Hard Facts About Iraq
This entry was posted on April 24, 2007 4:22 PM and is filed under the troops.
Every once in a while I like to remind readers that I'm just a singer in a rock and roll band (with a finance background). My opinions are mine. I don't want to force my opinions on anyone, ... and I sure don't like it when someone tries and forces their opinion on me. If you don't like or believe in what I believe in, simply click off this website and everything will still be cool between us.
It's no secret that I support our wonderful troops, and I am very proud of that fact. I just didn't jump on the band wagon in 2001 (and jump off in 2005 like a lot of people did, ... and you know who you are!) I am sticking with my country and our troops all the way. I have been a number-one supporter all of my adult life.
Do they do everything correctly? Of course not! (Even Michael Jordan miss a few shots.)
Do they ever make mistakes? ... Sure they do, they are human. Everyone makes mistakes, ... (I have made more mistakes in my life than you can ever imagine.)
Over time and throughout history, the "good" our troops have done in our world is almost immeasurable. The world-benefit that American troops have meant to our planet sure outweighs the mistakes they might have made.
Did they fight against insurmountable odds to beat the British and win the American Revolution; hence, beginning our great country? Yep.
Did our troops step in during WWI and WWII to save the world? Yep. The positive outcome of America's involvement in world affairs has had a positive effect on the world, for the most part, due to the persistence and patriotism of our great troops. That is a fact. If you can read and write, thank a teacher, ... if it's in English, thank a soldier.
Vietnam was hard on the troops, but I still supported them then and I am still sticking with them now! (Welcome home guys!)
In Bosnia, our boys and girls shinned as armored angels, eventually helping to bring peace and ending a genocide.
Panama, Granada, Kuwait, ... our troops were there to "right" a wrong.
Sure, there are a lot of Americans who will point out that we cheated and murdered Native-Americans, took their land and built up America while we pushed them onto Reservations, and then we became the greatest country in the world, and to you I shamefully say, ... you are correct.
For the most part, American soldiers help end tyranny and preserve justice. There is no gray area when you see an American flag, ... If you are oppressed, you love it. The "stars and stripes" mean safety. If you hate free-thinking and prefer to control your people by using fear, you fear and hate it.
Whenever I see one of our troops or a veteran in public I always shake their hand and say "thank you." It makes them feel appreciated and it makes me feel great!
I ran across some facts about our current troops that you have missed on the evening news, or in your local papers because it's NEVER talked about.
Did you know that 47 countries have reestablished their embassies in Iraq?
Did you know that the Iraqi government currently employs 1.2 million Iraqi people?
Did you know that 3,100 schools have been renovated, 364 schools are under rehabilitation, 263 new schools are now under construction and 38 new schools have been completed in Iraq?
Did you know that Iraq's higher educational structure consists of 20 universities, 46 institutes or colleges and 4 research centers, all currently operating?
Did you know that 25 Iraqi students departed for the USA in January 2005 for the re-established Fulbright program?
Did you know that the Iraqi Navy is operational? They have 5, 100-foot patrol craft, 34 smaller vessels and a naval infantry regiment.
Did you know that Iraq's Air Force consists of three operational squadrons, which includes 9 reconnaissance and 3 US C-130 transport aircraft (under Iraqi operational control) which operate day and night, and will soon add 16 UH-1 helicopters and 4 Bell Jet Rangers?
Did you know that Iraq has a counter-terrorist unit and a Commando Battalion?
Did you know that the Iraqi Police Service has over 55,000 fully trained and equipped police officers?
Did you know that there are 5-Police Academies in Iraq that produce over 3500 new officers each 8 weeks?
Did you know there are more than 1,100 building projects going on in Iraq? They include 364 schools, 67 public clinics, 15 hospitals, 83 railroad stations, 22 oil facilities, 93 water facilities and 69 electrical facilities.
Did you know that 96% of Iraqi children under the age of 5-years old have received the first 2 series of polio vaccinations?
Did you know that 4.3 million Iraqi children were enrolled in primary school by mid October?
Did you know that there are 1,192,000 cell phone subscribers in Iraq and phone use has gone up 158%?
Did you know that Iraq has an independent media that consists of 75 radio stations, 180 newspapers and 10 television stations?
Did you know that the Baghdad Stock Exchange opened in June of 2004?
Did you know that 2 candidates in the Iraqi presidential election had a televised debate recently?
You probably didn't know all those fact, ... I didn't know them until I researched them for myself on the Internet. Go ahead, check it out for yourself if you don't believe me. Our troops are doing a fabulous job. We need to give them the support and tools they need to complete their work. The above numbers were tallied in 2005, ... imagine the great things that our troops have accomplished between 2005 and now, that aren't even on that list!
Have mistakes been made? As I said before, ... Sure.
Does the "good' out-weigh the bad? ... Most definitely!
