From Washington Post:
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Gifts of Thanks for the Troops

By Elizabeth L. Robbins
Sunday, November 11, 2007; B07

BAGHDAD -- As the veterans of World War II pass too quickly into history, their ranks are being replaced by a new "greatest generation." The war on terrorism is creating veterans at a rate not seen in decades.

Yet the military is much smaller now than during World War II, leading some analysts to posit that a rift exists between soldiers and citizens and that those making sacrifices on the battle front are disconnected from the society whose freedoms they defend. The American people are oblivious to the war, they claim, as well as to the men and women who are fighting it. Some have even suggested that the only way to close the gap is to return to conscription.

But these observers of the social scene have never served in Iraq.

Those of us overseas know that "support the troops" is more than a slogan. Here we are besieged by what my master sergeant calls "paper love," the cards, letters, posters and other gestures of support sent by people across America. The paper love is often accompanied by packages of snacks and comfort items. Some mail comes from family members, but even more is sent by private citizens and troop support organizations. The war has inspired a remarkable level of civic involvement that goes largely unnoticed -- except by those of us in the field or recovering stateside.

All of us are volunteers. We're in Iraq because we want to serve. We are well educated and physically fit and could have pursued a variety of other life options. But, to paraphrase Defense Secretary Robert Gates, we are driven by the romantic and optimistic ideal that we can improve the world. We are seeing real progress on the ground, and we are helping Iraq to change.

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Read the whole thing at:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/09/AR2007110901940_pf.html

For all of the America bashing Pres Bush hating Huffpos This is Vetrans day ..And the vast majority of service men and women, while maybe not a Republican , or a neocon or a Pres Bush fan do consider their military service worthwhile and that Iraq is a just cause. And as you may have seen by the dismal reviews and attendance at the latest of the anti - american ,military films out as late America is fed up with the elitist rhetoric that spews from liberalism.

Interesting interview!

The Author asked some good questions and the ex-military members seemed to be answering honestly.

I'm actually surprised to see such an article on HuffPo.

Nice touch for Veterans Day, I guess HuffPo can go back to the usual hatefulness on Tuesday.

3,885 and counting. If you think this number is high read this. www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=2797

and www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid7287

if the link does not work Google it.

war is our export.

http://www.amazon.com/Perpetual-War-Peace-Gore-Vidal/dp/156025405X

That was a fascinating interview. But all it showed was how easily led around the young people are.

When the one person said the Thug party more lined up with their views I realized we were dealing with people who have pretty much been told what to think and still are in that mindset.

BUT you notice none of them wanted to return to the great fight? For all the talk none of them thought it was so great they wanted to immediately put on the uniform and head back to the theartre of war.

They all sounded like the Fox News Whorehouse had prepped them for what to say. Sean and Rush would have been proud.

They slammed the liberal media.

They dissed those who don't just fall in lockstep with the president's belief in the war.

They talked up the war as being righteous.

Yeap, Sean and Rush are probably beaming with pride at how easily the soldiers follow the rightwing talking points. I guess all those hours and house of nothing but rightwing talk on the radio in Iraq have paid off.

And as far as thanking them for keeping us free? Exactly how is war in Iraq keeping us free? Nice that they joined the military with the idea of doing their duty but when I see anyone claim war in Iraq is keeping our right to free speech alive is ludicrous.

I keep trying to remember what GEORGE BUSH # 43
has done foe AMERICA, THE WORLD sence he took office

HE DID MINLIPULATE THE CIA INFORMATION TO GO TO WAR

WHEN WE HAD BEN LOUDEN HE LET HIM GET AWAY
HE TOOK TROOPS FROM THE REAL WAR TO START ANOTHER WAR WITH IRAQ

HE , CHENEY, RUMSFIELD & OTHERS HAVE COSEN TO KILL TO DATE 3,885 U.S. SOLDIERS NOT TO PROTECT THE PEOPLE OF IRAQ BUT THE "OIL FIELDS FOR AMERICAN PROFITEERS AS HE IS.

PLAN AFTER PLAN HAS FLOWN INTO DOVER AIRFORCE BASE WITH THE BODIES OF DEAD AMERICANS , BUT BY ORDER OF BUSH NO AMERICAN FAMILY OR NOT MAY GREET THE REMAINES

WE SAY WE ARE THERE TO FREE IRAQ BUT HERE AT HOME BUSH & FRIENDS CONTINU TO HIDE INFORMATIN USEING " TOP SCRET " TO KEEP IT FROM THE CONGRESS AND THE PEOPLE OF THE U.S.

A great read with comments running parallel and

at times somewhat varied. Appreciate your honesty.

Thanks to all and best of luck!

AirForceVet/Vietnam

Semper Fi, young'uns, Semper Fi...

This Veterans day let us remember the young men and women who have died in Iraq to enrich the Oil companies, HAlliburton, KBR, Blackwater, Dick Cheney, the Bush Family and the host of criminals who helped make this illegal and immoral occupation happen.

DEAD US TROOPS = HALLIBURTON PROFIT = MONEY IN DICK CHENEY'S BLOODY POCKETS.

LEt us also remember the Democratic Cowards - like Susan Davis D-CA - who have funded Bush's bloodbath.

May we all pray on Veterans Day that our government gets a clue. To bring our troops home should be top priority. Our vets and troops on the ground are our natinal treasure and should be honored as such. Show the coffins returning so each and every one of us as Americans may salute that soldiers sacrifice. Take the politics out of war - we may see less wars if we do that.

God bless each and every vet and I pray that Congress and this President and every one hereafter learns that our vets service is worth us taking care of them and their families as we promised. Less than perfect health-care etc. is all of our shame as a nation.

Lee Kelly better be careful what he says, especially around young people. What we need is people that believe America is the greatest and other countries can just be killed with impunity.

Q: Has your view of the rest of the world changed as a result of your experiences?

Yes, my experience has taught me that war serves no end.