Video: Admiral Mullen says 'it's important that we understand the sacrifices'

soundoff (9 Responses)

1. Joannie
   

   4,000 Marines and about 900 Afghans! This is a historical moment for our US Military. Not since Vietnam or Falujah have we seen anything of this magnitude. People look to media for what is important- so please keep this story alive. It would be great if we really got to know each of the fallen soldiers and marines; and honored each family for their sacrafice. My son is serving his country- and is prepared to give his life- as a parent, it is important that I know his sacrafice would not be in vain, but is truely appreciated by our country.

   July 9, 2009 at 2:03 am |
2. Dave
   

   On the same day Adm. Mullen asks for the publics support Rep. Patrick Murphy is trying to wage another battle. I don't think the effort on this push should be wasted at a time where we are trying so many new things. I am against "don't ask; don't tell" and believe we level the bar between the sexes first. I believe we should practice unisex in the military. With that fully in effect, and adapted, the pieces will be in place for removal of un-compassionate policies on sexual preference. I say we hold on, let our military rebuild, reorganize, move unisex, then proceed to remove "DADT"

   July 9, 2009 at 1:54 am |
3. ed francis
   

   What a sad turn of events we are losing too many soliders my fiance is currently in korea what are we going to do if noth korea decides to declare war against our great nation do we have enough man power to fight the opposition I am so worried but yet I am american so I know we will persevere

   July 9, 2009 at 1:42 am |
4. J.V.Hodgson
   

   The old phrase of "no pain no gain" is not what service families want to hear when loved ones die.
   The problem is that those lives were lost up to now by poor strategic thinking and in Iraq for unjustifiable reasons.
   My point is simple in countries like Iraq ( more especially Afghanistan) so called winning the military war was only step one. And general Bradley I believe was quoted as syaing long ago its not enough to be a good military general and fighter any more. The top military has to be part politician as well.
   The truism of all military wars is the cost of the venture in Human life ( both sides) and then more importantly the economic, social and monetary cost later ( many years) of picking up the pieces ( Bretton Woods). This leads to the conclusion, which is:-
   Neither Iraq or Afghanistan will finally be "won" until
   1) Local national government functions without excessive corruption. And national police and military ( recruited locally) at approriate levels=security, and holding the key population areas, with "tribal or sectarian support".
   2) Basic infrastructure is fully operational in both cases it means water supply , agriculture, education, health services and electricity within a defined plan, and ensuring security to carry out projects to completion for contractors with locally employed workers or as far as practical. ( Oil is critical in Iraq, Agronomics in Afghanistan away from poppies.
   3) 1& 2 Win the hearts and minds of people by respecting thier culture, and never mind thier religious persuasion or sectarian beliefs.
   4) The military alone cannot do this and while they talk right at present under Obama, the bricks an mortar and resources to do 1-3 above are woefully inadequate. The military ( and police) national and international in that order need to "protect the people" ( main poulation centres first and the NGO's and commercial organisations to do the work. One example there are many the World food program should invest more in crop development/change, rather than all free food supply = we will help you if you help yourselves!
   The right ideas seem to be there but lacking coordination and objectives that are simple and clearly stated to win hearts and minds.
   Regards,
   Hodgson.

   July 9, 2009 at 1:22 am |
5. Steve
   

   Why is CNN creating fear about the potential of 180 deaths in Afghanistan in an entire year and showing caskets coming off airplanes when this many people will die in the US in 4.5 days in car accidents alone?

   This is ridiculous and a huge drag on our nations attempts to pull itself from the current drudgery. Toyota alone will kill more people than Iraq and Afghanistan combined in California alone in four months (do the math). Of course Afghanistan is important, but a low body count should not be used against our own goals of protecting our society and democracy. None of those 180 devastated families may be my own, but CNN has taken on a big responsibility and should deliver on it – this is hardly the case in this story.

   Please stop being tempted to become a quasi TMZ.

   SS

   July 8, 2009 at 11:54 pm |
6. hawa
   

   i come to america when i was 15 years old i left my country because of war that never ends and i hate to see people die everyday for something they dont know about it but what i hate most if to use the name of Islam in war when there has nothing to do with Islam .

   July 8, 2009 at 10:37 pm |
7. William of Iowa
   

   Our recognition of and support for our service men and women is very important. Our vigilance in assuring our elected representatives do not make decisions that will sacrifice young lives unnecessarily is equally important. Blind faith in your leaders could get you killed. I would add that the media plays an important role for both points and as soon as they get past their obsession with the passing of Michael Jackson maybe they will.

   July 8, 2009 at 10:34 pm |
8. Joe G. (Illinois)
   

   When so many lives are involved.. It’s not enough to say.. You ain’t good and so I’m gonna kill you.. What’s Obama’s plan..? "Should he win this war and best friends status with the devil that is." Just what “Change” would Obama like to see happening in Afghanistan? And hey everybody.. The devil has no best friends in hell.. I think somebody ought to recognize that too..

   July 8, 2009 at 8:53 pm |
9. Michael C. McHugh
   

   War is always evil. Pacifists are right about that. The only question is whether it's a necessary evil, and this war against the Islamic fascists is necessary. We can't let them use Afghanistan as a base for attacks against us. Now we have the best strategy there that has the best chance of doing that, although there are no guarantees.

   July 8, 2009 at 7:06 pm |