I wondered about the reaction to this. It was not meant to support the war. It was exactly what it was - people are people and they come from communites. We do amazing things by and large. And we are also capable of some pretty ugly things.

I figured there needed to be a bit more balanced perspective on what the troops are doing. Like someone above mentioned - troops from all nations answer their country's call. And they do the best they can in the circumstances.

I'd seen enough of the negative and wanted those who were so inclined to see the troops in their better moments. I received an e-mail from a friend who witnessed a troop throw himself on a grenade to save an Iraqi girl of about age 10-11. One dead American and one live Iraqi girl. Selfless acts mingled with horrific excesses make up what war is. And the vast majority of citizens who end up going are of the selfless variety.

I reckon I just have a lot more memories of the good we did during my war than of the bad. Part of that is most likely denial - but I prefer to remember the good in order to remain faithful to my integrity and sense of honor. We, as Marines, did not go to be bad - we went because we believed we could do some good. Just as my father did in WW-II, my uncle in Korea, and me in Vietnam. And as I grow older I find that I spend a lot more time with my family and the good memories I can keep from that.

So I meant no disrespect to those who wish to remain true to whatever their belief system may be - just that a balanced view of those who are trying to do their best in a tough situation need to remain in our prayers and hearts. They will come home to us and for us to not treat them gently as changed humans would be as unconscionable as those who violated those Iraqi prisoners. For those troops are still us -

Steve