It's the obvious political ad that has just been waiting to be made -- a young Iraq war veteran, missing a body part, talking simply and directly to the camera about the sacrifice he made in the service of official lies. The idea didn't come from the Democratic Party, or MoveOn.org, or the Kerry campaign.
The new ad is the creation of a group of Iraq war veterans, most in their 20s, operating on a shoestring budget. Their organization, Operation Truth, a nonpartisan, nonprofit group of 150 members, is dedicated to elevating the perspective of soldiers and holding elected officials accountable for their policy decisions.
Salon articleThe new ad is the creation of a group of Iraq war veterans, most in their 20s, operating on a shoestring budget. Their organization, Operation Truth, a nonpartisan, nonprofit group of 150 members, is dedicated to elevating the perspective of soldiers and holding elected officials accountable for their policy decisions.
Watch this first ad featuring Robert Acosta. Their goal is to raise $200,000 to air it nationally next week.
I am Robert Acosta. When my country called, I went to Iraq without hesitation. Make no mistake, I am proud of my service and proud of my fellow troops. But for many troops like me, there was a tremendous cost. See, while driving with another soldier, a grenade was tossed into the cab of my truck. I saw the pin was pulled and smoke was starting to come out of the top. I struggled to reach the grenade as we sped off, but I couldn't get to it in time. My leg was severely injured and I lost my arm as a result of the explosion. I swore I was going to die, and even told my friend who was driving to tell my parents that I loved them.
I'm not looking for pity by telling my story or by being in this ad, I'm a soldier and do what I have to do. But, I'm trying to make an important point. The Pentagon will only refer to me as a number -- one of the 7700 wounded in action. They don't want you to know who I am or who the others coming back severely injured are. They don't want you to see what we see in the mirror everyday. I'll be the first to tell you, it's tough to look at. But it's important because no American can make a fully informed judgement about the war without looking at and listening to the men and women coming home.
That's what Operation Truth is allowing guys like me to do - show you my face and tell you my story.
I'm not looking for pity by telling my story or by being in this ad, I'm a soldier and do what I have to do. But, I'm trying to make an important point. The Pentagon will only refer to me as a number -- one of the 7700 wounded in action. They don't want you to know who I am or who the others coming back severely injured are. They don't want you to see what we see in the mirror everyday. I'll be the first to tell you, it's tough to look at. But it's important because no American can make a fully informed judgement about the war without looking at and listening to the men and women coming home.
That's what Operation Truth is allowing guys like me to do - show you my face and tell you my story.
Check out the ad, and then look around the website.
You can donate to their organization from a link on the website. If you have any money to spare. If not, you can email their address around to get the word out.
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