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Memorial Day......

(The following is a bit of Memorial Day chatter from some nutty soldier out there. To this guy, Memorial Day is a time for reflecting on the fellows he served with, not launching a pre-election soundbite. Soldiers, geez, no wonder they make lousy politicians these days.)

Mahmudiyah, Iraq 2005

From the time I rejoined the military to participate in this war, I have been asked why I would want to do it. Why would I leave a good home, an excellent family, and a prosperous business just to go fight in a war that might not even be a righteous cause? Some people have even expressed their amazement that anyone would choose to go fight for anything when they were free from the obligation.


My initial inspiration came from the times when I would review the military casualties on the CNN website; the faces of the young soldiers that had been killed haunted me. They were fighting for the concept of freedom and honor, yet they were too young to have really reaped the benefits of the former, though they certainly possessed the latter. I thought of these young people, and I pondered the concept that perhaps they might have been a bit safer if an older, more experienced soldier had been there with them. I could certainly serve in that role, but I was busy with a family and a business. I was but one man, could they not get along without me?


When my son Alex joined the ROTC unit at school, I began to spend time with kids who would likely be in the military soon. Some of them may wind up in Iraq someday, my son included. I had hopes that when that time came, some older, wiser heads would look after these young people and help keep them safe. But it would have to be some other person doing the watching, after all, I had a family that loved me and it wouldn’t be fair to leave them behind. Shouldn’t I just let somebody else leave their family to look after my son and these other fine cadets?


I read everything I could about the war, and I was unsure whether it was a proper war. Was it a fight against worldwide terrorism? Was it a fight to secure the oil that drives our economy, and if so, was that bad? Or was it simply a contest between national leaders, a Bush vs. Hussein revenge match? I would think of the troops caught up in the conflict. Did the reason for the struggle alter the sense of duty for the men and women who were now destined to fight? The answer was no, for they would do their duty out of a sense of honor and belief in their country because that is what a fine soldier does. Their dedication was not a result of mindless adherence to government propaganda, rather it is because they each are aware that it is the duty of the soldier to fight when called upon to do so. That is their job, and every military decision cannot be held open for debate and voted on, else the security of our nation would crumble. So it came down to the fact that regardless of the reasons for the war, there were fine young men and women caught up in it, and they needed the support of their fellow countrymen. I could pin a yellow ribbon on my car and make a donation to the U.S.O., wouldn’t that be sufficient support for our soldiers?


For many people, the answer to these questions would be yes. There is no belittlement in such responses, for not everyone can make the leap into such a chasm as I have. That is not a statement to elevate myself at the expense of others, for it is not reasonable to expect every man to make such a transition. But it was a transition I felt compelled to make.


I believe in our country, our way of life. I have faith in our economic system, and I see the United States as defined in our constitution as being the epitome of the way free people should live. I enjoy the opportunity that my land has given me, and I see our future as a bright one, even though an occasional cloud may appear. I want my son to enjoy his life to the fullest, and I am very grateful that he has such a fine nation to live it in. There are those that detract from our nation, those who seek personal attention via the flagellation of the very land that makes them prosperous, but those are people who would not be satisfied anywhere. If a man cannot be happy and successful in the United States, then he would be a miserable failure anywhere. Our country is magnificent, it is rich, and it is strong. Such characteristics provide a lighting rod for the criticisms of those who are dissatisfied with their own land and basic lot in life. Fortunately for them, our nation is also kind, so we rarely strike back at their mosquito bites into our vein of national identity. Envious men lie in wait for us, and we must maintain the resources to thwart their attempts to pull us down to their level. In order to do this, we must have people that are willing to fight, and fight tenaciously. We must have people who will defend the position we take as a nation, even if they might not be in agreement with the particular policy. We must have people who are willing to set aside their comforts, bid adieu to those they love, and walk into the fire of Hades itself if need be. We must have men who are aware of their duty, the duty to fight as they have agreed to do regardless of their personal concerns. We must have men of honor, the honor that drives men to fight with courage, and to fight without thoughts of pillage and plunder, but rather to fight for simple liberty and freedom. And we must have men who believe in their country, the United States, the greatest assembly of people ever created on this earth.


