Unreal. The arrogance of these people. They are so fortunate to live in a country where they can spout such crap...and they don't even acknowledge that fact. Sigh.
This is the line that stuck with me: "I sincerely apologize to anyone in the military who took my words literally. Sounds an awful lot like Kerry's apology. "sorry you are so stupid (ignorant) to have taken my words literally"
That is the thing that really makes me mad. That is NOT an apology. It is another attack.
"who took my words literally"..."who took my words literally"!! Eeeegads!Words ARE the tools of his trade. As Brat says, he's an A** and now an admitted incompetent. How many soldiers out there say, I'm sorry I shot you with my rifle, I was pretending it was a shovel?
You know, in some ways, the idiots like this who are actually given press, accomplish one thing. There are many quiet, sitting on the fence, moderates out there, who are becoming forced take a stand. The more radical the "liberals",the more clear the line in the sand: You are either with America and the troops, or you're not. Simple test, Yes or No: Are your actions supporting the troops, or aiding the enemy? I think Glenn Beck said it very well, and very passionately this week. If youu all haven't seen it, One Marines View has the link.
Keep rolling Tanker-family!! No fear troops, we've got your back! We won't stop! Hooorahhhhhh!
What REALLY gets me going? In a time of war, there SHOULD be a limit on the 'freedoms' of the press....Specially for those who write to 'support the troops', when every word they spew shows very clearly they do NOT!
As I read all their crap? Am reminded of WW2 when Churchill would have handed out severe penalties for such 'literal' aiding and abetting the enemy.
I also believe there is such a thing in England as a D notice which limits what the press can and cannot print, in the interests of national security....
But I am still rambling...Hard for me to be coherent when this continues unabated and they think they are being clever, adding to the weight on our soldiers' missions, as THEY laugh all the way to the bank.
And yes - wouldnt it be wonderful if when one of our precious troops is wounded or worse, they could hear "oh I didnt meant that LITERALLY".
Oh and no - I don't label him as 'incompetent' at all. He is well aware, and competent at what he does....Wielding words as swords in the name of BULL!
Reminds me of a kid in the kindergarten playground who hurts another kid and then says "oh I didnt mean that -", cept here the consequences can be lethal...Okay I am stopping now, before my words get really, really UGLY!
Again we have the double standard from the troop disparagers > "I can say whatever I dang well please, no matter how untruthful or viscious, but you ARE NOT ALLOWED to disagree with me OUT LOUD." (They yell a lot too)
Aren't they just precious...
You make good points there, brat ~ These people may be crass but they're not stupid. And the bottom line on this whole thing is the $$. See, if the advertisers stop buying ads because they are losing business by being associated with a medium their customers don't like, the newspaper can't afford to print. :o)
Perhaps we could just add this guy to the invitation list for people to welcome the terrorists as they invade our countires??
Those on the frontlines, working so hard to disparage the efforts of those who fight to keep our countries free deserve to be the in the frontlines when they are attacked.
Sorry but read what he wrote, not what you want to hear about the critics. We are using tax dollars to fund two armies; the real one and the contractors. The contractors are mercenaries. We read about the services not meeting their recruiting quotas until they increased the incentives; that is mercenary in nature or, even worse, attracting people who are now willing to die in order to make a decent wage. We criticize the war because it is obvious from all accounts, govt or press, that this adminstration has put you, and our goals, in danger by not listening to professional advise. If they had listened and had sent in 500,000 troops then maybe we would be singing their praises. But their strategy has made us less safe both there and here. So we rightly call for a stop of what is not working and what will not work. Also understand that without the same people hollaring you would still not have any additional personal or vehicle armor or any other improvement that our relentless efforts have gotten you. I have a eighteen year old son and a I see him everytime I see one of you die. I would want my county speaking the truth, even if it meant facing the difficult ones. One on of those difficult truths is that being a soldier does not make you an expert on foreign policy or even on how things are turning out in Irag; it just gives you a different perspective, one that certainly needs to be heard, but not one that trumps all others. As much as you want to be there doing the good work, it is my fervent hope that we get you the hell out of there before any harm comes to you and before our misguided efforts create any more damage to the very gols we are trying to achieve.
