The yester-media is starting their predictable pattern of painting the troops in Iraq as a group of burned out killers. Whatever their age, films - - combined with illiberal education in our secularized colleges- - have painted a picture in the minds of most people of troops at war as burned out, drug using, half-wits: the lying stereotype of the Vietnam warrior.
War is a kind of hell and there is no doubt that in the days to come the media will find some troops who fit their stereotype. Anybody can find a person to fit their prejudice if they try.
To counteract this, let me tell you about Colin Anderson. He is a classically educated graduate of Torrey Honors at Biola University. He volunteered to serve out of a deep sense of duty and a love of country. He serves as a medic; he reads, reflects, and tries to image his Christian values.
Earlier this year, he faced the ultimate test of his courage when his unit drove over an IED. Colin was badly burned, but returned to save the lives of his men. He has mercy for the people of Iraq he is liberating from decades of slavery and a justice for the evil men who would keep them in bondage.
Colin has been awarded the Purple Heart and several other service awards for his work for freedom. When asked about it he shrugs and comments that he is doing his duty. He is a gentleman who reflects deeply on the value of liberty and the good his unit is doing for the nation of Iraq, our own country, and the world.
Remember Colin the next time the media begins to celebrate the token losers amongst our brave troops. He is the real face of our fighting men and women.
Yesterday at Torrey graduation, the entire audience rose to their feet to cheer the service of man who is fighting for us. Of course, we know there are bad American fighting men and they should be punished. We can be confident that such men will be punished, which is a first for the nation of Iraq: rogue soldiers cannot get away with misdeeds.
When some in the old media focus obsessively on the few bad souls in our armed forces and their misdeeds, they do not reflect reality, but, one sometimes fears, only an image of their own twisted view of reality. I hope you join me on this weekend of Memory to celebrate the life of all the Colin Andersons out there instead.
God bless all our troops. God bless the President of the United States and may God bless America.