by Marcus Davis
This video is a testimony of David Bellavia's experience in Iraq. It shows us the essence of what our nation is supposed to be - "home of the brave." No matter what his opinion on the situation is, he realizes that its bigger than him and he has a job to do. He isn't looking at it from just his perspective. He understands that it is a scary job, but someone has to do it. I noticed how he was with his family during the video. Most people would be so happy to be back home with their families, returning to Iraq would be the furthest thing from their minds. But this guy says he feels guilty seeing other soldiers returning to Iraq, while he's at home with his family.
I think this video relates to our society in several ways. I think it is a good example of looking at a social issue objectively, no matter the circumstances. The war in Iraq is a social issue because there are so many varying opinions on whether we should've even started this war. David Bellavia could have used this video to voice his opinion on the issue and bash those responsible for making this an issue. Instead, he shows his rationality. Opinions aside, he is a soldier and as a soldier you protect and serve. Many people only look at it from their vanish point, and form their opinions by looking at how it affects them, their famiy, or their friends. Even though I don't agree with all decisions made by our government, I know this world is bigger than me, and it doesn't revolve around my opinions. So, when I'm in uniform, I do my job.
I'm in the Army Reserves. My unit has told us several times that its not a matter of if we're going overseas, but when we go, we have to be ready. Regardless of our opinions on the issue, our job remains the same. I currently have an opportunity to transfer to my old unit which is non-deployable to desert countries, to avoid the chance of going. The unit is in Bel Chase, La. Many people tell me that I should transfer. I don't see it that way. I'm not like David; I don't wanna be John Wayne or any other gun slinger. I just wouldn't feel right leaving my buddies. I have made several relationships with those guys at my unit. Leaving them just to get out of going overseas would be going against everything I stand for. I would feel like a deserter. I wouldn't be able to look myself in the mirror if I chose to do something like that. This is why I can relate to David even though I've never been overseas yet.
Looking at the issue from an opinion standpoint, I, along with most people, would say that I disagree with this war. I think it should have never been started. However, I recently decided to really look at it objectively and question my own opinion. What if we're saving the lives of millions of Iraqis by sacrificing close to 4,000 Americans? Would we still feel the same about the issue. Aren't we all human. Some might say let them fight their own battle. Well, don't we all need help sometimes. Some of us may view ourselves as a superior people. Are we really? I wouldn't say so. Yeah, we are the richest nation and we live a free life, but what ever happened to giving back. We're in a position to help, so why not? I don't necessarily view it this way, but if someone made these arguements, I would find it hard to disargree with.
Family is, without a doubt, the most important thing a person has in this world. And we can't I can't fault a soldier for wanting to stay home with his family and vice versa. But it takes a deeper strength, courage, and selflessness to throw those feelings out the window for a bigger cause. David Bellavia exemplifies selflessness on this video. If we all got what we wanted all of the time, we'd be in bad shape. No leadership, no sacrifice; No growth, no progress. Some things require us to be more open minded and less subjective.
Everything isn't going to be perfect. This is a diverse world. There's going to be differences of opinion. There's nothing wrong with us voicing our opinions on things that we agree or disagree with. But we must understand that the world does not revolve around just us. We can't survive alone, so sometimes we have to help others and sometimes others will help us. Regardless of how many troops we lose, we're there to help so thats what we must do. They probably lose countless more loved ones right before their eyes eveyday. Thats why I've started to try to look at things more objectively and not subjectively. David Bellavia's video is a great example of our views being put to the side for a bigger cause.
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