From: Thomas Barclay <Thomas.Barclay@s...>
Date: Sat, 5 Apr 2003 02:23:58 -0500
Subject: Politics and John A (et al.)
1. I think most of us feel concern for our friends (and community members) over in the areas of hostilities. Concern about that is not only natural, but a sign of community. The trick is expressing that without bringing up political issues about justification/illegality/etc. of the current situation. This isn't a restriction of free speech - it's an acknowledgement that the reason we share this list is for the purpose of discussing wargames with small lead men in a fictional universe, not about discussing (per se) current events. We all new that when we joined. Oft times, straying off course is acceptable to all or most, but this is a particularly charged time and a bit of sensitivity (nod to Brian and others) is just courteous. I for one totally disagree with Brian, but we've agreed that such discussions do not belong in this forum. Remember, the right to free speech and the necessity to use it in all ways at every opportunity are not necessarily identical things. ;) 2. John A. - gone out of Texas (where he was chilling his heels while, as he put it, members of his crew were getting themselves into trouble - soldiers without anything to do, with their lives in storage, waiting.... not too good.....). Flew off to Big Sandy. Gear may already be unloaded (if I believe CNN some 4th ID elements are already in Iraq). His bridge should be getting moving North soon, as no doubt the US could use the heavily equipped 4th ID. Let's all (regardless of our thoughts on the war) say a prayer that Los, Schoon, Ted, Magic and John (and any other lurkers who may have been called up) come back safe. I suspect Los has been busy with the sneakies and Ted probably is getting his fill of logistical support or traffic direction. Not sure which harbour Magic and the two CG cutters are securing (Kuwait City?), but they're probably busy. And Schoon went IIRC with the Marines and we know they never have it easy. So let's just hope they all come back safe. I'd rather argue with any of them post-facto about wars that read about them as a statistic in one. I have a mailing address for John A. I know Magic posted one to the list (but I've lost it and I'm not competent to find it in the archives...). I don't expect to get one for Los:) but if anyone has an overseas address for Schoon or Ted, I'd love to have it (you can drop me a line off list). I think writing to them might be a good gesture of personal support. Tomb.