I have opted to leave my family, the family that I love and cherish as much as any man can. I have opted to leave my home, a home that has been host to wonderful friends. I have opted to leave my work, a successful business that was created solely by my lovely wife and I from nothing. I have done this because I could not stand by and leave our nation’s fight up to other people. I could not bear to think of the men and women who have died, and those that might join them if I choose to remain comfortably at home. I hate to be apart from my wife and son, my home, my business, my life, more than there are words to describe. But I had to join in the fight and serve in the best capacity that I possibly could.


My reward for this gamble has been magnificent. I have had the tremendous privilege of serving with some of the finest men I have ever known. These are men that one might pass on any given day and not think much about one way or the other. These men are your police officers, plumbers, truck drivers, salesmen, postal clerks, and so on. But these men are also soldiers. They are front line, in the thick of the fight, hard-core combat soldiers who do the nastiest, most dangerous work in the military. These men have dedication and the finest sense of loyalty to their country that is imaginable. When one of them falls, it is as if a mighty redwood has come down, for the effect on our nation is hit hard by the loss of such individuals. But I have had the privilege and the utterly magnificent honor to have served on the streets with the toughest, best men our country has to offer. I have enjoyed their enthusiasm, I have laughed at their humor, I have sweated and been afraid with them, and I have even felt the sorrow when they have been cut down in battle. I am truly grateful for having been able to serve with them. The price to be with them in Iraq was indeed great, but it was far from too high.

Someone tell Breck-Girl Edwards

not to include any hairspray in the CARE packages he sends to the troops.

They keep their hair too short to need it.

How about funding the troops Edwards

I know some goodies we can send the troops Edwards. How about letting the troops know the Democrats won't hold up any funding for the war their fighting. How about this for support. No more resolutions, timetables, and benchmarks. The troops can do without cookies, they can't do without the support of the American people. Try this Edwards, our troops can win the war if you and the Democrats stop with the propaganda which the terrorist uses as a recruitment tool. You want Americans to make anti war posters on Memorial Day. Soldiers of past wars must be turning in the graves, to know a girlie man like you wants to be President of a country they died so brave for. A country they made great by going and doing that, which you want Americans to make posters against. Those against the war would never lift a finger to protect this country and yet, it's they who scream the loudest about having to go and fight a war. You want to support our troops Edwards. Then just walk away and let a man, like the one we have in the White House step forward and be recognized. This country and it's National Security has no time to mess with a part time American.

Come celebrate

with John Edwards at his house on Memorial Day and fill his house up. He has plenty of room and demand the best food and drinks.

http://peppermintsplace.townhall
I have a new article called The Nukes and Us.
Come on up and give me your opinion.

Remind me where Edwards served

And Edwards served in what branch of the military again?

If I were not a working person and if I could drive a car, I'd be at Edwards' front gate with a sign (I'd have to get someone mathematical to figure it out for me) telling how many 540 square foot apartments (the standard size in my old neighbourhood) could be made out of Edwards' home and rented out (at nearly $1,000 per month) to his favourite constituents to alleviate the problem of people sleeping on the streets.

And pointing out that with the $400 he spent on one haircut, 22 poor men in my neighbourhood could be barbered.

But first I'd like to be reminded in which branch of the military John Edwards and his parents actually served.

Daddy and the five of his nine brothers who were old enough served in World War II at an age when today's GrabbyBaby generation is still busy pulling down its pants in public and shouting "poo poo head!" at grownups, and insisting on its right to live in its childhood bedroom free of charge until age 35 and be called a "child" by the media. Nobody made them go. They went and risked everything because it was right.

Remind me what Edwards was doing at the same age.

John Edwards

He may be out of touch with his true nature and his $400 Beauty Shop Addiction. I'm almost afraid he'll want to become a Priest like another Pretty Boy(Ladyboy, as they say in Europe) Dem from Jersey..Edwards can't blame it on the Perrier he sips on his gas guzzling jet and in his mansion. He and "Old Flipper" are snakes in the grass and speak with forked tongues....Running Thunder, Turtle Clan Mohawk

Opionion

Edward's hair spray must have cut off the flow of oxygen to his brain.

Memorial Day is about honoring the DEAD of PAST wars not quarreling over the current one. You have 364 days a year to fuss about the current one.

It was once known as "Decoration Day" and people went and put flowers on the graves of their dead.

