YouTube has created new opportunities for political debate. As evidenced today on YouTube, the Gold Star mother of Travis L. Youngblood, a U.S. soldier killed in Iraq in 2005, seems to be quite angry that his memory has been used by certain prominent Republicans who've paid for the Freedom's Watch organization ad that I've posted below:
A 2005 article about the KIA Navy corpsman from the Virginian-Pilot read, in part:
Navy Corpsman Travis L. Youngblood saw more sand than he could imagine in Iraq. He met friendly villagers. And he saw horrible sights while rushing into combat with Marines.
In his last conversation with his mother, Debra Youngblood of Smithfield, he warned that his work was dangerous. He told her he wouldn’t be safe until he was home.
see at this link
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Gold Star mother Debra Youngblood's comments on YouTube today:
I am Travis Youngblood's mother, and I was not contacted in any way shape or form regarding this video. So don't think that just because his widow decides to use his image that it has been endorsed by his entire family. I would never in a million years have consented to this.
and...
The fact that this video was even made, says a lot about the organization behind it. That they would use a grieving widow to further their political agenda is propaganda of the worst kind. There is nothing further to be gained by keeping our troops in Iraq. They should be withdrawn as quickly as possible. I would not want any more mothers, widows, fathers, brothers, sisters to experience the pains that we have been through.This is the way I see it. This is the bottom line for me.
and.....
Whenever I talked to Travis on the phone, or received an email from him, he always said, don't watch CNN. They don't tell you the truth. I refuse to dismiss the good things our troops have done in Iraq. And to say they haven't is a lie. But the time has come for them to come home. It is not defeat. It is just the simple fact that there is nothing more they can do.
and in response to this:
JMLawyer wrote:
DEBBI4873 I am deeply sorry for your loss. As a Marine Vietnam Vet I can tell you that no one was respected more than the Corpsman. You son was a true hero, putting his life on the line to protect and save wounded Marines. I hope this Ad does not bring you too much anguish. I suggest everyone check out the touching Vidoe Tribute Debbie made for her son on YouTube
She said.....
Thank you JMlawyer. At least there is at least one person here who can look beyond there own agenda and see the man featured here. Travis was a loving father, husband, friend, son, and was awaiting the birth of his daughter when he was taken from us. Laura has been through a lot, and her love for Travis is all consuming. I respect her right to free speech, and I respect our servicemen and women. Travis keeps good company in Arlington. But let no more die in this godforsaken place. Please.
(See Debbi4873's comments under the video ad on YouTube.)
Pretty powerful words.
Travis' mother has her own tribute video up at YouTube for her Travis.
Note: I have not verified that these YouTube coments were actually the words of Debra Youngblood, but it seems fairly obvious that they were.