Letter to the Editor
Support military
Published Friday, May 9, 2008
May 2, 2008
To the editor:
Usually I let everyday complaints from the population of Fairbanks, North Pole and the surrounding areas, roll off my back. However, for all the people who complain about our U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army and U.S. Navy air forces, I have but one thing to say.
The sound you hear is “Freedom!” I for one, salute and applaud all of our military! The sound of freedom is a blessing. Have you ever thought of what it would be like to have enemy fire directed at you or targeting your house or business? Believe me, that sound has a different meaning.
Ask the majority of the 70,000 veterans who live here in Alaska if they have ever been in a hot LZ and prayed for the sound of air support or artillery support! So fly boys (and ladies)! Bore a hole in the sky for me, for freedom and for all of us that appreciate it.
God bless all the troops that are to be deployed soon; my prayers are with you. So, to all of you people out there, count your blessings and that sound you hear won’t bother you quite as much.
By the way, I fly the biggest U.S. flag on the river and my yard is big enough for a Chinook to land in, so feel free to drop in. I’ll have the coffee on!
God bless America and God bless our armed services.
Comments
hear, hear Joe!
My Soldier would thank you but he is out in the field blowing things up in preparation for their upcoming deployment. So on his behalf God Bless You.. From Our Military Family!
aright casey, since your such a genius when it comes to world affairs, how many days have you spent in iraq VERIFYING your claims.
MAN UP KIDDO!!! put some bang behind your buck.
i wave my flag for 2 reasons, to support what OUR brothers and sisters have died for...
...and now to spite you
Must one go to Iraq to have an opinion? It's very doubtful the majority who have been there are geniuses either.
no, you're right, but what kind of opinion can you possibly have from your recliner?
Wars are always fought over money/wealth. 1801, the US Navy and Marines took on the Barbary pirates to protect trade routes. US Marines paved the way in Central America for US fruit companies. If gas were $1.00 a gallon right now you wouldnt care who we went to war with.
God Bless our Troops!! Thanks for all you do!!
I see a lot of folks saying support our troops. I certainly can find no fault in that! What I don't understand is what these folks actually mean by this. Wave a flag? Vote republican? Be irrational?
If you want to support troops then get them better facilities, better care for injuries and mental health, better armor, better benefits, better pay... To simply say support our troops is really quite a mindless statement unless we start backing it up with specifics including how much we should raise our taxes or what services we should do without. I would be much more impressed with a ribbon saying "raise our taxes to support our troops"!
Casey, your comments are adorable. "just morons waving flags when we should be shaking hands"...that type of naevete is truly charming. "We have not been in a war since WWII" and you go on to reference Vietnam later in your comment. Interesting. Unfortunately, here in the real world, it does not work that way. You do not agree with me, and I do not agree with you. No matter what I say in defense of my opinion, I imagine you will simply continue the inflamatory and insulting remarks as well as the overuse of exclamation points and caps lock. You have a point to make...we get it. We see where you are coming from, some even agree with you. I honestly have no problem with that. But you do need to keep in mind that the way you are going about stating your opinion is in direct contrast to the message you are sending. "We should be shaking hands" is being shoved down our throats. I appreciate your passion, I will forever defend your right to offend me.
As always, a heart felt thank you to our troops. What you do, and what you fight for is very dear to me, and to Casey...wheter he or she chooses to admit it or not.
Okay- here we go again. Like tpc said above, there is nothing wrong with supporting the troops. The problem lies with those folks who do so blindly because they think it makes them a good American or Patriot or Wife or whatever, not because they've taken the time to see the whole picture.
I imagine the recent rash of letters to the Editor has been orchestrated to try to supress the concerns raised lately about the military in Fairbanks. Fine, no problem. Keep writing them if you must, but remember, you are only convincing the short-sighted. Propaganda (especially that as blatant as the letter above) does nothing for those who strive to think for themselves.
Those people raising questions and concerns are doing their part to keep the U.S. military honest, professional and focused on the real priorities of the U.S. It is then up to the folks in uniform to listen objectively and act accordingly.
Tpc what have you personally done too support the troops?