God bless our soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen.
Comments
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April 25, 2007 10:28 PM
Debbie Argel Bastian wrote:
Joe,
God Bless you for all you do.
We all do what we can. I don't think many realize the pain of those of us who have lost someone in this war. Defeat, surrender, etc. are not words we want to hear from Congress now. I have been working hard the past few days to get all military (active and reserve) to go to Appeal For Courage and sign. I was able to get the last word on Cavuto two days ago, and we got over 400 signatures in 24 hours. I have encouraged everyone in the military to sign this Appeal. Sign it for almost 3,400 brave troops who would sign if they were still here.
This war can't be lost. God Bless our Troops and brave American soldiers!
Deb
Proud mother of Capt. Derek Argel KIA Memorial Day, 2005 Diyala, Iraq USAF Combat Control
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April 26, 2007 6:34 AM
Cheryl Castanedo wrote:
Joe,
Thank God for freedom of speech and thank God for your desire to speak what it is on your mind!
I first hand know that a soldier very near and dear to me, my son-in-law and his unit have had their stay extended in Iraq. Does that upset me and his wife and children? Yes. However, it does not upset him, nor the others as they truly believe in their heart of hearts they have made tremendous accomplishments and want to finish what we started.
There is much more to this war then people even begin to think about. As you said, everyone is entitled to their opinion and if they don't like what they read, well then you are right in saying, "just click off this website."
There are those of us who appreciate all that you have done and continue to do for our troops and firefighters of America.
God Bless you and God Bless America!
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April 26, 2007 8:26 AM
Joe Cantafio wrote:
Dear Cheryl and Debbie,
Thank you both for the very kind message. Please believe me when I say, I do not do much of anything but spout off every once in while. I do play guitar and I can sing in key most of the time and I choose to honor America's Best (our troops and first responders) during those shows.
Debbie, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the precious gift of your son Derek. I can't tell you what it means to my family, to have brave men like Derek overseas fighting for our freedom and fighting terrorism. I am so sorry I will never get to meet him. I know one day, if I make to Heaven, Derek and his brothers will be guarding the gates.
Cheryl, thank you for the raising your daughter Kelly as an understanding Army wife. I know Manny, your son-in-law, appreciates Kelly's support and the support of her family. It must be awesome to have a great mother-in-law like you. I know you love Manny as if he is your own son.
Let's all keep supporting our great, great, great American troops.
Love to both of you,
Joe
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April 26, 2007 12:57 PM
Ryan Jazak wrote:
Well done Joe,
These facts about the progress in Iraq are a reality. It's a shame we don't hear about it on our evening news. Body counts and cost are all we see. And then we get House Democrat leader Harry Reid telling America that the war is lost, and, that his party will win more seats because of this war. What is he thinking? I'll tell you what... It is proof in writing that the troops, or the future security of this nation, don't mean squat to Harry Reid and the majority of these idiots. I didn't say it.... Harry Reid put it down in plain English. There is only one flag people like him fly... a white surrender flag. The commanding general in Iraq just said the other day, "Setting a time table for troop withdrawal and backing out of this war would increase violence, and elevate the danger involving our troops." Now; shouldn't the rest of America be listening to this guy instead of some politician who is mocking the death of these heroes to gain more congressional seats?
I totally agree with you on the fact that some mistakes have been made. Everyone does it, but two wrongs don't make a right. And that's why we both agree that pulling out of this war will increase the chances of another September 11th. And everyone knows it, they just won't admit it. Al Queda and terrorism in general will declare victory and continue their will to instill fear around the world, because they know that they can outlast the American peoples will to fight. Defeat is not an option for our brave warriors. If we stand behind them, there is no way they will lose. Don't stand out on the street protesting what our brave warriors are doing, and tell me that you support the troops, because you don't. I'll prove it.
sup*port (sə-pôrt', -pōrt')
1.To bear the weight of, especially from below.
2.To hold in position so as to keep from falling, sinking, or slipping.
3.To be capable of bearing; withstand: "His flaw'd heart . . . too weak the conflict to support" (Shakespeare).
4.To keep from weakening or failing; strengthen: The letter supported him in his grief.
5.To provide for or maintain, by supplying with money or necessities.
6.To furnish corroborating evidence for: New facts supported her story.
7.To aid the cause, policy, or interests of: supported her in her election campaign.
8.To argue in favor of; advocate: supported lower taxes.
9.To endure; tolerate: "At supper there was such a conflux of company that I could scarcely support the tumult" (Samuel Johnson).
10.To act in a secondary or subordinate role to (a leading performer).
I would like to thank Debbie and Cheryl as well for the sacrifices they have made for our country and the people who defend it. My thoughts and prayers are with both of you.
Thanks for helping to spread the facts Joe. And thanks again for all that you do for men like my brother.
God Bless.
Semper Fi,
Ryan Jazak
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