With the hollidays comming up and the war on terror in full swing the DOD has set up a site where you can send a Thank you to the member sof the armed forces. Please take a few seconds and go to here and say "Thanks."
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With the hollidays comming up and the war on terror in full swing the DOD has set up a site where you can send a Thank you to the member sof the armed forces. Please take a few seconds and go to here and say "Thanks."
Heh, this is awesome. Finally, I get a chance to thank the people who defend our country and the freedom we have. I just sent one, and I'm happy I did. Thanks for sharing the link with us! :)
Awesome thread. Happy November/Holidays.
Hell Yeah. We need to appreciate where we are in life. Thank you very much.
thanks 4MidgetHitmen, good idea!
Hmmm... and you're thanking them for what? Anyone care to enlighten me? The US Army, defending your freedom? Got to love their humor, though.. the 'Your country'-option includes Afghanistan... and Iraq! :D
Anyways... just don't get how someone could be willing to sign something just saying 'Dear Member of the U.S. Army' (what member? The one responsible for just having killed an innocent civilian?), 'Thank you for defending our freedom' (Suppose your 'support' gets sent to an ignorant close-minded soldier :s)...
And no, I don't hate Americans :s
I remember how it was to spend holidays away from home. If we were at home station the entire platoon would all go out to the waffle house for thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. If we were deployed we usually had a big dinner (complements of the us army) and sat around for the rest of the night doing nothing. Looking back it was a small price to pay for our way of life. I think its great to be able to drop a line to the soldiers, to let them know they are appreciated.
___________________
Dec. 24 1944- "Battle of the Bulge"-An entire U.S. armored division was retreating from the Germans in the Ardennes forest when a sergeant in a tank destroyer spotted an American digging a foxhole. The GI, PFC Vernom L. Haught, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, looked up and asked, "Are you looking for a safe place?" "Yeah," answered the tanker. "Well, buddy," he drawled, just pull your vehicle behind me... I'm the 82nd Airborne, and this is as far as the bastards are going.'
I know the feeling... :D Out of nearly 7 years in the Aarmy I got to spend one Christmas with my family... :( My most memorable Christmas in the field was 1985 in Honduras... Our CO's father sent us a Christmas tree (it was only 3' tall but it was ours) and we decorated it with handgrenade pins, M-60 and.50 cal links and lite it with chem lights... We spent Christmas eve sitting in the team house aroud that little tree singing Christmas carols and drinking Jim Beam... I got two frag grenades that year...:D I agree with you detoxsmurf it is a small price to pay for what we have and I for one am glad that there are those (my wife included) that are willing to get out tehre and do it...Quote:
I remember how it was to spend holidays away from home. If we were at home station the entire platoon would all go out to the waffle house for thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. If we were deployed we usually had a big dinner (complements of the us army) and sat around for the rest of the night doing nothing. Looking back it was a small price to pay for our way of life. I think its great to be able to drop a line to the soldiers, to let them know they are appreciated.
You have got a good point Negative, but where would we (Americans) be if we didn't have an army? And I truly believe most US soldiers wouldn't kill INNOCENT citizens but also believe a soldier would protect himself when an Afgan were attacking him with an AK-47. (to anyone who is from Afganastan, please don't take that offensively, I am not one of those racist conservative pigs who believes every Afgan is Satan or some stupid crock of **** like that.) Wow, this is a controversy subject.
Hey Negative, I'll take a stab at why thank them. First off I grew up in the 60's came of age in the 70's the height of the Viet Nam War. We all hated it I seen older classmates go off get killed, we protested. What we forgot though is all of these people that were killed were drafted into service by law. Sure some including one of our Presedents avoided the draft, or went to Canada but most went at 18...children no choice. We as a country learned from this it is not the people that fight war are to be hated it is to honor them because out of no choice or choice the give back maybe with their life to their country because it is duty and they answered or were called. The people that fight the wars have nothing to do the agendas of men or Nations this is for the people we elect at least here in the US. I have the power of one vote and if you so like I can in the USA history tell you what has changed the course of history on one vote. I may not like the fact the US may make a war I hate the fact but turn my back upon the people called to fight it I will not. I at one time was where you are now..question all take it out on who is the cause not the ones providing the manpower.
Thanks for the thread and I'm off to say my thanks to these men and women, different time and era and my middle son could have been called had there been a draft. (oops net Bush step)
Quote:
Originally posted here by Negative
Hmmm... and you're thanking them for what? Anyone care to enlighten me?
LOL....I'd like to know, too? What are you thanking them for? The lack of deaths by "friendly fire"??? That only one (1) wedding party was killed? That Osama Bin Laden is still no where near being captured? Tha Bush is pushing the world towards war with his antagonistic attitude towards his Daddy's nemisis, Saddam?
