Well I suppose I should put in some disclaimers here before I start. Or, maybe not, as this is sure to really push buttons in every direction. Eh…I don’t really care. I have something on my mind and I am going to say it. If it irritates you, makes you outright mad, or causes you to doubt my humanity, or even causes you to doubt my Christianity….again….I don’t really care.
Disclaimer 1. I am a veteran. I am a veteran of combat. I am not some peacenik wearing rose colored glasses. I have a firm grip on the realities of national defense.
Disclaimer 2. I do not oppose military action as sometimes a necessary thing. Some things just matter. Some things matter enough to die for, and to send people to die for.
Disclaimer 3. I am not a politician or a political analyst. My opinions are just my opinions. They might be based on data..or not. They are still mine.
Disclaimer 4. I don’t hate refugees, Syrians, or Muslims.
Anyway, what is my point. Well, as the entire world knows, not only are we bombing ISIS in Syria, but we have sent dozens of special operations types to advise our “allies” in the region on how best to deal with ISIS. Sigh, and off we go again.
Do I oppose military action against ISIS? Nah, not really. Say what you want, or why they exist, or anything else; they are a clear and present threat. If it was me, I would deal with this militarily in quite uncertain terms. Don’t like that? Too bad.
Do I support wholesale military intervention in the Middle East? Nah, not really. A really good case can be made that our meddling has really messed things up already and led to much of the current instability. Disagree with that? Too bad.
Here is the one and ONLY thing I am torqued about. And I really, really, really….REALLY don’t care what any of you think about my opinion on this. Our soldiers, the men and women who serve to protect our freedom deserve a heck of a lot better than they have gotten, are getting now, and are likely to get in the future.
Let’s look at some numbers shall we?
Vietnam-Some 58,000 soldiers killed. The instant we decide it’s not for us any more, we pull out and South Vietnam falls quickly
Iraq/Afghanistan- Some 6700 or so killed. The instant we decide it’s not for us any more, we pull out and the region spirals into chaos.
Now if you were one of those 65,000 or so dead soldiers, what would you think?
Are we off the to races again here? How many lives of soldiers will we toss away to satisfy some politicians desire to look decisive?
If we won’t commit to dealing with this situation in a way that will resolve it, then let’s not waste our time. Our men and women in uniform are willing to die, but let’s not waste that willingness.
Either get in it to win it….or get out. Don’t waste our heroes lives.
Truth in Palmyra 
December 14, 2015 at 18:58
We treat our soldiers terribly and this is only, one way in which they are disregarded. They should get the benefits retired federal politicians get and federal politicians should be traded in for statesmen that do a stint to voluntarily(for little or no pay and no lifetime benefits, this shouldn’t be a money making career), serve their country for one term, or two, no more! Soldiers should have the medical treatment they need and be first in line when it comes to getting a job back at home. THEY SHOULD NEVER BE HOMELESS!
I never care about what people think about what I think and say…I just refuse to argue…;-)
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December 14, 2015 at 19:00
I agree Pam, it is a travesty in so many ways. And I have to plans to argue about this either. It is what it is, I stand behind what I said, and naysayers can get over it LOL. This moment would probably be a bad time to pick a fight with me anyway. 🙂
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December 14, 2015 at 19:01
Wally,
Not having served my country in the armed forces, I don’t feel qualified to comment, yet am compelled to agree with you with respect to your last line. It is clear to me that ISIL is prepared to lay down their lives for their cause. I have no idea if they are capable of being successful, but am convinced they won’t quit until the last one is dead. May God have mercy on us.
Don
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December 14, 2015 at 19:04
Don, you are qualified to comment simply because you are human and probably care. Caring is all the qualification you need.
Yeah…you are right. This is a tough bunch we are attempting to deal with. Scary for sure, and willing to do things to win that we simply don’t understand.
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December 14, 2015 at 19:55
Amen again Wally—
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December 14, 2015 at 20:01
Thank you Julie.
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December 14, 2015 at 20:03
I agree … living next door to Camp Lejeune, Cherry Point, 2 Coast Guard Stations only 90 miles from the Seymour Johnson AFB.
I have a great respect for our military and especially our Wounded Warriors.
They deserve much more, then they will ever receive.
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December 14, 2015 at 20:09
So true Bill we cannot fund care for the wounded ones but come up with the money for every other social program.
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December 14, 2015 at 20:10
You are a blessing, brother.
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December 14, 2015 at 20:18
Thanks brother
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December 14, 2015 at 20:34
I’ll just go through the express lane with one item or less, and say good stuff brother.
Happy holidays Wally, no, i take that back……………..Merry CHRISTmas.
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December 14, 2015 at 20:36
Amen and Merry Christmas back brother. And you never have to count your items at this checkout.
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December 14, 2015 at 21:01
Amen, Wally. One thing that really bothers me is that all our wars Vietnam, Korea, etc, weren’t really wars, they were policing actions. Congress hasn’t formally declared war since WW2. When we don’t formally declare war, our politicians are able to evade responsibility and our country usually remains sharply divided. Consider the difference between the war effort, civilian rations, women working in the shipyards, all things we saw during WW2, versus the civilian protests and congressmen arguing over how they were never really for this when they voted to send troops in. Too much political wrangling and evasion of responsibility.
