While I served in the U.S. Navy for close to a decade I saw a number of things which I try not to think about. Collisions at sea caused by inept officers, sailors & marines hurt and killed during 'war games'. More than once the one of the ships I served on was under attack. These events all happened in 'peace time' or at least, in areas considered out of the combat areas. It was an open secret that one or two deaths were possible, even predictable, during mass exercises during manuevers.

Given this we should not be surprised by the events that are occurring in Iraq, at this point in time. At this very moment we are purposely trying to kill the soldiers and destroy the fighting abilities of an entire nation. Despite the obvious 'brave front' put on by the Administration and Pentagon spokespersons, it should have been obvious from the pre-planning stage that this was not going to be a repeat of the first Gulf War. We are not beating back a retreating force, who invaded another country. This time we are the invaders and the soldiers and many civilians (whether they be pro or anti-Saddam) see us as uninvited intruders into their nation. Did the planners in the White House and Pentagon REALLY believe that the citizens of a nation would all welcome us with flowers and invitations to dinner?

Britain's Daily Mirror has some interesting reports that you won't see in the U.S. press. In that country the major newspapers have not all embraced the Administrations policies. The majority of British citizens continue to oppose the use of their nations troops, while hoping for their safe return. It would seem that in the American media, if you oppose the war you dishonor those men & women who serve in the Armed Forces. As most anti-war protestors have tried to make clear, this is not the case.

Be warned that some of the photographs that are shown in the Mirror articles are disturbing. I couldn't look at many of them, once it became apparent what they showed. Still it must be clear, as the Mirror reporter does, that these images are being shown in the papers and television coverage in most Arab nations. Is this what we, as American citizens, want our country to be known for? Will this 'help our cause' (whatever it happens to be this week)?

Before I forget, and on a somewhat lighter note, I was happy to see that Michael Moore received his justly deserved Oscar recognition last evening. When it was announced that he had won for "Bowling for Columbine" I told my wife, "If you want to see a political statement, just wait." He didn't disappoint, that's for sure! :-)