Today in Stars and Strips is a short article about General Lynch, who is in command of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division. They will be directly affected by Bush’s plan for more troops. It stated that the General had said “…war-weary American’s should “quit complaining” and prepare themselves for the conflict to continue several more years.” He went on, “I believe it is time for us to quit complaining and focus on our duty.” Lynch said it is not soldiers and their spouses who are complaining about the war, but rather people in “outside circles” from the military.” He then added, “If we let the American people realize…..that historically it takes at lest nine years to complete a counterinsurgency operation, then the American people will be supportive.”

I had recently read about another famous battle in history. It is recorded in the book of Exodus. It is the battle of the Nation of Israel against the Amalekites. Exodus 17:10-13: Joshua did as Moses had told him and fought against Amalek, while Moses, Aaron and Hur went up to the top of the hill. While Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, but whenever he put his hand down, Amalek prevailed. When Moses’ hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat down on it. Then Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down. So, Joshua defeated Amalek and his army with the sword.”

It is interesting that nothing is said about whether if the plan were correct or if the troop strength were correct or if Joshua were a good leader, just the need for Moses to keep his hands up. The only thing that was important in this battle was Moses to show a sign of strength and keep his hands up. When he grew weary he needed people to come along side and help him to maintain the appearance of strength even when he was exhausted. When I read this story a few days ago, I immediately thought this was a beautiful example of what is happening in our struggle. The Amalekites could probably see when Moses grew weak and were encouraged, but when his friends realized that he needed support and joined in, Joshua and his army prevailed. Right now there are protests in the US Capitol. They are in essence pulling down the hands of the Commander in Chief. The protests are telling the insurgents that the troops here are not supported and the terrorists and the countries that support them are empowered and trust that they just have to keep up the small menace of killing a few here and there and wait for us to quit.

I am not prepared to quit and turn this country over to people who do not care whether innocent women and children live or die and think nothing of sacrificing them in open markets and streets.

The media has weakened our leader at home and abroad. Someone grab a stone for him to sit on, some others need to grab his arms and support him. All of us down on the battle field will continue to fight and care for the injured but we need the country to be: One nation, Under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all….sound familiar???

Solis Deo Gloria

More thoughts to come