OMFG!!! *cry*

[Just Me]

I just ran out to pick up a few things at my local "Mom-n-Pop" shop, and :cry: there was a formerly handsome NINETEEN-YEAR-OLD veteran from this Iraq war missing his arm and :cry: half of his face!!!

:cry: I could hardly manage to drive home through my heated tears!!! And, my dear 34-year-old brother is going to be sent into that BushCO/neoCON-sponsored hell-hole in 53 days!!!

I just don't think I can handle this shit!!! :cry: I am totally breaking down.

[proud patriot]

1. I'm here

:hug: :cry: :hug:

[Just Me]

8. I just don't know if I can work through this,...

,...my whole body is heaving,...I feel sick. SHIT!!! :cry:

[proud patriot]

21. It piles up in me too

I'm here for you

[jasmeel]

2. Ohmygod! That must have been shocking. I'm so sorry.

:hug:

[evlbstrd]

3. I have a co-worker whose son just went into the Army.

Bribed with the "signing bonus." She was very upset, saying they took him from her.

[driver8]

80. My wife's cousin just joined the Marines...

I asked my wife, "Is he fucking crazy? His ass is going to Iraq."

She said she knew, but there was no talking to this kid.

[BeHereNow]

4. I am so sorry- LOVE to you-

I am so sorry-I have no words
other than, you are LOVED.

BHN

[skylarmae]

5. I'm here too!

[mandyky]

6. did you talk to this kid?

OMG! If i saw someone i used to know with half their face gone I'd be a mess too. and your relative is headed there? we're here for you!

[Just Me]

32. I wanted to,...but,...I was stuck,...I couldn't even pat him on the back,.

,...even though I wanted to hug him. Maybe that's part of my emotional breakdown :cry:

[Sperk]

7. Oh God....how did America let this "living Hell" happen? Jesus.

:cry:

[bonito]

41. Each one of us can stop it one at a time.

[Zorbuddha]

96. Denial, deception, and petty politics have led us down a primrose path.

We have become a cruel, selfish culture: when half of the electorate supports this carnage and talks about the nobility of "sacrifice" for this abysmal cause in lofty terms, so long as it remains abstract and doesn't hit close to home.

Well, it's beginning to hit everyone close to home. Even those behind their gates in 'Fortress America' can't ignore this sort of thing indefinitely and are having to face the facts, and the victims of this tyranny.

How DO they sleep?

[SalmonChantedEvening]

9. Hugs and a shoulder Just Me

Cry away, DU has shoulders galore.

My prayers go out to you your brother, your family and that poor young man.

*huge huge hugs*

[BeHereNow]

10. If you need to talk-

PM me with a number-
I am here for you.
BHN

[Just Me]

14. Thanks,

:cry: I am in total breakdown. The pain is so much bigger than me.

[BeHereNow]

26. I understand- my nephew is most likely being sent again...

Like I said- PM if you want to talk-
I have MANY DU phone friends who will
all vouch to the fact that I am NORMAL
and compassionate person.
Andy S and I logged 100's of phone hours-
NSMA has been to my house and
etc...
If you want to talk- we will put it
on my phone bill- oki-doki?
Love,
BHN

[anarchy1999]

73. Vouching for BHN, she can lift your heart.

Much love and take some deep breaths. Send BHN a PM.

(Peace, BHN, we love and miss you)
S and D

[Misunderestimator]

92. I'll second that nomination.

:loveya: BeHereNow

[Just Me]

94. She helped me greatly, last night.

I was able to regain my focus (not after a hearty cry, though).

I agree ---> :loveya: BeHereNow

[BeHereNow]

98. I love you guys too...

You're making me:blush: though...
We are all in this together and I love
you guys for being there for me when
I have my melt downs too,
BHN
:grouphug:
:loveya: Just_Me (Is she a Jindo?)
:loveya: Anarchy1999
:loveya: Misunderestimator
:loveya: DU

[spooked]

11. I just wish this war would start hitting home for ALL AMERICANS and SOON!!

I am so sorry for your distress...oh, baby.