Get real Conf1rm3d_k1ll, you think the people that server even in your own Military have a choice in what they do. What of Ireland? Your people there brothers and sisters for maybe not you but others, death happens on both sides to people that have no choice in matters. Either by choice or a calling. This help? Just because these people do makes them less? If less then what less, I've faced death have you, if not Enlighten me then I'm old I learn much from youth :) is your point?
Thank the US army for what:
Freeing Europe, and gaining exclusive bargaining rights (don't know the official term) wich means in reality that the USofA can buy stuff produced in Europe for less then the Europeans pay for it :(
Trying time and time again to rule the world (Gulf War II) or atleast the middle east.
For killing innocent people all over the world (do fill in any war that comes to mind)...
Thanks US army Thanks for all that..
i'm not sure if we should be saying "thank-you" american sucker fighting a war that we shouldnt be in or "i'm sorry" you have to do this.
i'm sorry you're even there. i'm sorry our government cares more for the oil to fuel our SUVs than human life. i'm sorry they put your life in danger and those of everyone on our side by creating a reason for them to retaliate even more. i'm sorry our copuntry's leaders are arrogant and foolhearty. i'm sorry that you are there to defend our freedoms and even more are being taken away daily back at home. i'm sorry that you are forced away from home and are "defending our freedom" from a far off place and our borders are completely open. i'm sorry you didn't realize before signing up that our government helped orchestrate this whole thing and is leading the poeple like sheep to the slaughter.
hey i am not from america but many of my people are there in US and i have said thanks for them .. well well.. from the above discussions.. may be negetive is right.. or anybody else is right .. but everybody konws that 9/11 was bad.. and i hope US has answered.. that question.. partially .. ( coz still bin is alive. ) but lets hope for the best.. and thanks to the soilders... of any country who are protecting .. their respective country...
So I guess that it would have been better if the Thousand Year Reich had lasted a thousand years huh? Long beofer we actually entered WWII the US was supporting the UK with money, food, and weapons under the Lend/Lease act...Quote:
Freeing Europe, and gaining exclusive bargaining rights (don't know the official term) wich means in reality that the USofA can buy stuff produced in Europe for less then the Europeans pay for it
I have not once heard anyone in control of the US Governmet say anything about ruling the world... That particular phenomina(sp) seems to be an "old world" thing.. The Romans, Goths, Vandles, Huns, French, British, Germans, Jananese, etc... I don't remember there ever being an American Empire or the US ever having an Emperor, King, Prince, etc...Quote:
Trying time and time again to rule the world (Gulf War II) or atleast the middle east.
And the IRA has never killed an innocent? Al Quadea didn't kill 3000+ innocent people? ... I guess you forgot all the Crusades, the inqusitioon, etc... the US didn't have anything to do with those... Ever seen an entire village full of children with their arms cut off by a "social justice movement" because they got a vacination against polio? Ever had some "freedom fighter (read that terrorist) fire a round at you because you stood up to them and didn't knuckle under to their form of dictatorship? Yes innocent people do die in a war and 99% of the time it is an accident... Unfortunately accidents do happen in war...Quote:
For killing innocent people all over the world (do fill in any war that comes to mind)...
The reason I asking people to say thank you is very simple... It is a way to show the men and women of teh US armered forces that we appreciate their sacrifice for us... To use a good movie line... "Theose men and women stand a watch keeping the dark things of the world from getting to you. When you need them you cry please help us and when you don't you want them to hide away and not show themselves. But deep down inside, in the place you can't talk about in your polite society, you need them, you want them to be on that watch because without them you wouldn't have your polite society." Say thank you because they stand a watch each and every night and by so doing they are telling you, "sleep safe and know deep in your heart that nothing will harm you tonight, not on my watch!"Quote:
LOL....I'd like to know, too? What are you thanking them for? The lack of deaths by "friendly fire"??? That only one (1) wedding party was killed? That Osama Bin Laden is still no where near being captured? Tha Bush is pushing the world towards war with his antagonistic attitude towards his Daddy's nemisis, Saddam?
You don't like the war great... I sure as hell don't like it... I have a wife who is just back from supporting Operation Endruring Freedom... Do you? But please don't disrespect those who have chosen to defend the US and do something that you are either incapable of doing because of age, disability, etc... Or to scared to do... What ever your reason this is not about the US as a whole it is about the individual soldier, sailor, marine, or airman who has to spend this holiday season away from his or her family because a terrorist group decided to start a war...
No one is perfect and i doubt anyone's country here is either. I definitely show my support and thanks to the people that allow me to keep my freedom, the same freedom that alot of people take for granted.
Hey Negative, I will have you know. Before you start posting that kind of stuff you think about who may be on AO. I am a 15 year old boy that is today left with no father, because he was willing to fight and defend this country during Vietnam. He fought in it and developed so many diseases that he faught off long enough to bring his family to the United States of America. So when people send out this kind of Thank yous, one of them may be for my father, so when say that we do not know who we are sending it to, well now you have an idea. My father was a veteran and he would had stood up anyday to fight for this country in good or bad health. If my father, who is now resting in peace was proud enough of this country to fight for them anytime no matter the conditions of his health, well i am also proud of this country and i cherish it for, because my father taught me how to love and cherish the United States of America. You can go ahead and neg me if you are dumb enough not see the kind of pain many people that lost their loved ones in battlefields or after affects from battles. You can neg me if you want, but i believe this is what my father would had done and said if he was a live today to see this post by you.
