Aa
The Last Letter
A Message to George W. Bush and **** Cheney From a Dying Veteran
To: George W. Bush and **** Cheney
From: Tomas Young
I write this letter on the 10th anniversary of the Iraq War on behalf of my fellow Iraq War veterans. I write this letter on behalf of the 4,488 soldiers and Marines who died in Iraq. I write this letter on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of veterans who have been wounded and on behalf of those whose wounds, physical and psychological, have destroyed their lives. I am one of those gravely wounded. I was paralyzed in an insurgent ambush in 2004 in Sadr City. My life is coming to an end. I am living under hospice care.
I write this letter on behalf of husbands and wives who have lost spouses, on behalf of children who have lost a parent, on behalf of the fathers and mothers who have lost sons and daughters and on behalf of those who care for the many thousands of my fellow veterans who have brain injuries. I write this letter on behalf of those veterans whose trauma and self-revulsion for what they have witnessed, endured and done in Iraq have led to suicide and on behalf of the active-duty soldiers and Marines who commit, on average, a suicide a day. I write this letter on behalf of the some 1 million Iraqi dead and on behalf of the countless Iraqi wounded. I write this letter on behalf of us all—the human detritus your war has left behind, those who will spend their lives in unending pain and grief.
You may evade justice but in our eyes you are each guilty of egregious war crimes, of plunder and, finally, of murder, including the murder of thousands of young Americans—my fellow veterans—whose future you stole.
I write this letter, my last letter, to you, Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney. I write not because I think you grasp the terrible human and moral consequences of your lies, manipulation and thirst for wealth and power. I write this letter because, before my own death, I want to make it clear that I, and hundreds of thousands of my fellow veterans, along with millions of my fellow citizens, along with hundreds of millions more in Iraq and the Middle East, know fully who you are and what you have done. You may evade justice but in our eyes you are each guilty of egregious war crimes, of plunder and, finally, of murder, including the murder of thousands of young Americans—my fellow veterans—whose future you stole.
Your positions of authority, your millions of dollars of personal wealth, your public relations consultants, your privilege and your power cannot mask the hollowness of your character. You sent us to fight and die in Iraq after you, Mr. Cheney, dodged the draft in Vietnam, and you, Mr. Bush, went AWOL from your National Guard unit. Your cowardice and selfishness were established decades ago. You were not willing to risk yourselves for our nation but you sent hundreds of thousands of young men and women to be sacrificed in a senseless war with no more thought than it takes to put out the garbage.
I joined the Army two days after the 9/11 attacks. I joined the Army because our country had been attacked. I wanted to strike back at those who had killed some 3,000 of my fellow citizens. I did not join the Army to go to Iraq, a country that had no part in the September 2001 attacks and did not pose a threat to its neighbors, much less to the United States. I did not join the Army to “liberate” Iraqis or to shut down mythical weapons-of-mass-destruction facilities or to implant what you cynically called “democracy” in Baghdad and the Middle East. I did not join the Army to rebuild Iraq, which at the time you told us could be paid for by Iraq’s oil revenues. Instead, this war has cost the United States over $3 trillion. I especially did not join the Army to carry out pre-emptive war. Pre-emptive war is illegal under international law. And as a soldier in Iraq I was, I now know, abetting your idiocy and your crimes. The Iraq War is the largest strategic blunder in U.S. history. It obliterated the balance of power in the Middle East. It installed a corrupt and brutal pro-Iranian government in Baghdad, one cemented in power through the use of torture, death squads and terror. And it has left Iran as the dominant force in the region. On every level—moral, strategic, military and economic—Iraq was a failure. And it was you, Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney, who started this war. It is you who should pay the consequences.
To read Chris Hedges’ recent interview with Tomas Young, click here.
I would not be writing this letter if I had been wounded fighting in Afghanistan against those forces that carried out the attacks of 9/11. Had I been wounded there I would still be miserable because of my physical deterioration and imminent death, but I would at least have the comfort of knowing that my injuries were a consequence of my own decision to defend the country I love. I would not have to lie in my bed, my body filled with painkillers, my life ebbing away, and deal with the fact that hundreds of thousands of human beings, including children, including myself, were sacrificed by you for little more than the greed of oil companies, for your alliance with the oil sheiks in Saudi Arabia, and your insane visions of empire.