Al:
You'd better go back and re-read what he wote. He called Soldiers mercenaries, and even went back in a subsequent column and gave a "non-apology".
Incentives are given, because it's difficult work, fighting a war. And difficult work sometimes means you have to provide incentives. If you think a few thousand bucks would motivate someone to put their life in imminent danger, who otherwise wouldn't have the balls to do so, then you must park your car in the Lefty Garage and think the US Soldier is stupid.
I will be the first one to tell you that rolling 500,000 Soldiers into Iraq during the ground war would have been the dumbest thing we could have done.
Look, Al, whenever you "see one of us die" (what, are you an insurgent?), you think of your 18 year old kid, then I doubt that your kid is in the Military. Especially if someone, with your obvious disdain and contempt for US Soldiers with more honor in their trigger fingers that you could ever display in a lifetime, like you raised him.
Seriously... leave the War to the Warriors. Otherwise, shut up, pick up a rifle, and join me in the fight. Either way, take your Nancy Pelosi-flavored Kool-Ade elsewhere.
Hoo-Frickin'-Ahh.
Obvious Disdain? You don't know me. I read it all but understand what he was trying to say just as I read conservative readings enough to like wise understand (or do brat and yankeemom really want to insitute true censorship?) One of the biggest problems probably both sides have is not arguing in good faith. If you want to take everything I say in the worst possible light then that's your loss. I'm a forty seven year old father that's crippled by arthritis who realizes that the only way to win this war is to hold a draft at which point I bundle my son off to Canada and sign-up in his place knowing it means prison. You are being led by idiots who did not and are still not listening to the advise of their betters. Fortunately for you I will keep working to get you out of there regardless of your disrespect for the rights and responsibilities of all citizens in a democracy. Good by and good luck.
No, Sir... I do not know you. But your words expose you for what you are.
1) I don't argue. I debate.
2) If you don't want me to take what you say "in the worst possible light", then cut with the sophism and say what you mean.
3) "I'm a 47 year old..." wah, wah, wah. Cry me a river. I'm a 32 year-old Soldier who IS fighting this War, and it wouldn't take a draft to inspire me to do so. Some of us understand what hangs in the balance.
4) You would shuttle your son off to Canada instead of making him "man up" to serving his country? You, Sir, are a coward. He should be given the opportunity to make the decision to run off like a coward to Canada, or stand and fight. Daddy should have nothing to do with it.
5) Led by idiots? You, Sir, are the idiot. If you take a step back and look at the fight from a strategic viewpoint, you may realize how important this War really is.
6) "Fortunately for" me? Don't do me any favors, Dude. I'm in this War because I want to be. I'm in this War because it is a righteous War, for the right reasons. As for the "disrespect for the rights and responsibilities of all citizens of a democracy", YOU, Sir, are the pansy that admittedly advocates desertion in opposition to service? What responsibility would that be?
Look... we wouldn't WANT you to fight with us, we don't NEED you to fight with us. The big boys are taking care of the big boy stuff. Now go with the other little girls and play with your dolls.
Like I said... leave the War to the Warriors.
Al: You are obviously new around this here parts.
I can't add to what Master Gunner said, nor would I presume to speak for him since he is more than eloquent himself 
, BUT I can address one issue you raise. Do NOT send your son to Canada. You obviously aren't keeping up with the 'real' news. Canada does not offer safe harbour to those trying to avoid the War...Just last week, a US ***** ( pick your own adjective there) who had signed on for the US Army then changed his mind, was refused any kind of legal status in Canada.
It may have escaped your notice, but there IS a war going on. In times of War (read your history) in my opinion yes, the msm SHOULD be kept on a tight leash. I am not in Iraq but I am sure the terrorists are just rubbing their hands in glee as they see the lack of support by some - even in govt ranks - or did you miss the part where one of the terrorists lay claim to helping the Democrats win the seats they recently did?
