Date: 5/24/2003 2:08:00 PM
From Authorid: 51285
I know that I haven't forgotten what they do for us and I know that they save our country constantly and that without them we would all be dead. I don't know about anyone else but that is how I feel. ~FRIEND OF GG~  |
Date: 5/24/2003 2:19:00 PM
From Authorid: 53689
I don't understand where you are getting that nobody is showing praise for the troops now?  |
Date: 5/24/2003 2:24:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 13119
I am saying that, when the war was on, everyone was writing posts and people were holding rallies and there was a big push on to have a military penpal but now that the war has calmed down you don't see the patriotism towards these brave people. Besides which, why would people only praise the troops over in Iraq and not the troops posted all over the world? I know of one person here who is posted in China for his country, where is the love and pride for him and his sacrifices. I am saying that as long as the military is performing in a huge manner then people notice them, when they quietly go about their jobs and go on tour and help fight national disasters no one seems to want to acknowledge or help them or their families back home.  |
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Date: 5/24/2003 2:33:00 PM
From Authorid: 53689
I can't speak for anyone else, but I support and praise our troops always. Yes, there are time in which I am more publicly vocal about it, but coming from a military family, I will always praise. (This does not mean I will always praise the WARS in which they fight in) |
Date: 5/24/2003 2:45:00 PM
From Authorid: 47699
I don't know what you're talking about here. I'm proud of, appreciate and respect our military personel just as I always do. I don't know of anyone who thinks any differently. I recently let a soldier get in front of me in the line at the grocery store and I only did that because of the uniform he was wearing. It was just my small way of saying 'thank you'.  |
Date: 5/24/2003 2:53:00 PM
From Authorid: 28946
My Daddy had a full Military Honors funeral Tuesday and alot of people were there. Everyone showed pride and honor to the Flag, the soldiers and the veterans. Flags are flying still all over my town and here we still are respectful to our soldiers.  |
Date: 5/24/2003 3:33:00 PM
From Authorid: 49150
I think your perception is coming from the media. Since the war is over they have quit reporting as much. I don't think it has anything to do with the individual person.  |
Date: 5/24/2003 3:40:00 PM
From Authorid: 22852
Well my yellow ribbons are still up. I understand what you are saying and just because people are not "showing" the support I am sure they are there for their military, My son is still in Iraq as is others memebers of USMs loved ones. We support all the military, we just don't scream it every sec.  |
Date: 5/24/2003 3:40:00 PM
From Authorid: 47296
Magoo, maybe you should look at this post I put up to days ago. I have pride, and I show it regurally. However, it seems few others responded to that post, or even took the time to veiw it.  |
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Date: 5/24/2003 3:41:00 PM
From Authorid: 47296
Alomst forgot, http://www.unsolvedmysteries.com/usm341453.html |
Date: 5/24/2003 4:31:00 PM
From Authorid: 13897
i never supported the military in the first place. they do hideous things and get away with it because they were told to. murder is okay when you've got the government to back you up. it's disgusting.  |
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Date: 5/24/2003 4:33:00 PM
From Authorid: 13897
oh.. and maybe people have better things to do than waste all their time posting praise for the American military. |
Date: 5/24/2003 8:37:00 PM
From Authorid: 54987
Well what have they done for our safey? It seems to me that there is now more hatred for the US than before the war started. The same, but worse, happened after the Vietnam war.  |
Date: 5/24/2003 9:18:00 PM
From Authorid: 53052
i think people are still soft hearted towards them...BUT they arn't as verbal... you don't need to be verbal to show respect  |
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Date: 5/25/2003 3:08:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 13119
I think I have to agree with Crystal on this one, about the media I mean. I understand that people like Frank, Penny, Stormchaser, Midnightly and Warrior Spirit are respectful and still treat the military as it deserves to be treated but if you all look down to Magenta Blue and Koolades comments you can see that there are people who have no gumption. What has the military done for you?!?!? BS! The military is the one body that ensures you are safe and able to have your unpatriotic thoughts and opinions. As for wasting your time writing about the military, I am pretty sure that the military would "waste their time" to save your backside if you were in trouble or if there was a natural disaster where you live. Koolade, if the world seems to hate the american/british troops don't you think that that is all the more reason to stand up and show that you are grateful for the thankless job that they have to do. |
