Mr. President,
I am writing to you, as a mobilized reservist, to express my appreciation for your courage and leadership as Commander-in-Chief. In the face of tremendous pressure and even outright opposition from both home and abroad, you have maintained your resolve and kept your oath to defend America and all that she stands for. Along the way you must have endured many moments of loneliness and self-doubt, but in the end you did your duty. You did the right thing. Thank you.
We’ve heard that you’ve been taking some heat from your political opponents over your recent visit to the USS Abraham Lincoln. Pay them no heed—I have yet to meet a member of the military that did not appreciate the gesture. So often, when we are out at the tip of the spear, we wonder if the people who are making the decisions back in Washington realize or appreciate the sacrifices that we make. Your visit to that ship, which had endured one of the longest naval deployments in recent history, helped to eliminate any doubts that we might have had. You get it. Thank you.
In the debate leading up to the recent conflict in Iraq, we heard many arguments and rationalizations as to why Saddam had to be deposed. Preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction, and removing support and safe harbor for terrorists such as al Qaeda were two of the reasons most frequently cited. But for many of us, it was enough just to say that Saddam was an evil and ambitious man, who cast a shadow of darkness over the lives of millions. He had to go. As we uncover scores of mass graves and further evidence of his atrocities every day, only one burning question remains: How could anyone in good conscience have opposed the liberation of Iraq?
I will never forget, Mr. President, the moment I saw that statue fall, and said to myself, “It’s over. He’s finished.” Dead or alive, Saddam Hussein’s reign of terror has ended. We helped depose one of the bloodiest despots of our time. There are few experiences in life more gratifying than watching a tyrant fall, and knowing that you played a part in making it happen. Thank you.
I’ve been away from home for several months now, and I’m a little bit weary. It’s hot out here, my wife misses me, and my civilian employer is wondering when I’m coming back. To be honest, I’d rather not have to go to war ever again. It’s not pleasant. It’s a nasty business, and an uncomfortable lifestyle to boot. I’m hoping that next time, it will be someone else’s turn to fight.
But if you ever need our help to take out the trash again, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’ll be ready.
Very Respectfully,
L.T. Smash
