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LaTigresse -> RE: Something we can all agree upon in politics? (9/6/2008 5:12:13 PM)
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ORIGINAL: Thadius
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ORIGINAL: LaTigresse
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ORIGINAL: celticlord2112
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I just expect platitudes and empty flag waving. I am tired of having my "Patriotic american" chain pulled.
I am sure there will be plenty of flags waving and plenty of platitudes.
I choose to take such gestures as they are offered, as tokens of respect from the living to the dead. Over 3,000 people died on 9/11. For the families and friends left behind, that day can never be the same. Acknowledging the tragedy of that day isn't just a patriotic or political thing to do; it is the decent thing to do.
When patriotism and smart politics converge with simple decency, I choose to celebrate the decency over the patriotism and the politics.
That's me.
Right now there are 4152 confirmed deaths of US soldiers in Iraq that President Bush and his co-horts are directly responsible for. All in the name of terrorism and 9/11. Not to mention Iraqi deaths. All based upon a lie.
I really don't feel like celebrating or flag waving.
Some of us do recognize and honor those lives lost, we just don't feel a need to use it for political gain. I do hope you are against those protests that interupt the funerals of these men and women.
Very much so. I've got many family members that are military in some form or another. Several of them have served in Iraq, a few multiple times. There is another computer in this house that has photos I don't even want to look at because of their graphic nature, taken in Iraq.
Each and every military person I know, have known that I was against this last venture in Iraq. They also know without a shadow of a doubt that I support them. Two very different things. A few of them, after retirement, have shared their agreement with me, based upon what they saw and know in their service.
They viewed their service in a way many civilians might not understand. It's not romantic or pretty. They signed on to do a job and to serve their country however their commander in chief deemed necessary. As a servant of this country it was not their place to question that task of service. It is not for them to question. It is for them to follow orders and do the very best job they can.
They also feel that part of serving this country is protecting our right to disagree with our country's leaders. It is our greatest freedom as a citizen of the United States of America, freedom of speech. To serve and protect that right is a great honour.
Anyone that would degrade that service, AND the sacrifice of the families so that the soldier could serve, is an idiot at best.
edited to add...........I've been very fortunate to have not lost any of the dozens of friends, family, aqaintances, that have served or continue to serve our country. The closest I came to feeling that was while on a rare phone call with a soldier that was stationed in Tikrit. We were talking and then there were many staccato noises, an "oh shit Lee, hold on!" a clank of the phone receiver, more gun fire and several large explosions, silence, then many panicky voices. Finally the receiver rattled and "okay I'm back. They are just having their afternoon fun from across the river and shelling us. Don't worry, they're terrible shots." To which I replied "what if they weren't aiming at you?!?"
And our conversation continued. That was how I was awakened one morning before work.
I cannot imagine degrading a funeral, the devastating loss, of a family who's morning phone call may not have ended as well as mine did.
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