I've begun a new project here at Patriotically Incorrect. My cousin (we'll call him John) is an Army Reservist and I would like to support him by serializing his story, mostly in his own words. If you missed the beginning of this story, you can link to it here. Thanks for reading.
I'm lucky to be in one of the safest cities in Iraq: [...]. The people greet us with big smiles and cheers and yell "I love you America." Saddam was very cruel to the Shiites who live here (90% of the pop.) as evidenced by the mass graves on the outskirts of town. We've trained the entire police force here, but they need a lot more training--they're always saying "I'm afraid." Could you imagine an American cop saying that? They'd be out of work.
But anyway I'm so sorry I missed [my cousin's] wedding. Everyone has told me it was great fun. Best of luck to him and his bride. My wedding is planned for summer 2005 probably in the [...] area where my fiance is from.
I think that my father would be proud of what I'm doing here. Every day I wave to literally hundreds of Iraqis, showing them that we are their friend. We try to teach the police integrity, and that they are there to help the community (not terrorize the community.) No more bribes, no more brutality, we tell them. And they're listening and improving. I'm also working on starting a partnership between my university and the college here. I've got both sides talking, so that's a success in itself.
I hate watching all the negative news on Iraq. (We have satellite TV.) As much as I want Bush out of office for lying about our motive for being here, we freed 25 million people from a suffocating tyranny. There are a million more positive stories in this country than negative stories. But the media doesn't care about "good news."
Americans need to be rallying in support of Iraq--sending aid and expertise. It's an unprecedented opportunity to bring self-determination to the Middle East.
Anyway . . . here's some of the highlights of my stay here:
- A boy let me ride his donkey. :) The next day someone shot the donkey. :(
- Grand tour of Saddam's Babylon Palace. It's as absurd as you could imagine.
- Tours of the ancient ruins of Babylon, much of which Saddam destroyed.
- Playing against the national champion basketball team (losing twice.) People on the street recognize me from the games.
- 150 degree heatwave
- losing 20 lbs (See above.)
- Waking up at 3:20 am everyday for my shift
- Arresting a former Iraqi colonel (made the news.)
- Escorted one of the "55 most wanted" to court. He was a real nice guy.
- Ate at some great Iraqi restaurants.
- Served under the Marine Division that took Baghdad during the war.
- Purchased a replica of Saddam Hussein's military uniform, which I'll wear for Halloween.
- Prepared for a raid in which Saddam was the target (never went off.) We had hundreds of troops and over a dozen vehicles ready but it was called off at the last minute.
There's lots more where those stories came from--I almost feel sorry for my future children. Heaven forbid they ever say they're hot! Luckily, it's cooled down to about 115 degrees during the day here, hardy har har.
Well, that's all from the front lines. I look forward to seeing you at Thanksgiving (my fingers are crossed) or Christmas.
Love,
John
P.S. I'd appreciate if you could perhaps send copies of this letter to some of the extended family.
P.P.S. Enclosed is an Iraqi 250 dinar note, worth about 15 cents.