Poster Boy Edwards

John Edwards is a perfect example of why there is not a Democrat in office who is worthy to polish the boots of the brave men and women who have served or are serving our great nation.
There is no level of shameful actions too low.
How in the world can ANYONE think this guy would be a good president. What freakin' planet do they live on? Cheese and crackers!!
Oh and Knowknownothing whatever ... You obviously are reading the left wing propoganda rags, blogs or whatever that are not even closely related to reality. Still spouting the "we went to Iraq to take over the oil" crap? If we did, why are we not rolling in profits and cheap gas now? Have you kept up with the volume of oil production in Iraq? Do you know any real facts regarding this or just spouting the latest conspiracy theory from some Bush hating moonbat?
Look at what the dimmocraps are doing. Changing the voting rules so they can raise taxes with no vote (no accountability!!). Changing rules to prevent minority party resistance (or even having a voice). These are the same rules they used when they were the minority, but now that they are the majority, the rules should not exist? Hypocracy at its zenith!!! They want free speech as long as you are voicing their opinion. They want to maintain the right to kill unborn children, but not murderers?! They want unchecked borders but blame business for using the cheap labor?! Muslims should be coddled and kowtowed to but Christians are to be feared??! Oil company profits should be monitored but lawyer's fees and lawsuit awards percentages to lawyers are earned????!
Do I sound angry to you lefties? You sound off here about the hatred and anger of conservatives and wonder why we talk about the anger and hatred of the left. I don't hate anyone and my anger is rational. I see the practical application of what the left is doing and the left keeps wanting more and more and is angry because moderates and conservative view much of what the left wants as wrong. The far left want acceptance of behaviors and philosophies that are wrong or have been proven to be unworkable and detrimental to the economy, society and our great nation over and over, yet they won't let go of the idea that it will work here. We call it what it is and they claim we are biggots or uncaring?
I apologize for beginning to ramble but sometimes venting is necessary. I was trying not to leave some leftist any wiggle room for denial.

Out of Touch

Only an uber-rich scumbag lawyer like John Edwards could cook this one up and think it will fly.

I wonder if John ever even considered that some of the people we are supposed to be paying respect to on Memorial Day are the 55,000+ Americans who died in Vietnam, another war we got involved in at the urging of a Democrat (Kennedy) and saw our involvement in increased exponentially by yet another Democrat (Johnson) who lied about what he was doing.

knowknownoshki

knowknownoshki posted, "It's best to be anti-war and anti-immigrant both."


So it's some sort of racial thing? Your post makes no sense whatsoever. Get your parents to help you with your homework.

John Edwards is this campaign's comedic relief. He's the guy who worked for a hedge fund to "learn about po' folks".

Edwards needs to sell his house, give me all his money, get a job at the local gas station for $5.50/hour and then he MIGHT understand what being "poor" is all about.

Since when?

Since when is it un-American to protest this failed President's failed policies that have made a bad situation worse?

SINCE WHEN????

Nutty Soldiers?

As one of those "nutty soldiers" recently returned from this war that John Edwards and others of his ilk are so vocal about ending, and one who is gearing up to go back for another 15 months, I can't find words to express how I feel about this. I volunteered for the Army eight years ago because I believe in a cause. I, and the majority of my brothers and sisters in uniform, believe in freedom, honor, and defending the American way of life.

We don't want accolades; we're not in it for the glory and shiny bits of metal to wear on our uniform. Many of us live below the poverty line already; it breaks my heart knowing that I have soldiers who can barely afford to put food on their family dinner table each day.

We believe in bringing freedom to a country that has never known it, and we believe in defending the innocent who can't fight for themselves. I've lost more friends than I can count right now in Iraq, Afghanistan, and a couple other wars we've been involved with lately, and I take it as a slap in the face to see Haircut Boy denigrate a day that has been historically set aside to honor the memories of those who went before me, and those who have fallen by my side.

This is not an easy war to fight, and despite the instant-action, video-game politicians in Washington and their need-it-now constituents, it's not going to be over soon. It is, however, a war of liberty and freedom, and yes, even honor.

Think about that this Memorial Day; think about those in the Greatest Generation who ended the rise of darkness in Europe and in the Pacific 60+ years ago. Think about the Vietnam veterans, who fought in the last "unpopular war". Nearly 60,000 never came home, and many that did are physically and emotionally scarred for life. Honor their memories, and honor those who serve today.

God Bless America, and may God bless those who serve our country.

Paul E. Brooks
United States Army

We'll be at the Gathering of Eagles...