I am proud to be in America and i love the people that are proud to be American.
Hey this is a great thread 4MidgetHitmen and I think that everyone in America should support our armed forces and the things that they do for us everyday. They are risking our lives so that those of us in America can live a safer happier life.
Since I first started coming to this site I have noticed alot of negativety towards the US. We are not perfect and never will be but as 4MidgetHitmen pointed out throughout history their have been things which have taken place that are alot worse than anything that the US has been responsible for. But we do make mistakes and something for anybody who has anti US sentiment to keep in mind when they do make a post is that Americans who do read your post have a say in how our government is run. It is only a small voice but if you pursuade enough people we can make a difference. So do not just make a post saying that your are against the US and that we are terrible, make a logical non inflammitory argument because nearly everyone in America is out for doing good in the rest of the world, not simply to make it our own personal amusement park. Just my 2 cents.
over 1,673,000 thank yous already... nice :D
Major General Smedley Butler (USMC), in 1933 describing war,
DAMN!!!! I actually got greens for this from none other than 4midgethitmen!!!!!!Quote:
War is just a racket. A racket is best described, I believe, as something that is not what it seems to the majority of people. Only a small inside group knows what it is about. It is conducted for the benefit of the very few at the expense of the masses.
I believe in adequate defense at the coastline and nothing else. If a nation comes over here to fight, then we'll fight. The trouble with America is that when the dollar only earns 6 percent over here, then it gets restless and goes overseas to get 100 percent. Then the flag follows the dollar and the soldiers follow the flag.
I wouldn't go to war again as I have done to protect some lousy investment of the bankers. There are only two things we should fight for. One is the defense of our homes and the other is the Bill of Rights. War for any other reason is simply a racket.
There isn't a trick in the racketeering bag that the military gang is blind to. It has its "finger men" to point out enemies, its "muscle men" to destroy enemies, its "brain men" to plan war preparations, and a "Big Boss" Super-Nationalistic-Capitalism.
It may seem odd for me, a military man to adopt such a comparison. Truthfulness compels me to. I spent thirty-three years and four months in active military service as a member of this country's most agile military force, the Marine Corps. I served in all commissioned ranks from Second Lieutenant to Major-General. And during that period, I spent most of my time being a high class muscle-man for Big Business, for Wall Street and for the Bankers. In short, I was a racketeer, a gangster for capitalism.
I suspected I was just part of a racket at the time. Now I am sure of it. Like all the members of the military profession, I never had a thought of my own until I left the service. My mental faculties remained in suspended animation while I obeyed the orders of higher-ups. This is typical with everyone in the military service.
I helped make Mexico, especially Tampico, safe for American oil interests in 1914. I helped make Haiti and Cuba a decent place for the National City Bank boys to collect revenues in. I helped in the raping of half a dozen Central American republics for the benefits of Wall Street. The record of racketeering is long. I helped purify Nicaragua for the international banking house of Brown Brothers in 1909-1912 (where have I heard that name before?). I brought light to the Dominican Republic for American sugar interests in 1916. In China I helped to see to it that Standard Oil went its way unmolested.
During those years, I had, as the boys in the back room would say, a swell racket. Looking back on it, I feel that I could have given Al Capone a few hints. The best he could do was to operate his racket in three districts. I operated on three continents.
He's actually a closet commie I tell ya :D
I would say that 9/11 qualifies as defense of ones home and an attack on the Bill of Rights... Then again the gentleman you are quoting was speaking in 1933 a period in American history that found the US very isolationist... but I can see some merit in his words... very little... but some... Vietnam is a good example of his words... The current war is not IMHO... :DQuote:
I wouldn't go to war again as I have done to protect some lousy investment of the bankers. There are only two things we should fight for. One is the defense of our homes and the other is the Bill of Rights. War for any other reason is simply a racket.
One of history's most touching and important moments occured on Christmas Eve. No I do not refer to the birth of the Christ child, Christmas is when we celebrate that (we really have little idea of when it really occurred). What I am referring to is in 1914 when Germans, British, and French (with a spinkling of many other nations) ventured from the trenches to celebrate a Holiday together. Gifts were exchanged, pictures, cards, and food. It wasn't country meeting country it was soldier meeting soldier, human meeting human.
The event scared the High Commands of both sides. They realized that part of the requirement for soldiers to keep fighting was for them to think of the person they were looking at in their sites as the enemy, a target. When targets are humanized it diminishes the capacity of the soldiers to do what they are required to do. The men in the trenches didn't mind. They were pleased to meet others who shared their suffering and for a short time to ease it.
