And that is? Definately not freedom, democracy.

This really scares me, you all.

They're over there because they're trying to protect our interests. Now, if you're a cynic, you will say that our interest is solely oil. If you're like me, you'll say our interest is in keeping the US safe by quashing those who would harm us. Most likely, it's a little of both.

One thing I can tell you without reservation though, is that those men and women are not over there because of the magnificant paychecks, the fact that they desire some time away from their loved ones or because they have nothing better to do :)

I heard the same thing in 1991, and again when we went to Afghanistan.

Not likely...just simple hysteria.

Well my cousin who just got married and is in the Army Rangers is not able to tell any family where he is, that makes me more nervous.

As for my friend, Eric, he is a marine reservist and he is so scared and nervous. Yes he joined to get money for school and because there was no chance of his unit being activated unless war broke out (this was in 1997 when we were still ignorant to all that was really going on). SO he never anticipated going to war, or being in harms way.

He has to be at Fort Knox at 3AM friday and they are being put on a ship in North Carolina Saturday sometime with no destination point being given. I am so afraid. This is my best guy friend, period!

AAACCKK!

I definately have to agree with KillarneyRose. Saddam is a scary guy, and capable of doing terrible things.

Can someone please fill me in on what is going on with N. Korea? So far I know they want to [or have already] back out of a no-nuclear-weapons deal. Also the possibility they might have smallpox?! Why are they getting all rowled up all of a sudden? :confused:

I am confused. Why don't we go after bin Laden before trying to take on Iraq. And why is North Korea doing this? And China said they would stand by North Korea. A lot of people have predicted that it would one day take both Russia and the United States together to defeat China. I hope we do not use nuclear weopons.

I am in Hopes That George W. isnt just trying to show George H that he is as tuff!

There is a lot at stake here in many more ways than one thinks!

Bad Economic times, lets go to war.

Gas has fallen in the last two days at the pipe lines, this I know for a fact.

Is it about oil, or who will rule!

How many times have OUR Politicians help put in a new ruling Government to only have it come back to haunt us!

I detest to see so many of our citizen Soldiers being taken away from their Familys and Jobs to support them with.

This whole damn problem should have been taken care of under George H when there was a reason!

All I can say is God Bless OUR MEN/WOMEN in the armed Forces.

God Bless Us All!:)

NO DAAM War is easy, and yes, watch the North Koreans!

They are very unpredictable in their thinking of the Western Areas.

I don't think that Bush naming North Korea to the "axis of evil" has given him any credibility to deal with the current situation. (at that time they were just being isolationist and not bothering anybody) As for Iraq I am glad that Canada has not agreed to send troops (yet) and are waiting for the outcome of the United Nations probe into the weapons of Mass Destruction. It seems to me that war has always been inevitable, regardless of whether Iraq has done anything. Can you name anything over the past year, or 2 years for that matter, that Saddam Hussain has done to bring about the massing of over 100 000 troops? I can't, as far as i can see he has complied with every request (demand) that the international community has placed on him. So far the UN has found no evidence of WMD, but that hasn't stopped the western worlds war rethoric. Seems as though there is probably a lot more at work here than what is being reported in the mass media.

Oh wow, you must read that weekly magazine "Bullshit".

"(at that time they were just being isolationist and not bothering anybody) "

Thanks for this blessed view you have provided. Too bad it's wrong. N. Korea has been developing nuclear arms for quite a while now. They have had them already and are increasing their arsenal. The question on how to respond to the rogure threat of N. Korea is an extremely complicated one that doesn't get solved by basic statements such as "axis of evil = nuclear proliferation". N. Korea was actually doing a whole lot worse under the Clinton administration and has never simply been isolationist as you claim.

"As for Iraq I am glad that Canada has not agreed to send troops (yet) and are waiting for the outcome of the United Nations probe into the weapons of Mass Destruction. "

I'm glad too. That Canadian military can at best be put to use keeping Quebec in check. Now you also say you're waiting for the UN declaration (which by the way is going to state Iraq is a serious violator), but somehow you're already passing along your judgement that the opposite is occuring.

"Can you name anything over the past year, or 2 years for that matter, that Saddam Hussain has done to bring about the massing of over 100 000 troops? "

Yes, I can. It is called WMD buildup. In fact, Saddam still can't manage to explain where certain weapons are. And if you want to use numbers, here are some better numbers. There are 60,000 there and the final number should be double that.

"I can't, as far as i can see he has complied with every request (demand) that the international community has placed on him. So far the UN has found no evidence of WMD,"

No actually he hasn't. The UN has found evidence that Saddam's reports on his weaponry are FALSE. It will be declaring that within the next week (http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=GV0JZYGHFEVLKCRBAEOCFFA?type=topNews&s toryID=2013364).




Now this thread was about people wishing the best for their American friends, family, and acquaintances that are being put in danger at this time in an effort to support them. I do not see how your post applies here. If you really feel like pushing your luck, open one of the previous threads on Iraq and do your talking there spud.

-Rudey
--Hoping for an eventual peace

A bit of a hostile reply lol.

North Korea is probably a larger threat overall and its hard to say what ALL the reasons are they we are pushing so hard for war against Iraq.

Its obvious to the world that we crave war. I don't have all the facts so I will reserve judgement on the whole idea.

Going to war against Iraq would be a hell of a lot easier than going to war against North Korea.

I technologically developed nation with massive logistical capabilities can't ask for anything better than waging war ina relatively flat desert lol.

ITs almost perfect terrain for both armor and air power.

Fighting a war against a relatively modern army ina mountainous country like North Korea would be much less fun and would really strain the American People as KIA's started increasing.

My brother is leaving this week--not sure when, he can't exactly tell anyone where--although we have our guesses (he was in Desert Storm also), he is packed, had his shots and his waiting for the call.
He already has his orders--they are for 6 months.
He and his wife have a 9 month old baby and will miss her first bday.
We email every morning--and this week has been tough. I sit at the computer at work and each new mail alert--I pray it is him!! If it is him--that means he is still home. And although I am relieved to see email from him--until I read it I am worried that he is telling me he is leaving!!

:( :( :( Wendi:( :( :(

One of my close guy friends from high school gave me a random call about a month and a half ago. He signed up for the Navy after he graduated and we tried to keep in touch. Anyway, when he called me a month & a half ago, he was telling me how something ALWAYS happens when he's supposed to go on 'leave' to spend time with his family.

The first time it happened was after the 9-11 attacks. he was supposed to go on leave a week after that, but for obvious reasons he couldn't. And when he called me he said he was supposed to be on leave for the holidays, but was told he couldn't because of something coming up.

At the time I didn't pay much attention to the news.. so I asked him what could POSSIBLY come up? And his response? "Haven't you been watching the news?" He couldn't say where he was going or where he was leaving, which really made me sad. But I hope all things turn out ok

I can't stand the fact that my younger brother and sister will have to see this on the news every night. I just remember watching the flashing green lights during Desert Storm. My prayers go out to all the troops and their families!:(

our interests?

well, we can argue the semantics of the thing later, but that goes nowhere




Anyway, I'll defer to those who study this actively (read Rudey's posts, etc) . . . but honestly, the reserves being called up have earned every prayer, thought, etc you can give them, b/c for the most part these aren't professional soldiers, not at all. They are regular people, taking a very honorable path to increased benefits and a better life.

As far as "North Korea vs Iraq" - what a ridiculous debate, both have shown that they can (and will, apparently) cause chaos for no real reason. If you don't think Iraq is a real threat, though, go back to 1991 and read some papers . . .