Wednesday, January 14, 2004

Nobody really knows what’s happening in Iraq except our troops

This is in response to Timothy J. Parker’s letter. First, I enjoy listening to Rush Limbaugh and Bill O’Reilly. On that point I can assure you that I am no fool.

Second, I can honesty tell you that only our servicemen and -women over in Iraq truly know how the people of Iraq act towards them. But I can tell you that no matter where it might be, there are going to be those who don’t want them there or their help or for things to change, because then those same people wouldn’t have the intimidating power or be feared anymore.

You see, if the people of Iraq are allowed to have the life they deserve and should have as free people, then those fighting to stop it lose their power. Is that so hard for you to understand or have you just forgotten that a lot of people died for the freedom we have today?

As having that freedom, I understand that you don’t have to agree with everything and have a right to say so, but in your many “letters” I have not once seen where you stated that at least you support our troops. If I missed that part some where along the way, then I am sorry. So please tell me I missed it, because no matter what your view is, it would be nice to know that you at least support our men and women serving our great country.

Having served in Beirut and Grenada in the Marine Corps, I can truly tell you that you don’t always get the truth or hear about how people react to our troops being there.

In Beirut you had those who wanted us there to help them have a better life. And then you had those who didn’t want us there and would have small kids throw rocks and things at us every time we went by.

In Grenada the people there came out and got on their knees, kissed our feet, called us angels sent from God, offered us food and drinks and offered to let us use their phones to let us call our families to let them know we were OK. Then you had those that would shoot at us and then take off their uniform with plainclothes on under it so we couldn’t tell them apart.

I for one think everyone should have the freedom we enjoy and if our great country can help, then we should. If we can stop those who support terrorists, then we should. If we can stop the rulers of countries that kill, rule by intimidation and will attack other countries just because they want to, then we should.

Last but not least, if we can do whatever we can to try and make the world a safer place for children, then we must do what ever it takes.

Ricky Smith

Peachtree City, Ga.