Letter to the Editor

Your View: Let them stay

Monday, October 1, 2007

Five weeks ago I heard from the mother-in-law of a high school friend that my friend is about to be redeployed to Iraq. I could hear the pain in her words and see the worry in her eyes when she explained the situation. My friend became a father not too long ago and he really doesn't want to leave his family behind again.

Like so many of the husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, currently deployed or about to be redeployed, he and his family are worried about the danger he's about to face again. Hearing my friend's story really brought the occupation of Iraq home to me.

Now when I hear about Iraq, I think of my friend and his family.

I write this letter today because I'm frustrated. Yesterday (Wednesday, September 19), the Senate Republicans, including Senator Bond, blocked an amendment that would have allowed for our troops currently deployed to be able to stay at home with their families for as long as they've served before they can be redeployed. So many families like my friend's have already given up so much because of Iraq, but it seems that this is not enough for the Senate Republicans. I don't know if this amendment would keep my friend from being redeployed against his wishes, but I do know that many like him, who have done more than their fair share and long to be home, would have had this wish granted.

Justin Gregory Malden