I have, like many other disabled veterans, suffered from the inadequate and often inept care provided by the Veterans Administration. I have, like many other disabled veterans, come to realize that our mental and physical wounds are of no interest to you, perhaps of no interest to any politician. We were used. We were betrayed. And we have been abandoned. You, Mr. Bush, make much pretense of being a Christian. But isn’t lying a sin? Isn’t murder a sin? Aren’t theft and selfish ambition sins? I am not a Christian. But I believe in the Christian ideal. I believe that what you do to the least of your brothers you finally do to yourself, to your own soul.
My day of reckoning is upon me. Yours will come. I hope you will be put on trial. But mostly I hope, for your sakes, that you find the moral courage to face what you have done to me and to many, many others who deserved to live. I hope that before your time on earth ends, as mine is now ending, you will find the strength of character to stand before the American public and the world, and in particular the Iraqi people, and beg for forgiveness.
http://www.truthdig.com/dig/item/the_last_letter_20130318/
To: George W. Bush and **** Cheney
From: Tomas Young
I write this letter on the 10th anniversary of the Iraq War on behalf of my fellow Iraq War veterans. I write this letter on behalf of the 4,488 soldiers and Marines who died in Iraq. I write this letter on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of veterans who have been wounded and on behalf of those whose wounds, physical and psychological, have destroyed their lives. I am one of those gravely wounded. I was paralyzed in an insurgent ambush in 2004 in Sadr City. My life is coming to an end. I am living under hospice care.
I write this letter on behalf of husbands and wives who have lost spouses, on behalf of children who have lost a parent, on behalf of the fathers and mothers who have lost sons and daughters and on behalf of those who care for the many thousands of my fellow veterans who have brain injuries. I write this letter on behalf of those veterans whose trauma and self-revulsion for what they have witnessed, endured and done in Iraq have led to suicide and on behalf of the active-duty soldiers and Marines who commit, on average, a suicide a day. I write this letter on behalf of the some 1 million Iraqi dead and on behalf of the countless Iraqi wounded. I write this letter on behalf of us all—the human detritus your war has left behind, those who will spend their lives in unending pain and grief.
You may evade justice but in our eyes you are each guilty of egregious war crimes, of plunder and, finally, of murder, including the murder of thousands of young Americans—my fellow veterans—whose future you stole.
I write this letter, my last letter, to you, Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney. I write not because I think you grasp the terrible human and moral consequences of your lies, manipulation and thirst for wealth and power. I write this letter because, before my own death, I want to make it clear that I, and hundreds of thousands of my fellow veterans, along with millions of my fellow citizens, along with hundreds of millions more in Iraq and the Middle East, know fully who you are and what you have done. You may evade justice but in our eyes you are each guilty of egregious war crimes, of plunder and, finally, of murder, including the murder of thousands of young Americans—my fellow veterans—whose future you stole.
Your positions of authority, your millions of dollars of personal wealth, your public relations consultants, your privilege and your power cannot mask the hollowness of your character. You sent us to fight and die in Iraq after you, Mr. Cheney, dodged the draft in Vietnam, and you, Mr. Bush, went AWOL from your National Guard unit. Your cowardice and selfishness were established decades ago. You were not willing to risk yourselves for our nation but you sent hundreds of thousands of young men and women to be sacrificed in a senseless war with no more thought than it takes to put out the garbage.
