Meghan+B.

The Iraq War: A Hopeful Or Lost Cause?

This current war against terrorism, also known as the Iraq War, is extremely different from any other in history. With the start of the twenty-first century also came a wave of new technology. The media, including radio, television, newspapers, magazines, movies and more, all affect people around the world, and, in this current day, control the public’s knowledge of present-day events. When 9/11 occurred, terrorism was the only topic in the media. After Iraq was officially invaded on March 20, 2003, two and a half years later, the sting of the twin towers’ destruction was still prevalent. But since this occupation, concern about the war has died down; reporters have stopped writing articles, newscasters have ceased telling stories, and the people of America h ave abandoned the soldiers supposedly fighting for freedom. News of the war is hardly heard unless it concerns the death or homecoming of a neighboring soldier, or an update on the latest bomb casualties. These notifications are reminders of the fear that American citizens should feel are only debated in elections years or at Christmas time when it is time to donate to your Salvation Army’s Santa. Does the American public even know that the number of U.S. troops present in a war against terrorism has hardly touched 300,000? Or are they aware that the United States’ withdrawal from Iraq has been pushed to August 31, 2010?

The amount of civil participation in this “national” fight for democracy and freedom is at an all time low. America is known as the country of liberty, a nation that will stand up for any man or woman that desires the independence is homologous to the Declaration and Constitution of these United States of America. But is this still true today, or is it a passing legend? In the wars of the past, civilians left at home did so much for their warriors far away; they sent food, clothes, forms of entertainment, the public gave up material commodities in order to aid their brothers abroad. Women took up jobs in the factories, families grew gardens for their own food so grocery stores could send meals to soldiers, and people gave loads of money to the armed forces all in hopes of supporting the war. But lately our heroic nation has fallen short. The old tales of the fearless America are being discredited. Will the American citizens finally step forward at the end of this crusade? My hope is that America will open her eyes to the present issues and act on what they encounter. We cannot loose in faith in our government, people, soldiers, and beliefs at the most important time. Do not let this war go down in history as a war of hopelessness and despair.

Mr. Barich - I'm not sure how to put the recording on??