War Talk

First off the latest from some one in the Gulf.

From: Big Dave
Subject: lowly soldier
Message

Well, I was “coerced” into turning my packet in here…Kuwait. Great. They yanked my security clearance and put me to work as the head count at the chow hall. 3,000 something for lunch today. My hours are shorter, so I have more time for exercise and stuff like that. I don’t have as much computer time, but I have enough to converse with you guys a little.

My mom sent a bunch of stuff today. I gathered up all the excess goodies I’ve slowly collected (and since my greedy coworkers don’t need any of it), I gave it to some Marines who where staying in BFE. They were stoked.

I have no clue what is going on in the war now. Kind of glad. I’m reading some books and the psychiatrist recommended I get counselling to deal with the “tragedies” I’ve been seeing and hearing at work. Whatever. I just need to get out of this army. It’s a giant machine that can only be stopped by the government that is running it.

People in my unit won’t look at me or they give me the evil eye. I don’t think any of them took it seriously until I turned the packet in. I’m being rushed through so far, but we’ll see what happens later. Pentagon has to approve last.

Big Dave

I think this campaign in Iraq is wrong and things like the Americans saying it’s not their responsibility to stop the looting only confirms my opinions. Sadaam Hussein may have been a bad leader in some ways but at least he managed to maintain law and order, something that the American’s don’t have a fantastic record of in their own country let alone in a foreign one. They’ve removed the stabilising element from the country so in my opinion they should be responsible for ensuring a safe city until a new government can be established. Now call me a cynic but the fact that it will probably be American multi-national firms that get the contracts to re-fit all the pillaged hospitals and generally help ‘rebuild’ Iraq, thus boosting a slowing US economy, may play a rather large factor in the whole thing.

Another week in the bike shop has ended and I’m planning a ride for tomorrow. North Wales seems to be off as Ben has chickened out something about being really tired and having to work a seven-day week next week. So it’s off to the Peaks for meâ€¦