I joined the Army two days after the 9/11 attacks. I joined the Army because our country had been attacked. I wanted to strike back at those who had killed some 3,000 of my fellow citizens. I did not join the Army to go to Iraq, a country that had no part in the September 2001 attacks and did not pose a threat to its neighbors, much less to the United States. I did not join the Army to “liberate” Iraqis or to shut down mythical weapons-of-mass-destruction facilities or to implant what you cynically called “democracy” in Baghdad and the Middle East. I did not join the Army to rebuild Iraq, which at the time you told us could be paid for by Iraq’s oil revenues. Instead, this war has cost the United States over $3 trillion. I especially did not join the Army to carry out pre-emptive war. Pre-emptive war is illegal under international law. And as a soldier in Iraq I was, I now know, abetting your idiocy and your crimes. The Iraq War is the largest strategic blunder in U.S. history. It obliterated the balance of power in the Middle East. It installed a corrupt and brutal pro-Iranian government in Baghdad, one cemented in power through the use of torture, death squads and terror. And it has left Iran as the dominant force in the region. On every level—moral, strategic, military and economic—Iraq was a failure. And it was you, Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney, who started this war. It is you who should pay the consequences.
To read Chris Hedges’ recent interview with Tomas Young, click here.
I would not be writing this letter if I had been wounded fighting in Afghanistan against those forces that carried out the attacks of 9/11. Had I been wounded there I would still be miserable because of my physical deterioration and imminent death, but I would at least have the comfort of knowing that my injuries were a consequence of my own decision to defend the country I love. I would not have to lie in my bed, my body filled with painkillers, my life ebbing away, and deal with the fact that hundreds of thousands of human beings, including children, including myself, were sacrificed by you for little more than the greed of oil companies, for your alliance with the oil sheiks in Saudi Arabia, and your insane visions of empire.
I have, like many other disabled veterans, suffered from the inadequate and often inept care provided by the Veterans Administration. I have, like many other disabled veterans, come to realize that our mental and physical wounds are of no interest to you, perhaps of no interest to any politician. We were used. We were betrayed. And we have been abandoned. You, Mr. Bush, make much pretense of being a Christian. But isn’t lying a sin? Isn’t murder a sin? Aren’t theft and selfish ambition sins? I am not a Christian. But I believe in the Christian ideal. I believe that what you do to the least of your brothers you finally do to yourself, to your own soul.
My day of reckoning is upon me. Yours will come. I hope you will be put on trial. But mostly I hope, for your sakes, that you find the moral courage to face what you have done to me and to many, many others who deserved to live. I hope that before your time on earth ends, as mine is now ending, you will find the strength of character to stand before the American public and the world, and in particular the Iraqi people, and beg for forgiveness.
http://www.truthdig.com/dig/item/the_last_letter_20130318/
WOW!....
Wow is right. I have Iraq war veterans in my family and they don't feel the way this guy does. Incredible that there can be a difference of opinion.
Really - a difference of opinion?
Startling to say the least!
Startling to say the least!
I have two extended family members who were in that war. They are very patriotic, all-American kind of guys. They would most definitely understand this man's position though they were not disabled. The meaninglessness of their suffering and the suffering caused to the civilians eats at them every day.
But all one needs to do is talk to the homeless vets living on the streets to get a real picture of what their lives are like and how they have been abandoned by their country after giving their best years in service.
But all one needs to do is talk to the homeless vets living on the streets to get a real picture of what their lives are like and how they have been abandoned by their country after giving their best years in service.
Let’s be fair about this. 5 years into the obama administration and we are still in Afghanistan?
I write this letter on the 10th anniversary of the Iraq War on behalf of my fellow Iraq War veterans. I write this letter on behalf of the 4,488 soldiers and Marines who died in Iraq. I write this letter on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of veterans who have been wounded and on behalf of those whose wounds, physical and psychological, have destroyed their lives. I am one of those gravely wounded.
Not the topic of this conversation. This guy served in Iraq, and that is what the discussion is. His take on HIS experiences and thoughts. I would say he has earned the right and given his all. Because of this fact I felt it worth spreading on his behalf.
Not the topic of this conversation. This guy served in Iraq, and that is what the discussion is. His take on HIS experiences and thoughts. I would say he has earned the right and given his all. Because of this fact I felt it worth spreading on his behalf.
Point taken but we can't slam Bush/Cheney (regardless of who sent the letter) and leave Obama blameless. Us Troops are still being deployed and dying in Afghanistan but 5 years later, we are still there.