As for Arkin and the like? I KNOW he was well aware of what he wrote, because he said he "intentionally". Can't be much plainer than that. Just as the others recently enjoying their 15 minutes in the spotlight are deliberately taking pot shots at OUR troops (yes Al - they are fighting for you)read their words as many times as you like. There is only one interpretation of their diatribes. I really don't want to have to do a line by line analaysis of them all for you Al. I have better things to do with my time.
Meantime, from where I sit, every soldier is a volunteer. Did that escape you too? As long as your son doesn't sign on - and apparently he wouldn't, (he doesn't wanna be with the big boys...lol)he is safe to learn his philosophies at his dad's knee.
Ain't democracy grand. Now - I have real warriors to support. Yep - you know those like Master Gunner who are not only smart, educated, articulate (am I being redundant yet? lol) but they also lay their lives on the line for your freedom to hold the philosophies you are teaching your son. They are fighting now so your grandchildren can continue to express their dissent.
God bless our troops.
And MG? In my ever articulate manner?
HOO-frickin-AAAH!
NEXT!
I don't know whether to laugh or cringe at trhe ignorance of those like Al.
Keep up the good work MG!
I am off the net today. I have to tape all the pregame... Hoping to see some of our dark Horse Soldiers in the Baghdad Bowl!
HOO-frickin-AAAH!
Al, I don't think you can see the forest for the trees. The situation in Iraq may not be what we would like it to be...read some history...WWII..."mistakes were made" back then and now...yet my father's generation did not back off (or withdraw or cut and run or redeploy or whatever phrase you choose to use)...until they attained...Victory. Had they your mindset...we'd be having this discussion in German or Japanese. More likely there would be no discussion. Since I assume you can read this...in English...thank a Veteran.
"As much as you want to be there doing the good work, it is my fervent hope that we get you the hell out of there before any harm comes to you and before our misguided efforts create any more damage to the very gols we are trying to achieve"
And who gave you the right to know what's in the troops' best interest? Here you have it straight from a soldier's mouth and you do not hear.
Did you ask my soldier daughter what she thought? Or wanted?
I agree with you that our elected have not done a great job here. But that's them ~ not our soldiers whose hands have been tied since the beginning and I'll tell you, having talked to many soldiers, that wasn't up to them.
"Fortunately for you I will keep working to get you out of there regardless of your disrespect for the rights and responsibilities of all citizens in a democracy."
Al, Them's fightin' words. If anything, our soldiers have had to take constant disrespect from not only the politicians who are putting power before the good of the troops, but people such as Arkin and all those folks who keep screaming "we support the troops - bring them home". and then spit on them figuratively and literally.
"(or do brat and yankeemom really want to insitute true censorship?)"
Now I won't speak for brat here but I can assure I do not want to institute true censorship. But I sure as hell can let someone know that I don't like what they have to say. I again bring up the double standard - "you can speak only if you agree with what I believe" that is so prevalent within the anti-war camp. (Hey, I live in Santa Cruz - I get that a lot.) Seems to me that it's Arkin that is trying to shut up the troops.
Free speech has consequences - you say something in this country and there may be a response that you don't like, on both sides of any issue.
Slander is not free speech.
In all the posts I read, only one got his true intent. The guy was/is affiliated with ANSWER, etc. He deliberately wanted to provoke. That way most or none would look into that aspect. Did you read the post by the guy with the Phd who said his post could be reprinted as long as his creidt for writing it was left intact? Old Larkin is trying to make us look like a$$e$!
I'm working on a response myself. I just had to cool off first.
Great post brat.
p.s.: These people are supporting the enemy. Look at their sites. The Communist/socialist element in America has joined forces with the enemy since the enemy of my enemy is my friend!
MG, CT I would just like to say thanks for doing what needs to be done. I am so thankful there are real men (and women) like you fighting for our country. Please don't listen to those girly-men who know nothing about what they're spouting off about. WAAAAAAAHHHH I'm gonna send my son to Canada. Way to instill good values upon your son. Yup way to go buddy.
