A haunting letter from General Franks

General Tommy Franks sent me a haunting letter the other day. Sure, it was a form letter. Junk mail. A solicitation for a donation to help wounded veterans. Nonetheless, it had a powerful, haunting message. Here is part of that letter.

"Dear Silence,

"It was my privilege to command the brave men and women who fought in the war against Saddam Hussein in 2003. I couldn’t be prouder of their heroism and dedication to duty.

"Having served in combat in both Vietnam and the first Gulf War, I know what it’s like to put your life on the line for your country. Although I was wounded in Vietnam, I thank God I was not permanently disable and that I’m able to lead a normal life.

"Sadly, Silence, that’s not true for so many of our veterans who were wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many of them will be in wheelchairs for the rest of their lives. Others have lost limbs or eyes or were seriously burned or suffered other injuries and will never be the same.



"Every man and woman who serves in uniform deserves our respect, gratitude and deepest thanks. But those who have been disable are urgently in need of our financial and moral support."

General Franks then goes on to ask for a contribution to an organization called "Salute America’s Heroes."


I doubt that there is anything in General Frank’s letter that any American will dispute or find offensive.

The haunting part of the letter is the recognition that history will not be kind to George Bush’s adventure into Iraq. The blinded, burned, paralyzed wheelchair-bound soldiers that General Franks speaks of have paid a high price for George Bush's incompetence.

Your faithful servant,

Silence