War in Iraq is just in its cause and can be won

By Jared Johnson

In response to the many e-mails I have received the past couple weeks, I feel a need to clarify why I write this column. Also, I may need to apologize for my less-than-perfect journalism skills. I am very much a rookie.

I am here to share experiences, some of which relate in a roundabout way to issues at home. I believe these real-life stories can illustrate certain points very effectively. What I haven’t done is give a detailed background explanation of the issue it applies to. And I most likely never will – it’s not my purpose here. And because of this, I have been accused of misleading the “already VERY ignorant students at Utah State.” Yeah I know,

I thought it was rude too. Well, I sure don’t think the students of Utah State are ignorant.

But just to be safe, my fellow Aggies, I challenge you to enlighten yourself as pertaining to the issues that affect the security of this great nation. Whatever your opinions are concerning the war on terror, homeland security or whatever, make it a point to know the issue. This way, no one can refer to you as the “VERY ignorant students at Utah State.” Maybe they will soon refer to you as the “incredibly educated students who know the issues like the back of their hand.”

And now, I would like to get a bit fired up about another comment that came my way. Apparently myself, and all other U.S. soldiers, are fighting a war that cannot be won, and are fighting it for an unjust cause. Ladies and gentlemen, if you want ignorance, there it is. This war CAN be won, if we do things right. Thankfully, we have some smart, steadfast leaders here in Iraq that are willing to stay the course.

Of course I wouldn’t expect someone who hasn’t been on the ground here to understand this. It’s going to take time and patience though. A quick example if you will. A while back, I watched some Iraqi soldiers start their driver’s training. They drove up and down the runway like scared little boys, and eventually rolled one of the Humvees.

Now after weeks of the Marines training them, they drive it like they stole it! My point is this: every day they are getting better at what they do. We can’t and won’t abandon them now.

Now let me ask you this question, is this cause unjust? I know why people have come to believe it is unjust, but are we forgetting that the Senate approved this war? And not just the president had access to the intelligence that led us into Iraq. So uh, I think maybe people should start pointing the finger on both sides of the aisle.

This is the cause of freedom for the Iraqi people. Are they less entitled to the blessings of freedom just because their leader squandered away their ability to wage war on their own? And if we, the United States, have the resources and ability to help, should we sit idly by and do nothing?

Unfortunately, some people would. I’m just so glad to associate myself with good people willing to put it all on the line to help others, even when there is no direct benefit to themselves. That is exactly what soldiers, Marines and airmen do. They don’t ask for recognition, and they sure as hell don’t want the sympathy of those who think their efforts are in vain.

Again, let me reiterate, what I have said is based on experience and what my eyes have seen. You may agree or disagree with what I have said, and you most certainly have the right to do so. Let it be known though, this soldier believes there is hope in the future for Iraq, if we are willing to lend the helping hand.

Sgt. Jared Johnson’s column runs every Friday. Comments and questions can be sent to jaredj@cc.usu.edu.