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Title: Vibrant life ends in war zone -- Former UO exchange student Linda Norgrove, kidnapped by militants, died in a failed rescue attempt
Source:
Register Guard
URL Source: http://registerguard.com/csp/cms/si ... ie-lucile-afghanistan-dean.csp
Published: Oct 12, 2010
Author: Saul Hubbard
Post Date: 2010-10-12 15:49:17 by Ferret Mike
Keywords: None
Views: 16371
Comments: 72
When Dean and Lucile McKenzie of Eugene think back on Linda Norgrove, they remember a young woman who wanted to try everything. There was the time that Norgrove, then an exchange student from Scotland enrolled at the University of Oregon, saw climbers ascending the basalt columns at Skinner Butte Park. “I want to do that,” she said instantly. Or the time she saw a Eugene street performer juggling bowling pins. “I’ve got to give that to try,” she said. Finally, they recall the time that Norgrove set her heart on cycling across the United States with a friend. The McKenzies weren’t sure that two young women should be cycling across the country on their own. Norgrove and her friend did it anyway. “She was always doing something,” Lucile McKenzie said Monday. “Sometimes the things she wanted to do made your hair stand on end, but that was just the way she was.” In recent years, the things Norgrove wanted to do was to help the people of Afghanistan, where she had worked off and on as an aid worker since 2005. Militants abducted Norgrove and three Afghan colleagues on Sept. 26 as they drove in two unarmored cars through Kunar province, which borders Pakistan. The Afghan captives were freed last week, but the Taliban-aligned Islamic militants held Norgrove, 36, at a compound in eastern Afghanistan’s mountains. On Friday, Norgrove was killed in a failed rescue attempt led by the U.S. military. After consulting with British officials, the U.S. military ordered the rescue mission after concluding that Norgrove was in danger of being spirited into Pakistan and turned over to even more recalcitrant insurgents. On Monday, reports surfaced that Norgrove may have been killed by friendly fire — an American grenade — and not by an insurgent’s explosive device as initially reported. The U.S. Army has begun a high-level investigation into her death. The McKenzies first learned of Norgrove’s death, along with most of the world, over the weekend. “I don’t think either of us has even recovered from the news yet,” Lucile McKenzie said Monday. “It doesn’t seem real. She was so alive and vibrant, it’s hard to imagine her dead. We’re just devastated.” If it’s true that Norgrove was killed by friendly fire, “it definitely makes me mad,” McKenzie said. “You have to wonder about the (necessity of a) rescue mission,” Dean McKenzie added. “The kidnappers aren’t dumb. They weren’t going to kill their most famous abductee.” Norgrove was only 19 when she came to Eugene to study biology at the UO in the fall of 1993. Although she lived in the university dorms, the McKenzies acted as her host family — as they have done with many international students over the years — and helped her to adjust to life in Oregon. “We’d see her about two or three times a month,” Dean McKenzie said. “She’d come over for dinner or we’d take a day trip together.” The McKenzies still have photographs of themselves and Norgrove visiting the ghost town of Jawbone Flats and skiing at Willamette Pass. She was always a friendly, charming girl, they say, and they stayed close to her in the years after she left Oregon. In 1999, they met up with Norgrove in London during a trip to Europe. They also remained in frequent correspondence with Norgrove and read about a life path that took her to Peru, Uganda, Laos and Afghanistan. Norgrove’s letters to the McKenzies are full of life and verve. In one, she describes participating in the Maralal International Camel Derby in Kenya, a 10-kilometer camel race. “Riding at a run on a camel is just like doing rising trot on a horse,” she wrote. In the same letter, she describes bringing Legos to a school and the children’s joyful reaction. “My only concern that I have is that they might be so treasured that they’ll be set aside on display and no one be allowed to play with them,” she wrote. Her letters are dotted with excited exclamation marks, and she seemed always to have more to say than space on the paper. Although she wasn’t impractical or foolhardy, Norgrove never seemed fearful despite the inherent risks of her lifestyle, Lucile McKenzie said. She remembers Norgrove getting mugged and having her backpack stolen in Africa, but as she recalls it, Norgrove was more upset about the research notes she lost than scared by the incident. The most recent letter the McKenzies received from Norgrove is dated Nov. 12, 2007, and was sent from Kabul. It is far less cheerful in tone than the others. Toward the end of the letter, she explained that she was glad she was taking Afghan language classes. “It is very nice to be able to have basic conversation with women although it really saddens me to see the lives they lead confined to their houses and with less than minimal freedom. Changes are really occurring too slowly for them,” she wrote. Lucile McKenzie said she thinks Norgrove would have stayed in Afghanistan as long as she could because she liked the country and loved its people. “She loved Afghanistan so much and wanted to make it a better country,” Lucile McKenzie said. “I think if she had had her choice of places to die, she probably would have chosen Afghanistan.” McClatchy-Tribune news service contributed to this report.
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#1. To: Ferret Mike (#0)
Anyone that goes into a war zone of their own accord accepts the risks entailed. Anyone that goes into areas controlled, or contested by Islamic Fundementalists and is not a fundementalist muslim themselves is just flat out stupid. Sorry she died. But its not because of the rescue attempt. Its due to the kidnappers, and her own decisions.
Obama's first all-by-his-lonesome budget, btw, calls for a $1.17 trillion deficit.
There would be zero difference between the myopia of your inane argument with it's circular logic and a person from there lamenting that a Afghani killed by violence in the U.S. brought it upon themselves for going to a lawless and violent culture with too high an opinion of itself. No sale on your blame the victim game, Charlie Tuna.
Does the name Nick Berg ring a bell?
She went there of her own accord. No 'blame game' just noting the obvious.
Obama's first all-by-his-lonesome budget, btw, calls for a $1.17 trillion deficit.
Wrong answer.
Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner! Next up, the three idiots that crossed into Iran illegally.
Obama's first all-by-his-lonesome budget, btw, calls for a $1.17 trillion deficit.
You anti-Americans can leave at your convenience. Nobody will stop you!
Only to you, Freddie. She inserted herself into a country, and a situation, where she was not wanted, and it cost her dearly. Her problem. Her decision.
Obama's first all-by-his-lonesome budget, btw, calls for a $1.17 trillion deficit.
Said the Tundra trash who didn't give some years of his life to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces to the U.S. Army veteran.
The trash is the anti-American poster, Ferret Mike, the weasel. Timothy McVeigh was a US Army veteran, dipshit!
Wrong answer again fish lips. Her volunteerism was very much needed.
Be a hero, jerx. Take her place.
She had no business being there. Had she just got married and had children everything would have been better.
Clinton and Cuomo are the true bandits who lit the fuse to this economic crisis we're now in. All in the name of getting more minorities in houses: http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=12554
You exude hate and bait, and thus are far closer to being a McVeigh surrogate than I could ever hope to be. He tried for an explosion slam dunk, and you go for attempts at small verbal slam dunks much in his spirit.
Her volunteerism was very much needed. Wrong answer butt lips. The AFghans apparently don't hold the same viewpoint YOU DO. Why don't YOU go EDUCATE THEM as to the errors in their thinking on infidels? Game, set match. Now go blow your government check at the race track.
Obama's first all-by-his-lonesome budget, btw, calls for a $1.17 trillion deficit.
She was following her heart and doing what she wanted to do. Not every woman is wed and bed material. Just as many men aren't.
You leftist weasels are guilty of what you accuse others. It hasn't and won't work.
"Well, the other kids are doing it...." Grow up for pity's sake, son. Nobody likes whiners.
I stated a fact, weasel. Your ignorance is pathetic.
Wrong answer. No,it's the right answer. She died because she was kidnapped. She just happened to die during a rescue attempt,but they were going to kill her anyhow. That's what they do.
"I adore John McCain, support him 100 percent and will do everything I can to support his reelection. As everyone knows, I was honored and proud to run with him. And Todd and I were with him in D.C. just a week ago." (Sarah Palin,Dec 2009) ************************************ DID Palin say or write these things or not? (Me) I don't know or F ing care. (Mad Dog posted on 2009-12-26 16:36:33 ET,post # 105 http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=5510&Disp=114#C114)
Really? They why ain't you there? AND.......,if her voluntarism is needed and wanted there,why did they kidnap her and hold her for ransom?
"I adore John McCain, support him 100 percent and will do everything I can to support his reelection. As everyone knows, I was honored and proud to run with him. And Todd and I were with him in D.C. just a week ago." (Sarah Palin,Dec 2009) ************************************ DID Palin say or write these things or not? (Me) I don't know or F ing care. (Mad Dog posted on 2009-12-26 16:36:33 ET,post # 105 http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=5510&Disp=114#C114)
Really? The world would have been a better place with more indoctrinated leftie children born?
"I adore John McCain, support him 100 percent and will do everything I can to support his reelection. As everyone knows, I was honored and proud to run with him. And Todd and I were with him in D.C. just a week ago." (Sarah Palin,Dec 2009) ************************************ DID Palin say or write these things or not? (Me) I don't know or F ing care. (Mad Dog posted on 2009-12-26 16:36:33 ET,post # 105 http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=5510&Disp=114#C114)
Most are. Sorry, but I'm correct, her life would have been happier had she not thought she was a man.
Clinton and Cuomo are the true bandits who lit the fuse to this economic crisis we're now in. All in the name of getting more minorities in houses: http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=12554
Sorry Sneaky, I know numerous children who born to lefties who grew up to be level-headed patriots.