You're doing a great job guys...Keep it up in spite of those who seek to "help" you. Thanks
That is precisely my point devildog.(or one of them...lol...)..Of course I dont advocate a loss of free speech, I dont even demand that everyone agrees with me, BUT when the msm is awash with 'op/ed's' that daily inform the enemy how divided this country is, that to me is a danger to our troops. We won't even talk about the msm that trumpets loud and clear the details of upcoming missions BEFORE they happen. "Support our troops"?????? BULL! Then of course we get into the 'I support our troops - bring them home' crowd. Excuuuuuuuse me? As I have seen here, ask MG ask Yankeemom's daughter, ask the troops...and yes, asl those troops I KNOW why they are there, what they are doing....Well DUH! THEY are committed to doing the job they went to do. I, for one, would love every last one of our troops be home safe with their loved ones - more than the 'Al's' of the world could possibly know. BUT if not the guys who volunteer on this one - then who? Are the Al's and the *** Arkins gonna stand at the borders and welcome the terrorists in to 'argue'??????? Oh wait - the terrorists are already here.
Then to say these troops only sign on for the bonus? He must be reading the same as those who talk of the "amenities" our soldiers 'enjoy'. Yea right.....In my humble opinion no amount of money will EVER repay our troops for what they face. 24/7...
Seems to me the club of Al enjoy the 'sound' of their own rhetoric. That's the only rationale I can come up with. I talk to soldiers both here at home and in Iraq on a regular basis. From where I sit, I can only conclude that soldiers are motivated by an honour, a passion to do the honourable thing. Oh and yes - let's not forget the Iraqi people.. We know they welcome us there...Of course, according to the msm Iraq is one great big mess (using simple words here.lol) of murderous thugs (ours and theirs of course!) What they refuse to acknowledge is that this violence is a) suicide terrorists killing their OWN people, and b) contained within very small areas of Baghdad...(and in Kirkuk just lately!)
But hey - the Als and the others never let the facts get in the way of a righteous blabbing...That soooooo wouldn't play well with their agendas...
Okay....Pardon me..I almost let my emotions get carried away there...DOH!!!
hehehe Gail.... guess you missed that part???? rofl... Canada doesn't want to 'halp' those who sign on for the US Army then change their minds.
So Al, maybe try for Mexico - but as we hear from you - you'll stop your son signing up anyways....What will you do? Lock him in his bedroom????? lol..Maybe you should. I sure wouldn't want him next to me on a front line...
Oh and one more kick at this one..."gols [sic] trying to achieve" Al?
As part of my independant thinking (try it some time!) I have learned that GREAT things are being done for the Iraqi people by the Coalition forces. You know, things like running water being set up, electricity. One village even has their own radio station now...Imagine that!!
Then we have the schools - where boys AND girls attend, and hospitals. Guess you have missed all the stories of OUR troops operating on, saving the lives of, children brutally injured by the IRAQI terrorists.
All well and good to bleat "bring our troops home", buddy... I am guessing you don't even KNOW what their mission is.
I just don't understand the logic behind these Drive By Agitators. Why come to a site where the regulars are Soldiers, partners of Soldiers, Family of Soldiers or have friends who serve, shoot their mouth off and run??
Kinda reminds me of the methods of the terrorists really. Isn't that how they fight this war?? Hit and run. Safe in the knowledge that they can either hide or blow themselves up and never have to face the repercussions of their actions.
Is there anyone on their side of the fence that isn't a coward???
In my shortest comment ever...lol...and in answer to Aussie:
NO!!!
I didn't miss it Brat. I was pointing out the values he is teaching his son. When called to protect what is yours, chicken out & run like heck in the other direction. Hmmm but are you sure you won't take such a fine girly-man specimen of chicken? c'mon Brat please take the chicken....
NO!!! rofl
You take the chicken and I'll fry it up Southern Style!
Mike Quinn was a friend of mine. We went to Master Gunner School together and our small group would meet at his house some times to study.
Mike gave his protective gear to one of his soldiers. Probably wouldn't have helped that day but I can't help but wonder.
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