Afganistan

[salmonchaser]

Catherine received a letter from her interpreters today. She was imbedded with SF units operating out of Jalalabad primarily. For the fifth time in the last two years her guys have received a form letter from the State Department requesting basic information.
The same information the State Department requested two years ago when we were in South Africa and three times since. Catherine of course has copies of all the letters she wrote and documentation she provided in an effort to get Visas for her guys. She received a phone call tonight during dinner. Some one she knew who was still with the state department. It got kind of heated. She reminded that we promised these people who helped us we would take care of them. She concluded the conversation with “ you are a feather pecker piss ant” and hung up the phone asking “ did I say that correctly?” I’m proud of her.
If any of you are compelled to contact your senator or congressman for what ever reason please remind them in addition to the reason for your call, we have a duty to protect those who gave good and able assistance to our country in Afganistan. No question in my mind Catherine made it back in one piece because of that help.

 

[DrMike]

What this President did to those who were our allies in Afghanistan is morally indefensible and criminal. I have no doubt that good people in State and in Defense are embarrassed for the diminished status of America. Good for Catherine for making her feelings clear.

 

[cloverleaf]

Thank your good wife for her service to our country and, more importantly her moral conviction and integrity, and reminding those who need to know what integrity looks like. CL

 

[wvbuckbuster]

I'm glad your wife told whoever it was her feelings. Unfortunately, our country has a bad track record of doing this. If we survive this current administration this country may not be able to enlist help from foreign nationals in the event, we have to go into another country. Dan.

 

[DrMike]

I'm glad your wife told whoever it was her feelings. Unfortunately, our country has a bad track record of doing this. If we survive this current administration this country may not be able to enlist help from foreign nationals in the event, we have to go into another country. Dan.

True, dat.

 

[Vince]

I’m not an ally of the united states nor do I believe she will exist much longer. I cannot in good conscience pledge my allegiance to her.

Treasonous politicians with treacherous plans does not a country I love and respect make.

Vince

 

[Johnly]

Dr. Mike:
"What this President did to those who were our allies in Afghanistan is morally indefensible and criminal. I have no doubt that good people in State and in Defense are embarrassed for the diminished status of America. Good for Catherine for making her feelings clear."

Couldn't have said it better. The number of Afghan interpreters we abandoned during our exit is minuscule compared to the number of people illegally crossing our borders each year. One group has demonstrated service to the US, the other hasn't. Seems pretty clear to me which group has earned immigration priority status along with a stipend to get acclimated to their new country. My guess is that the politicians have placed their careers over humanity, as they worry that should a relocated Afghan commit a serious crime, they would suffer a Dukakis/ Horton moment.

 

[salmonchaser]

UPDATED NEWS
We were awakened this morning to the ring tone Catherine had reserved some years ago for her interpreter in Afganistan. When he finally settled down and started speaking English we learned that both of “her guys” have appointments in the coming week to get their passports and papers to get to the United States. We have learned not to get our hopes up after 4 years and two months of effort, but this is the best news we have had. Will keep you posted.

 

[wvbuckbuster]

Great news. Hoping it happens. Dan.

 

[DrMike]

The hurried and craven desertion of those who worked with us for the benefit of Afghanistan and the United States is a stain on the honour of the USA. The present administration has not covered itself with honour in deserting the people of Afghanistan.

 

[salmonchaser]

We started the process under the last trump administration to no avail. Bidens greatest error was following Trumps plan to pull out of Afganistan. Neither had put in place the tools to get those who helped us out. Bidens excuse was he had to follow Trumps agreements. History will likely show that Bidens team did not anticipate how quickly Afgainistan would fall. There are plenty of examples where Biden did not follow what Trump had in place. Both Biden and Trump failed to listen to their military advisors. In my mind Biden had the last chance to do the right thing, I would guess he thought he could get away with blaming Trumps plan. Biden gets the stain because he failed to show leadership and correct what was a bad plan.

 

[Vince]

I will be praying for a safe resolution to this travesty.

The United States has a long history of fornicating its third world allies and even its citizens. I no longer can support our so called government no matter who is in office.

Vince

 

[Johnly]

I recently watched "The Covenant" for the first time, and it brought the hurt back again.
Spineless politicians have kept those that supported the US troops and saved many of their lives living in fear or have been caught and executed by the Taliban.
I believe it is because the politicians fear for their elected position should one of the rescued interpreters was allowed back into the US and later performed a terrorist attack. All this while ICE is playing catch and release with those crossing into the US illegally.
It seems that the politicians weren't even willing to consider a Plan B for the interpreters, something like working(paying) with the Pakistani government to allow and create a safe haven in their country while the US grew a moral backbone.