The reality of war surrounds individuals on a daily basis. For many Americans, the media coverage of exploding buildings and wounded soldiers is overwhelming and unbearable. The following questions were e-mailed to U.S. Marine Corps Major Robert de Rozier, Sr., who is currently stationed in the Middle East.
Why do you feel that this war is justified?
The continued oppression and murder of the Iraqi people by Saddam Hussein and his regime must be stopped. Saddam Hussein’s direct support for and willingness to export terrorism to the U.S. must stop. The citizens of Iraq have a right to freedom and to realize their full potential today, and for generations to come. The U.S. must eliminate all foreign sources of terrorism to protect our citizens and our way of life. This war is just for the Iraqi people, and in the interest of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in the U.S.
What is the hardest part of this war?
Distinguishing Iraqi people from the soldiers, henchmen and terrorists of the regime, and determining the appropriate rules of engagement, to avoid the loss of innocent lives, especially those of U.S. military members.
How have the citizens of Iraq responded to you being there?
The population is roughly split between those loyal to the regime, those sitting on the fence, those who want change but fear oppression and death if they act, and those who demand change and are willing to fight for it.
What made you decide to fight for our country?
My father fought for my freedom in World War II. It is the responsibility and duty of each successive generation to defend our way of life, and to preserve the privilege of the next generation to reach their full potential in a free, secure and prosperous society.
How do you feel about those who are opposed to the war?
Those who oppose the war generally do so based on emotion, not out of a true understanding of what’s at stake. They are out of touch with reality and are generally ignorant of world affairs and international politics. Those who protest often do not have sons and daughters serving their country and are not willing to make the personal sacrifices necessary to defend our freedoms. It is easy to criticize the war when you have nothing to offer as a reasonable alternative. The United Nations process did not work. Economic sanctions did not work.
Peace comes through strength. Hitler was not stopped through protest. Mussolini was not stopped through protest. Japan was not stopped through protest. World War I was not stopped through protest. The war of Independence was not stopped through protest.
Celebrities don’t have the courage of their convictions. If they truly want to make a difference, then put something at risk. Give all their money and all proceeds from future performances to the U.N. Better yet, once they’ve given all their money away, go to work for the Peace Corps, the U.N., or some other non-governmental organization that supports world crises. I can’t wait to see Barbara Streisand, the Dixie Chicks, Alec Baldwin, Sean Penn, Susan Sarandon, Jane Fonda, or any of the famous anti-war crowd to do that. I defend everyone’s right to disagree with our decision, but I won’t defend their ignorance, nor their irrational attacks on our leaders, on our government and those citizens who care enough to lay their lives on the line.
What gets you through each day?
Knowing we are doing the right thing. The comfort of having the most capable and dedicated group of human beings on the planet to prosecute this war to victory. My family, and the support of those who understand the necessity of this war and the sacrifices necessary.