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Date: 5/25/2003 3:24:00 PM
From Authorid: 13897
umm no. the military goes and kills millions of people for what?! Vietnam war- did it accomplish ANYTHING? no it didn't. but it sure did kill a lot of people. just one example of nonsense killing done by our own american military. how can i have pride in an organization that does that? |
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Date: 5/25/2003 3:34:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 13119
the military stopped world war 1 and 2, the Korean war, the war in Kosovo, the war in Yugoslavia, The Vietnam war was a mistake but don't you ever say that the men and women who were there were anything but patriotic soldiers. How many soldiers died so that you could live in freedom, how many soldiers come home limbless so that you could spout off about the military murdering people. The military is an honourable institute and if you really don't think so then I think you need to rethink living in a country that relies so heavily on the might of the military. do you honestly think that if there was no army that the world would not invade and conquer? Without your awesomely strong military forces you would be nothing. |
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Date: 5/25/2003 4:42:00 PM
From Authorid: 47699
Magenta Blue, Koolade, if you're so unhappy here and appreciate nothing that you have because brave soldiers have died for your freedom, I'm sure that you would be welcome in Iraq, Iran, North Korea or any number of other places. Maybe that would be more to your liking. |
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Date: 5/25/2003 4:54:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 13119
You know Frank, I may disagree with the wars that are fought and I may disagree with the policies enforced but as a soldier it makes me sick at heart to hear the hatred and lack of respect that some young people have. My brother didn't clear landmines for 6 mos because it was fun or even because he is a "murdering thug" that was in an unjust war, he did it because he is a soldier and he wanted to make it safe for other peoples children to grow up. My other brother cleared booby traps off of stuffed animals in the park that people had armed to kill the young of their "enemy". I myself have taken food and medicine into the hot zones overseas (not Iraq) Can you understand now what I mean about the change in attitude toward the military. A few months ago no one would have dared to say that claptrap that was written above but now that the war in Iraq isn't on the front page any more people take up their prejudices and ignorance and the military maintains their same level of professionalism and pride and keeps soldiering. |
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Date: 5/25/2003 5:50:00 PM
From Authorid: 13897
*author |
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Date: 5/25/2003 5:50:00 PM
From Authorid: 13897
umm... tuhor- so you're saying that only patriotic soldiers fought in the vietnam war? If indeed you are saying that, you are terribly misled. people were drafted- many of them were fiercly against the war. anyways... Frank- I am upset about some things the military has done, and don't I have the right to be upset about senseless killing? I think there are major problems with the gov't and military so I speak my voice about it. Aren't I allowed to do that? Or should i leave because I want to speak up for what I believe in? |
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Date: 5/25/2003 5:52:00 PM
From Authorid: 13897
oh and trust me, I would have said all that I just said even before the war. |
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Date: 5/25/2003 6:16:00 PM
From Authorid: 47296
Magenta, let me tell you a few things about the military. This is not coming from someone who sat on the sidelines, but from a veteran that has seen his share of hotbeds. During WWI, we went to help out in a situation that could have been the destruction of Europe. The forces fighting in Europe were for the most part in a gridlock, with fighting going on on trenches, and if a few hundred yards a day were gained, that was a victory. Our assistance helped to break that gridlock. In WWII, there were many who would have just as soon we sat that one out. In fact, Nazi Germany did not want us pulled into the war. Japan though, saw to it that we were pulled in. We were the only country that fought a two front war on the massive scale that we did. Yes, other countries also fought two front wars, but none were able to put the manpower and resources out there that we did. In fact, we provided resources for every Allied country that fought in WWII, including Russia. In Korea, we were fighting a war to end communist agression in that country. The government of the South asked the UN to help, and we responded. Prior to our response, American troops who were in S. Korea after WWII were mercilessly killed by Northern invaders. At one air base, after we reoccupied the South, Air Force