Some of this I’ve said before. But like a traditional Christmas Carol, it feels good to sing it again at this time of year. It’s meant to be a feeble Christmas Card to all the boys and girls, men and women serving abroad:

It seems incongruous to wish you a Merry Christmas. Considering where you
are and where we sit, the words "Happy Holiday" can only be an oxymoron.
How can one be "merry" or "happy", when he or she is in harm's way 24/7?



Because you will be "celebrating" the worst Christmas of your life, my
family and I will be celebrating the greatest.

Here, in the season of giving, you are giving 25 million people the most
wonderful gift of all--The gift of freedom. The gift of "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness".



For centuries to come, Iraqi's and freedom loving people everywhere will look back at this Christmas season in awe of all you've done and all you have accomplished. And at what great personal sacrifice.




A few years back you gave the Iraqi people their first real elections in
their storied history. And it is you who gave them the vote! Some day you will be able to tell your children about it--how you, personally, made a true difference in this mixed up world.
And today, thanks to the thoughtful leadership of General Petraeus (the true man of the year in 2007) you have provided increased security to a people wracked by war and sectarian violence. (Don’t you love the folks who say it is only “temporary?” It was only “temporary” under the iron boot of Saddam. In tribal societies which are unused to the rule of law, the enforcement of contracts, an independent judiciary, gender equity, and rights for women, “peace” is always only temporary).
Yet, nothing works--nothing matters if a man is not secure in is home. Who would care whether Hillary or Rudy won anything, if we feared kidnappings, rape, and murders taking place on Allyn Ave?
If we feared car bombings, who would go to the farmers market or Cameo theater?

If our own police couldn't protect us from robbers and extortioners, who would worry about who sat in the White House?

Before anything else can happen, a people must feel safe an secure.


Petraeus just applied what Alexander learned 2300 years ago. Alliances shift. Loyalties are fungible. Money talks. All people prefer peace to war.

He understood that Iraqis have thousands of years of might making right—of spending lifetimes on “revenge.” Kicking and screaming, you soldiers are dragging them into an arena which gives them an opportunity to take part in America’s greatest gift to the world—a functioning liberal democracy with all the attendant benefits and inefficiencies therewith.

And one thing that eats at us night and day, especially at this time of year is that it isn't fair. It isn't just that we should have so much while you get by with so little.

But, because of your willingness to bear the unbearable, and eat the
inedible, we can feast on Christmas delights till our bellies runneth over our belt buckles.

Americans like me and my kids are sitting on the beach in Hawaii, worrying about getting sand in our Mai Tais, because you are up to your gizzards in sand.

Because you are in danger, we are safe.

Because you are cold at night, lost in a foreign land, we are warm at home.


Because you are scared each day, we are secure and live free of fear.

Because your movements are restricted, we are free to travel wherever we
want.

Because you don't get much sleep at night, we can sleep in on Saturday
mornings.

Because you are sleeping alone on a single cot, away from your spouse, I
can cuddle with mine in a warm bed.

Because you carry a gun, we don't have to.

Because you are strong and brave, we can be weak.

Because you are willing to fight and die, we can exist peacefully and live.

Because you are willing to risk your lives arresting terrorists, and
hunting down tyrants, we need not fear others breaking in our doors and
arresting us.

Because you are uncomfortable 24 hours a day, we are comfortable each and
every day.

Because you stand inspection, our kids can sneak off to school without
making their beds.

Because you are willing to take criticism, we can criticize others (even
government officials) without fear of bodily harm.

Because you are willing to travel in an armored convoy, we can hit the open
road and go where whimsy takes us.

Because you are dressed in camouflage, wearing clothes that look like everyone else's, we get to wear brightly colored shirts and our daughters can strut around in the most outrageous outfits.

Because you are willing to lace up heavy combat boots each morning, we can
choose from 1,000 different styles of shoes to wear.

Because you are able to look evil in the eye and destroy her, we can look strangers on street and welcome them with a smile.

Because you are willing to bring the rule of law and an independent
judiciary to people who have lived without it for centuries, we get to live
in a country where contracts are enforced, and due process is the norm, not
the exception.

Because you are willing to spend a Christmas with meager presents, under a
motley tree in a foreign land, our children can open "too many presents",
under a fresh green tree in the warmth and comfort of their homes.

Because wishing you a "Merry Christmas" or Happy Holidays rings hollow, we
wish you safety and a quick journey home--back to where you belong in the
arms of a country which values your sacrifices and gifts to the world
Community. Descended from the Greatest Generation--today you are the
greatest. Keep Safe and hurry home. And what the hell. Because it's

tradition, Merry Christmas to you all. Come home soon.







Jeffrey Earl Warren
James Warren & Son
1414 Main St.
St. Helena, Ca.
94574
707-963-2748



JEFFREY EARL WARREN



jeffrey@jeffwarren.com