American Military - We're Honored

Off Topic Politics and World Issues
41

That’s so awesome, Rockscar!

[quote]Rockscar wrote:
An e-mail that I received in a string:

BEGIN E_MAIL

Daughter of a Soldier

Last week
I was in Atlanta , Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest act’s of patriotism I have ever seen.

Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camo’s, as they began heading to their gate everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering. When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for it hit me. I’m not alone. I’m not the only red blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.

Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fea r or reprisal. Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and
women a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old, ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said “hi,” the little girl then she asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her. The young soldier, he didn’t look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.

The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter’s name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter, Courtney, missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up. When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military looking walkie-talkie. They started playing
with the device and talking back and forth on it.

After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, “I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you.” He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying “your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon.”

The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event unfolded. As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, their were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness, turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his
cheek.

We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it’s good to be an American.

END E_MAIL

I just saw off my cousin to Iraq for his 4th tour. It’s hard to deal, but he believes in what he is doing and I’m proud to see it.
[/quote]

42

Hmmm, let me say at the outset that I certainly wish the for the wellbeing of just about anyone in whatever endeavor he or she has undertaken and that I have sympathy for family members of those who are lost in war.

However, in general, I have a slight distaste for this sort of lionization of soldiers for a couple of reasons. First, whenever you inject excessive emotion into an area of discourse, especially those as inherently volatile as war and politics, it tends to degrade the quality of the reasoning involved. The painting of soldiers and the military as sacrosanct unnecessarily polarizes debate participants.

Second, while again, I do wish them well, I by no means think that a solider is any better than another person who works hard at something productive, engineering, accounting, journalism, etc. I think your feelings of unworthiness are a bit silly, actually.

Yes, there are risks involved in being in the military, but that’s simply a choice one makes before deciding to join; there’s a well-known risk:reward profile to the job. Further, there are other jobs that put people at even greater risk. Arctic fishing anyone? Is a soldier who dies in combat somehow worth more than a fisherman who gets washed into the Baltic?

43

[quote]PGJ wrote:
I was with the Patriot Riders Group at a n Army SSgt. funeral in Athens, GA recently where that abortion of a church was present with the “God hates you” and the “Your son deserved to die” and “thank God for IED’s” signs. They are filthy, evil, despicable people. We were there to provide a buffer between the church and the protestors. It was sad to see the family and friends of the fallen going into the church while idiots were callling them names. Freedom of speech shouldn’t protect that. I don’t think the founding fathers had that in mind.
[/quote]

Those people are scum, and I mean that sincerely as a former Marine. However I completely disagree with your statement.

“If we don’t believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don’t believe in it at all.” --Noam Chomsky

44

[quote]PGJ wrote:
BoxBabaX wrote:
PGJ wrote:
BoxBabaX wrote:
Too bad we have a repungent administration running the whole show.

Box, Shut the hell up, asshole.

Chinadoll, thank you for your kind words and support.

So I am an asshole because I think that our administration is fucked up? Because sending soldiers to die is a good idea right? Fighting for what purpose? Oh yeah, because Iraq was such a huge threat.

No, you are an asshole for hijacking this thread like an obnoxious punk-ass kid with your stupid comments.

[/quote]

With comments like that, I would’nt be commenting on someones maturity level before questioning your own.

45

Yes the majority of servicemen are brave. I still don’t get how they are protecting YOU though?? Did Iraq invade America? If so I missed it.

46

[quote]blue9steel wrote:
PGJ wrote:
I was with the Patriot Riders Group at a n Army SSgt. funeral in Athens, GA recently where that abortion of a church was present with the “God hates you” and the “Your son deserved to die” and “thank God for IED’s” signs. They are filthy, evil, despicable people. We were there to provide a buffer between the church and the protestors. It was sad to see the family and friends of the fallen going into the church while idiots were callling them names. Freedom of speech shouldn’t protect that. I don’t think the founding fathers had that in mind.

Those people are scum, and I mean that sincerely as a former Marine. However I completely disagree with your statement.

“If we don’t believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don’t believe in it at all.” --Noam Chomsky[/quote]

“Freedom of Speech” doesn’t mean you have the right to say absolutely anything you want. I don’t believe you have the right to go to someone’s funeral and tell the family that their son deserved to die or that their son is in hell because he served in the military. To me, that is hate speech and attempting to provoke a riot or fight. Just as bad as the KKK and the neo-nazi’s. I don’tunderstand why that Kansas church isn’t considered a hate group. Homosexuals have special protection from hate groups, why doesn’t everybody? I suggest to go to a funeral where these “people” are and listen and then come back and tell me how you feel about “freedom of expression”. The founding fathers would not have tolerated their crap.

