Support the Troop?

Ok, I fashioned a "letter to the editor" weeks ago, but never sent it. I wanted it to be especially concise and telling. I reserved it in my Word files until I could perfect it. Alas, that notion was silly and a waste of time. Here it is with all of it's imperfection, but hopefully still a poignant honest message.

My husband is in the Middle East. His unit does Convoy Security. He’s been there nine months and I don’t expect him home for at least four more. He remembers when we cradled our 2^nd son while the Gulf War raged. He was glad he didn’t have to be there. Fifteen years later, he wishes it were different. If his going to the Gulf would have helped them finish the job, he’d have gone then. Instead he’s there now while now four children wait at home for him rather than only the two we had so many years ago.

I’m tired of the protests. Sure “Freedom of Speech” is protected, but not to the extent that you can falsely yell “fire” in a crowded room. While most soldiers cannot or do not see the angry eyes or hear the chants of your protests, their families do. The constant protests are demoralizing and disheartening and make it hard for us to embrace each day’s challenges of going it alone. I really don’t need you to tell me that you “care so much about the troops that you want them home.” Don’t presume to think you know how that sentiment makes me feel. To me it’s just one more person crying “fire” in a crowded room. You are not supporting the troops by stomping all over their families with your message.

All this whining and complaining by the liberals, and the Americans they’ve convinced, frustrates my soldier husband to no end. If he and those he is serving with aren’t allowed to finish this task, someday one or all of our teenaged sons may have to go and clean up the mess; that is something no father wishes.

We all hate killing, but we all know that sometimes it can’t be helped when liberty and freedom are on the line. There are bad people out there. Someone has to stand between them and the innocent. When they do, sometimes someone gets hurt, or killed. By throwing mud in the faces of family member here on our soil, you are undermining the wall of protection that is our American Armed Forces.