Oh boy...
Oh Boy? That’s it? I’ll help you, 2 Bits.4 Bits, 6 Bits, a Dollar, all for Obama, Stand up and Holler!
See - it has nothing to do with education. Some people cannot be educated.
You are certainly capable of understanding that this was a letter by a man hurt and betrayed by his country.
Just *who* started bashing Bush??? No one was talking about Presidents, what is with you man, does everything have to me "them" and "us"...why can you not just take it for what it is?
Sheeesh.
Just *who* started bashing Bush??? No one was talking about Presidents, what is with you man, does everything have to me "them" and "us"...why can you not just take it for what it is?
Sheeesh.
I might add that I am well aware that the man who wrote the letter , wrote it to Bush and Cheney but that is because they were in charge and it was their policy that sent him to that war. They are culpable.
That doesn't mean immediately we need to bring up something about Obama "to be fair." You are so busy defending Bush and trying to put Obama in the same category that you missed the point of the letter.
By the way I am well aware that Obama has lots of faults and I do agree he is responsible for our troops suffering in Afghanistan not to mention horrible drone attacks on citizens.
That is not what the post was about
It was simply a heartfelt cry by an abandoned warrior. Can't you see that?
Sounds like you guys are drinking the kool-aid.
That doesn't mean immediately we need to bring up something about Obama "to be fair." You are so busy defending Bush and trying to put Obama in the same category that you missed the point of the letter.
By the way I am well aware that Obama has lots of faults and I do agree he is responsible for our troops suffering in Afghanistan not to mention horrible drone attacks on citizens.
That is not what the post was about
It was simply a heartfelt cry by an abandoned warrior. Can't you see that?
Sounds like you guys are drinking the kool-aid.
Nice Rant but my Point went way over your head. I’ve never defended Bush (not that a think Obama is any better) or the Wars. I do 100% stand behind or Troops. The point I was trying to make was, 5 years later we are still sending Troops over there for nothing. They should have been brought home a long time ago. I’m running late for work. Got to go.
I have a Marine friend who stands behind Iraq 100%. Thinks it is valid why we went there. So this guy has every right to say what he believes but he does not speak for everyone, and that should be noted.
..."Has nothing to do with education." Man, you said a mouthful there.
(I'm pretty sure this guy does not speak for everyone.)
rivll... why not dring up obama? we are still in a war that he said he'd stop.
(I'm pretty sure this guy does not speak for everyone.)
rivll... why not dring up obama? we are still in a war that he said he'd stop.
Okay, I as in a bit of a temper last night. I hope I didn't ruffle any feathers.
Let me try this again.
You said," Point taken but we can't slam Bush/Cheney (regardless of who sent the letter) and leave Obama blameless. "
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While you can certainly blame Obama at this point for the fact that the troops are still in Afghanistan and for a myriad of other faults, the letter in and of it self is a personal expression of one man's experience and opinion. I do believe most of our vets share that view, but that is just my opinion and beside the point.
I think the proper response is empathy and respect for what the men and women have gone through in the name of service to this country.
It is certainly more appropriate than saying 'Well, look at what Obama is doing..'
Not everything has to be about the Presidents and the parties, is what I am trying to say.
Let me try this again.
You said," Point taken but we can't slam Bush/Cheney (regardless of who sent the letter) and leave Obama blameless. "
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
While you can certainly blame Obama at this point for the fact that the troops are still in Afghanistan and for a myriad of other faults, the letter in and of it self is a personal expression of one man's experience and opinion. I do believe most of our vets share that view, but that is just my opinion and beside the point.
I think the proper response is empathy and respect for what the men and women have gone through in the name of service to this country.
It is certainly more appropriate than saying 'Well, look at what Obama is doing..'
Not everything has to be about the Presidents and the parties, is what I am trying to say.
