Wednesday, December 14, 2005

No Progress in Iraq?

Then what's this?

Forwarded by Seamus, from a Lt. Colonel in Iraq:

Gentlemen, Early voting today.

The Chief WO in… the unit I advise's Bn Sgt. Maj. told me with emotion, that this year was his first year ever without a Ba'ath party member monitoring how everone voted. He continued, most everyone, including himself had to vote for Saddam and his cohorts, or else, motioning cutting one's throat. Others have said to me that if you were still able to sneak in a "no" vote, they still could find out who and you live life in fear for your family and yourself. Many Iraqis would be pulled from their homes at night and jailed or worse. Seemed like they all know of someone who vanished. We've all heard those stories…

An older soldier said he hopes the young soldiers will never know how it was done before. This was the first time for the young soldier... Something they thought was odd. They know that many in Iraq are afraid to vote still, due to violence. But when I said many Americans do not vote, the response was Why? You must vote. I said it is unfortunate that happens, but it is too, a choice we have as free people. These guys, all 3000+ voted, then celebrated by, of course, firing every round they could (Officers have weapons and rounds) in the air. I was in the middle of it and was unable to and wouldn't try to stop them, too many of them and up to 200 rds. fired. My XO radio'd and said just get the hell out of there, nothing we could do.”

posted by Pam @ 12:23 PM |

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