On the Mall, in front of the Lincoln Memorial, near the wall that bears my older brothers' and sisters' names on May 26th, from 11am to 3pm

We will be there to "stand tall" in support of our men and women that have served, are serving and will soon serve. (A couple of our "kids" are waiting their entry dates).

Join us, join the Rolling Thunder and the old and young Eagles across this country.

WE WILL NOT LET the recycled "anti-war" crowd recycle again. The Main Stream Media may shun us and local news down play us.

We are SILENT no longer.

Christian Manfred

I think you are confused. It is certainly a protected right of free speech to express your dissatisfaction with the war, the president, the congress, the cost of gas, the lack of Diet Coke at Taco Bell, etc.

The point is that it has ALWAYS been unAmerican to protest wars while the war is being prosecuted. Being Patriotic and supporting the troops is being man/woman enough to hold your tongue while the war is being prosecuted. Keep you protests out of the media and focus on working through your elected officials. If you really support the troops, you will shut your mouth until they are out of harms way.

I've been spat upon, called "Baby Killer", publically derided, and more because of my service. I didn't fight back - either verbally or physically. I do remember thinking "why do I serve for these people?" I would reflect on this for a bit and come to the conclusion that these are exactly the people that I did my duty for, so they would have the right to say what they want in the hopes that they would reserve that right for the appropriate time. Maybe at some point they would "get it" and learn to appreciate what has been done for them.

Memorial Day is a day I spend reflecting on lost friends and buddies. I think of family members that are no longer with us due to their service. I thank everyone who has served in the Armed Forces of the US. It saddens me to see Kerry's message; it feels like he is cheapening a solemn day by usurping the true message of thanks and appreciation by trying to get votes.

ctjaeger

"The point is that it has ALWAYS been unAmerican to protest wars while the war is being prosecuted. Being Patriotic and supporting the troops is being man/woman enough to hold your tongue while the war is being prosecuted."

I think it is YOU how is confused.

Your statement above is absolute bull!

You are confusing blind allegiance to a decision, which may be right or wrong, with supporting people who are implementing that decision. Supporting the troops has nothing to do with the discussion of the justification of the war.

And before you go there, I served in the AF from '67 to '71. So I don't want to hear how I don't understand the real issue.

I served in the Air Force so this country COULD have those types of discussions. This country is based on freedoms, not the blind following of authoritarian figures.

You state that it's acceptable to disagree with the war, but then come back and say that you can't say anything while the war is being fought.

The fallacy of that argument is that one a war starts, they must always be fought to their conclusion. That small minded mentality would have caused the world to come to an end if during the cold war the use of nuclear weapons would have begun.

According to your espoused ideas there is no such thing as a negotiated settlement to a war, or that a war should be ended for whatever reason. You just keep fighting.

doggie

No, what I said was that protests should be routed through political channels not publicized to the world at large. Dissention, while Constitutionally protected, is still dissention and it is diruptive to the overall effort of fighting the war.

I have absolutely no problem with people that think Bush is wrong, the war is wrong, etc. working through their elected officials to voice their opinions.

Have you ever heard that dissention stops at the border? The intent being that we present a united front to our enemies. With the advent of the internet, high speed communications, etc. it becomes much more difficult to present that united front. As the enemy has said, the dissention in the US is of such proportions that they view that they are winning the war. This emboldens the enemy and makes real progress more difficult.

As to my ideas creating some unending war, that is simply ridiculous. Your example of the cold war erupting and the world coming to an end with the firing of the first nuke is pretty dumb. The mindset at the time was that if either party launched a nuke the other party would retalliate with such overwhelming strength that the other side would be annihilated. This gave birth to the MAD theory. My beliefs would help to present a united USA against the Soviets so that even though there were many in the US who were extremely anti-nuke the Soviets didn't have the hope that we would disarm before they did. If our dissention would have been so great as to cause the Soviets to believe that we would NOT strike back or that we would disarm before they did, the cold war would not have ended.

Wait until 2009

Just like Cindy Sheehan shut the hell up and vanished when the Democrats took control of Congress, the anti-war left will vanish the moment Hillary takes office in 2009. There will be no more cries for ending the war and no more concern for the soldiers; just the crickets chirping in Wrigley Field.

The liberals here and elsewhere don't really oppose the war; they oppose it's author. If Bush were to suddenly turn face and begin opposing the war, they would all be screaming about how we must see it through to the end.

ctjaeger

"Dissension is disruptive to the overall effort of fighting the war."

