Posted by Benjamin on: 07.10.2008 /
Photo by Warren Zinn, Army Times via AP
David H recently said in this comment:
Speaking of visions of America — I have noted before how, as a visual person, I am often struck hardest by pictures. Just today I saw a reprinted photo of an American soldier in battle gear carrying a frightened child. The image can be foundhere. In the picture one sees a terrified and partially naked Iraqi boy being carried by a US soldier. The caption tells us the Army medic rescued the wounded child who was caught in a crossfire.
The picture, shot by an Army Times photographer, made the private a hero. But a little over a week ago the hero, Joe Dwyer, died of an accidental “drug” overdose after years battling post-traumatic stress from his time in Iraq. His family has lamented the almost total lack of support the Army provided for their disturbed son.
According to the photographer, Warren Zinn, the child pictured couldn’t get proper medical attention either and was left unable to walk as a result of his wounds. So that picture is a vision of America as hope unfulfilled. The potential is there for a happy ending. But in the end there is nothing but tragic loss
Read the story here
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Comment by: Chris Kirk
1 07/10/08 7:06 AM | Comment Link |Truly a tragedy. This is what happens when propaganda triumphs over principle. Thanks for sharing.
Comment by: Benjamin
2 07/11/08 1:03 PM | Comment Link |Chris,
You’re welcome. =)
Comment by: martin gugino
3 07/12/08 2:31 AM | Comment Link |I can’t post this - I red lined.
Comment by: Elaine
4 07/12/08 9:18 AM | Comment Link |Last night I was disturbed to see the new commericals of military personnel sharing how the surge has worked and how we need to continue the fight…
This photo and the story behind the photo tell a different story.
How sad to know lives are being destroyed all over the world because of this war…
As with all past wars, the damage from this war will continue for many decades…
War is Hell.
Comment by: David H
5 07/12/08 1:11 PM | Comment Link |It seems very ironic that the Iraqi government is now taking the lead in saying there must be a timetable for withdrawal of US forces in order for this country to get a continuing mandate to even be in Iraq. I thought it was quite telling the Maliki, the leader of Iraq, announced this new stipulation right as Sen. John McCain was in the region proclaiming America’s success and intention to remain in Iraq. McCain famously said US troops might need to remain there for 100 years. Maliki has staked out quite a different position. Should be interesting to see how the US deals with that.