If you stop bashing the troops and say something nice that would support them.
How do you think the Troops feel when they read all this hate towards them?
“To simply say support our troops is really quite a mindless statement”
Bashing the troops is the real mindless statements made.
Blaming them for all the crime in Fairbanks is a mindless statement.
“I would be much more impressed with a ribbon saying "raise our taxes to support our troops"!”
Would you support raising your taxes TPC ?????
Yes give them the PFD they earned it.
WOW-
I cannot find a single element of troop bashing in tpc's comment. It actually seems like s/he is offering some real and probably more effective ways to SUPPORT the troops.
Thanks for your support Imusuallyright. Maybe I wasn't clear enough for 0cents. The fact of the matter is I have supported some military folks by forgiving rents in hard times. I also deal with them regularly at work and I do all I can to accomodate them when their duties interfere with their obligations to me. And yes, 0cents, I would be OK with raising my taxes a bit for worthy causes.
Hear that? You hear that?
What?
Artillery, son. Nothing in the world sounds like that. I love the sound of artillery fire in the morning. The sound, you know that BOOM sound, the whole range. ... Sounds like... victory. Someday this war's gonna end...
(paraphrased from Apocolyspe Now, 1979)
I didn’t mean tpc was bashing the troops. My statement should read-
If people would stop bashing the troops and say something nice that would support them.
That was meant for all the hate bashers out there.
Kindness is one way to support the troops, not bashing.
I’m all for better pay, and benefits.
Tpc is bashing the supporters- “Wave a flag? Vote republican? Be irrational?”
“To simply say support our troops is really quite a mindless statement”
There are all kinds of ways that you can show support. You don’t have to do it as a group, do it on your own.
Iur-
I hope somebody sends you some mother’s day flowers and shows you a little kindness.
Thanks, zero =)!
Tpc
Thank you for showing kindness to the military.
Imusuallyright said, "Those people raising questions and concerns are doing their part to keep the U.S. military honest, professional and focused on the real priorities of the U.S. It is then up to the folks in uniform to listen objectively and act accordingly."
Excellent statement. I would add one caveat to his last sentence, "within the constraints imposed by the President, Congress, and the Constitution."
The President can "fire" any General or Admiral who opposes him. General Douglas MacArthur is a classic example. Generals are like everyone else, they don't reach a position of great responsibility without listening to their boss.
Every military member can be imprisoned or, under certain circumstances, executed for failing to obey a lawful order. At the very minimum, they can expect to be kicked out of the military with a federal conviction on their permanent record.
However, it is the U.S. Congress that really sets the rules for the U.S. military. Even Master Chief Petty Officers listen to your U.S. Senators and your U.S. Representatives. (A root canal is preferable to having to respond to a Congressional Inquiry.)
Yes, by all means, voice your complaints and concerns to the military. Understand, however, what you say won't matter at all if Congress says otherwise. Therefore, it's best if you also tell Lisa, Ted, and Don.
"...caveat to her last sentence."
Thanks, Griff. I hadn't really considered that.
Dearest Casey,
In one of your previous military bashing rants you stated you were a local business owner. I asked you twice to tell us the name of said business, you had no more responses. Now I beg you please give us the name so the military folks will steer clear. Please, put your money where your mouth is. At the very least put a sign up in your establishment stating your wonderful views.
Also, you are also very well versed in the political afairs of our nation. Please explain why if our troops are fighting for the oil companies, are we paying almost $4 a gallon for gas. Based on your insight should we start more wars to lower these gas prices? Are we not killing enough people?
To all, whether you support the war or not. Our soldiers are dieing daily. Those that live, live with scars from watching their buddies die. Families now have sons/daughters, husbands/wives, fathers/mothers who will not come home. When statements are made bashing our reasons for being there, what a mistake it is, we were lied to, etc. Those who live with the nightmares of dead soldiers begin to believe that it was all for nothing. Their buddies, fathers, etc. died in vain. Some oppinions are better kept to ourselves as it can have a devestating effect on inocent bystanders.
AKLOWN-
I've always believed that it is healthier to learn live and cope with the truth than it is to soothe your soul with a lie.