The point is that I am not thanking George Bush for sending these men far away. I am not condoning (nor condemning) any actions currently being undertaken by the military. I am thanking men. Men who are doing their duty. Often in lonely outposts far from their homes. Often in foreign lands. Sometimes in combat situations. I am thanking them for doing their duty and for being prepared to protect my freedom.
To respond like Negative I believe is to take the position of the High Commands who the next year ordered a general bombardment of enemy trenches in the hopes of stopping a recurrance of the short lived, touching, treaty that was made between individuals, not nations, and led to almost a week of peace during one of the most horrendous wars this century. They could not rise above their petty politics and ingrained attitudes to allow any show of compassion or understanding for fear that it might actually lead to peace. Can we also not rise above our petty prejudices to see that making people feel better during a time when separation from friends and family is most harshly felt is a good thing and not to be scoffed and ridiculed?
To blame the soldier in the field for the policies of his leadership is a mistake of the highest order whether that soldier is American, Iraqi, Afghani, or any other nation. I may abhor the the leader(s), the policies, or the actions, but the soldier who risks his life for his country is a special person and deserves to be honored and, when possible, thanked by the people of that nation.
No country is perfect including the United States. The post's point was about saying thanks to the people serving in the military. Its true that innocent people get killed in a military conflict. However now days the numbers are much lower then they were during the first and second world war.
Its unfortunate that we have to put 60,000 troops in Kuwait just to encourage Iraq to behave itself. Saddam has used chemical weapons on his own people and is now trying to get atropine shots for his troops. If he doesn't have chemical agents then what are the atropine shots for?
It also amazing how fast the people of Europe forget who helped them win WWI and WWII. The US military now focuses on bringing stability to 3rd world nations. Perhaps if you saw a child drink the same water that people and animals $#&! in you would have a different outlook.
I did but you know how I feel already Auntie
Any man or woman who puts their life at risk to defend their country is to be applauded.
However, to people like Bush, Chretien, Blair, Sharon, Arafat, etc....you're nothing but leeches who grab the spotlight then hide in the shadows when that light is tainted.
Thanks for the link!
I support the United States of America, the US Armed Forces and President George W. Bush. :)
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Originally posted here by preacherman481
Thanks for the link!
I support the United States of America, the US Armed Forces and President George W. Bush. :)
LOL..........And you're also a Christian...."We have a winner!" :D
4MH - Thanks for the link. Its a great site, and I think its great to give people the chance to thank our men and women in the armed forces.
For all those that say "thank them for what"....you're simply ridiculous people. If your country didn't have an army of any sort guess what would happen. The crazy folks in the world (ie Saddam) would most likely attack, take over, whatever. Don't be so starry-eyed as to think it wouldn't happen. Even if you don't have a big military machine countries like the US would come to your aid. Just like we did in WW1, WW2, Korea, Gulf War...the latter being a bit questionable in my mind, but whatever, you get the point.
Yet you complain...yet if we stood by, and let bad **** happen...guess what....you'd complain.
People who say "Thank them for what" make me sick. You've most likely had it too good in your life to even see the need for military, but there is one. Sorry you can't see it.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, I just want to say thanks a million for your thanks. It does mean alot to us. I want to thank those who served before me, Alot of veterans from previous wars got no thanks for being forced into something they had no choice in. But they went and served proudly. If it weren't for those folks and the ones serving now our country wouldnt have the freedom we have today. No one country is perfect nor will there ever be as well as the peolpe who serve it. You find good and bad no matter where you are in this world. Whenn other countries are having problems with stuff the U.S. A is always there to lend a hand but when we may need a little help most countries seem to back away. We do our damdest to do the right thing and not hurt innocent people , and we certainly dont go flying airplanes into buildings killing thousands of people, we dont go sending our troops or followers on suicide missions to hurt innocent people by blowing ourself up to kill a few people because our leader hates certain individuals or governments. People in the U.S. Military serve for all diffrent reasons. Not only do we try to help ourselves but we try to help other countries also. So agin thanks to all the verterans and those serving now and thanks a great deal to AO for recognizing us.
If you didn't have an army, you'd probably be invaded by Canada or Mexico by this time...Quote:
Originally posted by HurrayForSchool
...where would we (Americans) be if we didn't have an army? And I truly believe most US soldiers wouldn't kill INNOCENT citizens but also believe a soldier would protect himself when an Afgan were attacking him with an AK-47.
But on the other hand: when is the last time your army played a defensive role? I can't remember, but maybe you can...
And indeed: there's no need to defend America... thanks to the deterrent effect or your army. Heads of the soldiers standing guard in the cold all day and all night...