[goclark]

12. Oh my God! Our prayers are with you

All of us are working night and day to bring this administration to justice.

[Mythsaje]

13. I've got two friends over there

right now. I hate even the thought of what might happen...

[dogday]

15. My Son Goes In October

and I am already worried. That poor boy's life will never be the same. Only 19, mine is 22. Oh My God....

[w8liftinglady]

59. big hug from another soldier's mom

:hug:
we'll get through this together...the positive side is that my resolve becomes stronger to get these bastards out of office and see that our veterans receive the care they deserve.

[Just Me]

69. I'm so sorry,....so sorry,..

Geez,...the thoughts associated with our loved ones being marched into this insanity is,...a pain that cannot be described. :hug: We just MUST remain connected to eachother and our loved ones.

[glarius]

16. My heart goes out to you.

It must be so infuriating to see the fool who is responsible for the horrible mess strutting around like he's the king of the world!....Keep the faith....:hi:

[marmar]

17. So sad...

Every time I see an Iraq soldier with a missing limb or some other debilitating injury, I think of that laughing hyena asshole of a president, the piglike heartless bastard Cheney, that bumbling idiot Rumsfeld and that psychotic meglamaniac Wolfowitz and I just get filled with hate and rage - and it takes a lot to get me angry!

:argh:

[Swamp Rat]

18. I know how you feel Just Me.

:hug:

[otohara]

19. Being Instantly Disabled

I can't imagine - I grew up with a disability and I can tell you that it's harder being an adult in the working world with a disability, than it was being a kid w/ a disability. I thought kids were mean, but in the working world when you start having problems it's miserable. So little understanding from adults, I never imagined adults could be so cruel.

The American w/ Disablities Act is great for access, but does little to protect you in the workplace.

That boy has a tough life ahead of him because of a pack of lies.

[Hissyspit]

27. Diagnosed with Chronic Fatique Syndrome, I found the worst thing to do

was tell people of my problem. They immediately assumed as was lying, using it as an excuse, etc. Luckily it is a disability that can be hidden to a great extent. Americans have a glamourized idea of their treatment of disabled people. It is fairly far from the truth. You are correct that that fellow has a hard time ahead.

[Hissyspit]

20. Just Me. We need you to be strong.

Your brother will be o.k. The odds are in his favor. You did the right thing by posting and helping to let the world know the truth.
Hang in there.

[Joy Anne]

22. What did you do?

Could you give him a hug or tell him you're glad he's back? It sounds like you don't know him well enough to do anything more than pretend nothing is wrong.

I'm glad he's mentally and physically well enough to be out and about. And for those lying, greedy bastards inside the Beltway who see all of us as simply cannonfodder---

[earthboundmisfit]

23. This kid is gonna need LOTS of love & support...

I wonder if this country is ready for the influx of wounded souls & bodies coming home from Iraq. Our government's support for our Veterans (from every war, really) is a HUGE issue and, as I understand at the moment, these soldiers are not getting a hell of a lot for what they've given.

[FreedomAngel82]

44. That's what I wonder about

I wonder about that too. How will we be able to handle them when they come home? I've read plenty of articles of soldiers who return and have problems. On ABC's website I read an article about two families. One guy would burst out and have arguments with his wife out of nowhere and the other guy would be sleeping next to his wife and his body would start shaking and everything and he would be dreaming of a bomb going off. I also read earlier this year of a solider who came home to Texas who was in Iraq and he tried to rape a middle school girl. :(

[BamaLefty]

24. Stay Strong

We're here for you.

Love conquers all. Remember that in your time of need and every time you see that young veteran. Love conquers all.

[BamaBecky]

34. Roll Tide!

:hi:

[BamaLefty]

48. Rock on.

Hey Becky. :)

[RagAss]

25. I'm Sorry

[TomClash]

28. Of course you feel sick

That means you are a mentally healthy, decent person.

