Comments
myst
|
Posted: Sat Dec 18, 2004 | 10:01 PM
Personally, this reads too much like an e-mail urban legend for me to believe it is anything else. I'm trying to find out more informatin though, will post anything I find. |
Maegan
|
Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2004 | 10:36 AM
Yes, it reads like an email urband legend...
It sounded like something I know I've heard before...but now I can't find where... |
Lina correa
|
Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2004 | 01:52 PM
I received it in an email, and found a site where they talk about this as a true story (with some slamming of someone expressing doubt about its veracity). I really hate the thought of this story being false. I don't really know how to say why it bothers me; it's like, they are getting an emotional reaction out of me for some purpose they have, and it's not even true...when there are plenty of true, heartwarming stories around. It reads like they are trying to validate our being in Iraq, "See, even the little children love us..." I hate being played! |
Terry Austin
|
Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2004 | 03:02 PM
It's not as implausible as it sounds. I have doubts on this particular story, because of the details (if they weren't supposed to stop because it's dangerous - and it is - then the writer would not have been given permission to stop a second time, in all likelyhood), but this sort of things does happen.
A friend of mine is in Falujah right now, performing duties that include, in his words, overturning rocks and stepping on as many roaches as possible before they scurry to new hiding places. When he was home a few months ago on leave, we talking about what kinds of things to send in care packages. He mentioned all the usual things - boks, candy that can travel well, books, coffee that doesn't taste like motor oil, books, Kool-Aid, books, and, did I mention, books.
But he also mentioned toys. Said they were almost literlaly currency. They make an effort to not solicit information out of kids, under any circumstances. Toys are given to any kids who are nearby, regardless of what they might offer. But some of them do offer information. He had personal experience of a toy that turned in to a cache of rocket launchers, on the initiative of the kid who got the toy. The kids over there do stuff like this, on a regular basis. |
myst
|
Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2004 | 03:31 PM
I would imagine things like this do happen over there, Terry, but I have to agree with Lina, at least with this particular story. It is as if the writer is a) justifying our presence there and b) making America look like some kind of savior.
The actual girl, toy and situation may very well be true maybe it is several encounters with children all wrapped up into one story line, however all the added stuff about the heart of America etc. just makes me sick, like Lina I hate being played too! |
Mark
|
Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2004 | 09:49 AM
Like many of you I dislike being misled in such a way. For me it is more true since it is a story about a fellow Marine. The Marine in question, GySgt Mark Francis, does exist. I am trying to run this down. It may take some time since he is deployed. |
BugbearSloth
|
Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2004 | 01:44 AM
This sounds too much like the sugar coated glurge that one would find on the Heritage Foundation site. I submitted it to snopes.com. They seem to do a good job of getting the real story about things like this. There were posts asking the blogger for more info about the Sgt who wrote this story, but the blogger refused to give it out. |
ayuob
|
Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2006 | 03:46 PM
just i want to knew what is the relly life and see the world in the other direction |
Colleen Francis
|
Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2007 | 05:32 PM
The email in question is very much true. I am the wife of the Marine who wrote the email. The email has been verified by the DIA for accurancy of the event in question. Please know that there are still many wonderful things happening in Iraq on a daily basis and all of our troops need support and encouragement every day!
Sincerely,
Colleen M Francis |
association
|
Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 | 01:42 PM
I don't think this is true. It can't be! |
|
Note: This thread is located in the Old Forum of the Museum of Hoaxes.
|
