Saturday, April 10, 2004

In the midst of all the negative media coverage of a very difficult week in Iraq, I feel the need to express my inner most feelings regarding what is transpiring. I am deeply saddened by the daily reports of violence, resulting in the death of additional American Soldiers. The images of their deaths now ingrained in our memories, as we witness first hand the tragedies of war, the carnage and destruction that evil forces, with no regard for life, can reek on our forces. We are not impervious to death, nor so mighty that we are above the normal human frailties that subject us to injury.

My first thoughts go out to the families of those whose loved ones have paid the ultimate price with the sacrifice of their lives. I wish to console them the only way I can with my words, that although painful the loss of their lives is not for nothing. Our conviction and resolve is not shaken and we will prevail, we must prevail, for there is no other way, but to press forward with determination, for there is much at stake.

As I have said many times this is a crucial moment in world history. We are at the cross roads of a new era in the battle of righteousness over evil. The forces have gathered together in a last ditch effort to destabilize the area, in an effort to prevent our success in freeing a nation, perhaps a region, of people from the evil forces of dictatorship, tyranny, domination, oppression, subjugation, despotism, and repression.

I am appalled at the report that many Americans feel it is time to pull out and return to protect our borders from the evil forces of terrorism. Are we going to allow these forces to win? Are we going to run back with our tail between our legs, only to hide our heads in the sand ignoring these forces that would desire to hold us captive in the cages of our own fears? Do any of you believe they will stop in their resolve and conviction to overthrow us, to dethrone us, to continue through hatred to desire our lives?

Do we have the luxury of isolationism? Is not our very economy tied to this world we live in, interconnected with all other countries? Do we allow these forces to continue to control the hearts and minds of these people, with their daily dose of lies, deceit, hatred, and corruption? Where do we draw the line and say enough is enough? Do we allow these forces to hold the life blood of the world hostage?

What do we tell our fellow Americans already killed by these very forces? What do we tell their families, that we really didn’t believe in what we were doing, we really weren’t committed to the people of the world in insuring that every human being can live in freedom without repression and subjugation? That we really don’t believe in the words of our vary constitution that it is the inalienable right of all men to be free.

I have said all along that the situation in Iraq was going to get worse before it got better.  The pieces of the puzzle were all there, with the forces of evil gathering their supporters daily and strengthening their ranks with insurgents from all over the region. There has been no shortage of money, weapons, corruption and criminals. There is much to be gained by our failure to stabilize Iraq. There are many groups who would benefit in power, position, and wealth, by our departure.

The stage was set by Saddam himself before his regime was toppled, as his supporters, his secret services, his displaced Fedayeen and Ba’ath Party members, and terrorists were given weapons and money and sent out west to wage war against us. They have now found strength in gathering their numbers in the troubled cities of Fallujah and Romadi.

There were many groups displaced by our success in dethroning Saddam, who were part of Saddam’s evil reign, supported and funded by him. There are many groups who took their livelihood from him, rewarded for their own evil acts of repression and domination. Now, with the borders having been opened since the war began, new insurgent forces have arrived from all surrounding countries in an effort to prevent us from accomplishing our goals.  

We must all understand that these small groups do not represent the desires of the majority of the Iraqi people. The silent, less active, majority of Iraqi people, who welcome our presence, are intimidated by these evil forces and live in fear they will be killed if they resist. They know what fear is, having lived with it for thirty or more years under the rule of Saddam. In the past they have allowed them selves to be subjected to these forces, having given up their will to seemingly stronger foes, not willing to take extreme measures to fight against them.

The people at some point must gain confidence in our presence, knowing we are not going to leave them stranded to hopelessly fight against these groups, with out our support. We need to display our conviction in what we feel is the right thing to do, through our continual efforts to fight for the rights of these people.

The real test of our metal is going on right now.

In the past we have not always displayed the required unwavering conviction to stay our course, regardless of the cost. On the contrary we have proven that we will back down, take the easy way out, as we left the Iraqis and the Kurdish people without support during the 90’s.

The people of Iraq will respect us if we move quickly with a firm hand and a big stick, to squelch the violent efforts of these small groups. We must act now, not wavering, to display courage, commitment and resolve, to finish what we have started, not giving in to random acts of terrorism. Our own future is on the line as we, united, stand against the forces of evil that wish to steal our freedoms and control us through fear and trepidation.

This is not a matter of politics. It is easy for anyone, of any political party to criticize and find fault with the strategies of our efforts in Operation Iraqi Freedom, without having to offer up any other options or solutions. What would the opposition have us do? They surely have not been able to present us with any better solutions.

We are involved in a just cause not only for the Iraqi people but for all people of the world who might find themselves in a similar situation, held hostage by those who would use force, fear, and weapons, to oppress and control them. The terrorists of the world must know that we will stand up and fight for our freedoms. Now is the time to set an example, to display to the world our willingness to help those who can’t help themselves.

Chief Wiggles

Doing it the wiggles way