DURHAM DISPATCH : Military Injustice

By Budd Saunders

Ever since the invasion of Iraq I have ranted and raged about the way our Troopies are treated. Sending them into a war without full TO&E (Table of Organization and Equipment) and untrained for urban guerilla warfare was criminal. I bitterly wrote columns about our people being tried by Courts-Martial for killing the enemy. Yes, there are instances when killings are unjustified and it is justice to try the accused. But in many instances Troopies were charged for acts that came under the heading of Trying To Survive. That’s an activity very dear to the hearts of our Troopies. “To hell with John Wayne and Rambo. I want to survive.” I was bitter when I read the headline, “Soldiers Face Tribunal Over Iraq Deaths.” Four soldiers of the 173rd Infantry Brigade were facing a tribunal to determine if they should be tried by Courts-Martial for killing prisoners. (In Vietnam over 30 years ago the 173rd Airborne fought gallantly at Dak To.) Maybe the charges are justified. I don’t know as I wasn’t there. The hearing is b - Thursday, August 28, 2008

VIEW FROM THE CHEAP SEAT : Third grade politics

By STEVEN FOSTER

It seems I have always been interested in politics. From the makeshift ballot I passed around to my third grade classmates the day of the presidential election in 1972, a lifelong train of thought was begun. I’m sure that my fellow captives in Mrs. Pratt’s class weren’t the least bit interested in whether Nixon or McGovern would win once my poll went around. When it was returned to me, some marks neat and some not so neat considering the body-politick was nearly divided between boys and girls, the results were telling. Except for Daniel Botticher, a great American, who was convinced that I was shuffling a short deck of cards and promptly used the new fangled Air Mail system in returning my ballot, many took the time to express their opinion on the direction of the nation. It was easier, back then, as a third grader to get your bearings on the condition of the world. It was a simple time in life. Parents were always there with protection and love. Neighbors would fill the gaps for other parents and somehow we - Thursday, August 28, 2008