More on Andrew Olmsted
By Mona
Read Jim, who, as I did not, had a somewhat close relationship with Andrew. From Andrew’s posthumous post about our Mr. Henley:
I’m only sorry I couldn’t meet more of you. In particular I’d like to thank Jim Henley, who while we’ve never met has been a true comrade, whose words have taught me and whose support has been of great personal value to me. I would very much have enjoyed meeting Jim.
Andrew did not want his death to be employed for political purposes. So without comment I quote his final missive thus, which should be read in its entirety:
This may be a contradiction of my above call to keep politics out of my death, but I hope not. Sometimes going to war is the right idea. I think we’ve drawn that line too far in the direction of war rather than peace, but I’m a soldier and I know that sometimes you have to fight if you’re to hold onto what you hold dear. But in making that decision, I believe we understate the costs of war; when we make the decision to fight, we make the decision to kill, and that means lives and families destroyed. Mine now falls into that category; the next time the question of war or peace comes up, if you knew me at least you can understand a bit more just what it is you’re deciding to do, and whether or not those costs are worth it.
Comment by Dave W. —
January 4, 2008 @ 11:14 pm
I only vaguely remember the guy’s name, but this is heartbreaking. My deep sympathy, Mr. Henley, if you are reading this. It just sucks.