Here’s What You Asked For Mr. Cohen

Earlier, I noted an column that got me pretty riled up. Richard Cohen praised the three retired generals who have been very outspoken about their disapproval of the Iraq war. Mr. Cohen was convinced these three speak 'truth to power' (not his words, his implication) and wanted others currently serving to come forward.

Well, here are the words of a serving officer in today's Philadelphia Enquirer, Mr. Cohen. Maj. Kevin Kelly is an F-16 fighter pilot with the New Jersey Air National Guard on a tour of duty in Iraq right now.

…Here's a guy who takes a bullet that misses his head by inches, and he's sitting there thanking me? It put things into perspective and, quite frankly, made me feel a little unworthy. The kids who are serving over here are the best America has to offer. Their bravery is evident in their capacity to perform professionally even when scared half to death. They make me proud.

We then went to the ward that cared for the Iraqi citizens. To describe it as "horrible" would not be adequate. The ward was filled with police and civilian casualties from a car-bomb attack that left almost every patient missing at least one limb, and many missing several. Despite the heavy sedation and pain medication, most were conscious, screaming and groaning in agony.

Now, if you ever have any doubt that you live in a thoroughly good, decent and moral country, just recall what I'm about to tell you: In the next ward, doctors and nurses were working just as diligently on the very animals who commit these despicable attacks. I scratch my head when so many back home are unable to make the moral distinction between the ideology that gave birth to the greatest country on Earth and the ideology of our enemy in Iraq. I am sometimes fearful that this moral blindness may one day lead to the downfall of our republic. I only hope I'm wrong.

And his final words are powerful:

We truly are the last best hope of the world. We dare not quash that hope in Iraq, and, in the process, destroy our valiant, struggling friends – and their desire for peace and happiness.

There you go, Mr. Cohen, the true voice you yearned for. Not the overly politicized former generals who knowingly endanger the troops they claim to support.

Happy, Mr. Cohen?

UPDATE: And still more words from a serving soldier, Mr. Cohen. This time in front of a group of your peers.