Dear Editor:
The war in Iraq II is over and the US is victorious! Before and
during the conflict, there were voices objecting and protesting and
they have not been silenced with the results.
Dear Editor:
The war in Iraq II is over and the US is victorious! Before and during the conflict, there were voices objecting and protesting and they have not been silenced with the results. Instead, these voices now speak with skepticism saying, “We’re looking for results that count.” For instance, CNN commentator and analyst, Jeff Greenfield, focuses on the fears of what mistakes the U.S. might make in the future, wringing his mental hands over the things that could go wrong in the times ahead. Any evidence of triumphant rejoicing seems to have alluded him as well as many other media commentators.
Without reservation, now is a time for jubilation! Iraqis go home tonight, not worrying about having their tongues cut our for something they said. In WWII, an estimated 39 million people died. In the second war in Iraq, less than 200 U.S. soldiers died. And WWII lasted for years – the Iraqi war II lasted only about three weeks! And, our troops are coming home!
After WWII there was widespread, uninhibited, unrestrained jubilation everywhere. When that war ended, there were immeasurable obstacles to overcome: Rebuilding Japan and Europe and years of fighting communism. But that didn’t hinder the celebration. There are things to do in Iraq and elsewhere that are a challenge, but not insurmountable. Yet many television and print media commentators, Hollywood celebrities and protesters ever-so grudgingly, with reluctant, understated coverage, continue to meagerly eek out credit for the enormous and militarily unprecedented success the U.S. accomplished in the war effort against Saddam Hussein’s regime.
Some U.S. citizens call this war “Hirabah,” not “Jihad.” “Hirabah” is an evil war by evil ones. “Jihad” is a holy or “just” war against those who cruelly brutalize innocent men, women and children; its against those who unjustly imprison its people; who torture with unspeakable means; who murder without cause or explanation and against those who are determined to enslave and war against other nations without provocation.
Removal of Saddam’s regime was a matter of obligation by any just nation strong enough and willing to make the sacrifice. The U.S. entered into war against Saddam that was “Jihad,” a just war. It is Saddam and the terrorist who practice “Hirabah.”
What is it with the anti-war intellectuals, television and print media commentators, Hollywood celebrities and those who follow them? They insist on calling the US “invaders” instead of “liberators.” Because of their rhetoric just before and during the war in Iraq, one sees something by definition that smells like betrayal of ones own country; against what it stands for.
Freedom of speech is fine, but there are consequences for what one says. By America’s earliest standards, betrayal is close to what we see and hear by too many anti-war people.
Now we have “results” – a victory!
Before the long, arduous task of re-building a country and defending liberty in Iraq, let’s not lose sight of the gigantic and incredible success that has been achieved. It’s time for jubilation!
Come on! … it’s celebration time … come on!!
Jim Langdon, Gilroy
Submitted Saturday, May 3
