Wounded and Angels Coming In

A few days ago, Marines unloaded racks of body bags in anticipation of the upcoming operation on Fallujah which is imminent. How easily Bush seemed to move from his questionable election to escalating the war in Iraq, the country which was never a threat. At a field hospital, medical personnel are bracing for the onslaught of casualties. As the injured and dead arrive, the phrase "Wounded and angels coming in," is heard. Mothers and fathers back home will soon receive the dreadful news that their beloved son or daughter is dead. On an ordinary day, if we can call it ordinary, this hospital ministers to nearly 30 casualties, including Iraqi civilians and insurgents who are wounded in clashes with American forces. This number is expected to double during the offensive in Fallujah.

God be with our troops, the wounded, the angels, and those who try to save them.

Get ready for more marches and demonstrations. But most of all, I pray that members of Congress are ready to go after the warmongers like never before. Yes, there will be mid-term elections in 2006, but can't we just work for peace and justice without one eye on re-election?

[Click on the title of this blog to read the WaPo article by Jackie Spinner, "Injured Troops Look for Courage, Face Fears," 11/5/04.]