47

[quote]PGJ wrote:
blue9steel wrote:
PGJ wrote:
I was with the Patriot Riders Group at a n Army SSgt. funeral in Athens, GA recently where that abortion of a church was present with the “God hates you” and the “Your son deserved to die” and “thank God for IED’s” signs. They are filthy, evil, despicable people. We were there to provide a buffer between the church and the protestors. It was sad to see the family and friends of the fallen going into the church while idiots were callling them names. Freedom of speech shouldn’t protect that. I don’t think the founding fathers had that in mind.

Those people are scum, and I mean that sincerely as a former Marine. However I completely disagree with your statement.

“If we don’t believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don’t believe in it at all.” --Noam Chomsky

“Freedom of Speech” doesn’t mean you have the right to say absolutely anything you want. I don’t believe you have the right to go to someone’s funeral and tell the family that their son deserved to die or that their son is in hell because he served in the military. To me, that is hate speech and attempting to provoke a riot or fight. Just as bad as the KKK and the neo-nazi’s. I don’tunderstand why that Kansas church isn’t considered a hate group. Homosexuals have special protection from hate groups, why doesn’t everybody? I suggest to go to a funeral where these “people” are and listen and then come back and tell me how you feel about “freedom of expression”. The founding fathers would not have tolerated their crap.
[/quote]

What protection do homosexuals have from hate groups? None. Thy, along with the rest of us have protection from hate crimes.

Freedom of speech means that even the most pathetic scumbags on the face of the planet (Phelps and the rest of his shit-eating family) get to say whatever they want.

Can they incite a riot? No, that’s a crime.

The founding fathers specifically made freedom of speech the first in the list for a reason.

48

Before anyone gives GribGrob or Jbraswell a hard time …
Correct gentlemen!

I have no idea how the emergency response crews or police do it day in, day out. You guys are amazing. Sure the military go risk themselves for a year, but face that level of danger/ loss every day! Damn.
I’ve always said, you don’t throw a ticker tape parade for the trash man taking away your garbage. All the military is doing is what we get paid for (though we do appreciate it). But please, spare a thought for those remarkable individuals who look after us every day, without thanks & without notice.

49

Great post China Doll. I?m happy to hear that we still support our troops. When I got back from the Middle East the first time, I was happy take a shower, eat peanut butter and not have sand in every crevasse of my body. I was single at the time. Now I couldn?t imagine being away from the wife and kids. My hats is off to them.

50

Would it be appropriate to start another thread to discuss differences of opinions on politics and freedom of speech?

51

[quote]Solomon Grundy wrote:
Great post China Doll. I?m happy to hear that we still support our troops. When I got back from the Middle East the first time, I was happy take a shower, eat peanut butter and not have sand in every crevasse of my body. I was single at the time. Now I couldn?t imagine being away from the wife and kids. My hats is off to them.[/quote]

Solomon, hats off to you for your service!!!

52

[quote]harris447 wrote:
PGJ wrote:
blue9steel wrote:
PGJ wrote:
I was with the Patriot Riders Group at a n Army SSgt. funeral in Athens, GA recently where that abortion of a church was present with the “God hates you” and the “Your son deserved to die” and “thank God for IED’s” signs. They are filthy, evil, despicable people. We were there to provide a buffer between the church and the protestors. It was sad to see the family and friends of the fallen going into the church while idiots were callling them names. Freedom of speech shouldn’t protect that. I don’t think the founding fathers had that in mind.

Those people are scum, and I mean that sincerely as a former Marine. However I completely disagree with your statement.

“If we don’t believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don’t believe in it at all.” --Noam Chomsky

“Freedom of Speech” doesn’t mean you have the right to say absolutely anything you want. I don’t believe you have the right to go to someone’s funeral and tell the family that their son deserved to die or that their son is in hell because he served in the military. To me, that is hate speech and attempting to provoke a riot or fight. Just as bad as the KKK and the neo-nazi’s. I don’tunderstand why that Kansas church isn’t considered a hate group. Homosexuals have special protection from hate groups, why doesn’t everybody? I suggest to go to a funeral where these “people” are and listen and then come back and tell me how you feel about “freedom of expression”. The founding fathers would not have tolerated their crap.

What protection do homosexuals have from hate groups? None. Thy, along with the rest of us have protection from hate crimes.

