Nightline is doing the right thing

Most of you have probably heard by now that Friday's edition of "Nightline" will include Ted Koppel reading the names of each of the 523 people killed in combat since the war in Iraq started. There has been heated debate by both pro- and anti-war people about ABC's decision, but in order to understand why this is being done, it's important to put those biases aside.

Many anti-war activists say it's about time America realized just how many people have died in this pre-emptive war, and how many more will die in the coming weeks, months, and possibly years. Talk of reinstating the draft is now coming from both Republicans and Democrats, so there may be some truth to that. But it's beside the point.

Many pro-war activists say this is just another stunt by the liberal media to turn people against the war. They say it will hurt morale among soldiers, and it's disrespectful and unnecessary. Nightline has always been known as fairly liberal, so there may be some truth to that. But it's beside the point.

If you stop thinking of Friday's Nightline in terms of liberals and conservatives, Democrats and Republicans, and anti-war and pro-war people, you might realize that reading the names of fallen soldiers is something we should see as a great honor for them and their families. We shouldn't be cynical or overjoyed during the reading of the names, we should be grateful to the people whose names are read. We shouldn't think about politics or the upcoming presidential race during the reading of the names, we should think about how much those soldiers gave, and how good it is to finally give them recognition.

How many soldiers can you name who have died in Iraq? Even one? You may know the numbers, but you probably don't know the names. Doesn't it strike anyone as odd that the only fallen soldier's name that people remember is Pat Tillman, a guy who played professional football?

It's sad how politics and bitter arguments have overshadowed something that should bring us together to give thanks. Saying Ted Koppel shouldn't read those names tonight is like saying we should tear down the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, or the Korean War Veterans Memorial, or all the WW2 monuments across the country that are dedicated to local divisions.

If someone listens to the names being read and suddenly decides to become anti-war, it was likely an opinion they had and were moving towards anyway. Likewise, if someone hears the names being read, has a sudden swell of pride and sense of duty for America, and decides to become pro-war, that was also likely an opinion they were moving towards anyway. I sincerely doubt this event is going to change the opinion of anyone who wasn't already in the process of making that decision.

So when the names are being read tonight, do yourself and your country a favor: listen and be respectful. And if you can, remember at least one of the names. It doesn't have to be someone you know or someone you've heard of. It can be any name. Wouldn't it be great if 20 years from now, a gigantic book could be put together, with everyone in the country marking the name they remembered in it?

To show your gratitude for the fallen in Iraq, why not drink down an American Flag shot. If you mix it right, it will be layered with the colors red, white, and blue. 1 part grenadine 1 part creme de cacao 1 part blue curacao Pour in the grenadine first, then the creme de cacao over a spoon, and then the blue curacao, also over a spoon. It should taste like a chocolate-covered cherry. Drink archives

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Reader Comments

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thejerk@dailyramblings.com      Dec 31, 1969 • 4:00pm        Dec 31, 1969 • 4:00pm   Meghan Finley/The Immortal Beloved      Dec 31, 1969 • 4:00pm   Hasn\'t that hand gotten a little too hairy to dial the phone? Paul Ryan      Dec 31, 1969 • 4:00pm   I have a crush on me, too. But my right hand won\'t return my calls. Jojo      Dec 31, 1969 • 4:00pm   How noble, how unbiased, how thought provoking....Who\'s writing Paul\'s columns for him? Desiree      Dec 31, 1969 • 4:00pm   I think the book idea is really cool. Also, I think I have a crush on Paul. Just decided to share that. martin      Dec 31, 1969 • 4:00pm   \"unpaul\" so today you are the 7up to your normal coca-cola? Paul Ryan      Dec 31, 1969 • 4:00pm   Oops, it is ABC. Damn. martin      Dec 31, 1969 • 4:00pm   first of all I think everyone remembering one name and making a book IS a really cool idea, second and I hate to call you out when you are being so uncharacteristicly classy but dude... I am pretty sure nightline (with Ted Koppel) is not on CBS it is on ABC. peace Scapegoat      Dec 31, 1969 • 4:00pm   Well fucking said.

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