Soldiers wish politicians would embed with them

[Barrett808]

Source: CNN

Soldiers wish politicians would embed with them
From Arwa Damon

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Army Staff Sgt. Antonio Gonzales points his weapon across the Tigris River, keeping a close eye on a bridge that was cracked in half by an insurgent attack a few months ago.

He's 31 and on his second tour in Iraq. His survival and that of the men he serves with rely on an instinctive ability to spot hidden threats. A pile of trash, an odd formation of wires, a cart seemingly left innocently by the side of the road -- all could mean death.

"If you don't come out here, then you really have no clue," says Gonzales, a member of Task Force Justice, which is operating in northern Baghdad. "They don't understand what it is driving down the road and to wonder if you are going to get blown up or not."

Gonzales and soldiers like him across Iraq must continue the day-to-day duties even as debate back home intensifies about the 160,000-plus U.S. forces in Iraq. Gen. David Petraeus, the U.S. commander in Iraq, testified before Congress Monday that the "surge" has improved security and that some U.S. troops could begin leaving Iraq by the end of the year.

Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/09/10/iraq.soldiers/index.html

[DemBones DemBones]

1. Embedding all of those pols who support the war

should change quite a few minds, most of them being chickenhawks.

[Olney Blue]

2. I agree with this soldier. Perhaps all Americans would benefit from

seeing what we are enabling.

[AllyCat]

3. Whoops! I guess these soldiers are just unamerican, eh?

I'm sure ole Shrub will find a way to make them pay for those comments.

I completely agree. Walking through a market wearing body armor a for few minutes for a photo-op does not an accurate assessment make. But that's a Chickenhawk for you

[emilyg]

4. Bush/Cheney first.

[JBoy]

7. I'm sure

they have "other priorities".

[Lone_Star_Dem]

9. Welcome to DU!

It's good to have you aboard. :hi:

[JBoy]

10. Thanks L_S_D

:hi: Long time reader, short time poster.

[bhikkhu]

12. Absolutely, just like the old days

Let the king's men sound the horns, and the king lead them to battle!

[Vidar]

5. Kucinich & Kerry are about the only ones with the courage to

this, but they're anti-war already.

[superkia]

6. The media figures have most the blood on their hands from the lies!

If Americans knew the full story and the media actually represented real news and truth, this war never would have started and wouldnt continue like it does. I know that its owned by a few wealthy people but you can bet that all the media figures spreading the lies are well paid and the blood should be on their hands. I think they get a free pass from most but they are just as guilty as all the corrupt politicians!

[Lone_Star_Dem]

8. Well, if that were mandatory there'd be no war.

I think this gentleman has an excellent idea.

[Dark]

11. I wonder if that includes Sen. Larry Craig or Vitter?

I know, i'm bad.

[Javaman]

13. I'm sure there are a few politicians that would love to bed with them...

:rofl: