What if...

[Greyhawk]

What if it could be demonstrated that a retired general had knowledge of atrocities (mass murders, rape, etc) committed by American troops, crimes that had gone unreported, unpunished and even unnoticed by all but a few... would that be news?

What if he had kept that information out of the public eye long after the records were de-classified... would that be news?

What if that General was associated with the McCain campaign - would that be news?

What if there were two generals?

Would that be news? Would CNN cover it? Would it make the front page of the New York Times? Would they joke about it on The Daily Show and cry about it on The View?

News from Kaboom

[Mrs Greyhawk]

Over at Kaboom: "CityGirl (LT G's fiancee) is taking over and hoping to keep everyone informed about life in the suck."

Hopefully you all recognize Lt G - though he's now CPT G. Unfortunately, there are worse things than losing your blog:

After nearly seven months in Iraq, the Gravediggers’ luck had a momentary lapse. I regret to inform you that one of the Gravediggers is in dire need of prayers, thoughts, and support. On June 22, PV2 Hotwheels had an accident. The Gravediggers had returned from a mission and PV2 Hotwheels was refueling a generator. A fire ignited and he was engulfed in flames. Thankfully, two fellow Gravediggers and a terp came to PV2 Hotwheels’ rescue, putting out the flames as quickly as possible. It should be noted that PV2 Hotwheels followed the appropriate safety precautions and had on the necessary protection. The accident was a fluke.

She adds that once back stateside, "Doctors immediately started to treat him for smoke inhalation, in addition to the second and third degree burns over 60% of his body. He had a successful skin graft and was recovering from the surgery when he began to have gastro-intestinal issues."

His family has a page on the caringbridge website here.

Take a deep breath before you read this:

Matthew, our 19 year old son, was born on Thanksgiving day, November 24,1988 in Tampa, Fl. He is the middle of 3 children. He has a sister, Cami, 27, and a brother, Cody, 12. Matthew was home schooled from K-3rd grade, attended Tampa Baptist Academy for 4-11 grade and completed high school at Chamberlain in May of 2007. His interests growing up included playing baseball, golf, football and going hunting and fishing. He got certified in SCUBA at age 14 and loves to go to the Rainbow or Itchetucknee Rivers to snorkel and float.

Around age 3, while visiting MacDill Airforce base with his grandparents, who were both in the military, his Papa being retired Navy, Matthew began his interest with the military. He would just stand and stare in awe at the men in uniform. He talked about joining the military for years while still in school and upon graduating began making the rounds, talking to recruiters. His dad and I, for selfish reasons, did our best to try to dissuade him or delay his enlistment until after college. But he wouldn't hear of it and informed us that this is what he wanted to do and please be supportive. He went in knowing full well what the risks could be. With that said, Matt would not want anyone to feel sorry for him or us right now. He is a very patriotic young man, as are all of our military. His love for God and country is what drove him to this place.

Then please consider leaving words of encouragement here.