Constant death lists dishonor dead, victories deserve recognition

Written by Brandon on March 22, 2007 – 2:37 pm -

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Via Professor McAdam’s blog, we read about the Marquette University College Democrats recent war vigil(this past Tuesday):

This afternoon, at 6:00 p.m. in the Westown Square, the College Democrats will be having a vigil to honor the soldiers who have been killed in Iraq.

The proceedings will consist of a prayer, and the reading of the names of those who have lost their lives in the four years of the war.

We have heard about these types of vigils occurring all over the country. Indeed, it is very important that we remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we enjoy every day. However, I think it’s time for these events to begin to focus not just on the sacrifice but, on what all those brave men and women sacrificed their lives for.

Why not hold a similar vigil thanking the families of the dead along with our Creator for all the things that have been accomplished. Due largely to media bias and mere lack of sensationalism, all the hard fought progress we have made has been largely ignored. Let’s read a list like the one below to all who will listen, thank the dead for their sacrifice and the living for their continued commitment to the noble cause of freedom here and throughout the world. (The White House)

On The Fourth Anniversary Of The Beginning Of Operation Iraqi Freedom, The Regime Of A Brutal Dictator Has Been Replaced By A Democratically Elected Government Operating Under One Of The Most Progressive Constitutions In The Arab World. While there is much work to be done, there are encouraging signs of progress.

Achieving Our Goals Will Require Patience And Determination

Iraqi Security Forces Are Stepping Up To Take Control Of Their Country’s Security. Iraqi Security Forces continue to gain strength and are fighting alongside Coalition forces. Their commitment and sacrifice are real: Casualty levels for Iraqi Security Forces are now higher than for Coalition forces.

* Iraq is now operating 9 National Police brigades and 31 Iraqi Army brigades, meaning almost 329,000 Iraqi Security Force members are now risking their lives to secure their country and allow political progress to continue.
* 9 of Iraq’s 10 Army divisions are taking the lead in their areas of operation.
* 3 of Iraq’s 18 provinces have acquired full responsibility for their own security.
* Iraqi-planned, Iraqi-conducted, and, most important of all, Iraqi-led missions continue throughout Iraq.

Iraqis Are Beginning To Meet Benchmarks To Achieve Political Reconciliation.

* In February 2007, Iraq’s Council of Ministers approved a national hydrocarbon law that provides for an equitable distribution of oil revenues throughout the country. It now needs to be approved by the Council of Representatives and then implemented.
* Last month, the Iraqi government also approved a $41 billion budget that includes $10 billion for reconstruction and capital investment and $7.3 billion for development of Iraqi Security Forces and security related expenses.
* Iraq’s leaders must meet the other pledges they have made. These include:

1) Narrowing the limitations of the de-Baathification law;
2) Establishing the framework and setting a date for provincial elections; and
3) Continuing to pursue the constitutional review process: The Constitutional Review Committee, with representation from all major political blocs and technical assistance from the United Nations, is now working and is likely to present potential amendments to parliament in the next two months.

On March 12, 2007, Iraq Convened A Regional Conference Of Thirteen Nations, Including Neighboring Countries And The U.S., As Well As The United Nations, The Islamic Conference, And The Arab League. Conference attendees discussed issues of common concern regarding Iraq and agreed to form working groups on border security, fuel imports, and refugees. They plan to hold another regional meeting at the ministerial level in April, which U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will attend.

On July 27, 2006, Iraq And The UN Announced The Formal Launch Of The International Compact With Iraq. This Compact, jointly shared by the Government of Iraq and the United Nations, with the support of the World Bank, will bring together the international community and multilateral organizations over five years to help Iraq implement key reforms and grow fully integrated into the international economic community.

* On March 16, 2007, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon Urged Representatives From Over 90 Countries To Back The Compact. Representatives at this meeting closed the text of the Compact and are now moving on to the formal signing and implementation stage.

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Posted in Beyond the Facade, College Republican Blog Alliance, Ministry of Strategery, The Warrior Within |

2 Comments to “Constant death lists dishonor dead, victories deserve recognition”

  1. Judith Cavell Says:
    March 22nd, 2007 at 4:09 pm

    Words dishonor no one but their speaker, and even then only if the words are untrue.

    If I accuse someone of treason and he is not, in fact, traitorous, then I have dishonored myself by speaking falsely. If, however, I accuse someone of treason and he is actually a traitor, he has dishonored himself by acting falsely.

    Those who say that people have died are dishonoring nobody. It is no dishonor to speak the truth.

  2. Judith Cavell Says:
    March 22nd, 2007 at 5:03 pm

    Addendum: Furthermore, it is all well and good and commendable to praise the sacrifice of the soldiers, but what have we ourselves sacrificed? If this war is really for the safety and liberty of our country-and, in truth, even if it is not-then each and every true American owes it to his country to personally sacrifice for victory.

    Remember the original connotations of liberal and conservative for a moment. A liberal person was one who gave freely to others in need. A conservative person was one who lived frugally, rather than wasting on luxuries. Both words have been corrupted and twisted by politics, but in wartime it is more important than ever to remember what they originally meant.

    I urge each and every reader and writer here to do their part by carpooling, walking, or taking public transportation. As long as our country is dependent on the Middle Eastern oil which funds the Islamic terrorists, the war in Iraq will continue. And let us all volunteer our time to keep this country great for when the soldiers return. Many charities and people are struggling; we can help them. It is a stain upon our citizenry when we let our children struggle in subpar schools while our brave soldiers build new schools for the children of Iraq. Make time, for just a few hours each week, to read or tutor struggling children. It will make all the difference.

    We are all conservative when we reduce our unnecessary and self-harming consumption, and we are all liberal when we give selflessly of our time and ourselves to the needy. That is the real meaning of bipartisanship and the truest spirit of American citizenship.

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