Vet and Military Dad Reports from Baghdad

[G_j]

www.bringthemhomenow.org/what/latest.html

Vet and Military Dad Michael McPhearson Reports from Baghdad!

Well, I'm back from my second trip to Iraq (the first was in Gulf War I or, as I say, "the 1st ground campaign of the current war"), and this time I made it to Baghdad. I find that words cannot truly capture my experience, but I want to share my impressions and the messages that Iraqi people sent home with me.

It was both exhilarating and sad. I met wonderful people, almost all of whom have experienced great suffering. Many are brave people struggling to shape their futures. I met many nonviolent Iraqi patriots.
<snip>

Once again, while most Iraqis are happy and grateful to be rid of Saddam, they do not want occupation. They want the U.S. troops out of Baghdad streets and Iraqis to maintain security. Our troops are trained soldiers, not police officers. They do not know how to treat the civilian population. They routinely use more force than necessary. They shoot before thinking ? because they are trained soldiers, not peacekeepers ? and innocent people are hurt or die, including children. Amazingly most of the people I talked to are not angry with individual soldiers. They are angry with our government. They believe that our leadership does not see an Iraqi life as equal to a U.S. soldier's life. Many people said that there are two victims: the soldier and the Iraqi. I was told to tell the American people that U.S. soldiers' and Iraqis' lives are equally important. One person said that Iraqis hurt every time a U.S. soldier is harmed just as they hurt when a soldier abuses one of them.
..more..

[liberalitch]

1. he is serving..

his nation in a very real way.

[Mari333]

2. My stepson Michael emailed me and told me

that standing in front of the prison in Baghdad, where he is, is "retardicious" (21 yr old) and he wishes he wouldnt have been so scared and gone. Now hes really scared. He keeps covering up for us, but we can tell. He says the people dont want him there and he knows it. I think what we told him is coming true before his eyes and he wishes he would have listened to us.
The vets coming back telling the truth..will they get on mainstream news? One can only hope.

[G_j]

3. I am continually heartbroken

to hear these stories.
We CAN NOT let the war be swept under the rug as the long presidential campaign moves forward. That is why I will continue to post items relating the situation in Iraq.

[Rebellious Republican]

8. Some Vets are trying to get the word out, here is a link to a site

that you may appreciate, please keep us informed! I truly understand how your stepson feels, I was in Beirut. I always tried to not let on to my mother just how I felt while I was over there. I was scared senseless, anyone that says they are not well they are just plain lieing or they are just plain psycho. When your are a young man in your early twenties, you think you are indestructible.I found out early in life just how mortal I really was. Speaking from my own experience, I can assure you that he will come home a better person. It can be a very humbling experience. Yet it will also give him the strength and courage that will help him excel in life, no matter where it leads. It certainly gave my life new meaning with a very balanced way of seeing things. I think you will like him even more when he comes home, my Mom did! Well I could ramble on, I hope that helps a little bit. Heres the link, check it out.
http://www.veteransforcommonsense.org/

:hi:

[G_j]

4. kick

[anarchy1999]

5. How would you, as an American, feel if you were occupied in the same way?

We are the worlds largest producer of WMD's, by the way.

What is to stop the world from rising up against the US?

Our sheer might?

Our people's will?

I think not.

We will go under from within.

[G_j]

6. kick

[leftchick]

7. I hope my cousin comes home in one sane piece..

He has been in Baghdad since April 2003, army reserve. He is supposed to be home in April but he may get extended yet again. Thanks for posting Gj.

:(

[G_j]

9. thats a long time

I trust he'll make it home alright, hopefully soon.

[leftchick]

10. Thanks Gj... What bothers me the most about his situation...

Is that he is a real serious sort of guy. Not one to express much emotion. He has left a wife (who had to go back to work when he left) and three children and a career as a Deputy Sheriff in NY state. His emotional journey over this whole situation has not even begun sadly... :(