Clinton and Cuomo are the true bandits who lit the fuse to this economic crisis we're now in. All in the name of getting more minorities in houses: http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=12554
I'd like to say I do too,but I don't. Every one I know is a even more rabid leftist than their parents.
"I adore John McCain, support him 100 percent and will do everything I can to support his reelection. As everyone knows, I was honored and proud to run with him. And Todd and I were with him in D.C. just a week ago." (Sarah Palin,Dec 2009) ************************************ DID Palin say or write these things or not? (Me) I don't know or F ing care. (Mad Dog posted on 2009-12-26 16:36:33 ET,post # 105 http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=5510&Disp=114#C114)
I don't see many things a man can do and does do a woman can't do. Women aren't just here to breed. They are human beings who should be allowed and encouraged to follow their dreams and hearts anywhere they take them.
Your state is usually as immature as a wannabe school yard bully. I guarantee if you talked like this to my face, your ass would bounce on the concrete very fast. You love the sport of spewing what would be scrapping words to the lower forty eight knowing you are usually unreachable. Pure and simple, you are a coward. That is the bottom line as to what you are all about.
How would I distinguish between your face and ass, keyboard commando? Don't you have enough problems just being gender challenged?
Agreed. Unfortunately, she failed to use a modicum of common sense, in the pursuit of her "dream," and it resulted in her needless death. Like a young kid wanting to ride really fast on a motorcycle, and splattering himself on a retaining wall... He was just 'following his dream,' dontcha' know...
Getting tired of the bozoed calcon following me around on the 'net, wanting to discuss "tossing salad." Sorry, you sick rump-ranger. NOT interested.
For money.
Well we finally agree on something. They're also here to do the laundry and iron, cook (after checking with her man on what he wants), clean the bathroom (especially the toilet), wash and put away the dishes, vacuum, dust, darn socks, gather the firewood, give back-rubs (and foot massages), complement their man on a great golf shot (whether it's really "great" or not), fetch the TV remote, grocery shop, make sure the bed ALWAYS has clean sheets (especially after...well...you know), keep the kids quiet while hubby is napping, not get jealous when her man's girlfriend is prettier than she is, (did I mention shine her man's shoes while she's waiting for the laundry to dry?), and like you say, while breeding is not their ONLY function, it is high on the list (as is "practice" in that regard), and lastly: be able to manage all that so that bringing her man a cold beer is at the top of the list and doesn't interfere with her other reasons for being here (innumerated above) Ya putz.
(sneakypete)DID Palin say or write these things or not? (Mad Dog's reply) I don't know or F ing care. Pete, MD doesn't know or care what Palin says or writes, he'll support her no matter what.
It happens, but my wife's nephew was born to die-hard lefties and he's entering the miltiary. I can't say that about a lot of "conservative" kids I know who were brought up by "conservative" parents.
Clinton and Cuomo are the true bandits who lit the fuse to this economic crisis we're now in. All in the name of getting more minorities in houses: http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=12554
Not saying,"They can't", asking is it wise? I say no. If a man can do the job, send him. His life is worth less than a woman's in the long-run.
Clinton and Cuomo are the true bandits who lit the fuse to this economic crisis we're now in. All in the name of getting more minorities in houses: http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=12554
I disagree. My Mom was the youngest woman to ever get a private pilot ticket in 1952 at age 16 in Connecticut. She had heavy opposition to her quest; a couple guys told her flat out women just didn't have the temperament or skill potential to fly. But she was a great pilot. She flew with me much of the time after I soloed until I got my private pilot ticket too. My Dad was her instructor, which is where I came along, sorta unplanned. My Dad also was a Naval aviator in the Pacific Theater in WW II. ;) I say let a woman do as she feels she can. I even support them doing combat missions.
A woman's place is in the House.... and Senate. Hopefully soon we'll have a woman president early this century as well. Too bad some really qualified ones like Shirley Chisholm who ran in the primaries in 1972 never had a chance. You forgot to include the "nose sniff of superiority" while exposing your ass.
(sneakypete)DID Palin say or write these things or not? (Mad Dog's reply) I don't know or F ing care. Pete, MD doesn't know or care what Palin says or writes, he'll support her no matter what.
For money. Which I guess proves she wasn't wanted and needed by THEM. She was something to be sold.
"I adore John McCain, support him 100 percent and will do everything I can to support his reelection. As everyone knows, I was honored and proud to run with him. And Todd and I were with him in D.C. just a week ago." (Sarah Palin,Dec 2009) ************************************ DID Palin say or write these things or not? (Me) I don't know or F ing care. (Mad Dog posted on 2009-12-26 16:36:33 ET,post # 105 http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=5510&Disp=114#C114)
ROFLMAO!OK,that one was funny enough to win a humor ping for you.
