Boots on the Ground. Not suits in DC
Guest Post by Bob Jones
The President has received the Nobel Peace Prize . As Commander-In- Chief what will that mean to the safety of the troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, some on their 3rd and 4th deployment into harm’s way?
When the Commander-in-chief’s handpicked General, McCrystal, asks for the troops needed to stabilize areas of Afghanistan and to accomplish the goal of providing security for the people of that country, and the Commander-In-Chief has little or no contact with that General concerning his request, what message does that send to the enemy(Taliban, Al Qaeda) and to our own troops on the ground?
Will the Peace prize be the instrument used to Walk Away from the people of these regions, and from the American Troops who are serving and have served in these areas?
We know and remember well what walking away did to the Character and Honor of America after Vietnam. With many Americans the words Faith and Trust could no longer be used when discussing the use of American troops. Will this “Prize” be more proof adding to that fact?
When Wars are fought from the desks in DC, and taken out of the hands of the Generals and Soldiers sent to fight for the right reasons, then it’s time for all of us to think about the safety of the American fighting men and women. they are the true treasure of this Country.
Walking away under a banner of “Peace with Honor” will add to that black mark left on the soul of America after Vietnam, and will further undermine the Faith and Trust the American people have in their leadership, not to mention how the rest of the world will judge our ability to live up to our commitments.
Those who are fighting these Wars, and their families, do not see their Commander-In-Chief out front leading , but see him sitting behind closed doors ignoring requests for help, while discussing the “Politically correct thing” to do, and accepting symbols that may add to the picture of a Country that is weak and no longer a deterrent to evil or a place of Honor or Trust. How will that add to the safety of our children and our way of life? What strength does that offer to those around this world who wish us harm?
The “Peace Prize” could end up being a symbol that erases a way of life that was built on Faith and Trust by those who have died for their Mother America in the name of freedom.
We must voice our opinions and protect the boots on the ground from the suits in DC
Bob Jones lives in Meredith and is a driving force within the Northeast POW/MIA Network. He is a Vietnam Veteran and an Independent voter.