???
"Those who live with the nightmares of dead soldiers begin to believe that it was all for nothing. Their buddies, fathers, etc. died in vain."
To believe that people died for a good or noble reason may ease the pain, but may not be the most honest way to deal with it. There are many, many people who do not believe (this) war is not being waged for good and noble reasons and people, Americans and Iraqis, are, in fact, dying in vain.
I totally agree however, my concern is for those who don't understand. For example, a young child who's daddy isn't comming home. Hopefully he will be told, "Daddy died a hero" or some such thing. Then he sees the news or negative views and realizes "Daddy died for nothing".
Imusuallyright - Mea culpa, I apologize for my assumption.
caseyinfairbanks
I don’t hardly know where to start with you. First you state that we have not been to war since WWII and then you go on to say we got our butts kicked in Vietnam. Honey you might need to brush up on your history. The Vietnam war was AFTER WWII. As far as getting our butts kicked in Vietnam…..you might want to brush up on your history for that war as well or better yet….talk to a vet! We did not come out of Vietnam necessarily as a “winner”…..but that was not because of the abilities of the USA vs. Vietnam. A good history book and/or Vet could explain the situation to you if you really want to know the truth.
As far as our occupying space in Iraq…..you might want to talk to some of the troops that have actually been in Iraq. A majority of the Iraq people are thankful that there is a USA presence there.
And sorry to continue to burst your bubble…..but if the war was about oil; our prices at the pump would be going down rather then up!!!
There are some assumption that people have made in there statements.
1) to be republican and support the troops is "mindless", and not demonstrative of ones ability to think independently. (TPC)
2) That NOTHING good at all is coming from the work the troops are doing in Iraq. (Caseyinfaribanks)
3) That it is an Either/Or matter. (the war in Iraq)
These are assumptions and exagerations. First, many who are republican (or conservative) are able to think critically and independently. Democrats and liberlism do not have a monopoly on free and independent thought, peace, or societal welfare. Political affiliation is not the determinant of critical, rational, and reasonable thought.
While there may be many things wrong with the war in Iraq (show any war that there were not many things wrong with), there are many good things being done there. To deny that is also an exageration and distortion of the truth. However, having been there does provide one with experience to base an opinion it is not a prerequisite to having an opinion on the issue.
Further, we must realize that the safety of our troops (to include bringing them home), the success of the war (a free, stable, healthy Iraqi country w/out US presence, as I define it), and our political leanings (Neo-Con's v Communist Liberal's-- and everything in between), are in fact 3 separate issues. One can hold the position that {I} want to bring our troops home, after Iraq is a free and stable country, while wanting to have a government that doesn't lie to the public. Most importantly having this opinion does not determine my patriotism. Patriotism is determined by whether or not you believe and act in a manner to help this country succeed and have the welfare of our nation at heart and are willing to take action to achieve it. This is not limitted to those supporting war and being a veteran.
Imusuallyright-- good on you! You often seem to post and ask questions that challenge peoples positions and opinions hopefully causing to evaluate them. If they get your point.
P.S. I wish to say on behalf of all veterans (perhaps I speak out of turn), You're Welcome! Enjoy your freedoms to express your opinions. By doing so, you are saying thank you to us!
Gee, I thought we had this conversation last week?
Not everyone is of the same opinion, that doesn't make some of them anti-American. It's like the whole mindless flag burning debate. There is a group that thinks they can tell everyone else how to exercise their freedom because they feel like they alone are responsible for securing it.
Protest is very American, get used to it.