So far for the defense role of an army. Good job, guys. Now, the other side of the coin: the offensive role of your army. And that's what bothers me about the page 4MidgetHitmen directed us to: the generalization. I wouldn't mind signing that National Military Appreciation if there would at least be a little note, saying something like 'Thank you for standing guard at our borders all day and all night', or explaining how they defend your (so-called, imo) freedom. By signing it now, all you're doing is giving Bush ANOTHER signal to invade (that's offensive, not defensive ;) ) Iraq.
"Over 1,673,000 thank you's already'? No, over 1,673,000 more signals to invade Iraq. And I'm proud not to be part of that group. And if I were American, I'd appreciate if the army also defended MY freedom, my freedom of NOT signing the Appreciation.
Thanks for explaining why you signed the Appreciation, Palemoon. You're of course right when you say that most of those soldiers didn't/don't have a choice. My opinion though is that by signing that Appreciation, all you're doing is giving your government a signal: we are right to invade Iraq (just an example), we are right to send innocent Americans to a war they never asked for.Quote:
Originally posted by Palemoon
Hey Negative, I'll take a stab at why thank them. First off I grew up in the 60's came of age in the 70's the height of the Viet Nam War. We all hated it I seen older classmates go off get killed, we protested. What we forgot though is all of these people that were killed were drafted into service by law. Sure some including one of our Presedents avoided the draft, or went to Canada but most went at 18...children no choice. We as a country learned from this it is not the people that fight war are to be hated it is to honor them because out of no choice or choice the give back maybe with their life to their country because it is duty and they answered or were called. The people that fight the wars have nothing to do the agendas of men or Nations this is for the people we elect at least here in the US. I have the power of one vote and if you so like I can in the USA history tell you what has changed the course of history on one vote. I may not like the fact the US may make a war I hate the fact but turn my back upon the people called to fight it I will not. I at one time was where you are now..question all take it out on who is the cause not the ones providing the manpower.
I never meant to target the loyal soldier just doing his duty; you probably know just as well as I do that they don't have a choice. And THAT is what bothers me. THAT is what bothers me about this Appreciation: imo, it's misleading propaganda.
And I'm NOT going to give them a signal saying 'Carry on, carry on, US Government, you're doing an excellent job'...
That is exactly my concern about this Appreciation, ebo: you DO NOT know who you're sending this to. You come up with a touching story about your father... and I could come up with a horrible story about misbehaving American soldiers. If the Appreciation would have said 'Let's thank Ebo's father', I probably would have signed it. By signing the Appreciation, you're partly responsible for another kid going to be left without a father (don't take that literal, it's just a comparison), because you're giving the American government a signal. AND you're giving the misbehaving American soldier (no doubt there is at least one of that kind) the signal to keep on raping and stealing...Quote:
Originally posted by Ebo
Hey Negative, I will have you know. Before you start posting that kind of stuff you think about who may be on AO. I am a 15 year old boy that is today left with no father, because he was willing to fight and defend this country during Vietnam. He fought in it and developed so many diseases that he faught off long enough to bring his family to the United States of America. So when people send out this kind of Thank yous, one of them may be for my father, so when say that we do not know who we are sending it to, well now you have an idea. My father was a veteran and he would had stood up anyday to fight for this country in good or bad health. If my father, who is now resting in peace was proud enough of this country to fight for them anytime no matter the conditions of his health, well i am also proud of this country and i cherish it for, because my father taught me how to love and cherish the United States of America. You can go ahead and neg me if you are dumb enough not see the kind of pain many people that lost their loved ones in battlefields or after affects from battles. You can neg me if you want, but i believe this is what my father would had done and said if he was a live today to see this post by you.
I am proud to be in America and i love the people that are proud to be American.
Oh, and btw: 'someone's' signing negative antipoints saying '*******' with your name ;)
Don't be mistaken, detoxsmurf: we Europeans don't forget that easily... It's amazing how Americans always come up with that arguement, and again you're using it to proove something completely else and not to the point. The connection between clear water and your arguement is beyond me...Quote:
Originally posted by detoxsmurf
It also amazing how fast the people of Europe forget who helped them win WWI and WWII. The US military now focuses on bringing stability to 3rd world nations. Perhaps if you saw a child drink the same water that people and animals $#&! in you would have a different outlook.
I don't fail to see the need for military. My points of view on why you need an army are slightly different than yours, though. I asked a question, and only one or two people were able to give me a satisfiying answer. And I still stand by my point of not signing the Appreciation. Ridiculous or not. You're in the army, you claim to be one of the people 'defending Americans' freedom'... but you're only willing to defend your own point of freedom. Isn't freedom also about having an own opinion? People not signing the Appreciation (for whatever reason) make you sick? Fine, then you're on my list of reasons why I don't want to just thank ANY member of the American army.Quote:
Originally posted by Sgt_B
For all those that say "thank them for what"....you're simply ridiculous people. If your country didn't have an army of any sort guess what would happen. The crazy folks in the world (ie Saddam) would most likely attack, take over, whatever. Don't be so starry-eyed as to think it wouldn't happen. Even if you don't have a big military machine countries like the US would come to your aid. Just like we did in WW1, WW2, Korea, Gulf War...the latter being a bit questionable in my mind, but whatever, you get the point.
