800 americans in 11 minutes

[expat]

I was just watching 60 minutes with Andy Rooney.

They showed pictures for 11 minutes of 800 American soldiers who have died in Iraq.

It brings tears to my eyes to see so many fine people gone.

God bless you guys!

Whatever the politics of the situation I stand in awe of America's resolute stand. These guys are/were there because their country told them too. That's an ultimate sacrifice and one for which I appreciate the intent as a non-American who benefits from the free society we have today. Things could be a lot worse if the west and east allies weren't fighting for the cause.

With the passing of Memorial Day I wish to publicly thank all those who have fought in wars to give me what I have today. Love too to my dad who fought in WW2, was shot down seven times in Lancaster bombers while serving as a tail gunner for the RAAF.

War is terrible, and a price is paid, but I honor you all who serve.

Later.

Mark

[RickM]

Great post, Mark. With all the stateside bickering many lose sight of what's really going on. We have to stand behind our troops.

[lendaddy]

Truely amazing people, I stand in awe of their commitment.

[kach22i]

I could not watch it without little tears forming in the corners of my eyes- the waste of war.

It's best to remember that they are doing their jobs, following orders and the politics is here back home.

All races, religions, age groups, political leanings, each gender and I suppose despite regulations sexual orientations were represented in the tally.

Loss is loss; victory is victory for us all, not for just some Americans and not others.

I watched another special over the weekend, it was John Glen or Chuck Yeager who said something like; One thing people who have not gone to war don't realize is that there is no morality in war.

[singpilot]

I believe he also said (if it was John Glenn) that people who have never been to war do not realize the horror of war.

I kept thinking thru that 11 minutes that each of those pictures represented a family that will forever be changed. In much the same way each of us will forever be changed after 9/11.

[techweenie]

Even though Lendaddy points out that these people would have died on the freeway, anyway, I found it impossible to watch -- and impossible not to watch.

So many young lives ended. It seems stupid to talk about millions of dollars measured up against the potential and reality of these lives.

The toughest ones to see were the photos of soldiers holding their kids.

[lendaddy]

"Even though Lendaddy points out that these people would have died on the freeway, anyway"

In the future I ask that you don't misquote me, either in actual text or context. You've done both here, Thanks.

[techweenie]

lendaddy:

"There are about 42,815 highway deaths and 2.92 million crash-related injuries per year. (per; National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Gee, 42,815 highway deaths, and they were expended for what?"

That's the direct quote in the context of asking about the worth of wasting 800 American lives on an unnecessary war.

If you don't think you were equating solders' deaths with highway deaths, (and later, soccer fans' deaths) then you may want to reconsider how you expressed it.

[Superman]

Salute. You all probably know that I separate the political debate from the "support our troops" thing. I think it is imperative that we have the public policy and foreign policy debate. That's American.

But what's also American is bravery, commitment and sacrifice. In generous helpings. Paraphrasing Abraham Lincoln, those 800 men and women gave the last full measure of devotion. It is hard to understand and yet a brute, obvious fact, that certain young men and women are prepared to give (paraphrasing Eastwood) all they've got, and all they're ever going to have, to protect their nation.

In this high-tech day and age, I think it's important to understand that America will always be a sleeping (or awake) giant not because of our technology or money or resources.....but because we know what we have here in America, and we know it is what every thinking man in history has wanted. And we know it is worth fighting and dying for, and we are prepared to do those things. We are eager to do those things.

My father served in WWII and the Korean War, my uncle was killed over Korea. My most sincere gratitude goes to our people in uniform, and my most solemn respect goes to those brave soldiers and sailors whose lives were cut short because of their commitment, dedication and loyalty to our nation. Support our troops? Damn right!

[lendaddy]

Again, Stop! That is not my quote it was Island. Even then you are taking the context so wrong it hurts. Show me the outrage you've expressed at soccer deaths. Well then it would stand to reason it is not the actual deaths that have you so upset, it is the way in which they occured. I for one see great value in what these men and women have died for, you apparently do not

[Moneyguy1]

I really do not understand what the debate is about. If an individual dies in the "line of duty", it is tragic. If a person dies because of an accident, it is also tragic. No matter the cause, there are generally left behind others who grieve.

Possibly one difference is that one risks life knowingly in a theatre of war, but not on a highway or a stadium.

To ask the value of a human life is pointless; it depends on the closeness of the relationship. Life is not measured simply in dollars.

[azasadny]

When I was in the first Gulf War, I received alot of mail from people I didn't know. Many of them disagreed with us being in Saudia Arabia and Kuwait, but they supported us. They recognized that the troops don't make policy, just do their jobs the best they can and try to survive. I respect the fact that some disagreed with our government's policies, but they didn't take it out on me or blame me for what was happening. War is hell, but it's even worse when the folks at home don't support you or treat you poorly, like what happened to so many Vietnam veterans.

I don't agree with our government's actions and policies in Iraq but I respect and honor our troops every chance I get. One of my relatives (Holly McGeough) was killed in Iraq and it was very hard on her immediate family (I'm a 2nd cousin) but the locals here in SE Michigan really rallied around her family and supported them, which helps!

[kach22i]

Originally posted by techweenie
lendaddy:
"There are about 42,815 highway deaths and 2.92 million crash-related injuries per year. (per; National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

I don't know if lendaddy originally said this, but it is true. I have read that nearly as many people died on our roads in the 60's and 70's each year, as all the US people during the entire Vietnam war.

It's about perspective.

I conclude that cars should be made much safer, or we just try to drive less.............anything is better than the situation we are in now.

Found where you guys had the argument:

The actual cost of this war.