Sgt Dub to Ahmadinejad

Sgt Dub is an American hero, although he never would say this himself.

This is a first for me. I’m posting twice today. Since Sgt Dub says some things better than I was able, I am going to post his comments on Ahmadinejad for yesterday’s article as a post in and of itself. I hope you don’t mind, Sgt.

Then, I’m going to post the article I wrote for today’s post, on Hugo Chavez, who I call The Clown, based on a comment from one of my readers.

Visit Sgt Dub’s blog, at SGTDUB, for a first-hand experience of a soldier serving in Afghanistan, a great guy with a level head, communicating with the world from one of the hotspots on the globe. We remain appreciative of what you do, Sgt.

Here is the first post, Sgt. Dub responding to Ahmadinejad’s letters:

Rock, I read his letter to Noble Americans on Sunday, and immediately felt compelled to respond, of course. This may get long but I will cut it down to just the parts I responded to.

Ahmadinejad:

Our nation has always extended its hand of friendship to all other nations of the world.

Dub:

Taking a hostage by the elbow and escorting him is not considered a hand of friendship in this country.

Ahmadinejad:

Hundreds of thousands of my Iranian compatriots are living amongst you in friendship and peace, and are contributing positively to your society. Our people have been in contact with you over the past many years and have maintained these contacts despite the unnecessary restrictions of US authorities.

Dub:

Yes, there are many Iranian people who fled the oppressive and destructive nature of Iran in hopes of finding a better place to live and we welcomed them to our country.

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Ahmadinejad:

In Iraq, about one hundred and fifty thousand American soldiers, separated from their families and loved ones, are operating under the command of the current US administration. A substantial number of them have been killed or wounded and their presence in Iraq has tarnished the image of the American people and government.

Dub:

I consider a "substantial number" an exaggeration on your part.

Ahmadinejad:

You have heard that the US administration is kidnapping its presumed opponents from across the globe and arbitrarily holding them without trial or any international supervision in horrendous prisons that it has established in various parts of the world. God knows who these detainees actually are, and what terrible fate awaits them.
You have certainly heard the sad stories of the Guantanamo and Abu-Ghraib prisons. The US administration attempts to justify them through its proclaimed "war on terror." But every one knows that such behavior, in fact, offends global public opinion, exacerbates resentment and thereby spreads terrorism, and tarnishes the US image and its credibility among nations.

Dub:

First, kidnapping is described as the illegal abduction against one's will, and describes the tactics you might be familiar with, and the tactics used by the factions your country has sent into Iraq to push the so called civil war. The insurgents that have been captured by us have been taken during battle or by intelligence gathered, each being a target and not just an opportunity. The possibility that some may be innocent is possible but the kidnappings in Iraq by factions under the control of Iran and other groups are of civilians who are innocent. The detainees suffer far less than those taken by the factions at large in Iraq, who are doomed to certain torture and execution.

Ahmadinejad:

The US administration does not accept accountability before any organization, institution or council. The US administration has undermined the credibility of international organizations, particularly the United Nations and its Security Council. But, I do not intend to address all the challenges and calamities in this message.

Dub:

You bring up undermining the credibility of international organizations, particularly the United Nations and its Security Council? In this country we say, “Isn’t that the kettle calling the pot black?” The war in Iraq had the backing of the United Nations and continues to see international support. Only when cowards attack innocent civilians in other countries do we see some countries falter and pull back. It seems you think intimidation works on everyone; well, it only works on the frail.

Ahmadinejad:

Undoubtedly, the American people are not satisfied with this behavior and they showed their discontent in the recent elections. I hope that in the wake of the mid-term elections, the administration of President Bush will have heard and will heed the message of the American people.

Dub:

America has continually changed the seat of power since the onset of elections in this country. That is the freedom of self-rule. The fear that you show of President Bush just shows how little you understand the American political system. That power here has the ability to change every four years and we have done it without bloodshed and kidnapping; can you say that?

Ahmadinejad:

We all condemn terrorism, because its victims are the innocent.

Dub:

Then condemn the dogs of war that you support, Hamas and Hezbollah.

Ahmadinejad:

It is possible to govern based on an approach that is distinctly different from one of coercion, force and injustice.

Dub:

Does November 4, 1979 ring a bell?
I could obviously go on further, but I should stop here. thanks for letting me rant.

Thank you Sgt Dub. We are all grateful for your contributions to the world by serving in Afghanistan, by your blog, and by your regular comments on my blog, which I believe is also making a small contribution to the world, with truth. Thanks again, Sgt., and God bless.

Rock

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