I watched the president make his address last night, on television, sitting aside my brother. When they announced that he was coming on, I yelled at him that his commander in chief was going to be on TV. I was being sarcastic.
Bush announced that we are sending more than 20,000 additional troops to secure Baghdad. He warned us that there will be more American casualties. He managed to look somber.
All I could think about was the 21-year-old sitting next to me. And I kept remembering his frequent threats to volunteer for active duty. And I had a too-frightening flash to his name amongst the casualties.
We are at war, whether we use the word or not. And I don’t want my baby brother to be one of the people who are sacrificed at the altar of patriotism… and economy.
Almost related:
- National Guard members applying to join Border Patrol; reported by the Houston Chronicle
