Some notes from far, far away: The war goes on. The Pentagon announces that 100,000 more troops have been called up to be sent to the war zone. Logistical lines are stretched to the limit, but supplies keep being sent, thousands of miles from home.
Another hot day. Another day of suicidal attacks by enemy fighters, many dressed in non-military outfits. Superior firepower kills or maims most of them. Yet they keep on coming.
Brave young servicemen, the pride of America, continue to fight well, but some others are captured, are injured or die fighting.
Senior military officials talk of how the next bombing campaign, the next battle, will be decisive, how overwhelming technology and firepower will once and for all destroy the enemy forces. We hope so. Hundreds of enemy solders have been killed in the latest engagements. This is a good sign. It means America is winning the war. Doesn’t it?
Yet the president and secretary of defense warn the nation that the war may be long. They are honorable men and would not deceive or mislead the American people.
Be patient, they somberly intone. This is a just war that America had to fight. Now. There was no other way to resolve the threat our country faced. We will ultimately prevail.
All America wishes the war to be successful. American motives are good. They represent the noble values the nation holds dear. American policy is sound. Why do so many other nations of the world just not understand?
We are deep, very deep into this war. The weighing of all options, all considerations, all the pros and all the cons, all the ifs, ands and buts, all that has now fallen by the wayside.
The president, the secretary of defense and the generals have thought everything out, planned for all contingencies. And they have planned for what comes after the war. Yes, they really have, haven’t they?
Must go. The news is on, another briefing, and Gen. West-moreland is about to speak …
Barry Fulmer
Freehold Township