If you follow the link to this story, there is another written by a friend of this man which details a conversation between the two men. In it, it details his injuries. It was way to long to present here but will clarify the situation to those who misunderstand the point of this. It is so truly sad that any human being go thru this kind of misery as a result of serving their country. I think if you read that one, you will agree that this guy is and has been suffering so badly for a long time. He plans to end his suffering by quitting eating. Truly Truly sad. This is not about Bush, Cheney or Obama. It is the story of one mans feelings, his experiences, and his pain. Obviously he blames it on the war in Iraq. Who wouldnt? In his shoes?
How about a little humanity for a suffering human being that served so we could have the right to act like ninkinpoops.
How about a little humanity for a suffering human being that served so we could have the right to act like ninkinpoops.
I think you are entitled to your opinion on this subject. People on this side of the matter are a little worn out on the constantly blaming Bush thing. It really looks like some attempt at deflection, especially this late in the game.
I feel that it is perfectly normal and reasonable for anyone to reference anything that is happening today when someone is referencing something from the past... that is still happening today.
As long as we are talking about being appropriate, it would have been as appropriate to say (in referencing the fact that we are still in Afghanistan), "you're right. were still in afghanistan even though the president said he'd have us out of there." That would be acceptance... not so many people are good with acceptance. Everyone and their mother has accepted the fact that the Iraq war was more than controversial.... no need to keep bringing it up unless trying to illicit some kind of a response, right?
I feel that it is perfectly normal and reasonable for anyone to reference anything that is happening today when someone is referencing something from the past... that is still happening today.
As long as we are talking about being appropriate, it would have been as appropriate to say (in referencing the fact that we are still in Afghanistan), "you're right. were still in afghanistan even though the president said he'd have us out of there." That would be acceptance... not so many people are good with acceptance. Everyone and their mother has accepted the fact that the Iraq war was more than controversial.... no need to keep bringing it up unless trying to illicit some kind of a response, right?
I agree with everything you said with one important exception.
I do not believe that this injured soldier served so we could have the right to act like nincompoops. I don't believe that the Iraq War was about our rights at all or our freedom or about anything nearly so noble. It was a totally unecessary war without any discerable righteousness or reason about it. It was a complete waste of human life and treasure with no real benefit to anyone......except perhaps for Iran and the war-time profiteers.
I do not believe that this injured soldier served so we could have the right to act like nincompoops. I don't believe that the Iraq War was about our rights at all or our freedom or about anything nearly so noble. It was a totally unecessary war without any discerable righteousness or reason about it. It was a complete waste of human life and treasure with no real benefit to anyone......except perhaps for Iran and the war-time profiteers.
If it wasn't about Bush or Cheney, they would not have been mentioned. If it were strictly about the perils of war, only the way would have been referenced.
Nonetheless, the perils of war are catastrophic. I feel for this person and all service members who are in similar shoes, for those who try to move on, and for those who never made it home.
Nonetheless, the perils of war are catastrophic. I feel for this person and all service members who are in similar shoes, for those who try to move on, and for those who never made it home.
(Substitute war for "way" in the second sentence above.)
I think you need to read the other letter. It goes into that as well, from this mans eyes.
But since you want to hear it so badly here goes. Bush and Cheney are crooks and liars and we lost lots of people for nothing but lies and deception. Am I gonna forget any time soon? Hell NO! Is Iraq gonna forget anytime soon? Hell No! Now if you want to justify that mess, that is YOUR opinion and you sir, are welcome to it. How is that for feeding you the red meat you so desire brice? Not bad eh?
But since you want to hear it so badly here goes. Bush and Cheney are crooks and liars and we lost lots of people for nothing but lies and deception. Am I gonna forget any time soon? Hell NO! Is Iraq gonna forget anytime soon? Hell No! Now if you want to justify that mess, that is YOUR opinion and you sir, are welcome to it. How is that for feeding you the red meat you so desire brice? Not bad eh?
Of course it always goes back to crooks and liars and whatever. The left always must get in it's hate with President Bush whenever it can.
Im reading what was posted and what we were talking about... this guys letter. If it wasn't the topic, it should not have been brought up.
Teko, you've got a problem.... I don't know if it is anger related or comprehension, but it should be looked into.
Teko, you've got a problem.... I don't know if it is anger related or comprehension, but it should be looked into.
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