Tell him thanks for me. What a man!!!

Those are almost the same words, same sentiment my daughter said when she left for Iraq last year.
They are the same words and sentiments she is telling me now that she is going back in November.

I had the Grandbabies for 6 months before and will have them for at least 9 months this time.
It's the least I can do.

God Bless Our Troops.

Just my opinion...
B

and I am as thankful for the service of those in the armed services as anyone else but the brave men and women who serve our nation aren't defending our freedom, they're defending the right of Haliburton, etc. to make billions at the expense of thousands and thousands of lives.

and don't hijack our thread with your biased political rantings.

Just my opinion...
B

No selfishness at all and I understand your anger. But it's misplaced.

I hope he comes home hale, hearty, and horny!

Look Brooke the sentiments you posted in your message are beautiful and the statement is deeply touching. I have a niece who served one tour in Iraq and her finacee is now starting his third tour, god love em and the thousands of other who lay their life on the line.

BUT....wormwood as I do has the right to acknowledge the thought while expressing outrage at the fact that the cause for which these heros are fighting, does not justify the expense of their lives.

Telling him to shut the fuck up on a discussion board is wrong. Again I love the sentiment you express and shared but by it's nature posts about our military are political, rightfully they belong on the Politics and Religion Board, because people will express their opinions.

The right to do that is exactly what your friend and my niece are willing to lay down their lives for, you disrespect their patriotism and heroism by telling someone to shut the fuck up when they express their opinion.

Your friend just said that he would lay his life down for you and your freedoms.  Ask yourself this:  Would YOU lay YOUR life down for him and his freedoms?  Think about it, seriously.  If the answer is "no," well then, he's a soldier and he should be commended for his bravery, and that's all there is to say about this.  Or maybe…just maybe…he’s a horny, lonely guy who just wants to impress you.  This is still impressive and commendable, by the way.  But if the answer is “Yes,” then you are both just decent freedom-loving people, and you should be proud of your commitment to your ideals.
You’ll pardon my skepticism, but it’s just that I hear this patriotic stuff repeated back and forth so often that it almost loses its meaning.  So I’d love to hear it from a civilian – would you be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for this brave man, as he presumably would be willing to do for you?  I’m just curious.

Listen, no offense, but I don't believe you.  Most people talk a good game, but the reality is that we never have to prove ourselves like your friend does.  It's still nice to hear you say it, though.  Of course, you're entitled to say and believe whatever you want.  That's what your friend is fighting and dying for, in theory anyway.  Thank you for sharing this story, by the way.  It was very moving.

Those of us with military service understand perfectly what Brooke is talking about and those of you chickenhawks who haven't will never come close.

only loses its meaning when you have never had to put your life on the line, never been in a situation where it mattered.

Those of us who have served know what it means and do mean it.

Just my opinion...
B

-- Modified on 8/24/2007 5:27:57 PM

Well, at least I got a dialogue going.  How exactly am I a chickenhawk?  I was against this war from the start, which is more than I can say for...um...like 75% of this country.  I fail to see how exactly those American soldiers are fighting for OUR freedom, by the way – if you think about it, in reality, they are fighting for the Iraqis' freedom.  (Okay, if you want to get technical, they are fighting because they were told to.)  This is no less a noble cause, but it seems that many Iraqis don't want freedom, and even if they did, their blind hatred for us supercedes their desire to be "free."  And besides, this war doesn't even serve our interests in any logical way.  If we were after oil to compete with the Chinese, then we should have invaded Saudi Arabia or Venezuela or Canada.  At least we would have accomplished our goal.  And this isn’t a political rant – I’d be against every war America has EVER fought in its entire history, except for the American Revolution, World War 2, and the war in Afghanistan.  In the last two wars, we were actually attacked, in case you forgot.

What a sacrifice our troops are doing so please people honor our troops and God Bless America.