[girl gone mad]

29. I sympathize.

I know there are a lot of horrors in this world, but the deaths and injuries in Iraq hit me especially hard. Maybe because so many of us fought to stop the war from happening and failed. Maybe it's just the utter senselessness of it.

I don't know why, but it breaks my heart every time.

[Bellamia]

30. Its o.k. to breakdown...........

we'll pick up the pieces with love, hugs, and prayers.
You have my deepest compassion for what you are going thru, I'm here for you.

[BamaBecky]

31. Oh dear......

There is nothing I can say to make you fell any better about all of this............just know that we are here......and we can empathize with your real fear.

I would be scared witless too!

Bama

:hug:

[I Have A Dream]

33. I'm so sorry, Just Me. My heart hurts for you, your brother and...

this young man.

:cry:

[FreedomAngel82]

35. I'm sorry

Bush and his asshole friends have ruined so many lives. :cry: It's so horrible to think about. Damn them all to hell.

[shireen]

36. thinking of you and your brother ....

I feel like joining you, and I don't even have any loved ones in Iraq.

I just unsubscribed from a forum (about plants!) where a lady who has a son in Iraq was gushing about how wonderful GWB was! I bit my tongue as long as I could out of respect for other members, but finally lost it an hour ago and let her have it before I got the hell out of that toxic place. I was SO ANGRY!

You have a brother heading over there ... I cannot begin to understand the anguish you're feeling. Please PM me too if you need to talk, I'll give you my phone number and you can call me collect anytime you need to let off steam and scream at someone.

[AuntiBush]

37. I'm So Sorry "Just Me." How Sad. Hang-in There. Maybe...

just maybe this whole disaster will come to an end real soon. You're not alone, sadly stinkin' so.

:pals: :loveya:

Sept folks. March for Peace. We should all be there.

[madmax]

38. Oh lovey

We're all here for you. I know it sounds stupid but, try to hang in there. :hug:

[katinmn]

39. That poor young man

I wonder if Bush ever wonders what it would be like if his beautiful young daughters came home from his war games missing limbs and half their faces. Bastard.

I know you're worried about your brother.:hug: We have to work harder to stop them.

[democrank]

40. So very sad.

Just Me....Here`s a hug from Vermont.

I`ve shed so many tears over this horrific mess in Iraq that I almost can`t bear it anymore. I hope with all my heart that your brother stays safe. As for the young man you saw today, I wish I could reach out and hold him. This is all too sad.

Peace....

[JimmyJazz]

42. I'm so sorry for him. How awful.

[applegrove]

43. Not good. It is a rare occurence somehow. Tell your bro to be

prepared to save his own ass. Give him a way out before he gets there. Tell him it is okay. You'll love him whatever. Mostly you just want him back. Prepare him for psychological trauma and tell him they have really execellent PTSD drust so all you have to do is make it home and you can live a normal life. And I think that it will all just disintegrate the mommment the Saddam trials are over in two months. So he may be luckier than most. And - hell - shop at that store. And smile a million dollars when you come up against the wounded. And lucky he is that he is either married or the marriing kind. Kirls don't give a shit about 1/2 a face. As long as he is a good egg and a nice guy. He will find love.

....Now if it were you or I loosing half our faces...no man would see through that. So your guy at the cash has already won half the lottery. He didn't have to go to Iraq to find that out. But don't tell him. Just repeat - girls don't care. They just want a good dad.

[Pachamama]

88. Great advice on Just Me's Bro & on the wounded soldier Applegrove!

Support for a family member going off to Iraq, no matter what their decision is (whether they even go or not and decide to go awol etc.) is the important. And if they do go, that you help prepare them mentally and to come back alive.

And your so right about the young man who lost his arm and half his face...90% of the women couldn't give a crap about that....

We all need to be giving as much love and support to our men and women returning from this nightmare that Bush has created....

:hug:

[Native]

45. I know how you feel...

my brother's going in January.

[GreenPartyVoter]

46. I am so sorry *hugs* Tell us what we can do to help your family and

this young man.