Could you give me a couple of examples of that? Especially anything measurable.

While in the Air Force, I was well aware of the fact that there were many people against the war. At the same time, I had a job to do and I did it to the best of my ability.

You also mention that dissension should be channeled through politicians. Would that then negate many posters here, who complain about ANY actions that those politicians who oppose this war try to take?

Appears to be a no win situation to me.

Also think about it. Taken further your idea about dissension would have negated things like the Boston Tea Party. Is that what you are really espousing?

Open dissension is one of the freedoms of this country. You may not like it, but once you start restricting these types of things, you go down a very slippery road. No longer able to print dissenting opinions of the war in the newspaper, on tv, etc.?

I'm sorry but your world is EXACTLY the type of world that I fought against.

Doggie

I am in no way advocating that the government control speech. I am simply advocating that individuals exercise their right of free speech prudently. A little self control and recognition that your actions have consequences for which you are accountable isn't really too much to ask, right?

You may well have done your job to the best of your ability in Nam. Most of us did. The problem isn't YOU doing your job well, it is the fact that if the enemy is emboldened or encouraged to continue fighting because of the dissention it makes doing our jobs as soldiers more difficult. This is really pretty easy to understand.

Finally, as I said, in the current age where information can be rapidly disseminated around the globe, it makes presenting a united front to the world very difficult. You act as though whatever is said is just fine. That even though there may be consequences because of what you say, it doesn't matter because it isn't your responsibility for those consequences. Yes, I fought for your right to say what you want and to act like a moron if you wish, I didn't fight to give you a nonexistant right to not be held accountable for those actions.

Personal accountability is a consequence of our "inalienable rights." Get it now?

Mike

Amen! I think the Breck Girl should run in every election just for the pure entertainment value. He gives new meaning to 'joke.'

4 missing letters: -XPAN-

So the Breck Girl wants us to hold up signs saying "Support the troops -- End the war"? Sure, I'd do that, but I'd take the liberty of adding four measly little letters to that message:

SUPPORT THE TROOPS -- EXPAND THE WAR!

But the president isn't going to do that. He [urinated] away his once-mighty and precious "political capital" and is now involved in some sort of strategic gambit whereby maybe the God-cursed Mohammedans won't hate us anymore if we're no longer a real country and instead just become one of those jurisdictions they have so many of over in Europe.

What to do whith these people!

Hitlery is all about money, she is trying to buy The Presidency, so she speaks to whoever has the most money.
Obama is speaking to the Middle-of-the-Road Democrats.
Edwards is speaking to the Pacifist, Girly-Man, Bed-Wetters.
He is afraid he will break a nail or mess up his hair, so he hides under the bed.
This guy is so insincere, gutless and self-serving, what kind of person is h......
OOOOPS! I forgot he is a LIBERAL!

Dogjudge re: 9:35

I've taken the time to look up the issues you mentioned at 9:35.

Regarding the pay raise, you framed your statement in such a way as to imply the Congress was offering a 3.5% pay increase and the White House was offering nothing. That is spurious at best. The White House budget suggested a 3.0% pay increase, and Congress upped it to 3.5%. The White House stated that it thought the 3.0% increase would be sufficient. While I have to lean toward Congress' position on this, it's hardly the all-or-nothing scenario you seem to suggest.

As for the $40 for widows, you again frame this as if the choices are they get $40 or they get nothing at all. Not so. There are two funds which currently supply benefits to survivors: DoD SBP and VA DIC. If a survivor is elegible for both, they receive the greater of the two rather than both. The $40 in question would be in addition to the benefits recevied as a first step towards receiveing full compensation from both funds. However, this $40 would not come from either source, but from the Military Retirement Fund. The offset policy of paying the greater of two complimentary compensations is common in the private sector, so there should be no surprise it is practiced here. However, if Congress is determined to take steps for full compensation from both sources, why tap the Miliary Retirement Fund. There should be outrage here, but not the type you advocate.

You have waved the bloody shirt of Soliders and Widows, but your stated reasons for doing so demonstrate that you are either mislead or attempting to intentionally mislead. Which is it?

John Edwards' Memorial Day Comments

Could it be?? As Sampson's hair was the source of his biblical strength, maybe John Edwards' hair is the source of his political acumen.

$400 bucks removes a lot of hair.

Dumb Dumb Dumb

Roger Albertson, VN Veteran

dogjudge

I don't think anyone responded (at least originally) to your post about Bush being opposed to a pay increase for the troops because it's not believable.