Oh, I get it.  You guys think I was trying to insult the troops somehow.  Sorry you got the wrong impression.  I was actually just sick and tired of the cult of hero-worship that passes for patriotism among CIVILIANS, and I was anxious to hear a civie tell me about the sacrifices they were willing to make.  That's all.  Sorry if everyone misunderstood.

Notwithstanding some of the comments you've endured after simply posting what a good feeling that gave you, I for one appreciate the fact that his attitude means something to you.  

Opinions regarding the political aspects of what's happening really aren't germane to your original post.

My father served.  My uncle served.  My grandfather served.  My great-grandfather served.  But that doesn't make me a soldier, does it?  No.  Same goes for you.  I'm not sure what I said that got you so upset, but I'll just drop it.  I didn't mean to minimize the value of your friend's contribution, and I wish him luck.

Well.....here I go likely to step on a few cranks but so be  it as a former Marine and a Gulf War vet I gotta say we fought for the right to say what ya feel....be that a political statement or a good old american shut the fuck up....so how this jarhead sees it is the lady was expressing a personal and tender sentiment that was hijacked by a political post......so how about telling her you posted YOUR response to her post on the PR board or barring that just holding your opinion to yourself for one thread.....ie as I would say enjoying a big steaming cup of shut the fuck up.....as you were folks
Brooke, Semper Fi doll!

and I will defend with my life, if necessary, my family and friends.
I do not agree with your ideas but I will defend, with my life, if necessary, you're right to voice them.

That doesn't mean I don't think you're not a dick, though.

BTW, as a civilian, are you willing to make any sacrifices necessary to protect your freedoms, or are you one who just complains about things and expects someone else to protect and sacrifice for you?

Just my opinion...
B

how some people feel about this war and the soldiers that are putting their lives on the line. Myself, my brother, my sister and my brother-in-law retired from the AF. My sister also was in and her son just enlisted in the Army. People who were in or their SO was in understand what the troops are doing. And just like some of you I think that us going in their was wrong, but if your'e a soldier you follow orders.
Enough of this.

Brooke, you seem to be a very special person. Your friend is one lucky guy.

So not a fan of the war of 1812? (the only time in US history we have been invaded by a enemy land army...and before you say it during the revolution it was their colony so the redcoats and their german allies do not count) oh and our civil war? hmmmm should have let that go as well....and how many people died in WWII between sept 1939 (I will leave out the spanish "revolution" where the nazis cut sharpened the blitzkrieg while the world stood by) and dec 1941 when we finally entered thev fray?.....I would not call you a chickenhawk (well I might drop the hawk) but a spoiled American who I bet has never served but a product of higher education  feels he is above such action (and before ya go there I have a masters from UCLA and was an officer in the corps...I was just able to seperate the fly shit from the pepper)
Semper Fi

Look crawfish all you want....truth is you thought your non service position would get more support than it did
I dont think anyone is dealing in hero worship...Brooke was posting about a fella she clearly has a long term feeling for and you went for a political answer now my opinion (lol yep masters in psych) is a sense you are just unable to square up your own feelings of pacifism with the idea that many folks feel otherwise.....I will not judge from whence the feelings come but please just admit the old saw that "discretion is the better part of valor" and withdraw from the field

fine with me.  #2 Your hot.  #3 I've been over there twice.  I do not agree with the conflict at this point in time.  But, in May of 2003 when I was shaking hands with Iraqis, passing out my MRE candy to their children, and living in the worst conditions of my life - I still had to smile everytime an Iraqi said thank you! I liked your post and as with several people above, think the changing of your sentiments into a political agrument are wrong.  But, we all, whether we have a HS education or a Doctorate of..., are allowed to voice our opinions in this country.  Its not the way in a very large (probably most) portion of this world.
And....until you have a bunch of friends get blown in half, burnt up, crippled, or whatever - shut the F**K up.    
ps: I would rather agree with Patton:  My job isn't to lay down my life for my country but to make the other bastard lay his down.
From a fairly senior, been there done that, US Military supervisor.

