I don't generally pay attention to what comes out of Washington about the war. But DH's unit got orders. He's Air NG, so because his planes are going, doesn't mean he's going...BUT he volunteered for the full 4 months, and since his company is the contractor installing the new com/nav systems on the A-10's going over, he knows them much better than anyone else in the unit. The upshot of which is, he's on the list for the full 120 days. He's over the moon about it. Me...not so much. I am a big jumbly mix of worry, denial (he MIGHT be told to stand down, right? Right?), pride, jealousy...
The selfish bit is: now that it is more likely to have a direct impact on ME, I am paying more attention to what Congress is saying. :( I had stopped listening, because there was so much nay-saying in the press, and so many people saying they didn't support the military, the war, the US, the President, the troops, shouldn't have gone over in the first place, shouldn't be there, everyone should come home, let them sort their own affairs out, and IT MADE ME SO MAD!

Have they forgotten WHY we went there in the first place? Oh, “get over it”? OK. Well, let me tell you about Squiggy. And Chris. And Vinnie. AND THEIR FUNERALS!!! Squiggy was a bartender with my ex-boyfriend at Miss Kitty’s in Hoboken. His girlfriend was one of the nicest, best natured girls in the world. Chris played football for our High School team. He was a couple years ahead of me, and his sister was a year behind. We were on the swim team together during the summers. Different practice times, so I never really knew him well, maybe a smile or a wave at school, and hollering and cheering for him at swim meets. Chris’ dad died early in 2001. Chris landed a great job in NYC, and was helping his mother and sister get by. Vinnie went to my HS as well. He graduated before I started, but his brother and sister were in the band with me, and his parents were super active with all our fundraising, games, concerts…everything. I knew them well. And I know the effect that a loss of a member of their family had on them. But, I’m sure they’ll appreciate your advice to “Get over it.” I’ll be sure to let them know you said so.

So while YOU are saying we don’t belong over there, just remember that there were probably a whole bunch of French in 1770s who thought THEY shouldn’t be HERE helping us get you your God-given “RIGHT” to spout your crap. SO…SIT your ass down, SHUT the Hell up and get outta our way! ‘Cuz my husband’s going to IRAQ so those people can have the same damn rights you do!