Letter from Baghdad

[Boomer II]

This letter is addressed to my wife's sister from their nephew in Baghdad. I thought the information was kind of interesting considering the spin we get here.

Dear Aunt Phoebe,

How are you? I’m fine just received 17:08 your letter and thought I would write ya back. I am in Baghdad now doing patrols through the city. We take out two hummers with four guys per truck and play policeman for eight hours a day. It’s kinda dangerous but it’s exciting and I’m proud of what it stands for. Most of the people here love us, but there are some who would like nothing better than to have our heads. You just have to know when to be nice and when to go Mr. Hyde on somebody (I can do both).

Sadam had those people so messed up they didn’t know what to do. The majority of the populous wants us here for all of the perks they get like: internet, cell phones, new cars, schools, hospitals, freedom. All of that stuff was regulated before we came in. But they don’t want to be Americanized as far as: women’s rights, diversity in religion and American culture in general. They are willing to deal with the later to get what they want “freedom”. There are radical Muslims here that believe differently. In their bible it says not to be led by the white man “Christian” so they take that to mean that we should die.

They can believe whatever I guess , but they don’t need to bring it to our neighborhood! There have been a lot of accomplishments made in the last year and I hope they continue.

Thanks for the support, we have people back home who don’t want us here and I don’t understand why. If they could come here and see this place, they would change their minds. I promise. We are all people no matter the nationality and these people have been repressed for a long (30 years) time. They just need a boost. The children here love us. They run to the street to wave and blow kisses at us. Barefooted, dirty and running through a mix of trash and sewer a foot deep is common for them. It’s sad, but they just got street sweepers and a new sewer station so it will get better. In 10 or 15 years those kids will remember us and what we did. Well, I have to go for now. I have a mission tonight. I will send you pics by email. Thanks for the prayers. That’s what keeps me strong.

Love,

Nick