I don't see anything in this fascinating and heartfelt thread that would make me think the poster wasn't patriotic, or deeply sympathetic with the guys on the line in Iraq and the people here who love and support them.  The question here is, can you love a guy who is there fighting for his country and still think this war sucks and the politicos who screwed up should be accountable?  Well, of course you can, and there is common ground among all the opinions expressed here.  Maybe some comments spilled over into politics, but if you don't think love, war, and politics are intertwined, you haven't been paying attention.  Take another look at the opinions expressed -- deep down there is a common human thread.  If there is justifiable anger, let's direct it at the situation we are in and the politicos who fucked up, big time.

You're right, I forgot about the War of 1812.  And I'm also glad that the Barbary Coast War was fought, because they kidnapped our guys.  I wouldn't have advocated getting into WW2 before Pearl Harbor.  I'm not a pacifist, I just think we have other problems to deal with domestically before we can even think of getting involved with the problems of other countries.  So along these lines, I'm also against foreign aid and American participation in the UN -- which is basically a one way street.  

And, no, I've never served, but I would hardly call my Alma Mater "higher education."

Seriously, I was just trying to make conversation.  I was under the impression that we were here to talk.

You wouldn't have ended slavery or kept the country together?  Interesting.

I was against the Iraq war from the beginning.  But not because I'm a dove.  I just saw it as a huge mistake.  I wanted to give the inspectors all the time they needed to find any weapons if they existed.  I foolishly thought it was a big bluff but we'd eventually have to invade once Saddam kicked the UN out again.

-- Modified on 8/24/2007 7:42:20 PM

if you learned how to spell.

Agreed.  I wasn't really being political, I don't even vote, I was just making conversation.  If I hadn't said anything, you would have gotten a bunch of responses that all would have sounded the same.  Something like "Awww, that's so sweet," or "We should all support the troops," etc.  I thought I'd say something different.  That's all.  Good luck to your friend.

"BTW, as a civilian, are you willing to make any sacrifices necessary to protect your freedoms, or are you one who just complains about things and expects someone else to protect and sacrifice for you?"

You're right, Bobb, I probably wouldn't make any real sacrifices to protect my freedoms, which puts me in the majority of Americans.  I wouldn't go to war unless they reinstated the draft and conscripted me (I wouldn't dodge the draft either, but I definitely wouldn't volunteer for it).  I don't do a lot of complaining about this country, and I find the people here to be basically decent and reasonable.  I don't hate President Bush or Dick Cheney.  I don't blame my problems on Halliburton or corporate outsourcing or Karl Rove or the Federal Reserve or Nancy Pelosi.  
But Brooke is right.  This wasn't meant to be political, so I'm prepared to drop this right here.

And I understand the bond that brothers in arms develop and have for a lifetime.  Though in many cases, some lifetimes were very short and ended in shitty swamps far away from home.  I have immense respect for every person who serves in our military and every Vet.  That being said, I didn't support Vietnam nor do I support Iraq.  But that doesn't change the fact that many people have fought and died for our freedom during both World Wars and done their duty admirably in other times.

sounds like a plan......I actually feel bad for dragging this out as Her original post was was eloquent and moving that I flared when I felt it was hijacked....but by doing so I kept the hijacking rolling......bottom line god speed on his return home and sweets take your vitamins cause when he gets back from the worlds biggest AA meeting look out!
Semper Fi
Mike

If that is directed at me...I'm posting from a PDA with large hands and the smallest keyboard known to man lol but to whom ever its meant for its a non point

IMHO!! This was supposed to be about one woman's appreciation for the words given to her from a friend and, obviously, admirer.  She wasn't trying to make a political statement.  She wasn't trying to come out for or against the conflict in Iraq.  She just wanted to share with her "friends" what one man shared with her.  Sheeeesh!  I spent 12 years in defense of my country, and to tell you the truth, I completely disagreed with most of what my country asked of me. But I did it nonetheless, because obedience was what my obligation was all about.  But if I had made a statement like that to someone, and she had gone public with it in pride, I would be pleased and honored.  And then for some folks to make the whole thing about THEM, and start an argument for arguments sake, most of that honor would be lost and I would start to think, just who am I doing this for.  I would think that I agreed to make this personal commitment and sacrifice, and people are fighting about it on a GD forum board that has nothing to do with the conflict in which I am involved.  Shut the heck up about your personal political beliefs and just tell Brooke how proud and happy for her that you are!

