So I was reading over the news and it had something on Barack Obama and how he had recently said that
American Soldiers? lives were ?wasted? in Iraq.  He apologized for making the remark but was he really
wrong with what he said?  I can definitely understand the sensitivity of what he said but some might take it
lightly.  How about you all?  I, personally, do not take offense because I do believe that Sher?s life was
?wasted? but there are a few things I?d like to say about that.  Now, Sherwood was a beautiful person.  Well,
he still is a beautiful person.  He was sent to Iraq to perform security for the ISG and their mission was to find
these elusive WMDs.  As we know, they never existed.  Yes, there were some but they were supplied by
Rumsfeld.  All that may still have been there had surpassed their shelf life.  By that token, all of those who died
while searching for these WMDs had their lives wasted.  Also, being that this lie was one of the main reasons
that we invaded Iraq, all of the soldiers killed in the oil-rich land have had their lives wasted.  So, I see where
he is coming from.  Maybe that is just what I think he meant.  The Senator (possibly next President) did say
that he is sorry because how it might affect military families and make them think that their children died in
vain.  I can see that.  They also might take it as disrespect and then hold a grudge.  He did at least try to
weasel his way out of it but I still think that he agrees with what he said but not in how he phrased it.

After much thought, I do not believe that Sher died in vain, nor have any of the other soldiers.  The reason I say
this is because he was there to protect those in his unit, his buddies and his friends.  That, I believe, is also
why many over in Iraq have not defected or refused deployment.  They may even wish to go back but, in my
mind, not because they agree with the war but for their fellow soldiers.  Yeah, there are some over there who
still want to create, and protect, a competent democracy but is that ever going to realistically happen?  I do not
wish to place any doubt in anyone?s mind who hopes for that, because I think we all want that, but we must
come to grips with the fact that maybe Iraq is just not ready for that kind of government.  They are in a civil war
but I think it is a holy war.  What else do you call different sects fighting for their soul belief of their religion?  I
feel this has been since they violence between the Sunnis and Shiites really began because look where it has
escalated to.   

As it may be hard to hear that your loved one?s life was wasted, we must look beyond the words and see the
meaning.  We still cherish the memories of our children and siblings and wish that they were still here.  We
also want no one else to go through this but I am sure it will.  At 3.15 American casualties per day, in this
month, it is only expected and is also on pace to be one of the deadliest months.  Thankfully, there has not
been an American death yet reported for today but there have been over 25 Iraqis killed/found dead today.  It is
easy to loose hope but why should we?  If we quit then that would mean all of our efforts would be in vain
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GOLD STAR OPINION- Raph Zappala