For what it's worth

[Mergs]

Just wanted to let folks know that I've posted my weekly updates on my adventures in Iraq and Afghanistan to my Journal. I will try to keep it updated on a regular basis, so drop by and check it out!

BTW, sorry, but when I send it out to my email distro list, I usually attach photos, but I can't do that for my jounal.

[Artisan]

I enjoyed the travelogue, keep em coming.

[mrbiggs]

Those are awesome, thanks a lot.

[Mergs]

I've added a couple more entries. Enjoy.

[sabreur]

Mergs,

I'm enjoying reading your journal.

Keep safe.

MR

[Gav]

Mergs have you tried the IMG tags?

[Mergs]

Not yet. What would they do to my limit on attachments?

[Inquartata]

Ah, Mergs, you are---an Iraqonteur!

[Mergs]

Ah, Mergs, you are---an Iraqonteur!

Merci. I think.

[Mergs]

This week's update is posted to my jounal.

[Artisan]

Mergs, I'm interested in your take on the situation there. And I'm not looking to have a thread embroiled in political rhetoric, but what your perspective is from the ground.

With the pending election, the Administration is heavily spinning the "progress" and the successes in Iraq, even in the face of the just released State Department intelligence briefing (I forget what its called - comes out regularly) that painted a none too rosypicture. the dept of State has shifted their Iraq funding from reconstruction to security...

The news is filled with accounts of daily attacks, car bombings, hostage executions, etc. Were hearing daily fatality (Iraqi) counts of 30, 50, 70 every day. Retired generals turned talking heads TV analysts are none too positive about the prospects of elections in January as long as there are it seems entire cities that are strongholds of the insurgency.

How are the troops feeling about things, what is their morale like. You guys are there to do a job, but some of the gung-ho has to be wearing off by now.

[Mergs]

Sorry Artisan, am not going to go there. I have expressed my opinion elsewhere before on this and similar subjects and have been appalled at the ignorance and bias which abounds and prevents any sort of meaningful discussion.

[Gav]

Not yet. What would they do to my limit on attachments?

Not sure, I think that Craig is the best person to answer that.

[damion18d]

Sorry Artisan, am not going to go there. I have expressed my opinion elsewhere before on this and similar subjects and have been appalled at the ignorance and bias which abounds and prevents any sort of meaningful discussion.

Mergs are you in Baghdad? I'm in Ba Quba right now but have spent a couple months there in the earlier part of the war and usually end up there a couple times a month.

[Mergs]

Mergs are you in Baghdad? I'm in Ba Quba right now but have spent a couple months there in the earlier part of the war and usually end up there a couple times a month.

Yup. Let me know when you are down this way and we'll share a fake beer. Plenty in the fridge. PM me beforehand and I can give you a phone number to get ahold of me.

Keep your head down and don't pick up anything you didn't lay down.

[damion18d]

I'll do you one better I'll bring you real beer.

[Mergs]

I'll do you one better I'll bring you real beer.

Aw, you know better than that.

[damion18d]

Aw, you know better than that.

Well I know what you mean but I'm here in a different capacity this time and we're allowed.

[Artisan]

Sorry Artisan, am not going to go there. I have expressed my opinion elsewhere before on this and similar subjects and have been appalled at the ignorance and bias which abounds and prevents any sort of meaningful discussion.

Fair enough. Folks can get testy on this board. I wasn't really looking for a debate or opinions, but rather an objective report on the conditions you've seen.

Take care and stay safe.

[Mergs]

Well I know what you mean but I'm here in a different capacity this time and we're allowed.

B*****D! JK,