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Tracking a Marine Lost at Home
Supporters of George W. Bush can try to ignore these people, but this will be the legacy of the Iraq War. Even if victory does come (an outcome that I do not believe can happen anymore), the real cost to American will be the thousands of Americans who went in harm's way, and who will bear the scars for the rest of their lives.
It's the cycle of Vietnam, all over again. The glory of war, the people shouting in support, the patriotic flags -- then the skepticism, the growing gloom, the uncomfortable shuffling of feet as many people who supported the war turn away to other concerns, ignoring deliberately that their decisions have destroyed thousands of lives for a cause not worthy of those lives -- then the pretending that the whole affair never happened, and an entire subsection of our society is ignored as they bear their scars in pride, proving us unworthy of them.
In the end, there was reconciliation over Vietnam; I can only hope that the same thing happens with Iraq, and a hell of a lot sooner than a decade. There should already be plans and space set aside for an Iraq War Memorial, to hopefully remind us of this simple fact: we forgot the lessons of Vietnam in a generation, hopefully the lessons of Iraq will last longer. Tags: history, interesting links, politics - iraq
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In a recent NPR interview, President George W. Bush, talking about his historical legacy, made the following comment: "If they're still writing about the first president, the 43rd doesn't need to worry about it. You can be popular, but you may be wrong. I would rather, when it's all said and done, get back home and look in the mirror and say, 'I didn't compromise the principles that were etched into my soul in order to be a popular guy.'"
It is, however, one of the recurring themes of history that, if you stick to your guns and are proved right, you're a man of conviction and principle, but, if you're proved wrong, you're just a stubborn jackass. And, in the moment, it's sometimes very hard to determine if you're acting out of principle or stubbornness.
This isn't to defend George W. Bush, per se -- my opinions on his policies are well known. It is to point out, however, there are problems with judging the effects of decisions made in the short term, especially with the emotion of the decision still very prevalent. This is why it may take a generation or two before any real objective viewpoints about a Presidency emerges. Even the people who are most careful are also prone to the human effect of having feelings.
The best commentators understand that, and try to compensate. Unfortunately, most commentators don't really seem to give a damn. And, regardless of the problems -- decisions have to be made. Criticism is due, not when somebody did their best and it turned out they were wrong, and are willing to admit that, but, when somebody didn't do their best, and then hides from their mistakes. I really do believe that George W. Bush is in the latter category, not the former. Tags: history
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hanrow's journal
