2008 Woodie Awards
Loss of Innocence
Zach Roth
Issue date: 4/22/04 Section: Opinion
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I pose this scenario in hopes of renewing or generating an awareness of the loss of 107
U.S. military personnel this month-making April the deadliest month since our troops stepped foot on Iraqi soil. With an average age of 18-25, those who are dying are our peers. Considering the month is not yet over, the death count will most likely rise.
Despite such loss, relatively few college students are even aware of what is going on.
President Bush called for a press conference April 14 to shed light on the rising violence in Iraq. Bush opened with a 17-minute statement reminding Americans of the goals for bringing democracy to the Iraqi people. Bush also extended his apologies and sympathy to the families who have lost relatives and who still have loved ones fighting overseas. He stressed it is the United States' obligation to lead the world toward peace and freedom.
I find it ironic that most people in the same age range of the average soldier in Iraq are not current on world affairs. Especially those of such grave magnitude. My grandparents always said my generation didn't care, but why? How can we go throughout our days concerned about trivial matters when our peers are dying in a foreign land? We can no longer say this country will one day be in our hands-it is in our hands now.
I took a casual stroll across campus conducting an informal poll. I found that nine out of ten people were not aware of the April casualties or that President Bush even had a recent press conference. Frightening. How can so many people be uninformed? Why do people ignore the problems we are facing as a nation? What will it take for one to pay more attention?
Criticism comes easy for some individuals. Some even go as far to say our military is causing genocide. Those comments do nothing but alienate our troops-young men and women who are all ready distanced from their families, friends and communities. Our troops deserve praise for the remarkable job they are performing to insure the safety and protection of our nation, the world, and the future.
" I support our troops," John Warren, SGA president-elect, said. " I think that it was a good thing to capture Saddam."
No matter where one stands politically, he or she cannot discourage or demoralize our forces. Even if Bush is voted out of office in the next election, his predecessor will have an obligation to finish the job.