"I'm Tired"
Two weeks ago, as I was starting my sixth month of
duty in Iraq, I was forced to return to the USA
for surgery for an injury I sustained prior to my
deployment. With luck, I'll return to Iraq to
finish my tour.
I left Baghdad and a war that has every indication
that we are winning, to return to a demoralized
country much like the one I returned to in 1971
after my tour in Vietnam. Maybe it's because I'll
turn 60 years old in just four months, but I'm
tired.
I'm tired of spineless politicians, both Democrat
and Republican who lack the courage, fortitude, and
character to see these difficult tasks through.
I'm tired of the hypocrisy of politicians who want
to rewrite history when the going gets tough.
I'm tired of the disingenuous clamor from those
that claim they 'Support the Troops' by wanting them
to 'Cut and Run' before victory is achieved.
I'm tired of a mainstream media that can only
focus on car bombs and casualty reports because they
are too afraid to leave the safety of their hotels
to report on the courage and success our brave men
and women are having on the battlefield.
I'm tired that so many Americans think you can
rebuild a dictatorship into a democracy over night.
I'm tired that so many ignore the bravery of the
Iraqi people to go to the voting booth and freely
elect a Constitution and soon a permanent
Parliament.
I'm tired of the so called 'Elite Left' that
prolongs this war by giving aid and comfort to our
enemy, just as they did during the Vietnam War.
I'm tired of antiwar protesters showing up at the
funerals of our fallen soldiers. A family who's
loved ones gave their life in a just and noble
cause, only to be cruelly tormented on the f uneral
day by cowardly protesters is beyond shameful.
I'm tired that my generation, the Baby Boom --
Vietnam generation, who have such a weak backbone
that they can't stomach seeing the difficult tasks
through to victory.
I'm tired that some are more concerned about the
treatment of captives than they are the slaughter
and beheading of our citizens and allies.
I'm tired that when we find mass graves it is
seldom reported by the press, but mistreat a
prisoner and it is front page news.
Mostly, I'm tired that the people of this great
nation didn't learn from history that there is no
substitute for Victory.
Sincerely,
Joe Repya,
Lieutenant Colonel , U. S. Army
101st Airborne Division