Yet you complain...yet if we stood by, and let bad **** happen...guess what....you'd complain.
People who say "Thank them for what" make me sick. You've most likely had it too good in your life to even see the need for military, but there is one. Sorry you can't see it.
Quote:
Lemmy Kilmister - 1916
16 years old when I went to war,
To fight for a land fit for heroes,
God on my side,and a gun in my hand,
Counting my days down to zero,
And I marched and I fought and I bled
And I died & I never did get any older,
But I knew at the time, That a year in the line,
Is a long enough life for a soldier,
We all volunteered,
And we wrote down our names,
And we added two years to our ages,
Eager for life and ahead of the game,
Ready for history's pages,
And we fought and we brawled
And we whored 'til we stood,
Ten thousand shoulder to shoulder,
A thirst for the Hun,
We were food for the gun,and that's
What you are when you're soldiers,
I heard my friend cry,
And he sank to his knees,coughing blood
As he screamed for his mother
And I tell by his, side,
And that's how we died,
Clinging like kids to each other,
And I lay in the mud
And the guts and the blood,
And I wept as his body grew colder,
And I called for my mother
And she never came,
Though it wasn't my fault
And I wasn't to blame,
The day not half over
And ten thousand slain,and now
There's nobody remembers our names
And that's how it is for a soldier.
Now I understand why that Appreciation is kept so simple: just typing your name, your city, and picking your state and country, then clicking a button is something even you can do.Quote:
whats wrong about invading Iraq moron, I dont like war as much as you do, what do you want diplomacy to Iraq
I ain't anti-American or I wouldn't be here.Quote:
you are an anti-american, this just prove's it. No one wants to hear ur anti-american opinions.
Last time I checked you wouldn't be writing your very bright comment in English if it weren't for Europe - there's that lame arguement again, only this time it ain't even used to back up something not-to-the-point. And someone give this dude a Nobel-prize.Quote:
Go **** yourself ... Last time I chcked you wouldn't have a ****ing country if it weren't for a US service member dumbass..
I ain't American, Bush wouldn't listen to me... and by posting against that Appreciation, I AM taking it up with the president and/or congress. Maybe my voice will get through to someone who won't vote for Bush anymore - not that it matters how many votes he gets, but anyways...Quote:
If you have an issue with them being there, take it up with the president and/or congress, not the average joe fighting for his country.
Negative, back in the 1940's, there was a guy named Adolf Hitler, whom we thought hated the Jewish (you may have heard of him) :) . He started a thing called the Holocaust which some Americans believed it was going on. As more and more Jews were murdered we sat around and hesitated, sat around and hesitated, discussed it a bit, and sat around. Near the end of the war, millions of Jews had been killed in concentration camps. America just watched.Quote:
If you didn't have an army, you'd probably be invaded by Canada or Mexico by this time...
Now, we jump ahead 60 years and what do we have:
A guy named Suddam Hussein exists which we KNOW he hates a certain race and has the power of taking that race out if he wanted to. And what, exactly, are Americans doing now? Sitting around, hesitating, and discussing it. Doesn't it seem that we (Americans) don't learn from our mistakes?
The problem is that if Americans charge into Iraq without the support of the United Nations, we will be portrayed as "bullies". That is why Bush is hesitating and attempting to win the support of the U.N. , so people such as yourself (no offense, you are certainly entitled to your opinion) don't think we are are "bullies".
You have given your opinion of what we shouldn't do, so can you now give a suggestion of what we should do?
Watch it happen on CNN?- Your right, techniquely, it isn't any of our business considering the war on Iraq is in Iraq, not the U.S.
What do you think?
Thanks for putting words in my mouth. I never said people who don't want to sign it make me sick. If you don't want to sign it, then that's fine. You think that signing it is a signal to the US gov that you agree with an Iraq invasion, then that's fine too. I never condemned you for not wanting to sign the thank you card.Quote:
People not signing the Appreciation (for whatever reason) make you sick? Fine, then you're on my list of reasons why I don't want to just thank ANY member of the American army.
How can you assume that you know what my views are? Either way, I'm not 'only willing to defend my own point of freedom'. The whole premise of freedom is the ability of each and every individual to have and voice their own opinion. That is what I believe in. Don't presume to know what I will and will not put my life on the line for.Quote:
I don't fail to see the need for military. My points of view on why you need an army are slightly different than yours, though. I asked a question, and only one or two people were able to give me a satisfiying answer. And I still stand by my point of not signing the Appreciation. Ridiculous or not. You're in the army, you claim to be one of the people 'defending Americans' freedom'... but you're only willing to defend your own point of freedom. Isn't freedom also about having an own opinion?
If your country were invaded (sorry I can't see your flag right now) and your freedom was being threatened...I'd be more than happy to hop on a boat, and get my ass over there so I could do some good. That is what I'm willing to defend.
