What A Phony Soldier (www.dohiyimir.org)

"Hey, if we're sending back amputees, why the hell shouldn't we send back those with "mental problems"? Probably faking it, anywayz, and we only support REAL soldiers in America..." Quote for article.

Hopefully the above comment was made to be sarcastic about sending ANY WOUNDED WARRIORS back into combat. Read the above quote ONE MORE TIME!

FACT: Precious FEW amputees are being allowed back on Active Duty. FACT: Those few who are-being allowed on active duty does not necessarily imply BACK TO IRAQ or COMBAT!

The Pentagon is taking a liberal approach to allowing those fit enough, including amputees, to return to active duty because there is an ever increasing manning shortage.

FACT: This is not the first hositilies where amputees have been encouraged to remain on active duty. A few, but again very few, returned to active duty after Vietnam, and the Gulf War.

I find this commendable from a troops point of view, however I passionately do not condone our government going out of its way to encourage wounded warriors to believe all of them are able to stay on active duty.

Think back at the real story behind the Marines who raised Old Glory on Iwo Jima. Despite their real backgrounds (views and feelings), they were paraded across America as War Heroes.

When you see a photo op with Wounded Warrior amputee that is in anyway associated with our government propaganda effort - think back on the real story behind the Flag Raising on Iwo Jima.

Those very few amputees that choose to remain on active duty plus 'choose' to have such a photo op taken to highlight their courage are today's version of creating American Heroes.

POINT: Whenever an amputee chooses to condone a government sponsored photo-op, they are agreeing to be EXPLOITED by our government.

The recognition such a courageous warrior gets depends on how the amputee reacts and acts. Maintaining a humble profile about their decision speaks volumes compared to being exploited by a PHOTO-OP.