Paying for CheneyBush's Lies

On the ground in Sadr City:

"What do you want us to accomplish over here? We aren't hearing any end state. We aren't hearing it from the president, from the defense secretary," Sgt. 1st Class Michael Eaglin said in a room cluttered with bunk beds, rucksacks and weapons at the Sadr City outpost. "We're working hard and the politicians are arguing. They don't have bullets flying over their heads. They aren't on the front lines, and their buddies aren't dying," he said, echoing the sentiments of a group of soldiers around him.

"It's almost like the Vietnam War. We don't know where we're going," Spec. Adam Hamilton agreed.

"We're not complaining," Eaglin said. "We're tired of being lost. Have you ever been lost and at the same time getting shot at? It's miserable," he said. "When you paint a car a pretty red . . . it makes you feel good inside. That's what we want with this war. I want to be here for a reason, not just a show of force."

Maybe you already know this guys, but all your sacrifice, courage and dedication have no reason. All the reasons your commander-in-chief gave you and the nation were lies. If you want to be charitable (I don't), the commander-in-chief was wrong. Either way, you won't find coherent for ducking those bullets or bagging up your buddies.

If it's any solace, I've been able to live with that thought for almost 40 years. You can get by but you never forget, either.

I'm sorry. We were supposed to know better.