[wtmusic]

47. Your brother has options

http://www.notinourname.net/troops/mejia-ap-16mar04.htm

[roguevalley]

49. we love you, honey. talk to us day and night. I will think of both of

you and that poor boy.

:hug:

[AmandaRuth]

50. I feel for you, and wish your brother

a safe journey.

I hear stories like yours and it just pisses me off that our government is spending money to protect a bunch of propaganda spewers (right wing, ahem, truth tour) and we still can't decent media coverage from Iraq, and now its too dangerous to even attempt.

[blm]

51. Don't break down. That would make you another casualty and we need

every able mind we can get to help fight back.

[ismnotwasm]

52. My thoughts are with you

I lived through a year with my daughter in Afghanistan, and I know how frightening it is.(BTW, those in Afghanistan knew they're getting much less press over here, and there still is plenty of violence going on over there) I would read DU and not post, and then little by little I started getting more and more involved with this board, even though computers aren't my thing. Those here will never know how much it meant to me when she was gone. I'm sure you'll find the same solace here that I had. If I can be of any help at all, feel free to PM me.

[Chicago Democrat]

53. That is so hearbreaking! Please persevere!

This world is like Hell sometimes :cry:


:cry:

[Gronk Groks]

54. Subject: It is okay to cry...

...and remember to tell your brother you love him.:hug:

Find this young man and ask if he will tell his story to the local paper. Demand the local paper print the paper on the front page above the fold.:banghead:

It is not only the dead we should be feeling outrage for, the maimed and injured need our help even more.:grouphug:

If enough people recognize that, perhaps this insanity can be ended.
:woohoo:

Bring our troops home safely and soon. :patriot:

[AwakeAtLast]

55. My husband landed in Iraq last Sat.

I know EXACTLY how you feel right now. I have been there many times already, and we have a year (or longer) to go. The worst part is seeing my three-year-old go through this.

:hug: :hug: :hug: Let me know if you need to vent! :hi:

[w8liftinglady]

61. Hugs for you,too,girl

We are all in this together.my son is on his second deployment.I'm here for you,too...:)

[AwakeAtLast]

75. Thanks so much!

And back to you!

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[Just Me]

70. We have to forge forward on their behalf,....

,...We MUST exert our power to spread the truth,...and do so with the same loyalty and commitment and SACRIFICE (being wielded and abused by this self-seving cabal) that they serve on our behalf.

It's time for us to sacrifice and serve on behalf of our troops who have no control over what they serve.

[AwakeAtLast]

76. OMG, my husband said this just today,

"I have no control over my life."

What I think he meant was "I have no control over my destiny." Either way, he feels he is in a powerless situation, and he is not even on the front lines (at least not right now, anyway).

I do my part as best I can to make sure there are no lies perpetuated by anyone who comes in contact with me either in person or via e-mail. You wouldn't believe the stuff people send me!

Stay strong!

:hug:

[Pachamama]

89. How do we do that beyond what we are doing already?

I ask myself that every day....I sign the petitions, I write the letters to the Editors, I have the "Out of Iraq" bumperstickers, I donate to Operation Truth and other organizations, I call my elected reps, but what else can we do? :shrug:

[driver8]

82. Oh man...I have a three year old and I cannot imagine leaving her

to go and serve in that hell hole called Iraq. I don't know if I could do it.

I am sending lots of good thoughts and hugs to you and your family...

[AwakeAtLast]

83. Thanks so much!

I appreciate it very much!

:hug: for you, too!

[CatWoman]

56. I met a guy like that in my home town

His face was completely deformed, and he had a big hole in it. He was a casualty of Viet Nam.

[understandinglife]

57. Peace, my friend. We are all truly with you on this one.

Peace.

[sickinohio]

58. I am crying

with you. Love to you and your family. My thoughts are with you. Let's pray for peace soon. What an EVIL EVIL Bu$hCo administration running this country. I don't understand how they can go to sleep at night, I really don't!!!

:cry: :hug:

[Greenbeard]

60. We are all in this togehter

and we will make it through

[steve2470]

62. I'm so sorry for you, I hope your brother can find a way out

:hug:

[Zhade]

63. I'm sorry, JM.

I can't even imagine your worries.

