"A Raw Deal"
More stuck than you think, assholes
Even when the soldiers get a notice telling them about their extention of their tours of duties, the higher ranked messenger doesn't even bother with putting lipstick on a pig:
Dear Families,I have been made aware that the 1/34 BCT will be extended in Iraq for an unspecified period of time. We have not yet determined how this decision will affect the mission of the BCT, but will provide as much information as possible once the unit has been able to analyze any mission change and determine what information is appropriate to disseminate while maintaining operational security.
The President has given his message and the troops currently in Iraq are being extended. This includes 1st BCT!
Is this a raw deal? Of course! We have every right to be angry, but the reality is that the long awaited homecoming will be pushed back.
The message I want to give is that now, probably more than ever, is the time to reach out to each other and through mutual support, weather this set-back. I will be asking the State of Minnesota to step up to help the families of our soldiers. My hope is that this would help ease the burdens.
I am so proud of our soldiers and airment and their families. We owe all of you so much and will do our utmost to help you through this change and disappointment.
Please be sure to send this information to as many family members as possible so that they are receiving the information from our family vice hearing about it through the media.
God Bless!!
Larry W. Shellito
MG, The Adjutant General
Minnesota National Guard
When I heard that the Minnesota National Guard was going to be the only division to have their tours extended for up to two years, I thought "wouldn't it be ironic if it was the very same Minnesota National Guard company that mocked John Kerry for his botched joke during the runup to the midterm elections?"
Well whattaya know, sure enough it is the very same unit of the Minnesota National Guard that is being held back in the shitmire by the Decider they decided to support at the time. Despite the fact that John Kerry has stated emphatically dozens of times that no soldier was the target of his misunderstood dig at Bush, and despite the fact that John Kerry is decorated veteran himself, those Guardsmen decided to take Bush's blinkered interpretation of Kerry's speech and provide a priceless photo-op for the Bush smear machine.
And what do they get as thanks for their efforts to give Bush a boost? More painful separation from their families and loved ones, more time with the inurgent bombs and IEDs and more of the same misery you get in the sandbox.
And do you know what? Fuck em. They chose to lie in bed with the WorstPresidentEver and his wet dreams of "victory", they can stay in the piddle he created. I'm done holding their hands and reaching out to them with my sympathies. Maybe in the future when they are truly contrite (or if there's a draft) will I champion their cause. But for now, let them know that they cannot come home because they have made a deal with the devil.