The Terror of War

The top 5 things that scare me:

1. Snakes
2. Growing up
3. My friend joining the army
4. Guns
5. Death

One of my best friends is totally set on joining the army shortly after high school and becoming an officer in the marines. War in general is something that scares me most. America is fighting in a tough war against terror right now and it doesn't look like there is a resolving end in sight. The problems overseas that our country is fighting hard to get under control seem to be ones that will last for many years to come. I know that if my friend will join the army or marines after high school or even after college, if he decides to go, that he will receive just enough training and will be sent to Iraq to fight soon too. Innocent men of the United States army are dying everyday from these battles. Thousands have died already and it continues. These young men are losing their shot at a happy life and the many opportunities that their country offers them. Stories on the news about these deaths and the pain and suffering of their families puts my stomach in several knots. It makes me feel sick to think they have lost their child, brother, husband, or father to a war such as this. I think of myself in a few years from now in my home watching the news and hearing my friends name to be the next victim in this horrid violence. That makes me feel helpless. I would never in a million years be able to handle that kind of news. He does well in school and has so many hopes and dreams for the future. To think his chances for all that and a great life could be taken away just because he wants to be apart of the marines drives me crazy. The republican nominee for vice president, Sarah Palin, just released news that her 19-year-old son would shortly be reporting to Iraq to battle for our country. Nineteen. Someone at that age has their entire life in front of them. I have tried to tell my friend of this and how he could be sent that soon and die. I asked him if he wanted to die, and of course he doesn't. He thinks he can protect himself and have enough training to make it through but, how can anyone know that? I have asked him a million times if there is anything he would want to do with his life instead, like go to college and get a great career in something that he likes. He only wants to join the marines, he has always wanted to. I feel that it is really a shame and I am terrified to think that he could be sent to fight in only a few years. The bombings and other dangers that those brave soldiers face everyday causes them to struggle for their lives all for us. I can't even imagine of my friend being one of them, the risk is just too great. So not only can i barely stomach how horrible war is and the young innocent men losing their lives everyday who are being taken away from their loving families, but it is one of my biggest fears to know that someone so close to me out on that battle field, staring death in the face. I wish all the best for him in his future and the thought of him getting caught up in a harsh, hateful war and not making it out scares me to the bone.