I don't know where you heard or read it, but it's ridiculous on its face. MilPay increases of 3-4% have been about average for the last decade, with higher increases in a few years targeting junior enlisted personnel (as it should be). Bush has approved a pay increase every year he's been in office, some of them higher than 3.5%.

I suspect what's going on is that Democrats in Congress are proposing other things Bush can't live with in the defense spending act for this year. The opposition that is then set up with the White House is routinely spun as "the president opposing [x, y, z, such as the MilPay increase] that is obviously the right thing to do." That smarmy spin happens all the time. Happened numerous times during the Clinton years, and has happened since Bush has been in office.

The troops will get their pay increase for 2008, it will be at least 3.5%, and it won't be because Bush had to be railroaded into it.

Roger & $400

$400 buys more than a haircut.

Free speech?
Is it still free speech when they put a price tag on it?
When a person prostitutes their Civil Rights for the purpose of doing harm to America and prolonging a bloddy war, are they worthy of being called Americans?
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPrint.asp?Page=/Politics/archive/200705/POL20070516a.html

loyal democrat

Save your typing fingers. I and many like me never read lengthly tirades like yours.

Support the Troops...

...End John Edwards.

Whoops.

(...as a candidate, I mean)

Dog Judge

If you do not think that the anti-war crowd did not embolden the enemy during the Vietnam war I suggest you get a review of the biography of General Giap.

HI EVERYIONE!

Back for a bit and on drugs but wanted to say thanks for the well wishes

Sooner

Your comments - Agreed.

I have to make one comment about your brown shoe comment that I think you might enjoy. This was when I was at Pope AFB.

We had one guy from California who was doing everything he could to get out of the AF without getting a BCD. Always pushing the envelope.

He found out that the AF had never gotten rid of the rules allowing you to wear shorts with 1505s. It was also a rule that the base commander couldn't change. The sticking point was that you had to have the correctly colored socks, which were knee length.

He kept checking around with all of the old timers and sure enough he came up with a pair. The next day he was walking down the base streets in his 1505 shorts. The base commander was going the other way and couldn't get his driver to stop fast enough. The base commander just about had a coronary with the issue.

It was hilarious to see this base commander turning the darkest shade of red.

Gotta run.

Oh yes --- one more thing

God bless our troops. Thank you for all you do!!!

Dogjudge

Unlike a certain politician who is in the carbon credit business, soldiers rarely practice their ideology just for the money. Go figure.

Personally, I cannot understand why they all don't up and quit after having been denied an extra 6 bucks a month. Perhaps after they consider the amount of their base pay (tax free if earned overseas), the housing and other cash add-ons that are always tax free, the free health insurance, PX discounts, education opportunities, and other such benefits, most soldiers are actually content with their income. Such fools.

Support the troops - Get OUT

"Supporting the troops" is such a bogus, phony issue. What I don't understand, whether you support Bush's war in Iraq or oppose it, what does one's position have to do with "supporting the troops?"

Is there anyone who does not think our troops in the field should not be supported in whatever way they need to be supported in order to accomplish the aims of the US?

Since that's the case, debate about the aims of the US don't really involve support for troops. One supports the troops equally whether one favors continuing of the Iraq War or favors leaving that conflict to the parties who live there.

In consequence of these facts, President Bush's notion that one supports the troops if and only if one also supports his ill-conceived and poorly executed war plans smacks of intellectual and moral dishonesty.

While I do not support Edwards, I must say the idea of countering Bush's dishonesty about the Iraq War by turning the tables & "Support Our Troops--End the War" is a great way of letting ordinary Americans express their profound disappointment in this President and repugnance towards his shameless use of the troops to use guilt to force his will on the American People.

Lynne

Please do not talk about supporting the troops when you oppose funding adequate healthcare, equipment and pay. All the rest is verbage and the troops know it now.

The Troops KNOW it isn't their decision tio say when it is over and KNOW they cannot oppose the administration. But thtroops now want out. Why haven't I heard a lot about those American Military heros Batist and Eaton? They are the troops and represent them.

It is time to face reality dear as much as that hurts

RIP

"Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service." [per MemorialDay.org]

Let's see now, is there any comment there about protests or political activities as opposed to the remembrance part? Not a chance. Democrats, as usual, read their own agendas into everything. Memorial Day should be apolitical and strictly for honoring the sacrifices of the armed forces.