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December 15, 2015 at 04:25
Absolutely IB. We had the entire national will behind WW II, and a clearly defined goal in mind which we were willing to pursue to the end no matter the cost. Thanks
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December 14, 2015 at 21:21
…and their families. All that, plus their families.
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December 15, 2015 at 04:26
Indeed, the families. In fact, they deal with more than the service members themselves in many cases. Thanks Dawn.
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December 14, 2015 at 21:24
Thank you, Wally, for your service. And thank you for this post, with which I agree 100%. As the wife of a disabled USMC Vietnam combat veteran, I live with the aftermath of war every day.
I am a fan of the 2Cellos, Luka Šulić and Stjepan Hauser, a Croatian cello duo. Earlier today I was browsing through their YouTube videos when I came across their rendition of “They Don’t Care About Us,” a Michael Jackson song. While I am not a Michael Jackson fan, this music video grabbed me by the heart and shook me to the core. It is about war. And, if you watch it to the end….. Whew.
I will attempt to post the video below:
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December 15, 2015 at 04:33
Linda, thanks for that video..wow. I hope some people will watch it. And peace and thanks to your husband as well.
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December 15, 2015 at 20:44
That music makes a good point.
When we think about that music, “They Don’t Care About Us,” it behooves each of us to wonder why. We elect our leaders. Why are we electing people who don’t care about us?
When we vote for any elected official, from the President to a city councilman, we are voting for people who run our military and our police forces. We elect people responsible for our national defense and making our roads safe to use. If we are not electing people we trust, whose fault is that? When we vote, how are we defining how they should care for us? Is it by giving us what belongs to someone else or protecting the rights of our family, friends, and neighbors to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?
When we pick which candidate to vote for, we must think about how we would like this guy to lead us in combat. No joking. We have been lucky for a great many years. Our land has not seen warfare since the Civil War. Yet if we keep electing who don’t care about us, we will see war, up close and personal.
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December 15, 2015 at 20:48
Very nice Tom, thanks. The music made a great point. The end, with the two old rich guys toasting as the blew it all up…wow. That says it all in so many ways.
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December 14, 2015 at 21:24
No argument here, I totally agree with you Wally.
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December 15, 2015 at 04:33
Thanks Terri.
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December 14, 2015 at 22:03
I watched the 2Cellos “They Don’t Care About Us” video again after I posted it here, and… yikes. I can only handle so much doom and gloom, and then I need to lighten up. In John 16:33, Jesus said: “….n the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Amen!
Here is a happy, fun video by the 2Cellos:
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December 15, 2015 at 05:08
Now that one I remember! AC DC on cellos…ha.
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December 15, 2015 at 03:03
If we won’t commit to dealing with this situation in a way that will resolve it, then let’s not waste our time.
Absolutely. If you’re going to do something, do it.
The problem of course is this: the US (especially the right wing) considers itself the world’s policeman. This idea has been rooted in commercialism, not any serious moral or humanitarian endeavour. Because, however, US actions overseas are dressed (sold?) in moral/humanitarian notions the practicalities of US action overseas have often been confused.
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December 15, 2015 at 04:35
Thanks for coming by John.
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December 15, 2015 at 03:34
Amen. 100% with you. When did you served by the way?
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December 15, 2015 at 04:58
Thanks Brother Jim. Ha..old guy here. First Gulf War. That one was easy. You guys that went over the second time had it far worse, so what I said really applies to those folks. I pray we wont waste a bunch of more lives for no discernible objective.
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December 15, 2015 at 05:00
Wow my salute to you Wally.
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December 15, 2015 at 05:06
Back at you friend.
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December 15, 2015 at 07:50
It’s a difficult problem with no easy answers. If they would leave us alone, we probably could leave them alone, but they are at war with us. I agree: we need clear, achievable objectives before we go in, and we need to get the job done and come home again.
Wally, thank you for your service. I have the privilege of working with men and women in uniform on a regular basis, and I have deep respect for the service given to our nation. J.
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December 15, 2015 at 07:58
You captured the essence. I agree action is probably needed but it needs to be clear and achievable and we need to be committed. Great input thanks!
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December 15, 2015 at 10:05
Brother Wally, this was a much needed post and it couldn’t have come from a more worthy source, a veteran yourself! I have not been in the military, I missed out due to health, but I am one American/Christian who supports and prays unceasingly for our veterans.
Brother, you do NOT need to apologize for there is a reason why we have been called “soldiers/warriors” for Christ. We are in a battle of righteousness versus unrighteousness and right verses wrong BECAUSE we DO live in a sinful world. The Word tells us wars and rumors of wars will be with us until AFTER He comes back for we still have one World War to experience if we are to believe the written Word of God!
