IT TAKES ONE A LONG TIME TO BECOME YOUNG

The Soldier

         
That soldier is a kid. He was a 23 year old kid. raised in some isolated forest in Utah from Calvinists parents. Home=schooled. Lived in tents or primitive shelter, no real access to the real word. Likely brought up that everyone in the world must be helped and treated peaceably. Taught in a delusional way from parents. many kids go out looking for that place where they can help people. Of course bored, a 23 year old believing HE can make a difference and the war will end soon. E-mails to parents describe that. He helps the civilian townspeople. And, naively, figures he can leave,meet the Taliban and offer humanitarion assisstance to the poor.
Dumb- yet not so dumb. The ability to WANT to help others is a noble quality. Missionaries go into hostile areas all the time. And of late, many Cristians have been stones,hung, massacred.
Bad Decisions? Yes, perhaps ALL these idealistic, committed, fools should have known better. Or should they have? Maybe one person was saved, maybe religious tolerance resulted. Who can say. yet,by knowing the background of
Sgt. Bowe, how he was raised, the culture in which he lived. This may offer a more, personal insight into Sgt. Bowe as a HUMAN BEING! I hope it does.