After 52 Americans were taken captive in 1979, nearly anyone who publicly expressed an opinion supported immediately severing diplomatic ties with Iran. Among other actions, this would have meant kicking all Iranian diplomats out of the country, including those who worked at the Iranian Embassy in
Carter knew something that all the talking heads – conservative or liberal – did not. He knew that the government had the Iranian Embassy bugged and it was a vital source of intelligence. As much criticism that can be placed at Carter’s feet for poor presidential decisions, that incident may not be one of them.
The point is that everything is not always as black and white as it appears. This holds just as true today in the war on terrorism.
On his Wednesday KOGO radio show, Roger Hedgecock interviewed an amazing local Marine named Andy Robinson. His story has also been covered in the Fallbrook-Bonsall Village News.
Andy’s story represents a number of things. One is that in life – and especially in the “politics” of war and national security – the obvious is not always quite so obvious.
A 24 year-old Camp Pendleton Marine, Robinson served in Iraq as a counter intelligence specialist and interrogator. In June 2006, Andy was traveling in a Humvee outside of Fallujah when a roadside bomb went off, killing three of his fellow Marines and severely wounding him. Both of his legs were severely broken as was his vertebrae, leaving him a C6 quadriplegic, paralyzed from the chest down. Both his arms are seriously impaired.
After spending seven months in the hospital recuperating, Andy started the long road to recovery. Despite his injuries, Andy does not regret his decision to join the Marines and serve in Iraq. More importantly, he supports our nation’s ongoing efforts.
“It’s frustrating hearing members of Congress wanting to leave Iraq without ensuring that the country is stable enough to keep a terrorist organization from utilizing the abundant resources for ill intent,” said Andy.
Speaking with many of his fellow Marines as they return from service, Andy is happy to hear them say that progress is being made. He believes that the Marines just want to be able to do their job. Yes, he does support the troops coming home, but not until they have completed their mission.
“Unfortunately the American public wants everything right away. That is why we have drive through windows at banks and restaurants. But war is different, it takes time,” noted Robinson.
In support of the troops, Andy made a commercial for Freedoms Watch (watch it here).
When he started his service in Iraq, he saw Iraqi tribal leaders who refused to take responsibility or even help the Americans. Gradually the leaders started taking on more, supporting the efforts to curb insurgency. Perhaps because the Iraqi people eventually want the out just as much as Americans and even the troops do.
"The media coverage is somewhat discouraging because the troops are able to see the coverage almost instantly and they see the spin," said Robinson. "It is the first war that you can be on patrol one day and see the story being covered a few days later on the news.”
Would he do it again? Emphatically, Andy said, “Yes, being killed or injured is a risk that you take being a Marine and in doing my job I contributed to keeping many of my fellow Marines alive.”
A couple of weeks ago there was news coverage of a group of protesters staging a sleep-in at Congresswoman Susan Davis’ office, over our continued involvement in . Some of them were quoted about the personal comfort they were sacrificing to do so. Sacrifice. They could have gone camping and been less comfortable.
Then, there are those like Andy who have made very real, personal sacrifices, yet still not only disagree with the “anti-war protesters” but are angered by one-sided media attention.
Violence sells newspapers and increases viewership…or does it? Few of our troops’ positive efforts are ever covered by traditional media. And, publishers and editors continue to wonder why subscriptions fall as people look to alternative sources for news.
While the Cindy Sheehans of the world base their opposition to the war on their emotions, with very little facts, let’s hope that our elected representatives try to do what is ultimately in our long-term best interest and not simply what benefits them in the next election.
Now discharged from the Marines, Andy and his wife Sara are living in
Sgt Andrew Robinson Trust Fund
P.O. Box 9941
Trenton, NJ 08650
The Hedgecock interview with Andy can be heard on Roger’s podcast page, by scrolling to October 31, 4 p.m.
Have a nice week.