Iraq War "Officially" Declared Over

No ticker-tape parade, huh?

We're just going to treat these guys as embarrassing relatives simply because some people disagreed with the war?

They say they oppose the policy, but they support the troops.

Okay. Where is the support?

Where is the national expression of gratitude for a long, hard job well done?

There were speeches paying tribute to the fallen, promising that America would not abandon Iraq and warning of challenges ahead. A brass band played, and the flag that had flown over the headquarters of the U.S. mission here was lowered for the last time.

And that was it. No pronouncements of victory, no cheers or jubilation — only a profound sense that the war’s real reckoning is yet to come even as America’s part in it draws to a close.

Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, the sixth and last of the U.S. generals to command U.S. forces in Iraq, addressed the uncertainties when he spoke of the “progress” made and the “opportunities” created for Iraqis to live freely and prosper, without sounding at all sure that they will.

Thanks to the sacrifices of U.S. troops, “the Iraqi people have unprecedented opportunities,” he told the small gathering of American soldiers and dignitaries. “They have the opportunity to make their voices heard through a democratically elected government, the opportunity to live in a peaceful environment.”

I understand the need for a restraint in a commemoration held in Baghdad. One must always be cognizant of Excitable Muslim Syndrome.

But in the US...?

Men fought and died for a goal. Whether or not you agree with that goal, you cannot dispute the heroism these men demonstrated in pursuing that goal.

And yet some do.

Is there no city in America with a mayor who will volunteer a parade and national expression of thanks?

There are a few Republican mayors -- San Diego has one, I think We should begin a movement to pressure them to do what our, ahem, Leader From Behind will not.

If I Have This Right... Occupy layabouts can squat in cities for four months, defecating, raping, and stabbing, but our troops can't occupy a canyon of heroes from 10am to 2 pm?

posted by Ace at 02:11 PM

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