Something to really wreck your day:

[hedgehog]

Warning, this story is heartbreaking. I post it here only because I think we all need to stand witness.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123898317

[Robb]

1. Well done story.

I'm not sure the motivation behind folks unreccing this, but I lost understanding for rec and unrec some time ago.

Well worth the read. Actually, several news outfits have had some exceptionally good writers along with soldiers in Marjah. Some good writing coming out of it.

To not see these stories is to be blind.

[hedgehog]

2. I'm not sure who edited the tape, but my heart just stopped

when I heard all the calls for a Corpsman followed by Ms. Nelson's soft statement "he's dead."

The transcript really doesn't have the impact of the actual broadcast.

[timtom]

3. Why on earth are they in Afghanistan?

What the hell are they doing there? I am sorry for the Lance Corporal's demise, but...

What are they doing screwing around in someone else's country?

It must all stop.

[hedgehog]

4. As I was listening to the story, hearing the sound of our gun fire,

I had to ask myself what it was costing us to kill each enemy soldier. I mean, setting everything else aside, what is it costing us for each individual Taliban casualty? Is going over there and killing Taliban supporters the best way we can spend our money to defend ourselves? What are we spending on inspecting incoming cargo at our sea ports, for example?

Then, came the description of the Lance Corporal's death.....


Why are they there? Because they volunteered to defend us, and we sent them there.

[timtom]

6. If they are over in Iraq or Afghanistan

they aren't defending America. And that's what makes that death, and all others like it, so tragic.

[hedgehog]

7. I think I agree with you there. The problem is that once you sign up,

you go where you are sent.

Purely from a rational point of view, we're spending a small fortune for every person we kill. There's got to be a better way.

[timtom]

8. I certainly agree with you there.

I joined the USMC in 1962. It had nothing to do with fighting Communism. When I went to Vietnam in 1965, I was under no illusion that I was fighting for Democracy.

But, I had no qualms about going. I was under a contract I had eagerly signed.

Had I waited a few years, I wouldn't have enlisted (though they were drafting by the time I got out.)

[Obamanaut]

10. I know what you mean. I went to basic in 1960, not because of a sense

of patriotism, but economics and poor planning.

We were poor, I thought there was no chance of college in my future, so I did not prepare myself for college in high school. Went to basic four days after graduation.

I stayed for 28 years, did get the college, enjoyed the job I had in the Navy (working on aircraft), but there are times when I wonder if things could have worked out on a different road.

[timtom]

11. We're apparently the same age.

But, oh brother, am I ever boot to you.

[hedgehog]

5. More -

?t=1266614438

[timtom]

9. Nato airstrike kills 27 civilians in Afghanistan

Hedgehog, your heart is in the right place but please consider the following:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/afghanistan/article7035978.ece

Nato airstrike kills 27 civilians in Afghanistan