The terrorism in the middle east started as early as the 70's. maybe some of you should seriously consider brushing up on your information before you start bashing the Soldiers and the WAR they are fighting daily! Anyone ever heard of the Iotola? Look at where we are with Afghanistan. We are where we are today because no one dropped the ball sooner. This should have been handled years ago! But, it wasn't and now we are fighting a war that goes back generations. I hate to be the bearer of bad news here, but I am sure we will be attacking Iran in the next 10 years, should have been done thirty years ago! All that we are doing now should have been done years ago. Our Government sat back and did nothing and then 9/11! I for one seriously think it could have been and should have been prevented. But our Government does not always have the answers to the tough decision and when we have people in office whether they are republican or democrat we have to stand behind them to make the tough decision. We have to get rid of these terrorists sects that are out there and shamefully some of the leaders that have a warped idea of reality. I don't agree with the way everthing has been handled, but I am smart enough and human enough to know that I never will. We will always "should of, would of, could of" our Government. we will never know everything, we can't! I acknowledge and accept that. I know however that as a true red, white and blue American I have an obligation to support and thank my troops everyday, whether he be 18 or 100. If it was not for these truly brave men and women I would not be where I am today and neither would you. If we where not fighting this war overseas, how long do you think it would be before they came to fight us on our soil, and our children would be starving or dieing? Have you ever once took a moment to think that maybe the war over there was to keep the war from coming here? There is a much bigger picture folks, please look at everything, not just the center!
I thank God daily for my Husband and my father for fighting to protect your right and your opinion. I am also thankful to them that I can ask God to watch over and protect people that do not understand.
Usuallyright-
Seems a bit orchestrated to me too. I have been thinking the same thing.
"Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori"???
Wilfred Owen
caseyinfairbanks,
Look this one up.
Cuiusvis hominis est errare, nullius nisi insipientis in errore perseverare.
To get back to the original letter, My flag's bigger than your flag.
My favorite advice,
though it gets difficult to follow for me at times, (stupidly, I quit the class. Latin is not dead, I say! I'll figure it out though. I have a gist...), is one we all know, ever applicable, and the plaque from me mum that hangs over my desk:
Illegitimi non carborundum
Good advice to anyone.
We can all agree to disagree "Dog the war not the people serving in it"
I think that the one thing that most people are trying to say about this war and all these military issues is-You don't have to agree with why! you don't have to want it or like it! no one said you shouldn't question it. But These men & women are our Family & Friend's they are doing what they believe in for a country that they believe in. They are making sacrifices everyday for this country, Yes, this is a personal choice but most believe in it very strongly. To mock them, insult what they do, or belittle what they are doing is not right. I am sorry but I don't agree with all of the anti military comments posted here, Our military has done wonderful things for this country and will continue to do so, We need them. I think if you direct your comments at the people making the decissions to send them there and not just at the military it would go over a whole lot better.
Well folks I am sitting in mesopotamia right now, and I promise you, no matter who gets elected, we will be here a long, long, loooong, time.
Griff said it, the military is just a tool that our government wields. Our Generals, who by the way are highly educated professionals, many with multiple Doctorates, cannot make our civilian leaders follow their recommendations.
I firmly believe that when Washington sends the military in someplace, if they keep thier hands out of it, stop dictating rules of engagement and allowing/disallowing tactics, we cant lose.
Cluster bombs: yes. NAPALM: YES. When it comes time to go, you go in with both guns blazing, not with one hand tied behind your back.
You know, if you read between the lines and punctuation of casey's comments above, s/he makes some valid points... and no troop bashing there, either.
It would be good if people in Fairbanks remembered that some of us have seen the very ugly side of the military population and it is hard to get past that. Ideally, the actions of some should not reflect on all but, unfortunately, they do. While blanket statements are probably never a good idea, there are legitimate reasons to have concerns about what the U.S. military does in our own town, across the country and when stationed abroad.
I am awfully tired of hearing the scolding that results whenever a citizen of the U.S. voices a concern.
Its all great and dandy to support the troops but some comments about the reality of the situation are definately needed as well. There isn't a soldier who has spent any time in Iraq that doesn't know whats really going on and I can tell you from knowing a few pretty well that the nightime raids and the day to day patrols will continue probably forever or until we leave that place. We arent getting anywhere and the progress is both forward and backwards all the time. We havent got enough money and or logi to fix a conflict that is older than our nation is. I respect the troops that are going there to do that which they do, but we need to get out of there. The end result will be the end result regardless (muslims killing muslims) of how many trillions of dollars we spend there and the thousands of lost american lives there. Enough is enough already!
A person did the crime not the military. If that person wasn’t in the military he would be doing the same crime but as a citizen of the USA, walking among the people of Fairbanks and doing the same crime.
