Sunday, January 18, 2004

War - What the hell is it good for?

There was an article yesterday that the death toll of American soldiers in Iraq had reached 500. It has now surpassed that number. I've been thinking about this ever since I read the article and followed the link to the Washington Post's photos of all who have died. I've pondered whether I should add this entry because of the gravity. But, it's been on my mind ever since and if it's on my mind it usually finds its way here.

When Mike was in Iraq, I kept up on the lists on a regular basis because I was always fearful that his name, or maybe someone else I knew, would appear there. I haven't done it so much lately. But, just the same, it's not easy. It hurts my heart deeply to know that my life goes on as if nothing is wrong and these people are over there not knowing what lies ahead for them.

The pictures are poignant. However, the ones that impact me even more are the names without photos, just a sillhouette. I think because it represents anyone and everyone, or even the next one. Somebody's brother, son, daughter, father, mother, a random loved one of some kind, it doesn't matter. It's a life stopped too soon, a life that had meaning whether it be to one, or many.

Many will say 500, that's not much, considering. But, it's 500 too many, in my opinion, and it's not all. That's only the number of American soldiers who have died. That doesn't include American civilians, Allied Soldiers and civilians, nor does it include Iraqi military, or civilians. No matter who it was, what side of the line they stand on, his or her life had meaning to someone, somewhere.

I hope for the day that war will be an antiquated concept.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Very well written and thought out. I, too, hope that one day war won't be necessary. Until that time, I am happy that we have men and women who are willing to train, fight and even give their lives to protect freedom. Again, VERY well written.

Anonymous said...

I wish for that day too but unfortunitly there are men that feel power and that always cost lives of the innocent. War is hell....three words that can not be anything but true. Wouldn't be great if the people who started the wars actually had to fight those wars instead of the soldiers, we'd have alot less wars. Lanny

Anonymous said...

It is truly astounding that we cant all get along with each other isnt it?

Anonymous said...

War just scares me. I have a son now...one of these days he might be drafted and have to go fight for our country. I don't think I could stand it. Oh, how I feel for the families of these fallen soldiers. Great entry, Robbie.

XO ~ Bridgett

Anonymous said...

My hope is the same as your's. What kind of souls say, "live our way or we'll kill you!" There has to be a better way.
Thank you for this entry. We do still care.
~M

Anonymous said...

Well, I'll keep my opinion to myself on this issue. :-) Gregg was here!

Gregg

Anonymous said...

It's a nice thing to hope for, but cynical me doesn't ever see it happening. People are just too quick to use violence over talk. And our population is increasing . . . thus increasing the possibility for even more hotheadism.

Sorry. I'm grumpy today. I wish we DIDN'T live in an unfair, unjust world.

Anonymous said...

That article got me too...500 too many indeed.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for this entry. It's important to be reminded of what is going on while we are going on living. It's so easy to forget. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Unfortunately Men throughout history rather not think in terms of settling conflicts with just words, they resort to dueling it out. Unfortunately too many people have been killed at the heart of religion, terriotorial conflicts, racial conflicts, and peace conflicts and I say enough's enough. a single death is too many to have died! We shouldn't forget any of it and it's our place to not let anyone else forget either....Great post Robbie =)

Friends,
Bevelry

Anonymous said...

I look at that and want to cry. You see each person and know that it was once full of life. They had so much going for them and now its all gone. All for what? For something that people over there do not care about.
I pray each night for our troops. I hope God can sort all this out for us before we all end up killing each other.

Anonymous said...

Robbie war is with us forever. I have seen many myself and have lost god friends. We can only pray for a quick end john

Anonymous said...

You and I have very similar views on the political front. You're just braver than I am in the fact that you speak up. My boss' nephew just got his papers and he ships out to Iraq in a matter of weeks. It's scary stuff. He's just a kid. I'm a natural born negotiator... but I'm always a realist and I realize that some simply can't be negotiated with. I just pray... a lot. And hope for a world come to its senses.

Anonymous said...

I so agree. let's get the bickering leaders in a room...give them gloves and let THEM fight. instead of sending everyone else in their place. great entry robbie. great.

Anonymous said...

I can't help but tear up when I looked at the pictures of the fallen. So many young faces, many mere boys. You are right, it IS 500 too many.