Honestly, folks, I don't know why I'm posting this. I just feel compelled. I know all of my Baha'i friends prudently avoid politics, and that this topic is the most polarizing in recent history. I also have friends directly invovled. So how about this: I won't comment. I'll leave you to your own conclusions; I just wanted to expose you to these two links. The contrast is profound.
Lt. Gen. James Mattis, It's "fun to shoot some people."
Spc. Christopher Leverkuhn, "I don't hold any grudges." (Scroll down, click on "Wounded in the Line of Duty" then "Play" on the audio sequence)
Posted by George at February 6, 2005 11:23 PMThe first link has nothing to do with politics--anyone can agree that this guy is an insensitive, tactless moron no matter what their political stance. As for the second link....I keep my mouth "prudently" shut =)
Posted by: navs at February 7, 2005 02:59 AMi'm with navs. although, i was moved by the positive perspective the young man expresses in the second clip. i think it's the kind of perspective one only gains through adversity. if he can maintain that kind of neutrality in his life, he'll get pretty far. at the same time, i was sad he had to suffer in that way altogether.
Posted by: delara at February 7, 2005 10:38 PMI agree, D. For someone to have lost a limb or been severely disabled and maintain a positive, non-blaming outlook is incredible to me. I really think they're more mature than I am.
Posted by: george at February 7, 2005 11:40 PMyou know, i think it's important for all of us to be informed and aware of what's going on in the world. sharing news w/ others is cool... no politics necessary. thanks for sharing, george. :)
Posted by: nas at February 9, 2005 01:01 PMWOW! thanks for the links George. The articles seem much more personal and not too much political. Both are stories we don't see in the news very often, if at all. I wonder, if we as a people had to vote on which oppressors we would like our military to focus (i.e. Darfur, Iran , Zimbabwe, Iraq, N. Korea, etc.), would we as a people even know about the many atrocities that exist outside of the oil ridden middle east. Or would we even know about US companies (many oil) that virtually support financially some of these oppressive leaders of many countries. Sorry to get off topic, just me being me again.
Posted by: Paul J at February 13, 2005 02:48 PM