I guess what I’m saying (again, politics aside) we HAVE to pick sides. Are we on the side of what is right for all people or are we on the side of selfishness, greed and lust after power over others? I choose the side of the former, but how do we line this up with Jesus’ words of “blessed are the peacemakers?” Because man is not perfect, we are still a creation fighting the sin within ourselves for that is why we have to crucify ourselves daily, BUT, sometimes a peacemaker can be the stronger unit “facing down” an antagonist for the sake of the innocent without regard for themselves.
I look at it dearest brother in the same light as love. You have read my take on TRUE love, that it is unselfish and it is an action; well, along those lines I do believe in “tough love” a love that demands admonishment, maybe discipline (not punishment), for if you truly love another, you sometimes have to say or demonstrate what is right no matter how hard for the sake of another’s ETERNAL well-being, despite how they might feel about you now. In other words, what is more important for the sake of another, their well-being in eternity, or your (possibly) hurt feelings from them right now.
Years ago, a Christian couple asked me to help them with an appliance business of which I used to be an air-conditioning and appliance servicemen and so had a lot of experience. When I tried to disciple them on the fair way to deal with customers and the order in which you should take service, they soon started telling me that I was harsh and unloving. The truth of the matter was, they were more concerned about the customer who could pay them more and at times literally not showing up to a customer that had a minor problem. But I kept tell them the truth of the Word of God and they spread through the church how unloving I truly was. Yes, it hurt but you either serve the Lord in ALL things or you don’t serve Him at all.
Brother Wally, this is why we need to continue to pray, pray without ceasing for our veterans (and leaders) and ask the Lord to strengthen them and protect them. I could go on and on and I probably went too far myself but I stand with you 100% on this. AND by the way, thank YOU for YOUR service both in the past and even now in the Lord’s Army! God bless you my brother!!!
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December 15, 2015 at 11:34
Brother Roland you go on as long as you want to! I just hope somebody will read those great words as they all ring very true. Thank you for them.
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December 15, 2015 at 17:11
You got an amen from me, Wally. I agree.
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December 15, 2015 at 17:35
Thanks!
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December 16, 2015 at 12:15
I’m afraid that Present time events have shown the world how disfunctional we are as a nation. From the outset when posed the question about a plan to respond, it was met with a “We do not have a strategy yet” not once but a few times. Here we are today with no real plan with soldiers being deployed and killed. We have prejudices being planted and stirred by politicians standing on soap boxes in citizens who are clearly afraid of the lack of direction. Just saying…Aloha
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December 16, 2015 at 12:30
Brother no argument here. Well said thank you
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December 16, 2015 at 15:22
Amen Patrick amen
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December 16, 2015 at 15:12
Yep! Yep! and YEP! Like the old saying goes, “Don’t put your finger on the trigger unless you plan to shoot.” I’m tired of politicians using our military as disposable assets.
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December 17, 2015 at 06:31
I agree100%. Get out, stay out.
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December 20, 2015 at 11:43
I hope you can hear me applauding, Wally. I wrote about this precise thing in “An Evangelical on the Left” long before there ever was an ISIS. Most of us sit comfortably at home while young men and women risk their lives in defense of America (and its sometimes ill-considered policies) overseas. God bless this country, and all those who serve.
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December 20, 2015 at 13:21
Thanks Anna. Like I said, I don’t oppose the use of the military, and I get that sometimes people have to possibly die for the greater good. But, let’s not waste them. By they way send a link for that post I’d like to read it.
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December 20, 2015 at 19:31
One of the two books I wrote some years ago. I’ll email you an excerpt, since you’ve been kind enough to inquire. Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas, Wally!
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December 20, 2015 at 19:35
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh..yes please do! Thanks Anna
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December 22, 2015 at 14:54
I’m with you on the waste of human lives (both our forces and those innocents that inevitably get ” caught in the crossfire”.)
Dig deep enough and you find the same thing again and again – money and greed! I hate that so many die or worse are maimed and crippled to line someone’s pockets!
The solution to ISIS? Doesn’t need intervention, or even bomb strikes. Nations simply need to stop buying the contraband oil ISIS are selling behind closed doors to finance their operations. Pull the plug on that and they’ll begin to crumble. Stop the media pouring gasoline on the tensions and get honest politicians who are not sold to profit seeking corporations and it will fizzle even faster. (Like that is going to happen!)
I don’t want to see another wasted life, service man, civilian, or misguided Muslim even. Life is too precious!
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December 22, 2015 at 14:59
Hi Claire
Thanks so much for coming by I appreciate our comment. Your concern for human life is commendable. I hope you feel free to visit again sometime
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December 22, 2015 at 15:33
will do
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November 1, 2016 at 18:22
Great post Wally and I couldn’t agree more…Either be in it to win it or get the heck out!!! Does lost life mean that little to the pencil pushers in office?! My God in heaven!! Grow a pair and lead our military or move the heck over and let someone who CAN do it!!! Nope, I have zero opinion on this issue. 😉
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November 1, 2016 at 18:23
Yes…I noticed!!!
🙂
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November 1, 2016 at 18:24
🙂 🙂
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