size="3"> </font></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><font
face="Times New Roman" size="3">As for the rest of us, I hope we are
all praying for their safe return home to their families.<span style="">
</span>I know that my entire family and I are.<span style=""> </span>How
about the rest of you?</font></p>
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<blockquote cite="mid000a01c6941e$513ab710$a188e942@SHERWINHOME"
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><font
face="Times New Roman" size="3">Dick S.</font></p>
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face="Times New Roman" size="3"> </font></span></p>
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