It is Sunday here, and although it is my day off, I am sitting in my office more or less babysitting the workers putting finishing touches on our office. So I have had a good deal of time to go through my blog and read all of the comments. It is always interesting to see what other people think. For the record, while I am not in a college dorm room, I know it seems that way because I write of the frivolous things here, but yes, I am indeed in the big bad war zone LOL. Just in a more protected area then most I guess. But that same poster did have some very insightful questions, most of which I really can't answer fully. But I will try to answer as I can.
Do you and others have what you need to fight and win this war? Maybe, maybe not, I know that the Army as a whole is doing what it can to ensure our maximum safety, e.g. Armoured Humvees, vests, so on and so forth.
Heck are we winning or losing? Over all, I would say winning. Not all of Iraq is a bad place, not all Iraqi's are insurgents. Those are a minority, a very small minority although I know it does not seem as such. I have heard time and time again from the Iraqi people I do come into contact with that they are glad we are here, that things are getting better. Things just take time and patience.
Is it as rosy and Bush paints it? No, this place isn't rosy, but it certainly isn't a blistering firepit of hell either.
Is it as nasty as I think it it? No, not at all.
Do the Iraqis see the US as Occupier's or Liberators? Most, Liberators.
Even from my very sheltered standpoint I can see the good, and the bad. I was listening to the radio yesterday, listening to the Corps of Engineers describe working on a power plant here in Baghdad and then turning it over to the Iraqi's. They ensured that the plant was up and running, and providing power, and also ensured that the Iraqi's had the proper equipment and training to keep the plant functioning. Things like this show the good that we are doing here, we are improving things all over this country little by little. Do I like being here? No, not really. But it is what I signed up to do, and I will do so willingly.
On another topic, here are a few of the other Bloggers who have either posted to my Blog, or that I have found elsewhere and that I thought were neat. Take a few moments and check them out:
Seth over at http://silonius.blogspot.com is alot of fun to read, also is trying to raise money to buy a 2004 Lotus. Grand dreams:-D
Navy Doc, @ http://corpsmanup.blogspot.com is a Navy guy in the states, recently posted about enjoying a Keg, lucky guy.
Sean @ http://docinthebox.blogspot.com just went back to the states from here (Lucky him), his mom has a restaurant in AZ to sell, wish I could buy it. I miss AZ at times.
CPT Myers, http://frankmyers.blogspot.com I loved reading his posts about the Green Zone and the flights into BIAP.
Rosemary, http://mynewznideas.blogspot.com reminds me of my dearest Grandma, she is just as nice:)
For those of you reading this, I have just redone my settings and now all may comment, whether a registered Blogspot user or not, so feel free to click the link and type away. I want to know, what would you all like to know about here?
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11 comments:
Elizabeth,
This is the first blog I've ever read, and I find it intriguing and a refreshing break from the standard media bull that we get back here in the states. As a member of the Air National Guard (who fortunately hasn't yet had to visit the sandbox, hellhole, etc. that we call Iraq), I give you and our fellow soldiers, airmen, saliors, and marines all the credit in the world. While I wouldn't want to be there any more than any of you want to, I know that I could be getting that call anyday. It is important that you and other bloggers continue to keep people informed because you and I both know that we will never hear the "real" truth from the media here. It is a window through which your loved ones, fellow servicemen and women, and the world can see what is really going on there. Keep up the great work, keep the faith, and stay safe.
I am not a writer by any stretch of the word, so all I can say is thank you for sharing this season of your life with us. I pray for yours and everyone else's safety over seas as well as when y'all return home...wherever that may be.
God Bless!
Hi Elizabeth.
Know that you are all in our prayers.
