Why The Next Election Can't Come Soon Enough For Me

Other than a few comments on a couple of other blogs, I have never discussed the quagmire that is Iraq. And I'm not going to discuss it here now either, other than to say that I was 100% opposed to the very idea of invading Iraq when GWB was pushing the idea way back when I still lived in Hawaii. And I continued to be opposed, as well as disgusted and dismayed, when he sent our troops into Iraq in spite of widespread public opposition, both national and international. And I'm still opposed to our presence there, although I will acknowledge our obligation to try and clean up some of the mess and problems we've created in the region. And I will always be incredibly angry and saddened by the human toll our invasion has taken.

But, in spite of my opposition to the war, I've always supported the men and women who serve our country. I have always felt that we owe them a helluva lot more than they're getting in terms of support, equipment and protection while they're in harm's way at, and in terms of breaks between deployments, and on-going counseling support and medical care when they return from Iraq.

(The disaster that is Walter Reed and Beyond has been extensively and beautifully covered by the Washington Post in its on-going coverage. I highly recommend it.)

But I digress. Because, like I said, I'm not going to discuss Iraq.

Instead, I am going to briefly mention my Cousin R.

My Cousin R who is not quite one year older than me. My Cousin R who I butted heads with when we were young. My Cousin R who has grown up to be a fine, upstanding man. Who is an honorable member of the US Navy. Who has been trying to retire from the US Navy for the last couple of years but couldn't because they wouldn't let him. (That's right, they wouldn't let him due to stop-loss protocols in place.) Who, despite his 'Navy' status, was sent into Iraq almost six months ago to lead an investigative security force in Baghdad. Because they are that short of personnel in the Army and Marines. Who, along with his fellow team members, came under attack on their way into Baghdad, because travelling in and out of the region is apparently the most dangerous part of the job. Who, while working insane hours in insane conditions and insane heat for the past six months, worked his *ss off seven days a week, as they all do while stationed over there. Whose tour in Iraq finally came to an end this week, so he began the dangerous trip out again a few days ago. Who my extended family has anxiously been waiting to hear from so we know he's safe.

Well, I'm happy and relieved to report that I just received word that Cousin R has safely reached Kuwait and will be heading home soon. After a three week layover in Greece to see his wife, of course.

The November elections can't come soon enough for me. We need a president who is determined to sit down and figure out a way to bring everybody else's son/daughter/husband/wife/father/mother/brother/sister/cousin/loved one/friend home quickly and safely, too.

That is all.