Comment on Emily Thomas' "A More Peaceful War"

I’m not sure where this blog is going when finish reading it. What brought me to attention was the title, “A More Peaceful War”. In the first half of the blog, the author presented her views on war, in which she described it as cruel yet necessary. I have no argument against her opinions on this because I completely agree. Mankind will never obtain true peace because it is not in the realm of possiblity. We denounce battles during times of war, yet we crave battles during times of peace. War can bring both stability and instability to our world. I believe that war leads to peace because we can’t really call it peace if there’s no war. Overall, I agree with what the author has to say about war. However, during the second half the blog, the author presents her solution to a more peaceful war by shutting down prison camps and refrain from taking prisoners of war. First of all, I personally have no clue what a peaceful war is. Wars are chaotic and horrific, I don’t think one can change what war is. You can’t call it a war if soldiers are not getting hurt or killed and no matter how what kind of fancy words used, war is still a battleground where soldiers are killed. Second, I do notice the author’s opinion on the cruel acts prison camps lay on the prisoners of war. She believe that America should shut down prison camps such as the Guantanamo Bay and should refrain from taking prisoners of war. I respectfully disagree, as much as it pains me. I am against the tourturing methods of prison camps, but I do think that locking prisoners of war inside prison camps are necessary. The only thing I would change would be banning torture and giving POW a fair trial. Other than that, I don’t think it is necessary to shut down prison camps. I believe that every country has its ugliness, and this is one of America’s wrinkes. Yes, other countries might be given a negative view on our nation, but we are the leader and the governing country of the world. 

Obama Administration's Troop Withdrawal Plan

                People of the United States are still asking when their beloved soldiers will come home. The Obama administration has been developing a plan that will begin transfer security duties in Afghanistan to that country's forces. The process will take approximately 18 to 24 months and it is believed that the mission in Afghanistan will end by 2014. This four year plan will be presented at a NATO summit meeting in Lisbon. The plan will be pretty similar to the troop withdrawal in Iraq under George W. Bush's administration. American troops will steadily decrease as more Afghan civilians and military officials are thoroughly trained by U.S. forces to become Afghan fighters. The trained soldiers will then replace deployed soldiers and defend the country for themselves. Eventually majority of the U.S. troops will be brought home and only few American forces will remain for further teachings and support in case of emergencies.

                I personally believe that the plan takes too long and I have doubts about the success of Obama administration's plan. First of all, unlike Iraq, Afghanistan does not have any structure of government. It is hard to believe that by simply training defense tactics and giving weapons to civilians will bring order to the country and the people. Second, this plan, just like the one in Iraq, violates the mind your own business policy. It is one of the many reasons why many countries disapprove United States’ foreign affair plans. Although Americans are in Afghanistan to destroy the Taliban and civilize the people, our help might be interpreted as meddling and could cause scornful tensions between soldiers and Afghans. Worst of all, future rebels might form to oppose American help. The correct action is when our country is attacked or threatened, we wipe out our enemies, and then we leave. There's no reason to overstay our welcome in other countries, especially with the economy is in a state of recession. The military is also losing money and it is visible by the number of cut backs on bonus money for soldiers and reduction in troops. Not only are the soldiers away from their family, but also losing money to support them. What I believe should be done right now is just withdrawal our troops. We have kept our soldiers from their families long enough, why should they stay in a country that doesn't even want our help? Why should we stay on the battlefield when our enemies are already vanquished?

Comment on Stephanie Heisner's "Uncle Sam Wants YOU... Unless You're Homosexual"

In my opinion, I have to disagree with what the reasons the author has presented in her article. As a current member of the United States Army Reserve Unit, it is clear that I have more insight on this subject than civilians. The author presents only a few arguments, declaring banning homosexuals from the military is unconstitutional and that it is inhumane. Although both arguments are true, the author fails to recognize the downside of openly accepting gays into the military.

First of all, I have no ill feelings toward homosexuals. People could kiss, love, and marry the same sex if one desires it. I accept this philosophy and have never discriminated against any gay men or women. With that said however, accepting gays openly into the military causes several problems. First, soldiers are not authorized to sleep in the same building or tent with the sex that they are attracted to. Straight men are not allowed sleep near women and vice versa. Where will gay soldiers sleep is beyond me. Extra building and rules restricting sexual tensions among soldiers will require more time and money. Also, being around gay soldiers might make other soldiers uncomfortable. One might confuse a gesture of friendship or bro-mance with sexual harassment, thus destroying trust and unity in the military. A group of straight soldiers taking a shower in the latrine can’t say that they feel comfortable when a gay soldier walks in.

The army life is very different from the civilian life because soldiers can’t just get over it. Yes, it is unconstitutional, but not inhumane. Many soldiers accept homosexuals and they certainly don’t live in fear. No one is asking and no one is blaming. Openly announcing gay soldier would only create problems and tension.