I was emailed and asked about the war

[MSG Hall]

I have been asked a few times what Soldiers think about the War over here.

Instead of answering the PMs, I decided to make this post.

First let me say that I in no way claim to speak for anyone. Everything here is my opinion and is NOT in anyway Army policy… I do not represent the Military in anyway while giving MY opinions below. Had to get that out of the way… I do not want to go to jail over a cut and paste and someone saying “MSG Hall said”. The Army has no sense of humor about this stuff.

The War:

The war was started and is continuing because of oil. Oil whether we like it or not is the blood that keeps not only our economy going, but the entire worlds economy going. Everything we use, food, heat, the plastic but plate on your rifle all depend on oil to provide the power to make them and the ability to transport them to your local stores.

We import oil from many countries. But enough comes from the Middle East that if the production were to stop our economy would be devastated. In addition the other countries of the world would scramble to by what they could; this would raise the prices astronomically and throw us all into a world wide depression. Many millions of people would starve; many more would freeze that following winter.

Democracy is a stabilizing type of government. The power resides in the people, not in one dictator, not in clergy, but in the people. When democracy takes hold here the worlds largest oil reserves will be that much safer, the world economy will be that much safer. So the tragedy of 4000 Soldiers dead compared to the possibility of millions if a real war were to break out here… if we leave, Iran will invade. Saudi will become involved. Iran and Syria and Jordan will back the Palestine’s in attacking Israel. We will have to come to Israel’s aid. How many would die then?

We are here to show these people that democracy works. To show them that it can work for them, that they could have a better life. Turkey is an Islam country and they are also democracy. It can work.

These people have been beat down and told what to do and how to think for so long that it is difficult to convince them that they are worth saving, that they can have better lives.

I have spoken to many locals and things are changing, attitudes among them are getting better. Neighborhoods have started turning in insurgent hideouts to us. They are just starting to see hope, we must continue until they are confident to stand on their own. That is all they lack, the confidence that they can do it.

That’s why we are here…

President Bush:

“I” belive that this was his goal all along. I do not know if he lied to get us here, but Congress saw the same Intel he did and they voted to allow the war. I don’t know if it was all a ruse from the beginning of if it was all just an excuse to get us here… I don’t know. But, not being privy to the information they had, I have to trust their judgment. After all, this is why we elect our leaders. To weigh the facts, and make decisions based on those facts in our behalf.

So do I support the war, yes I do, do I support Bush, on this issue I do. Not because it was he who sent us, not because he is President, not because he is Republican, but because for America and for the whole world right now at this point in time, it is the right thing to do.

I voted for Bush both times, not because I thought he was the best man for the job, but because out of who I was running, he was the best of them. I would vote the same again knowing what I do now. Although I do disagree with President Bush on many other issues.

Now as I said, I do not claim to speak for anyone. But I do believe that the vast majority of Soldiers believe close to what I do.


For all who asked me, how was that?

[Oasis Maker]

For all who asked me, how was that?

Balanced. Insightful. Unbiased. Respectful. I appreciate that you didn't slam or name call with all of the predictable derogatory political cliches--either way.

Thanks for sharing.
Scott G.

[MSG Hall]

Thank you. I am never disrespectful to people who disagree with me politically. I realize I am to far right for most people’s tastes and because of that I don’t understand how many who are far left think, I just don’t get them… but that’s ok, I still read what they write, listen to what they say. I suspect that what is best for all of us is a balance, a middle ground we can all live with.

Everyone has an opinion, and every opinion has merit and should be heard. Wisdom can be found in everyone, so I try to listen to everyone who has something to say, especially when they disagree with me.

[dreadcptflint]

First let me say that I in no way claim to speak for anyone. Everything here is my opinion and is NOT in anyway Army policy… I do not represent the Military in anyway while giving MY opinions below-MSG Hall[url]


Thanks for the disclaimer. I was over there for Shield/Storm and had to bite my tongue more than once over policy. It's a tough, tough job and thank you for doing it.[/url]

[Oasis Maker]

Proud to support you, Master Sergeant Hall, and honor all of those who sacrificed so much before you. Happy Memorial Day Bruce.

Scott G.