 by Edward S. Banas Sr. May 13, 2004
Certainly, we stumbled at Abu Ghraib, but we have to put it in perspective. It was an aberration and not a reflection of the magnificent work our armed forces perform daily around the world, and the sacrifices made by millions of Americans who served before them. We must all keep our eyes on the real reason we are in Iraq: to win the War on Terrorism. Today, America's credibility and determination to stay the course is being questioned and fought by people who have a vested interest in seeing us fail. We are a nation at war with an enemy with no stated objective other than to strike terror into the hearts and minds of others. And yesterday's terrorist videotape showing the death of a captured American civilian should be understood for what it was - a cunning attempt to project the perception of power where none exists. This is the stock-in- trade of terrorism. The VFW will always support our administration and military men and women, but we condemn any action that violates the Geneva Convention and basic human rights. No investigation or subsequent court martial can right the wrongs that have already been done, but it can send a clear message that America does not condone nor tolerate inhumanity towards fellow man. The American military is the
greatest fighting force the world has ever known. We have fought
and died to banish tyranny and to help those who can't help themselves.
The senseless acts of a few should not tarnish that image. Edward S. Banas Sr.
Note: Edward S. Banas Sr. is a Vietnam
veteran and commander-in-chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars
of the U.S.
and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Sitnews.
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