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April 1, 2010
Court ruling on Marine dad is shameful
CNN.com
By JOHN ELLSWORTH
(CNN) -- The recent ruling of a federal appeals court requiring the family of fallen hero Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder to pay the legal expenses of Fred Phelps and his misguided followers at Westboro Baptist Church is unconscionable.
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April 14, 2009
Today's Iraq was hard won and costly.
Wall Street Journal
By MERRILEE CARLSON
April 9 marked the sixth anniversary of Iraqi Liberation Day. Most of us vividly remember the stirring image of Iraqi citizens tearing down the statue of the man who dominated their lives. While toppling the statue of Saddam Hussein six years ago liberated Iraqis from their fear of his oppressive regime, they still were not free. Eliminating this dictator opened a void which was quickly filled with a mixture of coalition soldiers, insurgents and Iraqi citizens who desired to govern themselves.
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march 2, 2009
Return of a Fallen Soldier Shouldn't Be A Photo-Op
NPR.org
By MERRILEE CARLSON
When does the public's "need to know" become more important than a family's right to privacy?
I heard about the decision to overturn the media ban at Dover Air Force Base just before the funeral for a beloved family member began. As with each funeral, it brings me back to the funeral of my son, Sgt. Michael Carlson, who was killed serving our country in Iraq. I am always reminded of the honor and tribute paid to him by his friend who brought him home to us. I am also reminded of the media that intruded into the most private and personal moments in our life in order to "get the scoop."
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April 14, 2009
Today's Iraq was hard won and costly.
Wall Street Journal
By MERRILEE CARLSON
April 9 marked the sixth anniversary of Iraqi Liberation Day. Most of us vividly remember the stirring image of Iraqi citizens tearing down the statue of the man who dominated their lives. While toppling the statue of Saddam Hussein six years ago liberated Iraqis from their fear of his oppressive regime, they still were not free. Eliminating this dictator opened a void which was quickly filled with a mixture of coalition soldiers, insurgents and Iraqi citizens who desired to govern themselves.
Read More
November 15, 2009
A Thanksgiving Blessing
By DEB ARGEL-BASTIAN
As Thanksgiving approaches, I am reminded of the many families who will be missing a loved one at the table. We will reflect on Thanksgivings past and the joy and laughter they brought to the gathering. On Derek’s last Thanksgiving at my home, there were 14 around our table. I remember breaking down as I said grace and asked everyone to remember our troops and keep them safe. Derek followed me into the kitchen to give me a hug. His eyes were warm and bright when he said, “Just remember, if I go anywhere, I’m going home.” In those words, I have found comfort.
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