Soccer Dad

30 Years ago and today

Thirty years ago, to John Kerry, American soldiers were "baby killers," rapists, village burners and mass murderers. While there were abuses, it's clear that he wasn't exactly telling the truth. (A number of commentators have noted that some of his testimony includes admissions that he participated in atrocities. That makes him either a liar or a war criminal. Neither is a particularly flattering portrayal for the man who would be president.)
What about American troops nowadays? What are they like? We know of course about the abuse at Abu Graib prison; the media will grab onto anything that makes this country look bad.
Well recently there was "Operation Virtual Pencil" in which American troops provided school supplies to Iraqi children. Here's a photo essay.
In "Task Force Pirate" families of soldiers donated supplies to help an Afghan village.
LGF has a letter from a soldier giving his perspective.
I wish I felt that at this time of war that a challenger would be more likely to praise our troops for the job they are doing in making us safer; especially whent there's ample evidence that America's soldiers are succeeding. Alas it seems that America's military has only been a stepping stone for Sen Kerry. It has been usefull booster to his ambitions. He is seemingly incapable, though, of taking pride in the troops he seeks to command.
I know this last picture doesn't have anything to do with this post. But it is very cool.