March 21, 2003

The Price of Freedom

I was listening to the radio this morning as I drove my son to school. The DJs had a former Iraqi soldier on air explaining what freedom means to him.

You know, we can never truly appreciate the gift that freedom is. It takes those from other countries, from places where oppression and death are the norm, to make us open our eyes and be grateful for what we have.

As Usama Georges told his story, I felt ashamed. I felt ashamed of taking for granted the right to voice my opinion, the ability to wander about freely, the opportunities I have each day to do as I wish. I don't have to fear the Republican Army bursting through my door, declaring me a traitor, and executing me, after making me witness the beating and rape of my daughter, mother, or sisters. I don't need to fear that my leaving home for a far off destination will bring about the death of my father.

Could you walk away from your friends and family for the unknown? Could you do it knowing that your mother or father will surely die as a direct result of your actions? I don't know if I could. What I do know is that, given the same set of circumstances, I would join an army and sacrifice myself in order to protect my loved ones.

To really understand what living in Iraq is like, go listen to Usama's story (link disabled.) Unfortunately, there isn't a direct link. You'll have to scroll down a hair to find the audio link.

You know, we have politicians who lie and scandals galore......but, given a choice, I wouldn't trade this for anything in the world!

Posted by DaGoddess at March 21, 2003 05:15 PM
Comments

Me either!

Posted by: Susan at March 21, 2003 06:13 PM

What's the matter? You are getting WAY too existential lately.

And I DO NOT have your entry to the survey yet.

Posted by: Acidman at March 21, 2003 07:00 PM

I just found this page. It seems that you think that what I did was wrong, and gave your self the right to judge me. You don't want to be in my place I bet you. You listened to a 10 Minute interview. I was on air with 760KFMB through out the whole month of operations. If you need to know more then you can contact 760 KFMB and talk to Rick Roberts and you will know what my family went through.

Posted by: Usama Georges at November 27, 2003 10:05 PM

Sir, your story is one of courage and that's what I had hoped to portray. I hope you'll reread this post and see that I meant only to put a very human face on the war in Iraq and what it is that you hope for others in your homeland to experience firsthand. No one should have to suffer as you, your family, and all your countrymen have.

I cannot imagine living in such a constant state of fear. I cannot imagine how difficult it was for you to leave your home, knowing that it could destroy everything you love for you to do so. I cannot imagine how difficult it has been for you to live apart from those you love.

Your struggle is the reason I wanted those who protested the war to open their eyes...to see that all Iraqis weren't supporting Hussein. I wanted the protestors to see that there were people who long for freedom. People who wanted to see their countrymen free.

Posted by: Da Goddess at November 28, 2003 02:03 AM