Update: Just another thought. What stands out about the Vietnam War as one studies it, (McNamara, other declassified material) is how many people at the top, from left to right, knew what would happen, knew we couldn't win, knew how it would end. And yet it still happened. Much the same as there is remarkable general agreement on Afghanistan today. All sides say "cannot be won by military means," "graveyard of empires," not enough troops to occupy (anything fewer than about 600,000 according the Pentagon's counter-insurgency manual, 1 soldier per 50 inhabitants for anything resembling a competent occupation.) Yet like a bad dream it keeps unfolding. The young men in this video will not complain, will continue to try to do everything that is asked of them, even if it is impossible, because they are our nation's best. Such a waste. Bring them home. Pick up the phone and call your congressman.
Since American news organizations have utterly abdicated their responsibility to show the true face of war, it is left to the Internets to fill in the gaps. That, and of course, the BBC. If Obama escalates in Afghanistan, be ready to tune in to this diary for your real news dose, as a regular feature. Be ready to see a lot more of this...
Who would have guessed that someday real news men and women, and a free press, would be replaced by...Youtube.
In this BBC Nightly News report, young American soldiers react to casualties after being hunted by locals in revenge for civilian casualties sustained in an air-strike. Featuring remarks by journalist Sebastian Junger.
Now a majority of Americans oppose more troops in Afghanistan.
Mr. Obama, please use your speech on Tuesday night to show the American people you have heard them, not the military-industrial complex. We want our soldiers home. Stop this madness RIGHT NOW. We, the People, demand it.
Please do not comment unless you have actually watched the video (3 minutes.)
CALL WHITE HOUSE: "PRESIDENT OBAMA, STOP THIS WAR RIGHT NOW!"
202-456-1111 (You must call between 9 and 5 Monday through Friday for the comment line. The richest nation in the world, and we can't afford weekend voicemail. If you want to make a call right now, call your congressmember to block funding for any escalation of troops, "co-sponsor Rep. Barbara Lee's HR 3699". Congress after-hours switchboard and message services: 202-224-3121.)