Guest Post by Bob Jones
Israel has released 19 Palestinian women prisoners for a 1 minute video of the Israeli soldier (Gilad Shalit) captured in 2006. Shalits freedom has become a condition for the Israelis to consider ending a blockade of Gaza which has economically paralyzed the area. The people of Israel have been updated on the continued effort to gain the release of this soldier.
American soldier PFC Bowe Bergdahl was taken prisoner by the Taliban in Afghanistan in July and by reports has been sold at least twice to different war lords in the region. He has been shown in a video and we hear Nothing on follow up and are expected to believe everything that can be done is being done on behalf of this American Son. We are asked to respect the wishes of the family, which we would all do and are doing.
To believe the suits in DC are allowing some kind of negotiation on behalf of this American Son is a bit of a stretch when he is being hidden by terminology and reports by those in charge of the effort have been negative when discussing PFC Bergdhal. “It was his own fault and as one FOX news analyst stated, may be a deserter and the Taliban could well do us a favor”. This is respecting the wishes of the family and working to gain his release ?
American servicemen/women should NOT be disposable objects but the history of the POW/MIA issue is not all positive. Repatriation or remains is NOT the answer or the desired end. Faith ,Trust and Truth are what families hope for. “Let Us Not Forget” are more than words. Semper Fi means Always Faithful..not “sometimes faithful”.
Israel and its people understand. WE could and should learn from their dedication to those who serve. Call your Congressman/woman, Senator today and ASK about the American “POW” being held in Afghanistan and what is being done to gain his release? If it was YOUR son ,what would you expect and hope others would do? What you are doing? Those who serve OUR Country should not be disposable objects. Place the letters “POW/MIA” beside the picture of your loved one and just imagine.
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.