Responding to Blogging Baghdad Comments
NBC News’ Babak Behnam and Susan Kroll respond to questions sent into Blogging Baghdad. If you have questions or comments, please see the link below and send us your thoughts.
Reader’s Name: Lisa
Hometown: Peoria, Arizona
Comments: My son is serving our country in Iraq and finds it very costly to phone home, and with the time differences he seldom can reach us. The Internet communication is a very useful tool and our troops should be allowed to have free, unlimited Internet service for communication to their families. He writes as often as he can, but limited to access. Not every soldier has a laptop or a place to store it!
Babak Behnam responds: Dear Lisa, thank you for writing in and reading the blog. The military told us their intention was to provide free Internet access to all the serving men and women in the theatre of combat. The project was recently started and the military said it was going to be a while before it would be widespread. Good luck to your son and yourself.
Reader’s Name: Ivette Scolari
Hometown: San Clemente, California
Comments: My son just left for a nine-month assignment to Baghdad. He's in the Navy and stationed somewhere N.E of Baghdad at a prison. I'm thankful for the Internet and appreciate this site for additional insight on what’s going on behind the scenes in Iraq.
Babak Behnam responds: Dear Ivette. Thank you for reading the blog and writing in. Technology has changed the face of communications for all of us, so it is nice to see the military incorporate it in such away that it allows soldiers to serve their country with peace of mind. One of the colonels I interviewed said the huge difference today is that it allows people to stay on top of issues back home and not let them interfere with their duties. I hope you son has a safe tour and e-mails his mother often.
Reader’s Name: Carl Immenschuh
Hometown: Larned KS
Comments: Question: My grandson is in Baghdad and as of Jan. 1 all their cell phones were taken from them. True? Why?
Babak Behnam responds: Dear Carl thank you for taking time to read the blog and write in. It is possible that your grandson was going on a mission and that's why his cell phone was taken. Although the cell and Internet uses are self-censored, the military was quick to point out that the security of the troops is never in question
Reader’s Name: T.K.
Hometown: Evansville, IN
Comments: I sure didn't appreciate Mrs. Kroll's blog today. Her comments: "Every day we report about U.S. soldiers dying and Iraqi civilians getting killed by the dozens. But when people get kidnapped I pay attention...." Her implied disregard for our military members and innocent Iraqi civilians angers me; she only concerns herself with people she may be acquainted with is her admittance? How shallow....I expect the journalists working over there representing America to be more compassionate and empathetic to everyone over there, not just people they know. And how dare she imply that a death of a military member of the U.S. isn't worth her attention - that remark guts me! I'm a veteran, and wearing a military uniform shouldn't devalue a person's life to an insinuated expected loss. Why would anyone volunteer their time into our Armed Services and give it their all for our country, if all they were exposed to were people like her within the media who belittle our contribution and make our life and living sound so meaningless. Shame on you Mrs. Kroll!
Sue Kroll responds: I was afraid my comments could be misinterpreted and I am sorry you misunderstood. Unfortunately, there are deaths among American servicemen and women almost every day. I do not "disregard" our military, but from day to day I know I will hear of another death tomorrow. The reason I continue to come here is because I believe in my country and I feel it is worth my own life to inform others. As I come to Baghdad once again my own mother is scared for her daughter’s life. I too try to serve my country and I thank you sir for serving as well.
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