Casualties grow as opinions weaken

CNN has recently posted a list of Americans who have lost their lives both in Afghanistan and Iraq. The numbers are terrible and almost every death listed has a common theme: an age of early to mid 20's and cause of death by roadside bombs.


Well, here are the casualties:

Iraq: 4,528

Afghanistan: 1,031

The site names each fallen soldier, age, unit, hometown and cause of death. Many also supply a picture, which gives an identity to the soldier, making it even more heartwrentching.

Here's the link: http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2003/iraq/forces/casualties/index.html

To be blunt about it, I really don't understand much about the war that's going on and I don't know if a lot of Americans really do either. I mean, I hope I'm not alone in my ignorance.

What I do know for sure is that this is an issue constantly swept under the rug. It seems to come up every now and again when something big breaks out, or there is some kind of new movement to end it. Just because people aren't dying in the immense numbers as they were in previous wars, doesn't mean that these lives aren't precious and important.

People try to blame the media for bad coverage, lies and bias, but in reality I believe that the media isn't getting any info and in turn is having to scramble for the bits and pieces it can get. Its a tough situation over there that apparently a lot of people aren't comfortable talking about or allowing anyone else in to see it. Is it too dangerous? Or is the government trying its very hardest to prevent a repeat of Vietnam?

I don't have the answers, but people are dying, and young too. It's ridiculously sad that these men with so much life ahead die for a cause neither loved nor hated. The war is simply in existence. We like to bark about it when we hear how much its costing us and we offer our deepest sympathy when we hear that an acquaintance, friend or family member is being "sent over."

I'm guilty of it too. My uncle is currently serving in Africa and has done two tours in the middle east since 9-11. There are many people I went to high school with who are serving. My roommate's twin brother is there as we speak. Yet, I don't show my support and thankfulness for their service and I really should.

I'm not an expert. I don't know if we should stay or go, I'm not trying to tell you what to believe. That's your decision. I just want this country to hold an opinion and really voice it. I don't want America to lose the right to free speech, but I really think it could be taken right out from under our little noses if we don't use it.

Check the website out, read through some names and give them a few mins of a respect.

Happy New Year. Be Safe!