Reply #10: Here's a link to excerpts from his essay [View All]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051229/ap_on_re_mi_ea/journey_to_iraq_essay;_ylt=Am5wgJqZ_S6UIJTYXtI3K8xeW7oF;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl

Excepts from an essay written recently by Farris Hassan, 16, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., who traveled to
Iraq without telling his parents:


There is a struggle in Iraq between good and evil, between those striving for freedom and liberty and those striving for death and destruction. You are aware of the heinous acts of the terrorists: Women and children massacred, innocent aid workers decapitated, indiscriminate murder. You are also aware of the heroic aspirations of the Iraqi people: liberty, democracy, security, normality. Those terrorists are not human but pure evil. For their goals to be thwarted, decent individuals must answer justice's call for help ... So I will.

Life is not about money, fame, or power. Life is about combating the forces of evil in the world, promoting justice, helping the misfortunate, and improving the welfare of our fellow man. Progress requires that we commit ourselves to such goals. We are not here on Earth to hedonistically pleasure ourselves, but to serve each other and the creator. What deed is greater than sacrificing one's luxuries for the benefit of those less blessed? ...

I know I can't do much. I know I can't stop all the carnage and save the innocent. But I also know I can't just sit here ...

-snip-

If I know what is needed and what is right, but do not act on my moral conscience, I would be a hypocrite. I must do what I say decent individuals should do. I want to live my days so that my nights are not full of regrets. Therefore, I must go.


This is from a 16 year old... amazing