Listen to our soldiers speak
Letter, by Paddy Lane, to the editor of the Oneonta Daily Star, March 15 2008
It's time to let soldiers speak for themselves about the Iraq war.
Politicians have constantly changed the rationale for our being there, and media images avoid tough realities of what that war is actually like. On March 13-16, veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars are testifying about the on-the-ground realities of these two wars and about their treatment by veterans' services on their return. In an event titled, "Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan," about 300 veterans are gathering in Silver Springs, Md., for four days of testimony about the war by those who have actually lived it.
The event is based on a similar conference held by veterans of the Vietnam War in 1971. The name "Winter Soldier" refers to Founding Father Thomas Paine's characterization of the people who stand up for the soul of their country, even in its darkest hours.
Preparation for the testimony has been meticulous _ speakers have been carefully screened and stories have been verified both by other soldiers and, where possible, on the ground in Iraq. Photos and video footage will make up a key element of the testimony. The event will combine soldier testimonies and expert panels on a list of topics, a schedule of which is available on IVAW's website. The testimony can be heard live by streaming online or, on Friday and Saturday on satellite dish, on Free Speech TV (see www.ivaw.org/wintersoldier).
Aaron Hughes, an Iraq veteran who initiated this effort, says, "This is a moment when veterans won't let anyone else speak for us. We hear from the pundits, we hear from the politicians, ... (but) ... We're the ones who can bring out the cruelties and dehumanization in U.S. foreign policy."
Paddy Lane, New Berlin
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