military police were found hanged. The tree they were hanged from still stands as a memorial to their sacrifice. Once we had managed to push the invaders all the way back to the Chinese border, the Chinese decided they would step in. I do not know if you have ever heard of he Chosin Reservoir, but I have, and it is a part of my family history. Somewhere in the area of that reservoir is the remains of my uncle, who was reported as "Missing, Killed In Action" on December 25, 1950. In Vietnam, we once again were called on to assist in fighting communist agression. The problem with that war was that the soldiers were never allowed to fight the war the way it should ahve been fought. It was fought from the offices in Washington, DC. Politicians cannot fight a war, because most have no idea what the military can and cannot do in the field. Only those commanders and troops in the field know how and what to do. In my time, I seved in Lebanon and Central America. I alao served in the Carribean as part of the war on drugs. People say we are losing that war, but I have news for you, we have been winnign that war for years. We have also been doing it with major restrictions put on what we can do. Yeah, you sit there all high and mighty knocking our American fighting men and women, but if it were not for those that serve, you would not have the freedom to even open your mouth and speak your piece. At your age, you take freedom for granted. You have never seen or talked with people that do not have the same freedoms you have. You do not know what it is to wake up in the morning wondering if the police or armed forces is going to come barging into your home, take everything you own, and throw you in a prison to die. I have been to countries where people wondered that everyday. You sit back fat, dumb and happy, enjoying the freedom you have, freedom that was given to you by the blood, sweat, and tears, of people who did not have to put their lives on the line, but chose to do so because they care enough for people to go out and do it. If you want to bash and cuss the military, fine, that is your right under the Constitution, the very same Constitution that I swore to defend. If the day ever comes though that someone tries to take your rights away, don't call on me to help you, I'll be too busy helping someone that can appreciate it. |
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Date: 5/25/2003 6:24:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 13119
I agree that alot of people were drafted and alot of people hated the thought of war but alot of them showed intestinal fortitude and pride in themselves and fought when their nation called for them. It is the sick little individuals back home that make it so hard on the soldiers, do you know how many fine young men came home and killed themselves because of ignorant people and ignorant comments. Just because you disagree with the government and the military do not speak down about soldiers, they are doing a thankless job protecting your rights and your ability to make a fool of yourself speaking out about something you have no experience with. If I sound harsh I mean to, your comment "how can i have pride in an organization that does that?" Angers me greatly, you are a 16 yr old teenager who knows nothing about what a soldier does when they are on tour overseas. You should have plenty of pride in your soldiers and you should be thankful that they are willing to do a job that you wouldn't want to dirty your hands with. |
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Date: 5/25/2003 6:27:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 13119
Holy jumpin'! Warrior Spirit that was beautiful!!!! I am amazed at your words and at your sacrifices. It is because of people like you that the young can sit in judgement on something they know nothing about. Thank you for defending their rights and having your own trampled on in the process. You truly are the better person. |
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Date: 5/25/2003 6:37:00 PM
From Authorid: 13897
excuse me? for one thing, i am not fat, dumb, or happy. i am not going to be blinded by the patriotic propaganda that i am bombarded with every day. and you think BECAUSE i am 16, i dont know anything? All that i am saying is that i dont believe in senseless killing. and that is what so many wars are. It hurts me to think about all the horrid things happen because of war. I really don't know where you are getting any of your ideas from. things that i wouldn't want to "dirty my hands with"? just because i have difference of opinion than you, doesn't mean you have to treat me with any disrespect. I never insulted you, i only voiced my opinions about what i think about some things that the military does that have upset me. |
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Date: 5/25/2003 6:50:00 PM
From Authorid: 47296