Elizabeth
This is also my first blog reading and comment.I have put you in my favorites so I can come back and read your site.I have lost almost all my faith in the major media so it gets quite confusing trying to understand what is really going on.On some days I am thankful I am not in iraq and other days I would so like to be there helping others.I did see a news program with a returning solider who had said part of the electricity problem was that the iraqs have all these electrical appliances they didn't have before.I found that funny as my family and I have lived without P.U.D. for 18 years now.Slowly over the years we have added to our ability to produce electricity.Solar panels and generators.This year I finally got a small refridgerator JOY! We have built a straw bail house(not quite finished yet)And carved out an exsitence from raw land.Our outlook on life in general varies greatly from those who live with modern conveniences.It took us 5 years to get running water to our house.We now have a backhoe tho- and everyday it seems life gets easier and better so I understand that progress can seem allusive.Which is what troubles me so as far as the news here.They make it seem like people want instant results want it all to be perfect a.s.a.p.When I know every achievment is no small task.I pray for all who are there and keep you in my thoughts even tho- I do not know you.Looking forward to reading your posts.
First time I came across someone from Iraq. Glad you're still able to maintain cheerful. Your blog was indeed a refreshing read. It certainly provides an realistic outlook in the situation where both political parties are slamming each other about the war - who screwed, and who didn't etc. Keep it up!
Kel - Singapore
That is a brilliant summary of what is really going on in Iraq. I'm going to email it to some friends. Keep up the good work. Thanks for helping the Iraquis and promoting stability in the region. Best.
Elizabeth,
Found your site via "Doc in the Box". Have to say that I think you are doing a good job with what you are reporting on so far. I dont really think you need to change much at all.Mind if I link you to my site?
Many thanks to you and all the other soldiers out there with you,we all appreciate what you have sacrificed for us.May the ArchAngel Michael watch over you and your fellows for the duration of this war.
Hi Liz, I have just spent my morning with you and my coffee, and I have to say THANKS! My son is heading over there in January 05 and I am trying hard to get ready. Mentally anyway. It helps to know what he will be facing. I am so thankful to have been born right here in the USA anyway, but especially after seeing news reports from all over the world and reading personal stories like yours. We are truly blessed! I will certainly "visit" you often and I hope my son will start a blog like this too! I would also be happy to send emails and letters, etc. Is it allowed to post addresses? My younger son and I have started buying items to send via the "Any Soldier" program so we will soon be pros at writing and sending on a regular basis! Stay safe, be happy, come home safe!
Dear Elizabeth,
Today in the Houston Chronicle, I read about Sean Dustman, Navy corpsman from Prescott, Ariz. He told us some of the things that go on in Iraq.
This is the second day that I have ever used a computor. My son
is a 23 year old computor wiz and has insisted I learn, so hear
I am. My heart goes out to you young people away from home and
protecting our homeland. Thank you honey for being there. I am
a 65 year old mom and grandmom and I have put you on my prayer
list .
Stay safe if possible, and know sw are here for you,Nanny
Hi Elizabeth
I just found your blog while looking around. We, Aniko my wife and myself, Julius, are Canadians and give you and our fellow soldiers, airmen, sailors, and marines all the credit in the world. We are 100% with the US and try to spread the truth about the war in Iraq among our fellow citizens in Canada, our friend and relatives. It is important that you continue to keep us informed about what is happening in Iraq. We have a blog-like website about the daily news that you can not see in the main stream media - or you can get it with difficulty. I would like to link it to your weblog if you don't mind. It is http://ivanyi-consultants.com - this is the 'news-cast' and if you select the 'Sources' button you will see the link to your blog in the left sidebar.
Thanks for your sacrifices from all of us in Canada.
Julius
I just wanted to make you aware of a project we are doing. I wanted to e-mail you privately but couldn't figure out how. We are sending free of charge: military type dog tags engraved "With Love From Dad, U.S. ARMY IRAQ 2004" to soliers in Iraq tho then send them back to their kids in the states. We have already sent over 20,000. You can check our web page which explains the project www.loshops.com/tags There is no profit involved in this project. We need to get the word out so we can send more tags so more kids will have something special from mom or dad.
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