John Edwards is a slimy, presidential wannabe who knows nothing about class and patriotism. His idea of class is second grade. His idea of patriotism is fishing for votes. Every vote he does get from the Democrat voters is a vote for asininity.

Let's argue not.

Honor the troops, and return, if you must, to your vitriol the next day. In actuality, the consideration might get you a few more votes from average Americans---misled, of course---but still average Americans.

**PLUG ALERT**

I have a post at the blog that touches on this very topic; the Democrats never change their playbook! Come by the blog and check it out!

memorial day

Memorial day is a time to reflect on the sacrifises of our fellow americans who have died in wars past. Wether one agrees or disagrees with the previous wars those who gave their lives were doing what they thought was the right thing to do. One can choose to do what they want on this day but for me it is a day of remmebrence
for the ultimte sacrifice. With that being said this war now is like many in the past in the middle east. History in that region as i understand it has not been about freedom for the people but for american interests.OIL, OIL, OIL
We have sought and got regime changes according to oil interests throughout the history. All wars usually have a history that starts long before they start and from what I have read the history of the middle east and american interference is and was prevalent. Play with fire and you get burned.

One more time

History lesson re: Memorial Day

http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html

You all have 364 days to protest the war. That one day is to remeber and honor the dead.
How about all of the politicains shutting the he!! up for that one day (or year).

Lynne Has A Heart Of Gold!

Lynne offers, "For Edwards to call for people to call for our troops to come home while they celebrate this Memorial Day Weekend is strickly politics, and the worst politics!"

Lynne, I have seen many of your posts. Good stuff.

In response to Lynn

What follows is my PERSONAL views and opinions. Please bear that in mind as you read.


"The Troops KNOW it isn't their decision to say when it is over"

This is true, but apparently not everyone believes this. One character on Huffington Post accused soldiers of 'prolonging the war' by continuing to perform their sworn duty. Reminds me of the mutiny of the French army in 1917, when soldiers who actually went to do their duty were considered 'strikebreakers' and reviled by their fellows and by war-weary civilians.

"and KNOW they cannot oppose the administration."

More to the point, the Army has no business opposing the President. The President is our CiC and we swore to obey lawful orders. This was true when Clinton was President, and it is true now. We SHOULD NOT oppose the administration; an army that does what is wants is a danger to democracy. YOU oppose the administration, if you desire. If you get Congress to declare unilateral 'peace on earth', we'll be happy to come back to our families. But we do not, and must not attempt to, set policy.

"But the troops now want out."

I'm one of the troops; I'm currently deployed. Why haven't you asked ME what I want, Lynn? As only one soldier, even I can't speak for the *entire* Army, but somehow you in your conceit think YOU can? Personally, you DO NOT speak for me, Lynn. Please refrain from claiming to do so.

"Why haven't I heard a lot about those American Military heros Batist and Eaton? They are the troops and represent them."

Ah, so the only true representatives of 'the troops' happen to be the two with whom you have the most agreement? Only those views are valid which square with yours, apparently.

To Lynne

Lots of pushups.

Well said Cpl Taylor

Well said Corporal! Thank you for your service, I too will remember John Edwards and the rest of the terrorist sympathizing dhimmicrats, when they talk of running for office.

You and your comrades in arms have my deepest respect.


KC
Msgt USAF (Ret)

War on Terror

What pinkos like Edwards fail to acknowledge is that we are not just fighting in Iraq. We are fighting a war on terrorism against an internatioinal infrastructure. Terrorists are actually training here in the USA to fight us here. They have established their mission and that is to turn the entire world into a Muslim Paradise. They will succeed if we simply ignore reality. If we have a weak kneed punk like Edwards or Kerry as president we will face many real dangers inside this country. These people have established that they will keep going for 100 years if necessary to destroy the USA and Israel.

When and if there is

The country Iraq will never be democratic. What will happen is they will have an Islamic Republic cause they dont want democracy. The best we can hope for is a country friendly to the west. Elections do not mean democracy. The shites will rule cause they are the majority which means the sunnis and kurds can only hope for the best. And we are seeing what that is turning into. Most of the countries we are friendly with are not democracies except Israel. Try being a woman or christian in many of those countries. Fifteen of the nineteen hijackers on 9/11 were from Saudia Arabia and alot of the extremists schools are taught in Saudia Arabia, yet we do nothing. IMHO