When military personnel get killed in action, yes it is a sad event. But at least they signed up for the possibility. I don’t feel all that sad really compared to the civilians who are on non-missionary business. Let’s face it, I flat out despise missionaries of any sort. Hate even. Loathe is more like it.
Civilians don’t expect to get killed. I’ll never forget the names Nick Berg, Jack Hensley, and Eugene Armstrong. Kenneth Bigley will likely be executed soon. Jack Hensley’s family lives literally just a few miles from my home. His 13 year old daughter attends one of the local schools.
I was at the airport in Atlanta when CNN announced that Jack Hensley had been executed. The busy airport at 5:30 on a Monday was loud, but it became strangely silent when the news report came in. The looks on the faces of people were striking. Jaws were dropped. Brows were collapsed. I could read the lips of two ladies who were speaking quietly to each other. “That’s fucked up.” Indeed it is fucked up. CNN went into a little more detail than was necessary.
Personally, I’d like to see all non-military personnnel leave Iraq immediately. Let those who are armed and aware of their potential for danger fight this one out. I don’t support this war as it is, but I also don’t support using civilians in a losing battle.