Magnificent Bastards

MANIFESTO

The Magnificent Bastards, or Company E of the Marine Corps, just came home from Iraq and the New York Times has the story.

It is an amazing story and a tragic story, amazing to hear the lengths these soldiers have gone to protect themselves in Iraq. From cardboard cut-out soldiers to make it seem like they have more support than they really do, to the all too common stories of scrap metal in lieu of much needed, and promised, armor. Just absolutely amazing.

Obviously, the tragedy is self-evident.

The RadCons constantly berate the mainstream media for the lack of positive stories out of Iraq. I doubt the RadCons would consider this a positive story, but I can't think of anything more positive. This is an inspiring story of men and women who will do whatever their country asks of them, and whatever it takes to protect themselves.

I am, however, uninspired by the reasons that necessitate such bravery. This is all the more so given the fact that every American, whether they agree or disagree with the War, would agree that our soldiers deserve everything they need to protect themselves. Despite all the rhetoric, those in charge of taking care of our troops are still out to lunch. This is the underlying tragedy.