:hug:

[hiley]

64. Just Me

Words fail me ...
:grouphug:
i am so sorry.
hiley

[PuraVidaDreamin]

65. look what the fuckers are doing to one of our locals

http://www.capecodonline.com/cctimes/thearmy16.htm

[Pachamama]

66. You handled that far better than I could have! And re. your Brother:

OMG! He's going to Iraq in less than two months? How does he feel about it? Does he want to go? Does he have options?

I'll admit that if my brother was being asked to go, I'd personally drive him across the border and have him be AWOL, even if it was against his desires...Maybe that's unrealistic, but this war and the death and destruction is just too much, not to mention that it was a war started on lies....and is still a lie...

I'm so sick just thinking about that poor kid and all the others that have been killed or maimed and injured because of this Bush Cabal....

:cry:

[Just Me]

71. He cried,...we've all cried,...

,..we've all talked about, "talked about" the possibilities and miracles and all the ways and means of "saving" him from the inevitable. We are embroiled in the economic survival through this shit. :cry:

:grr: I HATE these bastards who squeeze the rest of us into such positions,...THEY STEEL OUR FREEDOM!!!! *fuckers*

[many a good man]

67. n/t, just one big

:grouphug:

[Just Me]

68. Here's what we have to do,....connect with each other and embrace,...

,...these soldiers who are casualties of the BushCO/neoCON power-mongering cabal.

I am centered, now, as a result of a fellow DUer's power to risk reaching out to me. We must reject the influence of a few bastards against our capacity to be united human interests. We MUST refuse to allow a few assholes ruin our common causes towards freedom to actuate justice, equality and peace.

[jillan]

72. what did you say to him???

I always find it hard to find the right words at times like those.

About your brother - does he feel about Bush and the war like you / i do?

I heard that they can get email over there. When he's over there, you'll have to post his email so we can all give him support


:hug:

[Just Me]

77. I was shocked. I met his eyes,....but, I froze.

:cry:

I'll find him. I've made up my mind to make it my mission to be that young man's best friend. He impacted me,...in such a way. My turn to impact him.

[Carla in Ca]

78. Just Me, I think that is a great idea

Go find him and give him a hug...from all of us.
I'm so, so sorry.

[Stephanie]

74. Horrifying

I am so sorry. Made me cry. So sorry!

Your brother doesn't have to go. He can go to jail instead. Or Mexico. Or somewhere. That is what I would tell my brother if he was suckered into an illegal war based on lies.

Oh that poor, poor baby nineteen years old!

[kitkat65]

79. This isn't meant to make you feel worse but this image really gets me

B*** war crimes don't just affect the Iraqis. They've caused the murderand maiming of our own sons and daughters.

[w8liftinglady]

87. That picture gets to me,too

http://www.thememoryhole.org/war/wounded/gallery.htm
This site has a whole slew of brave soldiers who have been injured.I hate to go there in a way,but it keeps my resolve strong.

[katinmn]

90. I'm so sorry for these guys

:cry:

I'm so sorry for the Iraqis, too. We're killing and maiming their babies and their young and old EVERY DAY. For years without end.
:cry: :cry:

[w8liftinglady]

100. someone asked me if I hated the Iraqis...

because they were out to get the American soldiers(my son is one)...and I replied that not only did I not hate them,I felt sorry for them,because they have suffered a lot more than any of us because of this sham war.

[rumpel]

81. I hope we can put an end to this insane war soon. Hang in there.

[PittLib]

84. I sort of understand how you feel ...

I attended a wedding a few months back where one of the groomsmen was being shipped off the following day. He was a child ... sweet faced and innocent. Later while at a party in the hotel, I kept having flashes of the injuries that a hometown soldier sustained and mentally superimposed them on this kid ... I couldn't handle it. Everyone was celebrating and I just wanted to cry. I wanted to scream at him for enlisting, and hide him away. It was an incredibly unsettling experience. That being said, just keep perspective... I don't quite know how to phrase it better. It is very scary, but don't drive yourself crazy with the potentials, Just Me ... you have good karmic back-up on this one. :hug:

[JackDragna]

85. The truly infuriating thing about cases like this young man..

..is how we never see them in the media. All people can do is talk about how the casualties aren't "as bad as Vietnam." Bullshit. Our medical tech may be keeping soldiers alive, but no one comes home completely healthy after being shot by an automatic rifle or being in a jeep that takes a mortar hit. We have many thousand soldiers whose lives are ruined forever by their wounds.

