Dillon Pyron wrote:
>
>>But I'm not analyzing anything. I'm accepting the reality of soldiers'
>>perception and responding to their distress. The interviewed soldiers
>>are in combat, and their perception of safety and security is colored by
>>that fact. From the safety of my living room, I'm unwilling to dismiss
>>the soldiers'distress so blithely.
>
>
> Be careful with confusing perception with fact. The perception is
> that their security has somehow been comprimised. The fact is that
> they are just as secure/insecure today as they were a year ago.
Of course I understand that. What matters to me is the soldiers'
perception. Are these soldiers at increased risk because of their
perception, however unsupported by fact? Will they make mistakes
because they're more stressed? Will they make mistakes because they're
not sleeping as well? Will there be some negative effect I, as a
non-combatant, cannot even begin to comprehend?
Almost one year ago, the son of one of our oldest friends -- a young man
I have known since birth -- was killed in combat. I know the pain
everyone who loved this young man has experienced. I would happily
forego a wholly discretionary enterprise like Google Earth if doing so
means a higher level of morale for our troops.
Karen Selwyn
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