I need to vent a little bit. There is a big problem in the media and it became quite apparent to me when I read this article. Besides the blatant hypocrisy of the statistics, it still is not relevant to the war. The AP has decided to report that:
“Nearly half of the more than 3,100 U.S. military fatalities in Iraq have come from towns like McKeesport, where fewer than 25,000 people live, according to an analysis by The Associated Press.”
That’s half of the deaths. So… what’s the point? I’m sure that half the soldiers in uniform are from towns with fewer than 25,000 people. In fact, according to the 2005 census bureau:
“56 percent of the population in 2005 lived in towns under 25,000…”
I’m still waiting for the mind blowing statistic. Let’s get this straight. Over half of the population in the USA lives in towns with fewer than 25,000 people. Got that? Okay, good. Now… Nearly half of the troops killed in Iraq have come from towns with fewer than 25,000 people. Looks to me as if the small towns are underrepresented!
“Many of the hometowns of the war dead aren't just small, they're poor.”
Now this is just stupid. The flaming liberals are going to turn this into a knock against the poor. Let me guess… We need more welfare? This is absolutely ridiculous!
“On a per capita basis, states with mostly rural populations have suffered the highest fatalities in Iraq. Vermont, South Dakota, Alaska, North Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, Delaware, Montana, Louisiana and Oregon top the list, the AP found.”
Sure, sure. Rural populations. We’re all dumb, ignorant hicks who can do no better than join the military since our families are so poor and misguided. This is making me quite upset. I’m from North Dakota and I resent the AP for this trash. The reason we’ve suffered the highest fatalities is because we have the most people in uniform! We’re the type of people who are drawn to the military. We are raised with honor. We understand that someone has to fight for freedom. We also understand that not a single soul in San Francisco is going to do it. Never mind how much ignorant filth spews from the dirty liberal mouths on a daily basis, they will never put their lives on the line for what they believe. Ever.
Furthermore:
“There's a "basic unfairness" about the number of troops dying in Iraq who are from rural areas, said William O'Hare, senior visiting fellow at the University of New Hampshire's Carsey Institute, which examines rural issues.”
No, sorry William, there is not any unfairness. People such as myself and my military mates live by a code of conduct. We live for Duty, Honor, Respect, Selfless Service, Integrity, Loyalty, and Personal Courage. The people writing this particular story, hell, any story from the MSM, have no idea what it’s like to live by a set of moral values. People from small towns have these values instilled upon them from day one. We know it. We live it. It’s not a huge change to join an organization that breathes these same values. Hell, it makes us comfortable to be a part of something greater than ourselves where we can all share these beliefs. I can point to any random man I was deployed with and know that he would take a bullet for me. Would Nancy Pelosi? No, not in a million years. John Carry? Hah. Not a chance.
My point is this:
“Military tradition and patriotism run deep in rural America, and for some the drive to serve goes well beyond economics. Sometimes, the call is something even their parents don't completely understand.”
That line came from the AP article. Although they do go on to say how we are stupid and don’t know what we are getting into. It’s apparent that the AP knows no benevolence. What we small town, Midwestern folks know is this: This country needs to be defended. We’ll do it. If we have to give our lives for that freedom, then so be it. But we know that others will gladly take our places to stand in front of the countless cowardly civilians who can tell us how stupid we are as we put our armor on and defend their right to bad mouth us. It’s sad, but someone has to do it. For that, I want no thanks. I want no gratitude. It’s a calling. It’s something I’m glad to do. And we’re going to continue to do it until the end of time. And when that end comes, you can sleep soundly knowing I’ll die trying to defend our great Country right to the end. I’m doing this for my Country, and for my family, and for my friends’ families, and for your family. And no matter what the “elite” tell me, I’m going to continue doing it. Don’t worry.
# posted by Smith : 10:30 AM
