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The
War in Iraq
July 5th 2005
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Abu Graid |
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There are no truths or constants in
war except for one: hate. This one truth, illustrated
throughout history has conveyed one idea: hate breeds; and Vietnam
and its aftermath are an example. The brutality men fell subject to
and were a part of is something ingrained into the soul of this
country; a scar that cannot be healed. The ignorance of citizens who
treated soldiers like savages and the nation that shunned them is a
wound that has congealed over and one that still lingers in the
hearts of these men.
A widely opposed war, it is argued that Vietnam could have been
prevented. Many labeled it a needless bloodshed and cast their
downward glances upon the soldiers who fought it. Yet it was not
these men who decided to fight.
It was not the 18-year old boys,
fresh from high school and still terrified of death who wanted to
kill. The blame for this war was improperly placed and the
consequence of this is an entire generation that is still bitter and
hostile.
America is again in danger of this. The war in
Iraq is a point of controversy, like Vietnam. Whether simply a
“ploy” for cheaper oil, or truly to further democracy and its
ideals, you can hate the war. It does not matter why it is being
fought necessarily, but simply that it is. People are dying,
whether it is because of a price or a belief. Either way, it is
equally disgusting and countless will be killed in abhorrent and
unimaginable ways.
War begins because of hate, and usually does not
end because of love or any similar emotion. It ends because of
exhaustion, of death, and of the simple desire to be done. When it
is over, some will be angry. Then they will hate. Then you are left
with an awkward, callous people who will not accept the past.
America needs to prevent this with Iraq. You can hate and speak out
against the war all you want. Everyone is allowed the 1st Amendment
and to orderly protest. Burn a flag, yell, scream. But do it to the
right people. Do not torment the already besieged men and women who
are coming home because they finally can. Don’t attack them anymore.
They’ve had two years worth of that.
This is not to say America is a glorified country who now may bask
in her magnificence and simply bestow her greatness upon lesser
lands. This is simply to state that more hate will do no good. It
will not stop the war or erase what has happened. It will only
instill a stronger revulsion for these soldiers. Hate the idea, not
those who supported it.
By
Molly McHugh
Molly is a freelance writer
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