2008 Woodie Awards
Politicians not caring for soldiers
Andrew Browning
Issue date: 3/31/08 Section: Opinion
We have reached another milestone in Iraq. Without much acknowledgment from the politicians, 4,000 American soldiers have now died since the invasion of Iraq. Maybe I should repeat that for the people who do not pay attention to current affairs: 4,000 Americans have now died since the invasion of Iraq.
Every year since the invasion began seems like a bad dream that repeats itself over and over again. Many people do not really understand the sacrifices being made by Americans and Iraqis alike, unless they have been there personally or felt the injury or death of a close friend or relative. It is imperative, now more than ever, that we pay tribute and remember those who have already died in a way that actually serves to benefit the soldiers and families that are still with us.
The soldiers that have died come from places like Green Acres, Wis., and Jacksonville, Ala. They are the bright minds and promising futures that have been lost in a perilous struggle for someone else's freedom and democracy. For those who have served, whether you agree with the war or not, just hearing about 4,000 troops being killed conjures up memories that are better left forgotten.
In typical bureaucratic fashion, most politicians do not seem to comprehend the sacrifices that are being made by soldiers. In light of the fact they are so disconnected from the boots on the ground, they enact policies that are not in the best interest of the soldiers.
They continually fail to take the necessary steps to provide the best support and care for the troops and their families after they come home. Their lack of understanding highlights how little they respect or grasp what it really means to go to war.
First there is the stop-loss policy that has been incredibly controversial, counterproductive and does nothing to benefit the troops in the long run. There was the scandal at Walter Reed Medical Center where soldiers were placed into demoralizing and unsanitary conditions.
Every year since the invasion began seems like a bad dream that repeats itself over and over again. Many people do not really understand the sacrifices being made by Americans and Iraqis alike, unless they have been there personally or felt the injury or death of a close friend or relative. It is imperative, now more than ever, that we pay tribute and remember those who have already died in a way that actually serves to benefit the soldiers and families that are still with us.
The soldiers that have died come from places like Green Acres, Wis., and Jacksonville, Ala. They are the bright minds and promising futures that have been lost in a perilous struggle for someone else's freedom and democracy. For those who have served, whether you agree with the war or not, just hearing about 4,000 troops being killed conjures up memories that are better left forgotten.
In typical bureaucratic fashion, most politicians do not seem to comprehend the sacrifices that are being made by soldiers. In light of the fact they are so disconnected from the boots on the ground, they enact policies that are not in the best interest of the soldiers.
They continually fail to take the necessary steps to provide the best support and care for the troops and their families after they come home. Their lack of understanding highlights how little they respect or grasp what it really means to go to war.
First there is the stop-loss policy that has been incredibly controversial, counterproductive and does nothing to benefit the troops in the long run. There was the scandal at Walter Reed Medical Center where soldiers were placed into demoralizing and unsanitary conditions.
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