I feel ya brother.....I feel ya....and I will reserve further comment for the PR board
Semper Fi

you ought to have the good sense and decency to do it somewhere else or at some other time. Not everyone needs to hear as opposing opinion at every turn.

Sometimes it is best to keep your mouth shut lest you remove all doubt as to who the asshole is.

made your mind up that you were not going to accept the answer?

Sounds as if you were simply baiting Brooke.

-- Modified on 8/24/2007 10:33:10 PM

Did you leave out the War of 1812 (the REAL war for Independance) and the American Civel War on purpose? I'd ask if you were in favor of slavery but that would be too easy and I don't want to contribute to your thread hijacking, so I won't.

-- Modified on 8/24/2007 10:39:19 PM

Brooke,

I thank you for your openness and actions to bare your feelings like this. It's actions like yours that still send those goose bumps up my spine. You know, those same ones you get sometimes when hearing the Star Spangled Banner.

One thing that I do, is walk up to men and women in uniform at airports, restaurants, etc., and simply give them a smile and a warm "Thank you for you tremendous service". If they seem inclined I shake their hand.

I hope I didn't post too much above in the hanging threads above, (no lint is more like it) that ended up being too political. Don't let us types that are far too political wear you down.

-- Modified on 8/24/2007 11:04:09 PM

...and may his commander wisely choose the missions that serve his cause.  

A person like that is a national treasure.

that tingle in your heart, after you saw those words. A woman knows how good that tingle feels

Good for you.

Don't let others' misconception ruin this moment for you.

Thanks for sharing and including us in your joy.

Keep them up.

I'd like to apologize to Brooke for the seeming hijack. I didn't intend to turn the thread into a political debate; I only meant to state that there are reasons other than our own pain to be so emotional about our loved ones carrying out their sworn duty.

Brooke, I hope you accept my apology.

into these idiots.  No sense of history, monumentally ignorant, totally driven by a hateful ideology, and so self-important that they think they have not only a right but a duty to elighten us poor, flag-waving, America-loving rubes.  These fools aren't worthy of wiping the dust from the boots of our gallent fighting men.

They serve for our freedom, even for the freedom of left wing conspiracy nuts to say nutty things like "it's all about oil, Halliburton, etc"...
Just don't pay attention to them.
They really hate the military, and only pay lip service to the miltary because they learned that spitting on them like they did on Vietnam vets only hurt their cause.

makes me think of a quote by Dom Helder Camara, Archbishop of Recife, Brazil:

"When I feed the poor, they call me a saint.
When I ask why the poor have no food, they call me a communist."

I guess it translates to:
When I thank members of the military for laying down their lives I am called supportive.
When I ask why or for what they are dying I am called a "chicken", a "nut" or "insulting"...or told to "Shut the F**k Up".

I guess it's more respected to honor the sacrifice than to ask if it needs to be made.  It's good to honor the sacrifices made by our military and honor those who give their lives...but I wonder if all in all they wouldn't rather be home and alive...and maybe they wouldn't mind a few people voicing that they would rather they be alive than just thanking them for dying or risking dying.

-- Modified on 8/25/2007 4:28:15 PM

Strange that you would use such a term for critics of the war.  The term is usually used for those who never fought themselves yet are more than willing to commit troops to wars that do not enhance our security.  

as he goes over - and back... several times a year.  I wish that he would never go over.... but I understand his dedication to duty... and thank him every time he goes...