notice of my vacancy

[solypsist]

Might as well post this now. Like Tom Sawyer, I have an unexplainable need to witness my own funeral, so here goes:

In three days I board a flight to Iraq. I will be there minimum 14 days. I asked for a photo assigment there last year and the clearances came through two months ago (I had been procrastinating) but now is as good a time as any. I have purchased body armor, been medically approved, and have confirmed the paperwork. My stuff in my apartment is boxed up and stacked in the center of the room for easy disposal just in case. My part of Backroom moderating will be covered by other staff until my expected return.

I'm going because I'm curious and want to see things for myself. Two weeks is hardly enough time to be thorough, but I'm hedging my bets and going with the shortest allowed deployment for me. I have issues with this war, and what better way to put my money where my mouth is than going there.

Keep in mind I'm not a journalist; I'm a fashion photographer. How I managed to snag this gig when my portfolio consisted mostly of studio shots of Japanese girls in avant-garde clothing (see below for example) is unknown to me.

Huzzah!
Jason

[Sjakihata]

That's nice, Im glad for you, now do be safe and remember to record all the american abuse you witness

Have a good and safe trip!

[Divinus Arma]

I suggest that you stay in Marine controlled areas and show respect to the service members out there. They are the ones who will see to it that your butt comes back to the states alive and well. If you show some love to the troops, they will watch your back to their own death.

If you don't prefer the company of American troops, then get used to the company of blade-wielding insurgents who hate you.

I find this especially interesting since you prefer the "bleaching white bones" of your fellow Americans.


On a non-political note, and purely human: Stay safe. Follow the directions of security personnel, avoid army recruiting centers, and always wear your armor.

[Alexanderofmacedon]

Have a safe trip. I think we share some of the same views, so I'll look foreward to what you have to say when you get back.

Stay safe!

[Reverend Joe]

I suggest that you stay in Marine controlled areas and show respect to the service members out there. They are the ones who will see to it that your butt comes back to the states alive and well. If you show some love to the troops, they will watch your back to their own death.

If you don't prefer the company of American troops, then get used to the company of blade-wielding insurgents who hate you.

I find this especially interesting since you prefer the "bleaching white bones" of your fellow Americans.

Who the hell actually hates the soldiers? You must be imagining things.

[edyzmedieval]

Have fun and be back in one piece....

We need shots with girls.

[Ser Clegane]

I wish you a safe trip there and back again and a truckload of pictures and impressions to share afterwards

[Divinus Arma]

Who the hell actually hates the soldiers? You must be imagining things.

I promise that I am not just trying to be a dick. He made the comment in the wall of mexico thread.

I saw your reply to that Soly, do you mean to say that you were only "joking"? Just clarify it for this dense jarhead. That was pretty messed up.

And Zorba, there are indeed people who hate the troops and wish them death. These people see your men and women under arms as an extension of so-called "imperialist American" policy.

[Sjakihata]

I don't wish them dead, I wish for them a degree in foriegn policy or economic theory - so that they can see how manipulated they have been

[BigTex]

Good luck, hope you come back in one piece, or at least fit into one body bag, bombs make big messes . I know I'd dread to hear on CNN about a bomb going off near a commy bleeding heart anti american liberal . Good luck god bless and may the Great State of Texas keep you safe in your travels.

[Tachikaze]

I say, let the Japanese girls in avante-garde clothing protect you. As far as I know, there are none on the casualty list so far. It looks like the one with nunchaku would be a good bodyguard. Take Chiaki Kuriyama as well.

I hope you find your trip enlightening. I'm thinking that the safer you are, the less you'll understand what's really happening. I hope you can strike a good compromise.

Good luck to you.

[Gregoshi]

Stay safe and be alert Jason. Your NYC "training" ought to help out a little. I hope your experience turns out to be worth the risks. Take care and we'll expect a full report upon your return.

[KukriKhan]

May Saint Francis deSales http://www.catholic-forum.com/Saints/saintf03.htm , patron saint of journalists, watch over you on your trip

(also the makers of Interceptor body armor ).

[Louis VI the Fat]

1. Dont Die
2. No Fat Chicks

[Somebody Else]

Don't let the army boys get you (too) drunk...

[Uesugi Kenshin]

As I said in the chat, be careful, good luck, come back.

[yesdachi]

I can’t wait to hear of your experiences. Good luck.

[SomeNick]

Wow man that would have to be one of the most serious life decisions I've ever seen. Good luck to you and be safe friend.

I really enjoy your photos too : ) Maybe we will see some from Iraq when you get back.

Take care.

[Avicenna]

Good luck! Keep yourself reasonably close to the US base as much as possible as well, just to be safe.

[discovery1]

Be careful Soly. Please come back alive and in one piece.

[Lord Godfrey]

As the Duke of Wellington once said:

"One's perspective on the battlefield is determined by how close one is to the muskets."

You will be closer to the muskets than many of us have been (at least in this conflict) and I look forward to reading of your experiences (and viewing your Babes of Iraq )

Godspeed on a safe return.

[Dâriûsh]

Good luck and stay safe bro. I'll throw in a good word for you next time I pray.

[Beirut]

As my grandfather used to say when we played at his house: "I don't care if you're happy as long as you're safe."

Be well.

[Strike For The South]

good luck.

[Kagemusha]

Best of luck to your journey.

[Crazed Rabbit]

Stay safe.

Crazed Rabbit