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September 21, 2007
Eulogy
Bill Ardolino writes in memory of 1LT Travis Manion; a hero. Bill links to a Memorial Fund.
Reading about the man there is nothing I could possibly add. But Ace had something to say, something I have been thinking and not finding a way to express.
What bothers me about the perpetual "chickenhawk" baiting from the left is the unstated assumption that for mere want of desire we'd all be over in Iraq fighting the bad guys.
They don't seem to acknowledge or comprehend: These are heroes. These are better people. It's true I lack what Manion had, and I will never be what he was. Is that shameful? Indeed, it is a source of some shame; but I can acknowledge, reluctantly, what is denied by the chickenhawk-baiters: There are better men than me, better, braver, and stronger in body and mind and spirit.
The constant question: Are you afraid to go to Iraq? Of course I'm afraid, Champ. The only people who aren't afraid are the Fool and Hero, and since you're asking me from the safety of a nice cozy apartment in Chelsea, I'm pretty sure you're not the latter yourself.
The childish baiting seems to deny the credit which Lt. Travis Manion is owed, as if the only thing keeping an army of would-be novelists from writing a best-seller is an extra hour a day and a clean desk.
They don't seem to acknowledge or comprehend: These are heroes. These are better people. It's true I lack what Manion had, and I will never be what he was. Is that shameful? Indeed, it is a source of some shame; but I can acknowledge, reluctantly, what is denied by the chickenhawk-baiters: There are better men than me, better, braver, and stronger in body and mind and spirit.
The constant question: Are you afraid to go to Iraq? Of course I'm afraid, Champ. The only people who aren't afraid are the Fool and Hero, and since you're asking me from the safety of a nice cozy apartment in Chelsea, I'm pretty sure you're not the latter yourself.
The childish baiting seems to deny the credit which Lt. Travis Manion is owed, as if the only thing keeping an army of would-be novelists from writing a best-seller is an extra hour a day and a clean desk.
Testify.
Posted by Ghost of a flea at September 21, 2007 06:53 AM