"I adore John McCain, support him 100 percent and will do everything I can to support his reelection. As everyone knows, I was honored and proud to run with him. And Todd and I were with him in D.C. just a week ago." (Sarah Palin,Dec 2009) ************************************ DID Palin say or write these things or not? (Me) I don't know or F ing care. (Mad Dog posted on 2009-12-26 16:36:33 ET,post # 105 http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=5510&Disp=114#C114)
That is SO BULLSHIT
Really? What did he fly? Was her carrier based? Look, why should we put our most precious resources in harms way though?
Clinton and Cuomo are the true bandits who lit the fuse to this economic crisis we're now in. All in the name of getting more minorities in houses: http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=12554
Comments (41 - 72) not displayed.
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#2. To: Badeye (#1)
#3. To: Ferret Mike (#0)
“You have to wonder about the (necessity of a) rescue mission,” Dean McKenzie added. “The kidnappers aren’t dumb. They weren’t going to kill their most famous abductee.”
#4. To: Ferret Mike (#2)
#5. To: Badeye (#1)
Sorry she died. But its [sic] not because of the rescue attempt.
#6. To: Ibluafartsky (#3)
Does the name Nick Berg ring a bell?
#7. To: Ferret Mike (#2)
too high an opinion of itself
#8. To: Fred Mertz (#5)
#9. To: Ibluafartsky (#7)
"You anti-Americans can leave at your convenience. Nobody will stop you!"
#10. To: Ferret Mike (#9)
Said the Tundra trash U.S. Army veteran.
#11. To: Badeye (#8)
She inserted herself into a country, and a situation, where she was not wanted, and it cost her dearly.
#12. To: Fred Mertz (#11)
Her volunteerism was very much needed.
#13. To: Ferret Mike (#0)
#14. To: Ibluafartsky (#10)
"The trash is the anti-American poster, Ferret Mike, the weasel. Timothy McVeigh was a US Army veteran, dipshit!"
#15. To: Fred Mertz (#11)
She inserted herself into a country, and a situation, where she was not wanted, and it cost her dearly. Wrong answer again fish lips.
#16. To: Nebuchadnezzar (#13)
#17. To: Ferret Mike (#14)
You exude hate and bait,
#18. To: Ibluafartsky (#17)
"You leftist weasels are guilty of what you accuse others. It hasn't and won't work."
#19. To: Ferret Mike (#18)
Nobody likes whiners.
#20. To: Fred Mertz (#5)
Sorry she died. But its [sic] not because of the rescue attempt.
#21. To: Fred Mertz (#11)
Her volunteerism was very much needed.
#22. To: Nebuchadnezzar (#13)
Had she just got married and had children everything would have been better.
#23. To: Ferret Mike (#16)
She was following her heart and doing what she wanted to do. Not every woman is wed and bed material. Just as many men aren't.
#24. To: sneakypete (#22)
Really? The world would have been a better place with more indoctrinated leftie children born?
#25. To: Nebuchadnezzar (#24)
I know numerous children who born to lefties who grew up to be level-headed patriots.
#26. To: Nebuchadnezzar (#23)
#27. To: Ibluafartsky (#19)
"I stated..."
#28. To: Ferret Mike (#27)
I guarantee if you talked like this to my face, your ass would bounce on the concrete very fast.
#29. To: Ferret Mike (#26)
Women aren't just here to breed. They are human beings who should be allowed and encouraged to follow their dreams and hearts anywhere they take them.
#30. To: sneakypete (#21)
...why did they kidnap her and hold her for ransom?
#31. To: Ferret Mike, Nebuchadnezzar (#26)
Women aren't just here to breed.
#32. To: sneakypete (#25)
I'd like to say I do too,but I don't. Every one I know is a even more rabid leftist than their parents.
#33. To: Ferret Mike (#26)
I don't see many things a man can do and does do a woman can't do. Women aren't just here to breed. They are human beings who should be allowed and encouraged to follow their dreams and hearts anywhere they take them.
#34. To: Nebuchadnezzar (#33)
(Edited)
#35. To: Wood_Chopper (#31)
#36. To: Ferret Mike (#35)
#37. To: Fred Mertz (#30)
...why did they kidnap her and hold her for ransom?
#38. To: Ferret Mike, *Humor* (#35)
Too bad some really qualified ones like Shirley Chisholm who ran in the primaries in 1972 never had a chance.
#39. To: Ferret Mike (#0)
After consulting with British officials, the U.S. military ordered the rescue mission after concluding that Norgrove was in danger of being spirited into Pakistan and turned over to even more recalcitrant insurgents.
#40. To: Ferret Mike (#34)
My Dad was her instructor, which is where I came along, sorta unplanned. My Dad also was a Naval aviator in the Pacific Theater in WW II. ;)
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