Why are US Troops still handing out toys to children? Hello? It kills them

[leftchick]

They should have stopped this two years ago. It is pointless and it is getting children killed...

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/world/iraq/20051124-0730-iraq.html

In Iraq
Suicide car bomber south of Baghdad targets U.S. troops visiting hospital


By Bassem Mroue
ASSOCIATED PRESS

7:30 a.m. November 24, 2005

BAGHDAD, Iraq – A suicide car bomber targeting U.S. troops handing out toys to children at a hospital in central Iraq killed 30 people Thursday, including four police guards, three women and two children, officials said.

Another 35 people were wounded in the morning attack in Mahmoudiya, about 20 miles south of Baghdad, said Dr. Dawoud al-Taie, the director of the local hospital.


Elsewhere, three American soldiers from Task Force Baghdad died of gunshot wounds Wednesday in Baghdad, and a fourth died of wounds sustained Wednesday from a roadside bomb in Hit, 85 miles west of Baghdad, an0other statement said.


... I would be willing to bet clean food, water, electricity and security are priorities for Iraqis. Not some cheap toys in empty gestures.

[nini]

1. It doesn't matter where the troops are.. they're a target.

so, getting out altogether will be the only solution.

As far as giving kids toys.. I can't get too pissed about that. Small gesture in the scheme of things? - yes. Wrong - nah.

The whole thing is one big freaking clusterfuck nightmare. If a soldier who hates being there wants to give a kid a toy then so bet it.

[lostexpectation]

2. Those troops endagnered the children

The Troops should be kept away from chidlren or hospitals, (let say if there actually protecting them at the time).

those troops made the children a target, it the same effect we seem with the US mixing Aid and the military!!!

It does piss me off. The suicide bombers have nothing to do with me, the troops somewhat. So I say keep them away from children.

[MountainLaurel]

3. But it makes for a good photo op

When the kids aren't getting blown up.

[leftchick]

4. I imagine that was the plan

until it was interrupted. :(