President Obama: Please allow our war dead and wounded to return home

[Submariner]

in the light of day.

I am offended that the draft dodging cowards (Bush & Cheney) would sneak our war dead and wounded back into the country in the dark of night with no media coverage allowed.

I hope my new president will reverse that abominable trend, and show the American people some of the destruction caused by the present White House warmonger. Let us respect those that gave their lives for Bush's wars, instead of disrespecting them like the AWOL coward has since 2001.



Submariner

[uppityperson]

1. k&r. So many little things have changed, and can now change back.

k&r for another item that I hadn't thought of changing. Very good thought.

[potisok]

2. Yes

I watched on the news how the Canadians lined the route of the return of their troops who lost there lives and cried because ours have been brought home with no welcome and recognition, almost in the dark of the night. Not to show the destruction but to show respect. R.I.P. may your friends and family find peace.
USMC 1970 to 1972

[formercia]

3. Give all of them the honor they deserve

and make it very public.

[Chulanowa]

5. Agreed

This, perhaps more than anything, really demonstrates the core of the Bush administration. They hail the men and women serving as heroes (so long as they don't vote for or run as Democrats!) but when they are killed or wounded, they're shuffled around and snuck into the country, like we should be ashamed. Fuck that. I don't like the war. I'll even admit I'm a little leery of someone who signs up to fight in one. But you know what, I'm sure all these men and women had good intentions, and they certainly deserve the respect that we would give anyone else in their situation, at the very least.

I can't imagine anyone else trying to sneak their loved ones to the cemetery, can you?

[gordianot]

4. There should be a full color guard present whenever any plane lands.

All coffins should be draped with the American flag. Family members should be allowed to view the proceedings. A member of the Joint Chiefs should be required present as well as a member of civilian military authority.

[rakeeb]

6. umm... there is a color guard whenever a plane lands

at Dover with the remains of soldiers killed overseas. Family members have always been welcome.
It's just been DoD policy since 1990 to not make it a press circus at least until the remains have been handed over to the family (out of respect for those families who don't want their soldier turned into a press circus).