A Soldier Abandoned
How Australia turned its back on a decorated war hero
The Reality of War
Have you ever been to war? Ever been shot at? Ever thought your next step might be on a land mine? Ever had to decide whether to kill or be killed?
In the god forsaken terrain of Afghanistan, in a war which has what to do with Australia, soldiers like Ben Roberts-Smith faced impossible decisions on their 5th or 6th mission.
The odds tell us, and probably he knew, he might not get through another. In that awful moment, a soldier has to react. Someone has to pull the trigger. Kill or be killed.
The Government's Betrayal
Ben Roberts-Smith didn't start our war. He volunteered to help our most skilled SAS unit to fight for us. It was our Government who sent him over. They are the guilty ones.
He killed as soldiers do, but is now guilty of doing his job whilst risking his life for us. The media grabbed hold of an illegal leak from a public servant. They targeted a big, tough, impressive VC winner who can pay for it with his reputation.
This is disgraceful. We, the great majority, envy your courage, strength, commitment and the torture you must now endure. We are in your debt.
"Thank you Ben Roberts-Smith. Thank Christ for Kerry Stokes."