I know where you are coming from. When I heard about Bush wanting to go to war, I was 100% un-convinced it was the right thing to do. I hear what you are saying when you say we need to get out of there. While I do think we continually lose American lives for a war that was once needless, we are stuck now. We are stuck there and running out of Iraq is only going to make it an absolute breeding ground for groups like Al-Qaeda.
I know how real the emotions are for you. My father was shot (four times) and almost died in another country's civil war. I know what it is like to almost lose someone. It is incredibly painful to think that someone you love or are close to (or that any American) is dieing for something you don't believe in. I get it. I know the emotions, I have dealt with them every day.
But please stay away from the recruitment centers. Please leave your nasty looks for my husband in uniform at home. If you want to protest, understand what you are protesting. Stand in front of the State House, in front of the U.S. Capitol building, protest by sending letters to congress. Leave the brave men and women alone who joined the military to protect this country. They joined because they felt a sense of duty and love for their country, not necessarily for Bush or for this war. They are doing what they are told to do, because that is their job. If people in the military started questioning their orders it would not be an efficient organization; America would not be the greatest country and world power. Instead, we would be a chaotic mess.
Protesters, realize the military men and women have families and we are proud of them. For everything they do. Even if we don't all agree with the war, we support our husbands, wives, children, fathers and mothers. The next time you grab a picket sign, a protesting T-shirt or button, try to remember we are all Americans and we all have jobs to do. These people are giving up the ultimate sacrifice and whether you believe in the reason, they deserve your respect.
Thank you in advance for your consideration and respect.
Sincerely,
Lisa Spinelli-White
