Besmaya Members of the Iraqi Army Donate San Diego Fire Victims

[las47032]

Unfortunately, most Americans do not consider Iraqis as people. We see them as terrorists or victims, not as everyday people with the same values as our friends, neighbors and relatives. Yet, most Iraqis are decent human beings with the same concerns, dreams, and compassion as most Americans. They want peace and are concerned about their fellow man.

Is it no wonder that we feel differently about the people of Iraq, when the American media only reports sensational news? If it doesn’t bleed or explode, you just aren’t going to see it on the evening news. I received a press release from Baghdad today, which I know the mainstream media will not pass on to you all. Here is an example of Iraqi charity and gratitude which touched my soul. Imagine how incredibly generous these soldiers are. They have little to support their own families. It’s not enough that they are fighting daily to bring peace to their country. They are actually reaching out to help unfortunate Americans.

Commentary by Richard S. Lowry author of Marines in the Garden of Eden and The Gulf War Chronicles.

Story continues below.

BAGHDAD, Iraq: Members of the Iraqi Army in Besmaya collected a donation for the San Diego, Calif., fire victims Thursday night at the Besmaya Range Complex in a moving ceremony to support Besmaya's San Diego residents.

Iraqi Army Col. Abbass, the commander of the complex, presented a gift of $1,000 to U.S. Army Col. Darel Maxfield, Besmaya Range Complex officer in charge, Multi-National Security Transition Command Iraq, to send to the fire victims in California.

The money was collected from Iraqi officers and enlisted soldiers in Besmaya. In a speech given during the presentation, Col. Abbass stated that he and the Iraqi soldiers were connected with the American people in many ways, and they will not forget the help that the American government has given the Iraqi people. Abbass was honored to participate by sending a simple fund of $1,000 to the American people in San Diego, to lower the suffering felt by the tragedy.


Source: OPFOR: What goes around - Comes around

Did the media report this? The silence is deafening.

[Woodmonkey]

How nice. That's a lot of money to them.

[jjvman]

The important point is really two-part.
1. There are Iraqui people who realize what we have done to help them.
2. They are willing to sacrifice to help us.

This proves that free people can have different philosophies and not be mortal enemies. The fact that they have shown unforced generosity is proof that democracy works and is important. If the people of the USA were "imperialists " as our enemies have said, we would be controlling their country, not preparing it for independence and autonomy.

[conlor]

This was a very kind act on their part. I'd be willing to bet that our troops have shown kindnesses to them and their families too.

They've become friends and friends help each other when they can.

[sabadgeman]

WH&M seems to be paying off normality and human feelings are returning to Iraq