Magenta, your comments are an insult to every soldier, sailor, airman, or marine that ever served under the American flag. You are 16, and you do not know the first thing about being in the military. I do, having served half my life in the military, and having followed along a family line that also served with honor. In fact, this very day I laid a spray of red, white, and blue roses on the grave of my father, who served in the Army in the early 60s. He was drafted. Did he shirk his duty and go to Canada? No, he served with honor as an Amry engineer. My daughter, who is 4 years older than you, has given consideration to joining the service. She wishes to first finish her nursing studies though. I do not know where kids like you get all the ideas about what war is, but I can assure you that you have no idea. You have had never had to live with nightmares from what you have seen. You have never had a wife tell you after your return that you have changed. At age 18, I thought I was a grown man. I found out in '83 at the age of 23 what it meant to be a grown man. That was the first time I had a look at a body that was brutally killed. I will never forget the first look I ever had of a combat zone. It will live with me for the rest of my life. I will never forget the sounds of heavy weapons and artillery, or seeing the destruction they can do. I will never forget the fear of wondering if I would go back home, and if I did, would it be in one piece. Little girl, you have no idea what it is like. Like I said, you have a right to your opinion. However, I also have the right to take everything you say as trash, which I do. |
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Date: 5/25/2003 6:55:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 13119
Magenta Blue anyone who can speak so derogatorily about the military will never take up arms to help them. That is what I meant about getting your hands dirty. Fat, Dumb and Happy is an expression, it may be before your time and that is why you take it personally but it is a saying. I am a soldier and have been one for as long as your life time. I am 35 yrs old and have served for over half my life. Warrior Spirit has every right to be angry with your comments and your lack of any type of tact. |
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Date: 5/25/2003 6:59:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 13119
Another thing, my brother was 17 the first time he was in combat, do you honestly think that when you turn 17 you will be able to cope with having to bag bodies that are too tall and having to bend them to make them fit in. Do you think you can see a friend blow his head off with a grenade because he can't take it anymore, getting that dear john letter was the last straw. Do you think you can sit in a vehicle knowing there is a good chance you will drive over a land mind because you are clearing the field that the enemy keeps reloading. How would you feel if you did all that and then came home to some one your own age or a little younger talking about the evil military and how they kill and murder without thought. Trust me, you would react with hostility. |
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Date: 5/25/2003 7:13:00 PM
From Authorid: 13897
I bet you wouldn't be complaining about my age if i was voicing patriotism. |
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Date: 5/25/2003 9:24:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 13119
I am not complaining about your age because of your opinions, I am stating a fact. You are not old enough to know anything about combat or what it is like to serve your country. You are not able to offer a valid opinion on the topic of the military. You are able to offer a valid opinion on what you think of the government but until you walk a mile in a veterans shoes, don't dare call them murderers. |
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Date: 5/25/2003 11:28:00 PM
From Authorid: 13897
Maybe i've never served, but I am an educated person. I read. I'm not ignorant. |
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Date: 5/26/2003 2:55:00 AM
From Authorid: 47296
Magenta, anyone can pick up books and read them. Try taking the time to talk to a Vietnam veteran, or several of them. No book can tell you what war is like, or what life is like for the troops. When I joined he service in 1979, I had read books, was in the best of physical shape, and scored one of the highest scores ever recorded on the ASVAB in my local area. I was gung-ho and ready to go. I made it through basic with no problems. I went on to my advanced training and graduated with honors. Reality shock! Once I hit the fleet, it was a world I had never read about before. There was nothing that could prepare me for my time on ship. Later, when I switched over to the Air Force/Air National Guard, I was prepared. I knew then what to expect. What had changed? Experience. Some day you will learn that there is no better teacher than experience. Some day you may also learn that if it were not for soldiers doing all those things you are so against, that you would not have the freedom to be against them. |
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Date: 5/26/2003 7:18:00 AM
From Authorid: 47699
I see that I'm no longer needed here. Magoo and WS have matters well in hand. Carry on, soldiers. |
