What The Troops on The Ground See vs What We See

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq, May 10, 2006 – It's the e-mails and calls from home that gave the soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division their first clue that something is becoming different about the will of the American people.
"All this time I thought we were winning," said a sergeant first class sarcastically. "Seems folks back home have already run up the white flag."
Some 4th Infantry Division noncommissioned officers were discussing the flood of e-mails they receive from family members and friends about the constant danger they are facing in Iraq. Though they asked not to be identified by name for this article, the NCOs said they believe the news media highlight explosions and murders over any sign of progress in Iraq.
"I see progress every time I go outside the wire," said a platoon sergeant. "Just look at the progress the Iraqi army has made."


These NCOs are not ready to leave Iraq, and they resent suggestions that they aren't doing good in this war-weary country.
"I have yet to speak to (an American) here who thinks we're losing," an NCO said. "Trust me. (No soldier) wants to be here, but no one wants to cut and run either."
"Leaving would just send the wrong signal to our enemies," he said.


I'm sure I could sit here and find news like this from soldiers and Marines in Iraq who could paint us the real picture of success taking place in Iraq. It's all there and you don't even have to look very hard to find out what the mainstream media isn't telling you.