I usually don’t like getting involved in threads like this, but usually what happens is some Canadian posts a message insulting the US army, and the kneejerk response is typically “you Canadians have the USA to thank for the freedom you enjoy” or “enjoy eating your hockey pucks and being smug”.
Just wanted to point out, pre-emptively, the following statistics, in the unfortunate but likely event that any Canada-bashing should take place:
World War I:
628,736 Canadians served.
66,573 died and 138,166 were wounded.
2,818 were taken prisoner of war.
World War II:
1,031,902 Canadian men and 49,963 Canadian women served.
44,927 died and 43,145 were wounded.
8,271 were taken prisoner of war.
1,146 merchant seamen died by enemy action.
Korea:
26,791 Canadians served.
516 died and 1,558 were wounded.
33 were taken prisoner of war.
The Gulf War:
3,837 Canadian men and 237 Canadian women served.
There were no Canadian casualties or prisoners of war during the Gulf War
American soldiers are [b]strong[b], [i]brave[i] and aWeSoMe!
They are as hard as US steel, tough as freedom nails and fast as american lightning (which is the fastest).
And the weapons are very good!
[quote]Iron Dwarf wrote:
I once told a veteran Marine that my brother holds a high rank in the military. He asked what branch. I told him Coast Guard. He replied. “Coast Guard is not military. They’re police.”
Hmm. [/quote]
Actually the coast guard see’s a lot of action. Much more than your typical pogue in the Corps.
It’s funny how you guys mostly insult me by using ‘dutch bastard’ ‘holland’ etc., exactly shows the basic american bullshit I despise - “I get angry when someone insults my country, so they must too!” - no, I don’t give a fuck about holland. In fact, I like to believe it’s a shithole and I’m not too positive about your random dutchie either. Americans are far worse though, with your bullshit excessive christianity, bullshit patriotism, bullshit ideologies and the bullshit you get your ‘american pride’ from.
It’s funny how you guys mostly insult me by using ‘dutch bastard’ ‘holland’ etc., exactly shows the basic american bullshit I despise - “I get angry when someone insults my country, so they must too!” - no, I don’t give a fuck about holland. In fact, I like to believe it’s a shithole and I’m not too positive about your random dutchie either. Americans are far worse though, with your bullshit excessive christianity, bullshit patriotism, bullshit ideologies and the bullshit you get your ‘american pride’ from.
Of course, this is all my opinion.[/quote]
we appreciate your opinion, my dear. as much as you clearly appreciate ours. i believe your business in this thread is finished. take care.
[quote]Iron Dwarf wrote:
I once told a veteran Marine that my brother holds a high rank in the military. He asked what branch. I told him Coast Guard. He replied. “Coast Guard is not military. They’re police.”
Hmm. [/quote]
Actually the coast guard see’s a lot of action. Much more than your typical pogue in the Corps. [/quote]
Lol, speaking of pogue, I got to see this funny video when I was in Afghanistan. Look up “I’m a Fobbit” on youtube. It’s hilarious bro.
It’s funny how you guys mostly insult me by using ‘dutch bastard’ ‘holland’ etc., exactly shows the basic american bullshit I despise - “I get angry when someone insults my country, so they must too!” - no, I don’t give a fuck about holland. In fact, I like to believe it’s a shithole and I’m not too positive about your random dutchie either. Americans are far worse though, with your bullshit excessive christianity, bullshit patriotism, bullshit ideologies and the bullshit you get your ‘american pride’ from.
Of course, this is all my opinion.[/quote]
The fact that you said you like to think of your country as a “shithole” says a lot about you. We have pride in our people and our country that what some would consider a positive as a nation united.
sidenote not to derail this thread- LCB how did you get into contract work? that has always intrigued me but it is something I know close to nothing about. Id be interested to hear about. Feel free to send a pm if you dont want to clutter the thread. or just dont answer if you dont want to…
[quote]bond james bond wrote:
I remember reading somewhere that a soldier and his buddys were sick of random folks coming up to them and saying thank-you, we stand by you etc. They hated it. Curious to know if the OP has friends in the military who feel this way. [/quote]
My problem with the appreciation is that I never understand what people are thanking me for. Are they planning to move to Afghanistan? or Somalia? or Irag? Or are they aware that the violent enforcement of global policy is the most expedient (not necessarily best) way to ensure continuing prosperity and freedoms? For my own part, my motivations never had their impetus in patriotism, Christianity, or any of the other things that people seem to be inferring either positively or negatively in this thread. I would go into rebuttals of some of the other posters’ points, but I don’t want to write one of my “book reports.” I will make one point quickly before I unplug from this time killer though. If the violence is consensual, then getting punched in the face isn’t quite so bad (and can actually be pretty fun depending upon your mindset and philosophy.) The Hagakure is a good introduction to a philosophy of violence that doesn’t come from a Western Christian perspective. Developing the proper mindset to use violence in a disciplined matter is a “whole 'nother thing” though.
