Letters, we get Letters On conservative blogs, war justifiers, the home of the cognitively dissonant et al., there are from time to time "letters from soldiers" posted to justify the war and try to proclaim that the press isn't telling the whole story. I'm old enough to remember the same stuff from Vietnam. The problem isn't the soldiers -- what are you going to do, tell your friends and family "man, it really sucks here and I live every hour in great fear, worry even more about me." What it reflects, in part, is an effort to tell oneself things aren't that bad, and concentrate on what it takes to get you through the day and assure your loved ones. Same thing is pretty common throughout history. For example: (Note: The reading experience below is enhanced if you think about the haunting solo violin music played incessently in Ken Burns "The Civil War")[Ed: It's really enhanced if you ignore the rest of this post.] "Salutations Father, Mother, and all the slaves. Things are looking up with the Legion. The countryside was quite happy to see us arrive. I really believe that this whole situation is over-rated. These folks haven't met a full-blown Roman Army in the field. It should all be over when he reaches us here in Cannae in the next II to IV days. Love, Marcus. July XXXI" "Dear Magill, That young woman Ildico is really hot. Let's get moving on that wedding party shall we? A nice honeymoon and party should do wonders for my disposition. Sincerely, Attilla, 453" "Dear Mother, The French don't seem to be putting up much of a fight against King Edward and we English. I don't see this war talking much longer than a fortnight. Love, Harald, somewhere in Flanders, 1336" "Howdy Ma and Pa, These Yankees up here sure seem to be a might anxious about what we all are doing up here. I have to say, this sure is pretty country, but not as good as back home. Anyway we're fixin' to take care of the Blue-Bellies in the next couple of days here in Pennsylvania. I imagine we should be seeing Lincoln beg for mercy not to long after we fight 'em. Love, Robert, June 30, 1863" "Dear Uncle, You would not believe how kindly the people of Serbia are treating me and Duchess Sophie. Sarajevo is just wonderful, the love of the Royal Family is quite evident. Everything could not be going better. See you soon. Archduke Franz Ferdinand, June 27, 1914" "Herr Father & Mother, The Russian dogs are fleeing before us, it's cold but the thought that they cannot hold much longer and must be about out of soldiers is keeping us warm. I should be home for Christmas. Love, Rolf, Sixth Army, Stalingrad, December 1, 1942" "Mother and Father, Sure this island's kind of bare and the sheep are starting to look quite attractive, but I just cannot see the British giving a damn. Should be home soon when this island is acknowledged to be ours. Love, Miguel, Port Stanley, April 2, 1982"