Agreed, these folks are putting their life on the line and that of their families daily by working for us. They might as well paint targets on their backs for the extremists. As for the 12k we promised, remember our buddy Fidel Castro sent over 15K folks from Cuba in the 80's, I worked that boatlift while in the 82D ABN. We locked them up at Ft Indiantown Gap, PA- Red Cross & INS processed them, approx 11-12k were released, the harden crooks, we deported back theu Gitmo. It worked, and I think they integrated well into the country. Let's don't treat this like a Native Indian treaty, and screw them over- Let's do what we said and safeguard these folks, they have earned it!
I truely hope that this administration remembers to help the Iraqis that aided the US of A during Gulf War II. Whether the invasion was legal or otherwise, these folks put themselves into serious danger to help our people.
Iraqi terps are heros. They take greater chances than we soldiers do. My trusted terps were a part of my platoon as any of my soldiers. Without them, an infantry platoon could not operate effectively. I would sponsor my three trusted terps immigration to the US in a heartbeat.
President Bush should step to the plate and expand his Crawford, Texas ranch to accomodate the first 100,000. Then step back proudly saying: "Bring 'em on." LOL.
As inconvenient to our already burdened society that it will be, we must not turn our back on those that supported our people in this mission. If we fail to leave their country safer than we found it, or at least as functionally disturbed as the other Arab states, we should prepare to assimilate at least a million Iraqis to America. No repeat of the boat people tragedy and no whining from the neocons that created this mess, just buck up and welcome a new voting bloc. For somebody.
Knock, Knock, its not Bush bashing time again ( like a liberal slug will agree to that), but anyhow, who's country is it? It is their country, there our reasons they are stepping up to the plate, one is money, two, its their country and they are fighing for it (and should be).
So I guess the only way you guys and gals will fight for this country (if invaded) is to be paid for it by another country. Geeeshhh, get you head out of your fourth point of contact.
I suspect many who served in SEA are experiencing deja vue...all over again. Same story, different generation. Sadly the voting bloc to which Vag alludes will become so disillusioned with broken promises they'll become Democrats if and when they finally get here.
While we shouldn't abandon our allies, this situation is different from that of South Vietnam in the 1970's. RVN was defeated by North Vietnam, and completely conquered. In Iraq, the country is still in turmoil, but if folks on the ground (incl. both the media and the military) are to be believed, the country is stabilizing. Is it in Iraq's best interests to remove a large number of moderate citizens who will be vital to rebuilding this nation? These will be the people who will help maintain links to the rest of the world, revitalize international business relationships, establish diplomatic ties...all the things that Iraq will need to become a functional, independent member of the world community. Isn't that why so many of our finest citizens have endured so much while serving in OIF?
rmgsarge@yahoo.comI'd like to say that having served in the U.S. Air Force as a Master Sergeant, First Sergeant and Transportation Superintendent I was assisting in support of many operations before my Disability from VA and seperation from the service in 1995 and came to believe that anyone sacrificing their safety and the safety of their families by interpreting and giving us aid in every way they could ; then if our government can utilize such valuable resources from these individuals we have a duty to make good on our promise to bring them legal counsel and a new country to begin a new life. I realize all of the arguments out there for various reasons like not being able to take care of our own first. When our President decides to deploy forces in the interest of national security; we have an obligation to get the best intelligence or translators that have been screened and proved themselves alongside our own; then let's keep our word!! Richard M. Grosse former Master Sergeant and 100% Disabled Veteran... "Cheers"!!!
My own thoughts conflict each other on this subject. In Monterey, several of my teachers were Iraquis. A few were greatful for the saving grace of the US, like one of Saddam's top interpreters who's entire family (and I mean bloodline here, not just mom, dad and kids) was marked for death. Only his immediate family and a few extended members made it to safety in time. The others weren't so greatful. They felt that they had no other choice because during the Golf War we didn't "finish" the job we came to do and left the country during in worse condition before we went in. Those who could afford to go elsewhere did, those who couldn't stayed and grew to resent us. Then I think about the sleepers...oh, yesh I know just a "thought" up right-winged conspiracy to "scare" the american public...how many of our "Iraqui allies" are just waiting for the right moment to wipe out a few more soldiers or trying to get in our country to take out more citizens? And for those who are sincere, shouldn't they be the ones to help bring their country up from the ground to become a "great" nation. Isn't it their responsibility as Iraqi citizens to take control of their country? Isn't that how our country became so great and the lack of everyone taking responsibility leading to its downfall? So many people (citizens and non) blame the US for all the "damage" they do...but in the end they want the US to take them by the hand and "fix" everything for them (much like our own welfare leeches). Is it really our job to "Fix and Save the world"? Shouldn't that be the job of the people? But then you think about the sacrifice the individuals have made to help save the lives of our comrades and to try to prevent more from falling, and you think shouldn't they too be spared? If there was an easy answer, there would be nothing to debate on.
just me again,our government leave someone in need?not our country,well if you look at it it's not our country,but the slobs we put in government our government,not ourcountry. i love our country and would give anything for it,but our government,watch your back and front and tighen you behind tight real thght,our government is following englands government for leaving people behind or just forgeting them.
Originally posted by dman1948: Knock, Knock, its not Bush bashing time again ( like a liberal slug will agree to that), but anyhow, who's country is it? It is their country, there our reasons they are stepping up to the plate, one is money, two, its their country and they are fighing for it (and should be).
So I guess the only way you guys and gals will fight for this country (if invaded) is to be paid for it by another country. Geeeshhh, get you head out of your fourth point of contact.
The neocon whine begins and they have not even landed yet. Screw bashing Bush, no energy or time left for that. Your hero from Texas left a mess not just for the next POTUS, but for our kids and grandkids. Smoke on that point of contact.
I'd like to say that having served in the U.S. Air Force as a Master Sergeant, First Sergeant and Transportation Superintendent I was assisting in support of many operations before my Disability from VA and seperation from the service in 1995 and came to believe that anyone sacrificing their safety and the safety of their families by interpreting and giving us aid in every way they could ; then if our government can utilize such valuable resources from these individuals we have a duty to make good on our promise to bring them legal counsel and a new country to begin a new life. I realize all of the arguments out there for various reasons like not being able to take care of our own first. When our President decides to deploy forces in the interest of national security; we have an obligation to get the best intelligence or translators that have been screened and proved themselves alongside our own; then let's keep our word!! Richard M. Grosse former Master Sergeant and 100% Disabled Veteran... "Cheers"!!!
The neocon whine begins and they have not even landed yet. Screw bashing Bush, no energy or time left for that. Your hero from Texas left a mess not just for the next POTUS, but for our kids and grandkids. Smoke on that point of contact.