It’s funny how you guys mostly insult me by using ‘dutch bastard’ ‘holland’ etc., exactly shows the basic american bullshit I despise - “I get angry when someone insults my country, so they must too!” - no, I don’t give a fuck about holland. In fact, I like to believe it’s a shithole and I’m not too positive about your random dutchie either. Americans are far worse though, with your bullshit excessive christianity, bullshit patriotism, bullshit ideologies and the bullshit you get your ‘american pride’ from.
Of course, this is all my opinion.[/quote]
Here he is ladieslove.
[quote]Americans are far worse though, with your bullshit excessive christianity, bullshit patriotism, bullshit ideologies and the bullshit you get your ‘american pride’ from.
[/quote]
What I think you’re trying to say is that we are opinionated, outspoken people. And I’ll take that as a compliment. So thank you.
Fighting fires, excellent avatar I am die hard Bears Fan. Da Bears!
LCB I enjoyed the email. Can’t tell you how many times I have seen the colors pass and a few azz clowns had to be corrected on the spot by myself to standup. I have been to the sandbox and was a eye opening experience.
Nancy boy, I did get tired of random joe blow coming up to me while in uniform saying thanks. However, I have learned to accept it, smile and reply with the same courtesy and respect.
[quote]bond james bond wrote:
I remember reading somewhere that a soldier and his buddys were sick of random folks coming up to them and saying thank-you, we stand by you etc. They hated it. Curious to know if the OP has friends in the military who feel this way. [/quote]
My problem with the appreciation is that I never understand what people are thanking me for. Are they planning to move to Afghanistan? or Somalia? or Irag? Or are they aware that the violent enforcement of global policy is the most expedient (not necessarily best) way to ensure continuing prosperity and freedoms? For my own part, my motivations never had their impetus in patriotism, Christianity, or any of the other things that people seem to be inferring either positively or negatively in this thread. I would go into rebuttals of some of the other posters’ points, but I don’t want to write one of my “book reports.” I will make one point quickly before I unplug from this time killer though. If the violence is consensual, then getting punched in the face isn’t quite so bad (and can actually be pretty fun depending upon your mindset and philosophy.) The Hagakure is a good introduction to a philosophy of violence that doesn’t come from a Western Christian perspective. Developing the proper mindset to use violence in a disciplined matter is a “whole 'nother thing” though.[/quote]
The thanking thing is generally just their way of letting us know they appreciate/support our commitment, even if they don’t [can’t] know exactly what that involves. I always am grateful for the sentiment when I am thanked…I’ll take that over “Thank God for dead soldiers” any day. Fucking Westboro Church assholes.
I didn’t mean to advocate rampant senseless violence. But the fact is, people take their freedom of speech for granted, then go spouting idiotic drivel against those allowing them that very freedom. Biting the hand that feeds, quite simply. If there wasn’t so much PCness in modern society (not just America), they wouldn’t feel so smug and secure about being fucking stupid and disrespectful. It’s similar to the general phenomenon of people anonymously posting shit on internet forums…suddenly all common courtesy and respect goes out the window, because there’s no sense of accountability for what one says. Society in general is only one step behind…if that far.
[quote]bond james bond wrote:
If the violence is consensual, then getting punched in the face isn’t quite so bad (and can actually be pretty fun depending upon your mindset and philosophy.) [/quote]
I’m pretty sure you’re quoting me here so I’m going to jump in. If everybody agrees to this (completely retarded) hypothetical situation, a lot of folks are going to find that they’re getting punched in the face for things they don’t necessarily think they deserve.
You punch your neighbor in the face because he lets his grass grow too high between cuttings, and then later you get punched in the face because you let your dog off the leash when you take him to the park.
What I’m trying to get at here is that arbitrary vigilantism isn’t the answer, and while a lot of this “kick your ass” bravado makes us feel better about things we can’t control, it’s just not the answer.
So support our troops, just don’t go picking fights with people who don’t.
It’s unfortunate that some people see all things in black and white i.e.: “War is bad, America “started” a war therefore America is bad”…Geopolitics are rarely simple matters. Regardless of one’s opinion on a particular military conflict, disrespecting soldiers, be they American, Canadian or Dutch is bullshit. These people are willing to put their lives on the line for what they believe in. How many civilians can honestly make the same assertion? I am a proud Canadian and I would never live anywhere else, but I am sick of people America-bashing. It’s such an idiotic, knee-jerk reaction…Grow up !!!
after a while if it is a citizen that burns the flag, insults me or doesn’t stand for the American Anthem - Its ultimately my responsibility to fight for his right to do so. Him not doing so is seen as a threat because he isn’t taking part of a ritual or enforcing norms that make up the american culture. It is burned into every servicemen to shoot first and ask questions later but we can’t resort to violence because an American citizen chooses to do something our military culture cannot stand.
is bullshit. These people are willing to put their lives on the line for what they believe in. How many civilians can honestly make the same assertion? I am a proud Canadian and I would never live anywhere else, but I am sick of people America-bashing. It’s such an idiotic, knee-jerk reaction…Grow up !!!