Freedom of speech means that even the most pathetic scumbags on the face of the planet (Phelps and the rest of his shit-eating family) get to say whatever they want.

Can they incite a riot? No, that’s a crime.

The founding fathers specifically made freedom of speech the first in the list for a reason.[/quote]

OK, hate crimes…whatever. The point is that they, for some reason, have special protection. I disagree that you have the right to say anything you want. I’m telling you guys, you need to see these people in person. You can literally feel evil in the air around them. It’s weird. And I do believe they are trying to encite a riot. If you want to learn more about this group go to the Patriot Guard Riders website. They know all about them and their motives.

53

[quote]PGJ wrote:

OK, hate crimes…whatever. The point is that they, for some reason, have special protection. I disagree that you have the right to say anything you want. I’m telling you guys, you need to see these people in person. You can literally feel evil in the air around them. It’s weird. And I do believe they are trying to encite a riot. If you want to learn more about this group go to the Patriot Guard Riders website. They know all about them and their motives.

[/quote]

I saw that interview on Fox news featuring that psychotic bitch and I know what you?re talking about. Firstly not only did she look like a 27th generation self-crossing breeding experiment, but the look in her eyes was extremely unsettling. Funny how they think they?re doing this shit in the name of God, and that they think they are the only real Christians left on the earth.

But then again, everyone thinks that God is on their side. Hitler did. The Islamic Terrorists do. The Zionist terrorists do… Bush does… Everybody thinks that God is on their side, and that they?re serving a good cause.

I think they will all be very surprised with what God really thinks when they are maggot food.

54

China, you are so right, we should all be honoring those who serve, no matter from which side of the political arena we stand. I went up to a soldier the other day, he was just back from Iraq, and I didnt know him fom Adam, but I just had to tell him " Thank You", for being so brave and fighting for our freedom that we so often take for granted. I also said that I watch the news and that it looks like hell over there most of the time, and he said the TV news doesnt really tell the whole story. We left it at that, but I said " Thanks again “, and he said " Thank You”.

56

They invade foreign countries and kill people for a living.

99% of these countries have never threatened the U.S. (i.e. “your freedom”) in any way, shape or form and do not possess the military capability to do so.

What is so honorable about these imperial thugs? Many of them would be in prison if they weren’t engaged in state-sanctioned murder.

57

[quote]Nominal Prospect wrote:
They invade foreign countries and kill people for a living.

99% of these countries have never threatened the U.S. (i.e. “your freedom”) in any way, shape or form and do not possess the military capability to do so.

What is so honorable about these imperial thugs? Many of them would be in prison if they weren’t engaged in state-sanctioned murder. [/quote]

Why don’t you come right out and call us all baby-killers. You can go out to your local airport and spit on service people. That state sanctioned murder line was played out by 1975. Your parents are embarrassed by the way they protested the Vietnam war and the way they treated soldiers returning to the United States. They would be embarrassed by you right now.

And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives… Because deep down, in places you don’t talk about at parties, you want me on that wall. You need me on that wall.

We use words like honor, code, loyalty…we use these words as the backbone to a life spent defending something. You use 'em as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide, then questions the manner in which I provide it! I’d rather you just said thank you and went on your way.

58

[quote]Nominal Prospect wrote:
They invade foreign countries and kill people for a living.

99% of these countries have never threatened the U.S. (i.e. “your freedom”) in any way, shape or form and do not possess the military capability to do so.

What is so honorable about these imperial thugs? Many of them would be in prison if they weren’t engaged in state-sanctioned murder. [/quote]

They protect the right for you to say crap like this.

I love the way you make up numbers. You wouldn’t happen to work for the CBO, would you?

I would ask for proof of your charges, but it would be an exercisein futility. You have your mind made up that they are criminals.

Thank God you are a marginalized kook fringe member, and serve no other purpose here than to suck more bandwidth.

59

China Doll,
Thanks for the post.

For the cops, firefighters and other first responders on the sight, thanks for everything you all do. I have had the priveledge of working closely with the DC Fire/EMS and DC Metro PD for the last couple months and have met a great group of retired NY City firefighters. You guys are my heroes. There isn’t a Marine I serve with who wouldn’t say that.

There is a picture of a very drunk BH6 on the photo section of the website for the NYFD Fire Family Transport Foundation. http://www.firefamilytransport.org/
a worthy charity for anyone in the NY area.

60

In the words of one of the greatest Sergeants Major in the USMC, “U Signed the Mother-Fuckin’ Contract.”

OOOO-Rah!