Bush is a criminal. Period.

[w8liftinglady]

106. That's why I've added this picture to my sig line

You don't see our soldiers like this.Maybe there would be more uproar if we were shown these pictures more openly.

[ngGale]

86. I'm so, so sorry...

:cry: not sure what I can say except, I'm really sorry. I lost three in Vietnam, Iraq has brought up the demons. My husband had surgery after he returned from Vietnam. He was an NCO and had a semi-private room, but to get there I had to walk through a ward. I'm not sure how many young men were in there - it was full, just the smell and their broken and maimed bodies. All the while I kept thinking, what for and why...to this day I can't forget them. It is a shock to see the reality of war and our media just filter's them out without giving them the respect they deserve.:cry:

It's okay to cry, it's okay to be angry. You have all of us, we will be here for you. :hug:

For your brother, may he be safe.

:grouphug:

[Just Me]

91. Thanks, everyone,....

,...especially BHN :hi:

My eyes are a bit swollen; but, I've got my sleeves rolled back up and my gloves on, ready to fight, fight, fight!!!

I love this community!!! :hug:

[BeHereNow]

99. I love you too-

WE are IN THIS together!
And I love this community too-
Give your fur baby a big ole snoot kiss from
Auntie BHN...
:hug:
BHN
PS: Helping you helps me you know...
The feeling is mutual- you helped me too.

[oxbow]

93. Invite him over to talk with your family, especially your brother

perhaps looking this poor guy in what's left of his face will bring about an epiphany in your bro. He must realize what he's really signing up for.

[Obamarama]

95. How did you know he was an Iraqi war veteran?

I'm not doubting you...I'm just wondering what about him made it evident that he recieved his injuries in Iraq since you mention you didn't speak to him.

If/when you do connect with him, be sure to let him know we're all outraged that this ever had to happen to him.

[newswolf56]

97. I can add nothing to this thread except my support:

may whatever you believe in be your true comfort -- the protection of your brother from all harm, and the healing consolation of friendship to that one-armed man with half a face.

(I was a soldier once myself, a long time ago.)

[Freedomfried]

101. Crying smilies detract from the message

Are they really necessary?

[BeHereNow]

102. Gee FF, your compassion is overwhelming...

Your critique of the poster's choice to
express her sorrow with graphics detracts from
your credibility as a compassionate person.
BHN

[Freedomfried]

103. No, I just think they're silly.

Silly, unnecessary embellishments on a deadly serious topic, sorry if you're offended.

[BeHereNow]

104. Well, you are entitled to your opinion-

If they bother you to the point that you feel compelled
to voice your opinion as such- so be it.
I would seriously doubt that anyone else on this
thread shares your view, however, it is YOUR view
and you have every right to share it.
I just don't happen to think it matters to the majority of us.
WE understood the seriousness of the original post-
the graphics are irrelevant to us.
Welcome to DU, by the way-
BHN

[w8liftinglady]

105. this may be more effective..

my new sig picture-it gets the point across.

[Freedomfried]

107. Your are absolutely right

That IS more effective, and that DOES get the point across.

This bullshit war would end real quick if that kind of imagery was shown in the mainstream media on a regular basis.

Why isn't it?

[Ladyhawk]

108. I'm sorry, Just Me.

This whole thing is a nightmare. I hope that America wakes up in time to save some lives. Your brother isn't much younger than I am...what they hell are they doing sending him over there? I hope he's in good shape.

:hug:

Again, I'm sorry.