INDCJournal: SPIRIT OF AMERICA: The Real Shock and Awe Are These Men

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April 23, 2004

SPIRIT OF AMERICA: The Real Shock and Awe Are These Men

Posted by Bill

For day three of the Spirit of America pledge drive, I'm going to bring this tribute to the top. Please read it, and when you are finished, please take the time to donate.

My God, we live in a bubble. Worlds away from the very worst corners of the earth, we're ensconced in a nice, warm cocoon. The majority of Americans living below the poverty line drive automobiles, own televisions and have air-conditioning; our middle class lives in a society so luxurious and politically stable that it might as well be another planet.

So how is it that we produce individuals like these? These guys that are willing to crawl on their belly and watch their friends get ripped up, yet resolutely press the attack against a bunch of bloodthirsty maniacs?

The news from Iraq has been so relentless yet muddled that I can't even distinguish a clear narrative from the situation. But at least once a day, usually when I hear about the highly professional cordon-and-destroy operations in Fallujah, or any of the casualty reports, I get hit with a wave of emotion that cuts straight through the clutter.

First comes sadness about the loss of guys that come from this country; men that made the choice to die in the dirt in some backwater shithole like Iraq. My mind tells me that these losses are acceptable and part of the bargain that we strike to build a better society, but my heart feels pain and guilt about the brutality of what they face. I'm not sure that the average American even partially grasps what it must be like to defy modern weapons: high explosives, automatic gunfire, grenades, little pieces of metal shrapnel flying through the air, all of it possessing the ability to effortlessly pass through fragile human flesh to horrible effect. I can't fathom how anyone can carry themselves in such an environment. And it fills me with grief to think that these guys who were raised in the same bubble that I was, with largely the same opportunities, are getting killed and maimed by the dozens.

Which is the point at which the next emotion comes in: pride. Tremendous, jingoistic, unadulterated pride. People of my generation haven't exactly embraced unironic heroes, the type of folks worshipped for larger than life deeds - but now we should take the opportunity. All politics aside - everyone should be amazed by Americans that choose to fight and die, and comport themselves with more compassion and efficiency than any other armed force on earth. It's so historically odd how modern America has been brainwashed out of equating patriotism with any jingoism; how we have transitioned from a society that celebrates warriors into one that doesn't quite know what to make of them. It may be different in fly-over country, but I could easily walk into any bar or office in DC and find a significant number of people that look at the actions of our war-fighters with disinterest, distaste or outright scorn. There's a Kos around every corner.

But I can't fathom any of that. I'm simply blown away by the men and women that are fighting over there. They animate cliched sentiments that hibernate in times of peace and irony; they give us the gift of something nearly pure to venerate. Support them. Support their sacrifice. Support their mission by talking about them, by talking with friends about the war, by trying to reason with those that don't understand how vital their mission is and think that their sacrifices are a waste. The true test of a successful society is in the strength of its defenders and how its citizenry rises to the challenges to its existence. The military has the first element covered; the second part of the bargain is our role in the fight. Blog, write, discuss, argue; struggle to nurture this pride in our warriors and maintain the popular support needed to finish this job. Because if we leave Iraq before the mission is done, we devalue the dead and shame ourselves.

They make us proud; let's return the favor.

Need more details about Spirit of America? Read this. Does anger motivate you more than pride? Read this. Don't let these guys down - donate to help the Marines today!

UPDATE: Never try to "Out-Bill Whittle" Bill Whittle.

Posted by Bill at April 23, 2004 08:15 AM | TrackBack (4)

Comments

Kerry says that he supports our troops. I wretch every time I hear that. The last Democrat to support our troops was Truman. At least he had the sense to go for the 'big win.'

There is no greater role model for the youth of America than the servicemen and those who support them.

Posted by: El Jefe at April 9, 2004 09:24 AM

I don't know ... I thought your tribute to these fine young warriors was both eloquent and apt.

I too am blown away by them. They are truely the best and the brightest. They represent the greatness of America and the spirit of its people.

They're amazing and I grieve for each one lost. But its important we finish what they've begun, if for nothing else than to ensure their deaths contributed to a better and safer world. It'll be their sacrifice which ensures our children and grandchildren have the chance to grow up in a safer and more peaceful world.

And for that I am eternally gratedful to them all.

Posted by: McQ at April 10, 2004 04:46 PM

Hi Bill,

Donated some cash myself (go Liberty Alliance!) Got inspired and put up a picture essay using war posters. Good luck with the fund raising!

You know, I think we all keep forgetting that Fallujah is where Baathists had it good. It'd be like an uprising in Tikrit, Hussein's hometown.

To quote Kerry quoting Bush - Bring it on.

Posted by: Tony at April 23, 2004 08:27 PM