More Thoughts on the CPT

I couldn’t agree more with Roger about the CPT response. I’m particularly appalled by the verb the CPT uses to describe what happened to the hostages — “released.” Not “rescued.” Not “freed.” “Released” — as if, like Roger says, the Brigades of the Swords of Righteousness simply had a change of heart and let them go.

I understand being opposed to the war. (I am.) I understand blaming the kidnappings on the U.S./U.K. occupation. (A strong case can be made.) But to not acknowledge the bravery of the U.S. and U.K. soldiers who risked their lives to save three individuals whom they had to know most likely despised them is, at the risk of understatement, utterly despicable. Hate the war. Hate George Bush and Tony Blair’s dishonesty and incompetence. But for God’s sake, love and respect the dedication and selflessness of the soldiers who have to carry out Bush and Blair’s misguided policies — and who are often maimed or killed as a result. They are victims of the war, too.

Tennyson, of course — writing about the Charge of the Light Brigade — said it best:

Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs but to do and die,

Into the valley of death,
Rode the six hundred.