War - what is it good for?

I've had conversations at work with people about the current war. I've read blogs about peoples thoughts on this conflict, and I have read many news articles about people's opinions on this apparent chaos.

I think war is hellacious, vicious, gruesome, and devastating. I think there is nothing glamorous about it. However, I don't necessarily think it is wrong. The philosophy to avoid war at all costs is ridiculous. That makes you a doormat. You need to stand up for what you believe and most of all, stand up for those who can't.

For every argument for the war, this is one against, and vice versa. Depending on who you talk to, there is probably more against than for, but I might even disagree with that. I think this could be a issue of "the squeaky wheels gets the grease," meaning it is just the loud few making it seem like a loud many. Again, my perspective.

My best friend is a member of Seal Team 20 - on the Special Boat Unit. He is the warrior's warrior, a patriot, a highly trained soldier and a very loyal friend. I want to see him come back from this conflict, pretty much more than anything. I want to hang out with him, go hunting, and remember life growing up together. But, I never want to think of my friend retreating, or surrendering. He will fight until told not to. He is a warrior. He's seen battle, and he believes it is his duty to serve the men above and below him. It doesn't matter what he thinks about being in the Middle East - he volunteered to serve his country, he volunteered to serve me. Anyone who got into the military thinking they would never have to fight, should have never been in the military in the first place. Signing up for the armed services should require you to have a serious internal check about the gravity of your choice. God bless each one of our servicemen and women who made that decision.

As far as the conflict goes - I think we should be there. I think there are people who need someone to stand for them, and I don't give a rip about the cost for doing the right thing. Burma currently has the world's longest civil war, but no one seems to care. A group of people, the Karen - were betrayed by the British in WWII, and are left to fight a regime of ridiculous proportions for land so they may live in peace. The Burmese government puts on a front of how they help their country but their government couldn't be more corrupt. Would it be wrong for the US to go in and help the Karen from under that regime? I can't believe we aren't there right now - we should be.

In war - people die. That is why war is a terrible thing, and it shouldn't be taken lightly. But because some servicemen lost their lives voluntarily, doing their duty, is not a reason to stop the conflict. I firmly believe that I have no idea what is going on in Iraq. I firmly believe I have no clue whatsoever, about what goes on in Congress and the White House. There is no way I can say I know what is best for our Country. It would be absurd for me to say the Pentagon has it all wrong.

Things are classified for a reason. Some truths are just to precious for the general populous to know - because we see what they do with them. I believe the most knowledgeable people in this war are President Bush, his administration, and the men on the ground. The press, high school students on YouTube, and mothers of soldiers, are not credible sources. We only know what is filtered to us, and I am fine with that.

I am eager to see my friend when he returns. I am eager to see this conflict resolved. I am not going to promote or condone any impeachment or treasonous acts until I hear one person come up with a better solution. All I hear is to bring the troops home, and kick Bush out of Office. Someone please, assess the situation and make a probable solution. If we are the United States, lets start acting like it.