The "make me sick" comment was directed towards those who portray the US military as a bunch of warmongers bent on imposing our own will on everyone in the world. Its damn disrespectful to anyone who's ever fought or served for what they believe in.
Not whether or not you signed the damn card.
In short Negitive you are wrong... I am not only willing to defend my point of freedom... I am willing to defend yours as well... I may not agree with what you have to say, I amy not agree with your religion, I amy not even like you very much, you may be a totla stranger to me, you may be a man, you may be a woman, you may be gay, you may be straight, you may be married, you may be single, you may be old, you may be young, you may be disabled, you may be able bodied, you may be black, you may be white... None of that matters... What matters is that their are people like myself, my wife, SGT B., and all the members of the US military who are willng to die for your right to think, say, and do any damn thing you please... Can you say you would do the same for me??? I seriously doubt it... the above reason alone is worth a general "Thank You.." IMO I think that you are a bit misguided in your vision of what the thank you page is for... It is not any kind of signal to the Bush Administration that it is ok to hit Iraq... It is nothing more then a way for the people of the US to say thnaks to the sons and daughters who put themselves in harms way for our sack and to a limited degree yours Negitive... Every year newspapers around the US have letter writting campaign to servicemen and women who can not be home for teh holidays... The letters are sent in to the paper in an envelope addressed "Dear Service Member" and nothing else... It, like the link is just another way to say you are appreciated for your service... You don't want to shoot off a thank you no problem... Just please don't bash or question the morality of those of us who feel it is a good thing to do... You want to argue why we shouldn't be at war great... Start another thread...Quote:
I don't fail to see the need for military. My points of view on why you need an army are slightly different than yours, though. I asked a question, and only one or two people were able to give me a satisfiying answer. And I still stand by my point of not signing the Appreciation. Ridiculous or not. You're in the army, you claim to be one of the people 'defending Americans' freedom'... but you're only willing to defend your own point of freedom. Isn't freedom also about having an own opinion?
And a note to those who decided to blast Negative via the AP system: I sign every AP assignment I give, good or bad, IMO it is the only honorable thing to do... Calling him names is not a very good way to get your point across IMO... It only serves to weaken your stand and argument... Just my $.02...
Finally to Negative: Motorhead rocks... :D
Dat ze dat nu onderhand eens daar gaan krijgen... Sjonge jonge. Ok Negative Patriotisme van de nederlandstaligen. De Amerikanen (die eigelijk maar een stel uit de boot gevallen gereformeerde waren) hebben voor een groot deel toch wel gezorgd dat er veel problemen kwamen in derder wereldslandjes met weinig water etc. Al het geld dat aan bomen en wapens, die ow zo geliefde wapens wordt uitgegeven zouden ze goed kunnen gebruiken om waterpompen aan te leggen of, misschen zelfs beter, eerst hun eigen problemen eens op te lossen. Problemen hebben ze net zo veel binnenshuis die Amerkanen als erbuiten. Of ze nou heldendaden hebben wericht of niet. In de Wereld Oorlogen zijn trouwens miljoenen belgen gestorven die hun eigen land verdedigde in loopgraven of in wat voor anders dan ook. Die vergeten we ook niet. De Amerikanen hebben langs de Canadezen (!) en Engelse en Fransen en zelfs Spanjaarden gevochten, niet alleen !!Quote:
Don't be mistaken, detoxsmurf: we Europeans don't forget that easily... It's amazing how Americans always come up with that arguement, and again you're using it to proove something completely else and not to the point. The connection between clear water and your arguement is beyond me...
Ik kan nog wel ddoorgaan, maar het is al laat. Amerika moet van haar klote houding af, wij hebben zelf ook genoeg gedaan en wij gaan niet voor elk fritsfratsje goedheid (hoeveel of hoe weinig kwaadheid er ook tegenover stond) een website maken waar we ze allemaal kunnen bedanken, al die soldaten waarvan er maar een iets gedaan heeft dat misschien genoeg was geweest voor een medaille, als de ander hem nog niet al gekregen had.
Well, I understand some of it but I doubt most people can even say that, so how bout a translation into English?Quote:
kwiep
Dat ze dat nu onderhand eens daar gaan krijgen... Sjonge jonge. Ok Negative Patriotisme van de nederlandstaligen. De Amerikanen (die eigelijk maar een stel uit de boot gevallen gereformeerde waren) hebben voor een groot deel toch wel gezorgd dat er veel problemen kwamen in derder wereldslandjes met weinig water etc. Al het geld dat aan bomen en wapens, die ow zo geliefde wapens wordt uitgegeven zouden ze goed kunnen gebruiken om waterpompen aan te leggen of, misschen zelfs beter, eerst hun eigen problemen eens op te lossen. Problemen hebben ze net zo veel binnenshuis die Amerkanen als erbuiten. Of ze nou heldendaden hebben wericht of niet. In de Wereld Oorlogen zijn trouwens miljoenen belgen gestorven die hun eigen land verdedigde in loopgraven of in wat voor anders dan ook. Die vergeten we ook niet. De Amerikanen hebben langs de Canadezen (!) en Engelse en Fransen en zelfs Spanjaarden gevochten, niet alleen !!