The person who killed the women at DTS wasn’t in the military, he was high on drugs, Meth I think, might have been crack. Both are bad drugs.
The military takes all kinds of people from all walks of life and tries to educate them. They give them a chance in life that they weren’t getting before they joined.
I will say it again.
These people will do the same crime in the military or in normal life.
If we go by this line of thinking then all high school kids are just as bad. Look at all the school shootings.
I think we should hate all high school kids. If we count all of the dead kids that were killed by these deranged murdering spoiled rotten Ipod good for nothing punk kids.
Why should my taxes go to schools so they can produce these rotten kids?
Remember before they joined the military the school system had them and programmed these kids. So we should blame the schools, not the military.
Casey has no credibility he is just a HATER. He makes no valid points blaming the troops for all of his problems.
Iur
Why do you back the HATERS?
Backing the haters lowers your credibility.
corinne- i'd like to know what owen had to do with what you are talking about. just so you know,
the words that come before the clever latin quote you threw out there is,
"the old LIE"
so what exactly are you trying to say?
Zero-
If I really wanted credibility here, I'd use my real name.
Absolutely amazing. I really wish Casey had some big ones and told me his/her business name as well. Typical bleeding heart, probably a liberal, and an Obama or Clinton supporter. And why are you saying "we?" What have you done for the war on terror? You haven't been in a war and seen your buddies get blown to bits in the humvee in front of you?! And to say that you would join the local insurgency too is absolutely absurd. You have no idea about the hate in those Iraqi's eyes. They will sacrifice their own children to kill a bunch of GI's. Go study up on your world affairs and get back to me, better yet, go take a walk down the streets in Baghdad and see how long you last... Until then, quit whining about half of your money being in Iraq and saying it is an occupation. Don't try to discuss something that you know nothing about. Boo frickety hoo...
Iur
I don’t need to know your name. I can judge what your saying as you can judge what I’m saying. Knowing your name, I would maybe know why you hate.
A real name will not chance what you say.
I believe you are a real person and what you say is real to you. I may not agree with what you are saying. I have tried to listen to you but the hate gets in the way.
I won’t even read what Casey writes, way waste my time weeding through the hate to see if he has a point.
Burninator-
When Owen wrote the poem, he really had dedicated it to a well published woman in Britain who was writing propaganda poems about the glory of war, and portrayed it like an exciting vacation.
I was agreeing with IUR in that some of the recent letter writing seems to be orchestrated, a campaign.
Even if it isn't, which doesn't really matter, throughout all these threads of last months, the letters and comments are so rote, so sloganish...so propaganda sounding...
It has been shown time and again in these threads that if one doesn't quote the sloganish "thought," one is bashed, accused of being unpatriotic (whatever that is), told to move to some other country, denounced for "not supporting the troops," (whatever that is), belittled, indicted, judged...
All with great fervor. With some mindless assumption that, if one doesn't adhere to the slogans and/or say the "correct" things, one must be against the war and the troops.
For or against. No middle ground. No independent thinking. No questioning allowed.
It's insane.
On another thread a few days ago, some were doing a good job trying to "defend" themselves against these attackers of non-slogan thought.
Trying to point out that indeed, freedom of expression, whether it be dissent, merely questioning, suggesting a different perspective...whatever, is fundamentally US of A American, and it is hypocritical to accuse and banish and indict and...
Then comes the slogans of who's protecting that right. The questioners are not allowed to peacefully point out that the military is voluntary. Many never felt that Iraq had threatened their right to free expression. Many don't view this as a war to protect this nation's fundamental principals.
And these threads certainly show that a lot of hatred and intolerance is coming from those who wish the rest of us to quote the slogans religiously, or else.
So, dulce et decorum est propatria mori. Is it the old lie in this case? Propaganda and sloganism abound. Is it ALWAYS sweet and fitting to die for one's country?
I have never expressed my opinion on this war either way in this forum, and I won't now. It would be foolish for anyone to make an assumption as to where I stand from reading this...you very well may be wrong.
And it doesn't matter.
