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The Foxhole Philosopher

A forum for thoughtful discussion of practical issues facing the military, civil, and political world today. None of the Opinions expressed here are a reflection of United States, her Military, or any other organization other than those of the author.

Name:
Location: Iraq

5.25.2006

Disparity in Courage

One of the things that strikes me is the tremendous disparity in courage between American Soldiers and others around them. Every day soldiers do things that are extremely dangerous. They don't ask for justifications or examine root causes, they just do them. I am always amazed to see soldiers race towards a fight, instead of away from it.

The most obvious difference is between American Soldiers, and the people with whom we work over here. Don't get me wrong, sometimes the courage of Iraqi's is amazing. Some of them shame me into being a better person, but on the balance, at the first sign of trouble, they look for help instead of solutions. The worst of them won't stand for anything at all.

The secondary difference is between them and people who they left back home. Many Americans have faced difficulties, and so the contrast is not so obvious. But for the many who have never fought for their lives, or had something that they were willing to die for our actions seem like those of a mad-man. It is sad, because to me it seems that it is a lack of courage to face things like death. I am also tired of hearing about people who "courageously fought" in court, or in protests, as though that is a threat. I am surrounded by true courage who truly fight and these men deserve to be recognized as the heroes they are.