Loss for words

[Grins]

From Time magazine: <http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101031110-536257-1,00.html>

The story is about soldiers in Iraq that have had their arms or legs blown off.

“The three wounded soldiers are united not only in their good humor but also their unequivocal support for the war. Wyatt doesn't much care for those who think Bush fudged the intelligence on Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction. `That makes you feel like you fought for nothing or you fought for a liar,’ he says. `They're telling me I went out there and I got my leg blown off for a liar, and I know that's just not true.’ Wyatt says he would stay in the Army if he could remain in a combat unit, but he knows that's unlikely. So he's considering college.

Well, get out of high school first! Maybe that will open your eyes.

But good God, how do you tell this guy the truth? That yes, your leg was blown off on a lie! I’m just at a loss for words.

Here’s another thread on this site with the wife of a soldier.
<http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=675871&mesg_id=675871>

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

1. Let him speak for himself

`They're telling me I went out there and I got my leg blown off for a liar, and I know that's just not true.’

That doesn't require any explanation.

[DUreader]

2. Some day you will learn about denial

then you will understand

[Skittles]

3. I agree

it's just too hard for them to accept right now. But they will one day, and it will be very tough on them.

[roguevalley]

4. You don't have to tell him anything. Give him time to decompress.

Right now, he's got to be for the war. How could
he live with this if he didn't think he gave a limb
for a good cause? In a month or two when the reality
of knowing he can never have the life he could have
had before this war kicks in, he will analyze. Right
now, he's thinking of the guys over there that he
had to leave, the war that he fought in and the
country he believes he served to the best of his
ability. Once his war 'face', so to speak, fades a
little, the critical thinking will kick in.

He's hurting and I wish him well.

[kayleybeth]

8. Well said roguevalley

I don't see any need to blast these guys (and gals) who are so terribly wounded- both physically and mentally. I do get frustrated when I read stuff like what these soldiers are saying, but I totally understand. I'm glad they are hearing the truth, even if they don't believe it just yet. And they, of all people, are certainly allowed to disagree with us. That doesn't mean we should stop seeking to get the truth out-- it just means we should respect their opinions, even when they diss us for calling shrub a liar. I can forgive them for dissing us, considering all they have sacrificed and their need to rationalize those sacrifices. And I believe, in time, most of them will come around and acknowledge the truth, as painful as it will be. God be with them, they have a long and difficult healing process ahead.

[Eloriel]

9. It may take him most of his life to come to grips with the truth

And if that's the case, so be it.

It's bad enough to lose a limb; don't also try to take away his version of reality, a version he needs very badly right now.

Because when the truth hits (IF it does), it's going to be absolutely brutal.

Eloriel

[Cocoa]

5. you don't have to respond to everyone

People that just had their limbs blown off, I say just listen to them, you don't have to agree with it.

[Eric J in MN]

7. you're right

When talking to an injured soldier isn't the best time to express all your political opinions.

[bleedingheart]

6. I am sure the guys returning from Vietnam felt the same way

the danger for the Bush admin is when these guys get home and find out they did get their legs and arms blown off to make Halliburton more profitable and to swell the coffers of the Bush Regime's minions.