Ik kan nog wel ddoorgaan, maar het is al laat. Amerika moet van haar klote houding af, wij hebben zelf ook genoeg gedaan en wij gaan niet voor elk fritsfratsje goedheid (hoeveel of hoe weinig kwaadheid er ook tegenover stond) een website maken waar we ze allemaal kunnen bedanken, al die soldaten waarvan er maar een iets gedaan heeft dat misschien genoeg was geweest voor een medaille, als de ander hem nog niet al gekregen had.
Back to topic, the thank you is not a signal to the US government to go ahead and attack Iraq, it is as 4midgethitmen said:Personally I am more than happy to sign this and I'm glad that 4midgethitmen posted that link. I am grateful to the members of the armed forces that enforce peace around the world, ironically through force, and I'm also grateful to the members that live 3000 miles from home just to protect our borders (not that we really need it) and the ones that live 13,000 miles from home to patrol some 3rd world country just so that they (the citizens of those countries) can live peaceful lives without some psycopathic dictator ordering them beat nearly to death.Quote:
It is not any kind of signal to the Bush Administration that it is ok to hit Iraq... It is nothing more then a way for the people of the US to say thnaks to the sons and daughters who put themselves in harms way for our sack and to a limited degree yours Negitive
Simple fact is every country on the face of this earth has good points and bad, it is when you sit eat the food listen to the music and dance the dance that you understand we are all so all different..it is when you are among family. Don't know I look at humanity becuse it excludes no one, it understands the basic need for a mother, father, brother, sister, a family to just say we are here. Damn place is going nuts lately even more so then the 60's, 70's :( oh 80's, 90's are a wash...cost of corp greed..
One point Negative you ask why WWII is always brought up and say you see no connection. However you are also drawing many historical arguments. "When was the last time the American Military Operated Defensively?" and bringing up past incidents which are not American only in nature but are endemic to armies of every nationality during times of conflict. I could bring up past history of your nation (have to go way past for anything I am familiar with) or research for more recent incidents I am sure. However none of these affect the current situation. However, if you allow yourself to bring up the past why then deny and ridicule others when they use the same tactic. You bring up the dirt and they bring up one of the shining moments of past American military actions.
I truthfully do not think you should sign the petition Negative, you aren't American. I think you should write to and encourage your own soldiers. But you draw conclusions on very scant evidence and then rebuke others who operate in the same manner. I believe that is a shortcoming of your argument. Now I did enjoy your sarcastic responses to those who so eloquently answered "You Suck" or "A******" none of that is warranted here IMO. You are stating your opinion and the reasons. They show a far different viewpoint from mine but they in no way illustrate your basic nature only your outlook. I appreciate you having the fortitude to post here openly and suffer the slings and arrows (and negs) of those who cannot accept an opposing view. I also appreciate the more lucid arguments posted here that do reflect my opinion like: 4MH, Sgt B, Palemoon, HurrayForSchool, and others.
Like 4MH I must make this statement, I sign all my Positive and Negative AP's. If you receive one from me you will know who and why. I do not assign neg AP's for honest opinions even if I think they are really bad or skewed. I especially don't assign them when they are simply different from mine, like yours, and represent a very real and common attitude which is why the current situation is so delicate and debated.
Sincerely,
I consider our National Guard troops to be playing a defensive role on American soil. These soldiers have been activated for up to 2 years to do airport security, guard military bases and nuclear powerplants.Quote:
when is the last time your army played a defensive role? I can't remember, but maybe you can...
I disagree, I feel there is a connection between the world wars, the liberating of Kuwait from Iraq and peace keeping missions of today. The warlords in some of these 3rd world countries are committing "human crimes" against their own people. They rule on fear, they force their people to starve and in some cases commit genocide. Some people prefer to look the other way and pretend it doesn't happen. However I have seen how these people live first hand in these countries. The US military goes in and brings stability to the region. The UN will bring in food and medical supplies for the people of the country. The army corp. of engineers will build new homes for the people and help clean up on the water supply. It's not perfect solution but its a start.Quote:
Don't be mistaken, detoxsmurf: we Europeans don't forget that easily... It's amazing how Americans always come up with that arguement, and again you're using it to proove something completely else and not to the point. The connection between clear water and your arguement is beyond me...
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Oh, and btw: 'someone's' signing negative antipoints saying '*******' with your name
I disagree with assigning negative antipoints on a thread like this. Everybody has a right to an opinion. I've also been negged on this post, however the individuals didn't leave any comments or names.
I think the pic sums it up nicely....... :o