But I very much appreciate those who try to encourage thought beyond slogan here, knowing they'll take a thrashing from sloganeers.
Besides, I am always very moved by that poem.
More ranting, more raving, I love it! Keep 'em coming, please?! So hilarious!
Zero-
I try my very best with each post to make sure that my words are measured, clear and well written--- a courtesy I extend to those who choose to read them.
With your posts, specifically, I try to "weed" through your anger, personal attacks, and carelessness in order to get to the point of what you're saying--- a courtesy I extend to you (and not all others).
I'd go on, but it seems Corinne has said it very well and I won't need to repeat those words.
I fully support our troops, but not necessarily what they are being ordered to fight for. and as for supporting our troops, all it takes is a simple shake of the hand and, "I Apreciate what your doing" to make a soldiers day. My cousin is in Iraq right now and he told me that when people say that to him it really makes him feel good.
our troops in Iraq ARE getting stuff done, but at what cost? how many american lives are we willing to spend in order to liberate Iraq? how far should we go? are we ever going to stop the fighting? the Shiites and Sunnis have been fighting each other for generations. are we going to simply step inbetween them and stop them killing each other? If we were to leave the fighting would just go on ever more feircer than before. so should we stay and just keep paying the tol of american lives, or should we cut our losses and bring our boys and girls home?
Lets see, left wing radical here we go. What if we had a president that told every nation that says they dont want our troops there 'fine, we will give our business's that are here one month to pull out or stay at there own risk'. Then, if a country wanted us there, TRUELY wanted us there, they would request our military to come and protect there people. Then we could charge them for our military services instead of you and me paying the price tag for anything outside of protecting our own boarders!
We are one of the few countries that can produce pretty much anything within our own boarders and we can be self sufficent by all means.
I will snap back to reality in a couple minutes, I am day dreaming right now...
I am a vet with middle east experience. I was in Saudi Arabia for a year back in the 70s (before we were officially there). I work on Fort Wainwright and try daily to tell a young troop "thank you" for their sacrifice. I oppose the war in Iraq. With that said, I think we should have attacked Saudi Arabia on 9/12/2001!! The terrorist were SAUDI!! They are NOT our allies, no matter what our govt. tells us! I fully support the GWOT, but our involvement in Iraq has nothing to do with the GWOT. It has everything to do with Geo. Bush's ego and defending his fathers honor. Sadam was our buddy back when I was in the middle east, boy, I bet he was surprised at how quickly that can change! I think that every young hero that serves his/her country today deserves my highest respect. I do think one can support the troops, but not the mission. I wish them all safety and a quick return to home and family. Ron Paul had the answer, but no one wants to listen....ya gets what ya paid for is all I can say.
You can bash and hate all you want, but those of us who truely support KNOW who we have to thank for our freedom to express ourselfs. I may not have a lot of money to finacially support or help out to often, but I do let them know when I see them around town. I shake their hand, I say hello and I smile. If I happen to have a bit extra in my actt. I buy their dinner if I am out in a resturant and see a family. I may not agree with the war, but I thank ALL who serve, have served and have lost.
I thank each and every one of you who have worn or wear the uniform. I thank all of you who have suffered and sacrificed for me and mine.
I know my words do not come close to expressing what I fell, but they are all I have. I am not eloquently spoken, nor do I pretend to be an English major, so go ahead and nit pick it apart, but I know what I mean.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL...
I guess I'm just unpatriotic. I don't wave the flag. I much prefer the Constitution.
I guess I hate the military. I don't support the Iraq war. I think our armed forces are to serve and protect this country.
And yes our leaders have lied to us about the Middle East and who our friends are. (Hint they are not in the Middle East. That includes Israel.
