Bergdahl

The recent release of Bowe Bergdahl was met with obvious joy by the parents and friends of the sergeant. Who can begrudge them the joy of having a loved one return after five years of captivity?

Almost immediately upon receiving word of the prisoner swap responsible for the release, social media blew up with harsh criticism of the deal. Much of it revolves around the circumstances of the soldier’s capture. He abandoned his camp one night and fled unarmed into hostile territory. One can only speculate that Boe was finding it difficult to cope with the stress of combat. The Army sent patrols to find the missing soldier and reportedly at least five of his brothers in arms were killed during those efforts.

So while the Bergdahls rejoice in their reunion with their son, five families will not enjoy a reunion with their loved ones in this life because of the poor decision made by Bowe Bergdahl.

And the damage from his decision may not be complete yet. The five Taliban leaders released from Gitmo will most certainly return to the battlefield. Whose sons will be the next to fall as a result of the prisoner swap?

As I watched Bowe’s dad, Bob Bergdahl’s as he participated in a press conference with President Obama. It wasn’t that he looked like he just came from a Grateful Dead concert with his full beard, pony tail and peace beads that bothered me. It wasn’t that he proclaimed that he was proud of how far Bowe went to help the Afghan people. You can’t blame dad for saying something nice about his son. But when Bob welcomed his son home in the language of the Taliban, my jaw dropped. Could anyone imagine parents going on TV at the end of World War 2 and welcoming the returning POW’s home in German? Unbelievable!