This is a pretty amazing goodbye from soldier-blogger Major Andrew Olmsted, who was killed three days ago in Iraq. He left this message, to be released if he died:
As with many bloggers, I have a disgustingly large ego, and so I just couldn’t bear the thought of not being able to have the last word if the need arose. …
What I don’t want this to be is a chance for me, or anyone else, to be maudlin. I’m dead. That sucks, at least for me and my family and friends. But all the tears in the world aren’t going to bring me back, so I would prefer that people remember the good things about me rather than mourning my loss. …
Sure, all things being equal I would have preferred to have more time, but I have no business complaining with all the good fortune I’ve enjoyed in my life. So if you’re up for that, put on a little 80s music (preferably vintage 1980-1984), grab a Coke and have a drink with me. If you have it, throw ‘Freedom Isn’t Free’ from the Team America soundtrack in; if you can’t laugh at that song, I think you need to lighten up a little. I’m dead, but if you’re reading this, you’re not, so take a moment to enjoy that happy fact.
Warning from the grave. Olmsted, also known has G’Kar, had serious doubts about the wisdom of invading Iraq to end Saddam’s fascism and establish a democracy. I disagreed with his point of view and now honor his part in bringing freedom to Iraq. Yet his personal sacrifice earns him a special right to warn us that going to battle isn’t something to be taken lightly.
Olmsted said:
Sometimes going to war is the right idea. I think we’ve drawn that line too far in the direction of war rather than peace, but I’m a soldier and I know that sometimes you have to fight if you’re to hold onto what you hold dear. But in making that decision, I believe we understate the costs of war; when we make the decision to fight, we make the decision to kill, and that means lives and families destroyed. Mine now falls into that category; the next time the question of war or peace comes up, if you knew me at least you can understand a bit more just what it is you’re deciding to do, and whether or not those costs are worth it.
Legacy of liberation. Even as a soldier, Olmsted didn’t stop thinking, and he used his freedom to say what he thought. Thanks to the sacrifices of many Americans like him, 25 million Iraqis now have that same freedom.
Frank Warner
“Freedom isn’t Free”
What would you do If you were asked to give up your dreams for freedom? What would you do If asked to make the ultimate sacrifice?
Would you think about all them people Who gave up everything they had? Would you think about all them War Vets And would you start to feel bad?
Freedom isn't free It costs folks like you and me And if we don't all chip in We'll never pay that bill Freedom isn't free No, there's a hefty in' fee. And if you don't throw in your buck 'o five Who will?
What would you do If someone told you to fight for freedom? Would you answer the call Or run away like a little ? 'Cause the only reason that you're here Is 'cause folks died for you in the past So maybe now it's your turn To die kicking some ass
Freedom isn't free It costs folks like you and me And if we don't all chip in We'll never pay that bill Freedom isn't free Now there's a hefty in' fee And if you don't throw in your buck 'o five Who will?
You don't throw in your buck 'o five. Who will? Oooh buck 'o five Freedom costs a buck 'o five.
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