Monday, May 14, 2007
The wounded:As of today, there have been 3,400 U.S. soldiers that have died in Iraq. But there are plenty of wounded as well. On Friday, March 23, ABC World News Tonight's Person of the Week was a woman who makes clothes for wounded soldiers. Regular clothing doesn't fit well for those who have prosthetics and her contribution makes it a little easier for the vets. As part of the segment, several clips of veterans in a hospital (or rehab facility) were shown. And these soldiers had lost legs, arms, or both. One striking image was that of an African American with no flesh below both knees, lying in a bed, with some sort of metal 'extensions' attached to his legs. It was, and remains, a sickening sight.  More Americans should pay attention to the permanent, life-long misery that these veterans will be forced to live out. Personally, I don't see how anyone can end up in that state without massive mental trauma. This is what war brings and it is irresponsible for the press to minimize this aspect of the Iraq war.
posted by Quiddity at 5/14/2007 01:56:00 PM
7 comments
I wonder what becomes of the Iraqi wounded.
From The Band Played Waltzing Matilda, by Eric Bogle:
So they gathered the crippled, the wounded, the maimed,
And they shipped us back home to Australia.
The armless, the legless, the blind and insane,
Those proud wounded heroes of Suvla.
And as our ship pulled into Circular Quay
I looked at the place where me legs used to be,
And thanked Christ there was nobody waiting for me,
To grieve and to mourn and to pity.
But the band played Waltzing Matilda
As they carried us down the gangway.
But nobody cheered, they just stood and stared,
Then they turned all their faces away.
I also think about the Iraqi wounded (and dead) but when discussing the war on this blog I speak in terms that will resonate strongest with the U.S. electorate. That means focusing on the U.S. troops.
Probably most Iraqis that badly wounded die or, if they live, spend the rest of their lives in something like a wheelchair.
Amen and well stated. Obviously you hate America as much as i do, comrade.
I would not call it sickening so much as sorrow-making. These poor guys. It can't help them to know that so many people will use the word "sick" when looking at them.
I wish there were decent help for them, and especially for all those with head traumas. But we can't rely on the Bushies or the current congress to keep faith with the wounded.
Very well said! Leaders doesn't care about human life..Because of this war there huge loss in both side..Is anyone who anticipated the war think about this,Now even the pay hike bill for militants also got rejected...what should say???
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