Please bear with me as I rant a little this morning.  What a situation we have because of freeing 50 million people from murderous regimes in the Middle East and Africa.  Can’t we just get along? 

We have Iraqis looking down on Iraqis and Americans and of course that minority of I-Hate-Everything-About-America-But-I-Refuse-To-Live-Elsewhere-Americans who snub their nose at Iraqis and Americans too. 

At the end of the day terrorist and Iraq war protestors are no different in that they seek to cause chaos and instability.  They simply utilize different tools and practices.  One may use the sword and the other a pen or sign but killing and providing propaganda are equally destructive.  Peace is garnered through strength and sacrifice.  Always has, always will.

Iraqi Perspective
I should start by saying that my experience with Iraqis is only with the men.  Women in this culture are often looked down upon for working with or even being personal with those outside their culture especially Americans.

Of the over 9,000 people here on TQ there is only 1 Iraqi woman I know of who works here.  Rather not say where and for what but can say she cares for others and is dedicated at her job.  In regards to the other FOBs I have yet to see an Iraqi woman.

As for the Iraqi men working on base, they are sometimes looked down upon by others in their culture for a couple reasons.  Most notably I would say because:

• Serving us in the chow halls
• Doing our dirty work like cleaning our heads and showers
• Working alongside women
• Having women in authoritative positions over them
• And for some just doing anything for the Coalition Forces is enough

In my opinion the blame must reside with the Ba’ath Party and Saddam Hussein.  Those savages killed and/or drove off virtually the entire middle class.  This loss spurred the failure to retain literacy, a free market, and acceptance of other cultures.

Iraq has over a 70% illiteracy rate, a purposefully uneducated populace, and over 20 years of anti-American propaganda infused in their daily life.  Knowing this it’s easy to comprehend why some Iraqis are slow to adjusting.

We have won this war and have been spending the last few years highly engaged in helping the Iraqis build their own infrastructure, security, and government.  Iraqi success is dependent upon developing more schools and universities, increasing women into all levels of government and the local community, and of course the continual encouragement of free thoughts and free markets.

While it’s easy to say Iraqis are living in Pick-A-Century-Before-1200-AD we are better people if we help Iraq become a government that incorporates their religious foundation just as our forefathers did.  In addition it must be a Republic not a Democracy.  A government of the people, by the people, for the people as Abraham Lincoln said.

American Perspective
As Americans we need to remain positive with the war effort and the reconciliation of Iraq.  Protestors of this war encourage terrorist by providing them the propaganda to recruit more IED emplacers and the cowardly random shooters.  We have killed and captured so many bad actors that the spark of terrorism is nearly extinguished.  Don’t let the protestors kindle their spirit.

We need your help in this war.  Every real patriot can make a difference.  Let your neighbors, friends, and co-workers know you side with freedom and fully support the mission.  Refuse to patronize businesses that provide fundraising to protest groups.  Write letters to the editors, volunteer, and casts votes for strength or moral courage not appeasement.

And for those back in my home in Chester County (like the Chester County Young Republicans, The Republican Committee of Chester County, Chester County Action, and the American Sheepdogs) thanks for remaining vigilant and unwavering to the cause.

There must be no acceptance of Americans or Iraqis who seek to destroy the great political and security gains in the Middle East and Africa.  The betterment of man is close.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 24% [?]

Trackback URI | Comments RSS