After Combat, Sailor Redraws Battle Lines

[rucky]

After combat, sailor redraws battle lines
By KATE WILTROUT, The Virginian-Pilot
© June 27, 2005
Last updated: 12:44 AM

VIRGINIA BEACH — Against the marbled greens of Charlie Anderson’s camouflage shirt rest a handful of brightly colored ribbons .

They represent nine years as a Navy hospital corpsman: individual commendation, good conduct, combat action, service in national defense, the war on terror, deployment at sea. Another set of colorful rectangles – bumper stickers – plastered to the gate of Anderson’s pickup exhibit a far different sentiment.

“Iraq is Arabic for Vietnam.” “I love my country but fear my government.” “What liberal media?” “Lead, follow or get out of the way.”

Anderson, who left the Navy in March as a petty officer second class and lives in Virginia Beach, embodies both displays. He is both a combat veteran and an outspoken opponent of the war in Iraq.

Being an anti-war activist in a pro-military region has its challenges, but Anderson, 28 , isn’t deterred.

“This is where the veterans are,” said Anderson, southeastern coordinator for Iraq Veterans Against the War . “There is somebody like me in every unit. They’re just waiting for somebody to invite them out.”

His views may reflect what appears to be broader disillusionment with the war. (MORE)

http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories/print.cfm?story=88365&ran=104517

[dw]

1. Remember this from eight months ago?

http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/1026-02.htm

What's probably news is the degree to which anti-war posturing is growing within the military.

My bet is that the generals and admirals are royally pissed at the civilian 'leaders' in the Pentagon and the White House. Anyone who joined the military for honorable reasons has got to be wondering what the hell has happened, and how we're going to re-build a decent defense.

BTW, howdy, neighbor! If you live anywhere near your office, we're a stone's throw away from each other. I live near the Multnomah Community Center. If I had a dog I'd be buying your treats.

[rucky]

2. send me some Village Coffee

because as of last month, I packed up the pooches and moved to Ohio :(

[rucky]

3. Kick for the Vet/Activist.

this is a cool article, people - lotsa ink in a conservative area paper.

this guy is in the lion's den (think PTL). he deserves our support.

[TacticalPeek]

4. Daylight kick.

:kick:

[mbperrin]

5. Why does Charlie hate 'Murika?

This takes real guts! Go, man, go!

[Supersedeas]

6. what appears to be--broader disbelieve by the Corporate Media

[Moderator]

7. rucky

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