War in Iraq

Who is this guy kidding?
http://www.welcometorantville.com/archives/000173.htmlHazardous pay for soldiers:
Military Benefits News and Resources | Military.comHazardous pay for Halliburton, KBR employees:
Could not find with Google search but expect it to be in the 6 figures.Now I am sympathetic with the loss of any life be it soldier or civilian. But the soldiers are there for reasons other than making money.I believe what I am asking below, however, I hope I am proved wrong.
So I am asking:
Is the Iraq war about oil and big business? Are our soldiers fighting and dying for that?This message has been edited by Peal, 09-27-2004 01:34 PM

The war is about ideology. Bush and Co. geuninely think that what they're doing is making the world a safer place. Any information that contradicts this view is invalidated, in their eyes, simply by it contradicting the ideology.They're much like creationists in this regard. When you say "this war isn't working", all they hear is static. When you show them the statistics that prove it, all they see is a blank piece of paper.

But Crash, patriotism security freedom terrorists. The American people freedom freedom terrorism. We will not freedom tolerate extremist violence terrorism freedom. Democracy freedom from terrorism security.If that doesn't convince you, you're un-American. Did I mention you're also a terrorist? In conclusion, terrorists terrorists freedom homeland security.

You know, now that you mentioned it, 9/11 9/11 9/11 terrorists security. Yes, makes perfect sense. We have to support the troops patriotism security security freedom, after all.

Actually, from what I've been heard, skilled trades aside, the KBR folks here aren't getting much of a hazard premium. I know contractors making roughly 100K for work that would pay a bit less in the states, but they're experienced techs working 70-80 hours a week and living in very austere conditions. Still, with nowhere to spend it, they'll get way ahead in just one year. As for the rest of us... heh. We're just here because we love our country. *bitter grin*I actually do find it a nice raise being over here. The extra pay doesn't thrill me as much as giving Uncle Sam the finger monthly... but the main perk is that my disposable income languishes in the bank rather than feeding my extravagant habits. All those parties, all the road trips, all the new clothes... on hold for months, while I relish simple things like hot food. Still, it's hard to say whether the cash is worth it, and I'm pretty far from the front lines. I had a really great summer planned and it never happened. My house nearly got wasted by Ivan, and I couldn't do a thing about it. Oh, and my (ex)girlfriend will be gone next week.So, whose motivations would you like to discuss? The guys at the top, the opportunistic contractors, the ground-pounders, me? Would you mind refining the subject a bit more, or do you just want an all-around chat? My feelings have crystallized somewhat since June and I might stick around if I can steal some time from napalming Iraqi kids.Sticky business, that.I'M KIDDING.You people are so sensitive....***********************************************
*edit: OH MY GOD! LOOK AT MY POST COUNT!!!!!!!*
*Somebody go get Buzsaw!!**********************
***********************************************This message has been edited by zephyr, 09-27-2004 02:13 PM

Be lucky you're in the south.... I just found out last night that one of my friends is being deployed to Balan. You know the Sunni Triangle, where 80% of the attacks have taken place? Balan is dead-center.He signed up to be a medical lab tech. Now he's getting shipped over to be a grunt in one of the worst parts of the country...

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"Illuminant light,
illuminate me."

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But Crash, patriotism security freedom terrorists.

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You know, now that you mentioned it, 9/11 9/11 9/11 terrorists security. Yes, makes perfect sense. We have to support the troops patriotism security security freedom, after all.

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Why am I starting to get Flag City stuck in my head right now.... Mission accomplished - stay the course. God bless America!This message has been edited by Rei, 09-27-2004 02:42 PM

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"Illuminant light,
illuminate me."

I'm so glad that you still have your sense of humor.I look forward to your safe return home.

Hello Crashfrog,I can accept their ideology or point of view that they are making the world a safer place.
As you said, if information contradicts this ideology and is ignored, that is a terrible wrong.
But can that ideology be blinded if they see a profit that can be made in the future? This is what I am afraid of, that our sons are dying because of the Bottom Line.

Hello Zephyr,Never in this life and if there is another will I question the motivations of the ground pounders like yourself. Thank you so much for what you and all of our solders are doing and the sacrifices you all have to endure. I have a nephew with the 23 TOW Marines stationed in Fallujah. This is his second week there.
If the contractors posses the courage to work there they should be paid well.
So I question the motivation of the guys at the top.

zephyr666 Eh? Buz is probably dialing up homeland security as we type asking for Bush and then your ass is grass! LOL!War sucks of course and I am not a supporter of such actions. I am however a 100% supporter of troops whos lives lead to such places when they are the most cognizant of what such action can entail. In my book of wishful thinking I often would delight in having the commander in chief and his equivlalent from the other side take point in the thick of the worst shit and see how long wars last.I am curious though to know if there are any local contrctors among the Iraqi people who are securing work there?

I wonder why they would need medical lab techs there?

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Aslan is not a Tame Lion

Lab tech. I.e., he gets samples sent to him, and they analyze them. Not combat medic. I can look up his MOS if you want it...

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"Illuminant light,
illuminate me."

Hello REI,
In message 10 I made mention that my nephew was with the 23 TOW Marines stationed Fallujah.
I didn’t know it but TOW stands for Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided missile. He
works on the electronic guidance system and went to school for six months for that particular system.
He was told that The Marines were not shooting at tanks or airplanes in Iraq so he was in the infantry.
If I was not so worried about his well being I would laugh at a statement like that. Once you sign the
Contract you are theirs to do with at will.

Ain’t it the truth!! All veterans remember the time when their bodies were not their own and have empathy to those in that hell.