Just My $.02

[volvo4lif3]

Well, i don't believe we are simply in Iraq just for the oil.. We are there to make money sure, but we are there also to help a country get back on its on two feet, and strip it of the once terrible regime that ruled it. My father is currently serving up to 18 months there. Hes written me several emails, and though he can't say all too much, he gives me as much info as he can.. He describes a majority of the iraqi people as liking the american soldiers, for helping them rid there home of "cowards." I will now insert some direct lines from some of my dads emails.

"What have the news networks said about the Iraqi elections? Here in Iraq, the people were literally dancing in the streets just because they got to vote in free elections for the first time in history. The stuff I've seen on the internet makes it look like everything went wrong. Let me tell you, the vast majority of the Iraqi population loves us. They were living under the thumb of the evil Saddam Hussein...then they had to worry about terrorists. The media in the U.S. calls the terrorists "insurgents", but the Iraqis and the U.S. Army calls them terrorists. In fact, the Iraqi people call them cowards. The cowardly bastards do things like shoot women and children, mow down people at weddings, kill people who want to run for political office, set off bombs in public places, etc. Sound like freedom fighters? The media thinks so, but nobody here does.

Did the media show the U.S. soldiers guarding the polling places? How about soldiers giving candy to Iraqi kids and playing soccer with them? Everytime the soldiers have to go to town, the kids mob them. You'd think Santa Claus showed up at a grade school. The Iraqis have told us personally that they love us being there to help them get rid of the cowardly terrorists. A lady I work with was talking to an Iraqi man about voting. He had to walk several miles to vote, but considered it an honor. He asked the lady I work with if she voted in our presidential election last year. She said she couldn't because she got called away to come here to Iraq and couldn't receive a ballot in the mail in time. The Iraqi man got big tears in his eyes and thanked her for her sacrifice...then said he loved Americans for what they're giving up and what they're doing to help Iraq. That's just one guy, but virtually all of them feel that way. Don't listen to what the media says...because they just want you to believe their liberal crap."

" The chow hall has virtually the same food, prepared by Turks, every day. For the first week it was okay but it got old fast. I've lost eight pounds since getting here.

What really bothers me, though, is people back in the states who say we get too much and should cut the military budget. That blows my mind, but I'm not surprised because people who want to cut the military budget have never worn a uniform and just don't know."

"When I get home, I will kiss the ground and thank God every day for the wonderful place where I live. I will never take it for granted again"

I know that was more than just a few lines, but it gives you somewhat of an idea of what a soldier has to go through day to day in mosul. It's so easy for us here back in the states to pass judgement on President Bush, but what would you do if you were in HIS shoes? nuff said :o