Freedom of Speech Belong to Those Who...um...Nevermind

It's good to hear that charges were dropped against Sue Niederer, who was arrested for exercising her First Amendment Rights in the presence of Laura Bush. Niederer's son was killed in Iraq by a remote controlled roadside bomb last February. His job was to locate this type of ordnance, call for experts, and guide them to the location.

Niederer spoke to Elizabeth Weill Greenberg this past spring, and what she said is worth looking at:

When did your son join the military? Why did he join?

June 2002, right after he graduated college. He wanted to go into the FBI or CIA. He was informed by the recruiter that this would be a good way to get into the FBI or CIA. When you put it on the resume it jumps you up a little bit. His father refused to pay last 2 years in college. He was in debt. If you're looking for me to say patriotism, I'm not. They [the Army] offer you the world. They give you signing bonuses. Give you college, upfront money, health insurance ­ [recruiters are] great salesmen.

How long did he serve for before going to Iraq?

Nothing. He had just finished training at end of July. He went to Fort Drum on Monday. They told him on Tuesday, you're gone, you're out. He never had experience being in charge. He definitely did not have training in what ended up killing him.

In mid-October he started going out with his platoon on missions, on finding remote- controlled bombs. They are supposed to call for experts in explosives. By the time you call for an expert, you're deadThese guys are sitting ducks every single day. They didn't have proper vests, the helmets are questionable, they didn't have computers.

Link.

The next time you see an ad on your television or hear one on your radio about the opportunities available in the Armed Forces, remember that before you get any of those opportunities, the odds are you'll be fodder for an unbelievably cruel lottery in the Middle East--where you're one truck ride away from being horribly maimed or killed.