Extremists sit on both ends of the political spectrum. Both, equally irrelevant and ignorant. They should be ignored. Don't feed the trolls.
as am i CORINNE,
you know, i hear people say a lot, "i fought in a war to protect your freedom to not support me". no, its too easy to watch cnn and nod your head.
i tend to be very proactive in matters like this. and when i hear people spout out what they "know" about the current war in the middle east, despite the past 30 years of reasons to move in, i say, pick up your ruck and prove it! i fought in the war and never fired my weapon once. so you dont have to be a killer just to find out what this is all about.
what happened to all those years that we, as a nation, were pleading with george W bush sr. and even with clinton, "we need to act now!"
they did little, and it fell on the younger w's shoulders, and he did something! so to the niave that still think saddam should be in power and we should be still waiting on the tenderfooted UN to do something, move to france if it is so much better there.
or just stay here and wine about it. i dont mind the comments, they give ME something to rant about. haha. and like i learned from the military, "you only make me stronger"
Okay Casey, guess you just called yourself a monkey!!! Congrats coward:) What business do you own again? Oh, you don't want to tell us because without the military, your business would plunder?? Poor baby. Have a nice night!
Oh, so you are a pagan. So that explains it. Poor thing. Enough said. I will be sure to pray for you tonight. Muahahahaha!!! Oh yeah, and I am educated, before you start your "these people are uneducated monkeys" whining again. I know for a fact that I make more money than you and I will make sure I come say hi and sit by you at the Elton John concert:) Kisses!!!
I would like the news miner to go back in time 10 years or so when there where meetings being held about the cope thunders that where coming to Eielson. Then report what was discussed. I went to them the air force was suppose to keep high speed stuff away from the populated areas and they have done a pretty good job, they need to be reminded of what their predecessors agreed to. This is not about not supporting the troops it is about being a good neighbor and know what was agreed to in the past. Gen. Graper will be gone in a year do you think he knows what happened ten years ago here?
No one has been FORCED into our military for years. So in reality the people that volunteered to be in the military must on at least some level agree with what they are doing. Maybe not every aspect of it but to some degree agree.
The monkey stuff.....VERY CHILDISH!!!!
Whether or not you agree with the war the plain truth is our family members are at war. I have two sons, who I am very proud of, currently in Baghdad. They are brave kids. No matter what our political views are or what party we are voting for, I hope neither one of my children are returned to me in a box. Who the hell cares anymore, bring my children home. Yes they volunteered and in some families cases, economic situations lead to joining the military services. They both raised their hands and swore to defend and protect. Who is defending and protecting them? Why are we fighting each other when we should be sticking together against the idiots in the whitehouse and those perpetuating this war.
aktands-
Now that I can really relate to.
I can imagine your anguish.
I hope your boys come home alive.
...and unmaimed
Our Soldiers fight in battles to keep each other and the innocent civilians from being killed or wounded in Iraq by an enemy that considers the deaths of their own fighters and civilians to be a media event worth celebrating. If we have a chance to prevent an enemy sniper or suicide bomber from succeeding, then we should take advantage of any opportunity to do so.
I am thankful for our Soldiers doing what they do best to protect each other in combat.
Yeah, well, to that, I pose the same question:
Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori?
Always?
Just a thought...I wonder how many people have actually read our constitution and the Declaration of Independence? Our nation was founded on the precept that all men, (generic term for mankind), have certain rights. Those rights include the right openly choose how they will be governed ie democracy. It was also stated in the constitution that we would defend democracy across the land and that all men deserved the right to choose. It said nothing about race, creed, religion or nationality. It simply stated ALL MEN. I joined the service because I Love what our country stands for and signifies...not necessarily the actions taken by our government but the ideals of the country and I truly believe we can make a difference and that we are to the general public of Iraq and Afganistan. It is about 1% of the population that doesn't want our help and they, like the US, are the loudest. I support your right to say what you will about what you will and am glad that we can do that here. Iraqi's did not have that option prior to our occupation.
Nice people! Yes, so hilarious!
soldier -
what you say rings true...
however, the case you cite exists not only in Iraq - but in most of Africa. Just wondering - after your work in Iraq is complete do we next focus on all the others down there that would love our help?
Where does it end? Do we not have enough to deal with at home?
Maybe a few patrols along South Cushman would have a little more effect than those in Mosul?
Oh - and please don't play the patroit card on me...for I, too, served proudly. Luckliy I didn't get stuck in a quagmire and then bury my head and say everything is peachy!
Well, I for one would much rather it be our people flying above us in the air then another country. So practice away :D
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