We're a country forged on Vimy Ridge, solidified in WW II, and the only one of UK, US and us to allow our female soldiers to participate in combat missions. Why would we now turn tail and run when the battle becomes a challenge?
I saw the unedited taped interview of Jason Beam on CBC noon news. He was calm at that point, but you could see the ravages of the death of Nichola Goddard, his wife, on him. Yet he had no doubts about the mission or what she died for. He was firm and clear on why she was over there, and he fully supported her. We need to fully support our troops as well, because they are there not just to bring peace and democracy and female emancipation (I hope!) to Afghanistan, but also to protect us from the Taliban regrouping and attacking us. We are on their list, whether we like it or not, believe it or not. They also know something we seem to have forgotten in our decades of peace: the turtle wins the race. Nothing good happens quickly, only slowly, with much pain and tough hoeing, putting one foot in front of the other until at last we reach our destination. Quitting now not only betrays those who believe we're there for them, but also ourselves as people of integrity and courage and fortitude. We will also betray our own safety.
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