Paying Respect

I’ll admit I’ve come to my wit’s end about ideas about Iraq. I still stand by my position that we shouldn’t have invaded Iraq, but now that we’re there we United States Citizens have a responsibility to the country and the people who live and lived there.

I recognize that I have little power to change what happens in Iraq. I can write on my blog, write my senator, or join a protest. Of course there are options that require more commitment, such as joining a humanitarian relief agency that does work in Iraq or with Iraqi refugees, or joining the Army.

I do one thing that actually keeps me connected and aware of my responsibility as an owner of the United States Government. I consistently read the Names of the Dead. It is a small pittance really, but it is a tendril that keeps me connected.

I’m surprised really on how often there is some way that personally connects me to the soldiers who have died in Iraq. In today’s article 22 year old Vincent A. Madero of Port Hueneme, California was the sole confirmed death. Those who knew me at Chiquita will recognize that I was the Logistics Coordinator for Chiquita’s trucking operations in Port Hueneme. I’ve been there, I’ve probably driven down, or walked on the same streets as Specialist Madero.

Reading the Names of the Dead has become a requirement and a high priority when I see in my RSS reader that it has been updated.

It is the least I can do to pay my respects.