Got a connection?

Got a connection? (Full Version)

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[Poll]

Got a connection?

I served/am serving

30% (18)

I have immediate family who recently served/are serving

40% (24)

I know people with family in the military

21% (13)

Nobody in my family since Vietnam

0% (0)

Nobody in my family since World War II

3% (2)

That's for people who aren't like me

5% (3)

Total Votes : 60

(last vote on : 6/1/2013 9:45:29 PM)
(Poll will run till: -- )

Message

TheHeretic -> Got a connection? (5/27/2013 9:57:48 AM)
So I'm reading the New York Times' Memorial Day preach piece, and it contained the sobering statistic that a mere 0.5% of the US population joins the military. In light of another thread, I'm wondering how many here have any connection at all to the modern military. Multiple selections are available.

Aylee -> RE: Got a connection? (5/27/2013 10:17:31 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: TheHeretic So I'm reading the New York Times' Memorial Day preach piece, and it contained the sobering statistic that a mere 0.5% of the US population joins the military. In light of another thread, I'm wondering how many here have any connection at all to the modern military. Multiple selections are available. Rich, that is because we currently have an English style of Army instead of a Continental style of Army.

Marini -> RE: Got a connection? (5/27/2013 10:21:17 AM)
Hi Rich. My father served in Nam twice. Oops, he was drafted, so I guess he doesn't count in your "modern military poll". Happy Memorial Day to everyone who has served our country!

OsideGirl -> RE: Got a connection? (5/27/2013 10:29:01 AM)
My Dad and brother were both Air Force. Oddly enough, none of my immediate family served in WWII, Korea or Vietnam. In WWII my paternal Grandfather was deemed too old and my maternal Grandfather was deemed not healthy enough. My father was drafted between Korea and Vietnam. My brother was in the service between the incidents in Iraq.

Powergamz1 -> RE: Got a connection? (5/27/2013 10:29:07 AM)
Where did you get the idea that those who were drafted don't count? And where did you get the idea that Memorial Day is for 'thanking all of those who served'? quote: ORIGINAL: Marini Hi Rich. My father served in Nam twice. Oops, he was drafted, so I guess he doesn't count in your "modern military poll". Happy Memorial Day to you all who served our country!

dcnovice -> RE: Got a connection? (5/27/2013 10:34:48 AM)
FR There wasn't really an option that described me. I've had relatives (an uncle, a cousin's husband) serve, but no one in my nuclear family. I've also worked with veterans, including recent ones. The disconnect between my privileged world and the service was particularly vivid during the Gulf War. I worked at a large, national organization, and almost none of my almost entirely white colleagues had any link to the fighting. Then I'd go down to the cafeteria, where the largely black staff had filled a whole bulletin board with photos of all their sons and brothers and other kin who were serving.

OsideGirl -> RE: Got a connection? (5/27/2013 10:40:40 AM)
We're on the board of directors for two charities that work for service members/veterans. I realize that Memorial Day is to remember those that have fallen, but I use it to thank everyone that has served. I'm not going to get hung up on the technicalities of the wording, when I'm sitting at dinner with a guy that lost both legs and part of his left hand to an IED.

LadyPact -> RE: Got a connection? (5/27/2013 10:40:40 AM)
I'm one of the folks who are part of the "family serving" option for your poll. Everybody knows that I'm married to MP, of course. I also have a son who is serving. My father served in Korea.

Marini -> RE: Got a connection? (5/27/2013 10:41:00 AM)
quote: So I'm reading the New York Times' Memorial Day preach piece, and it contained the sobering statistic that a mere 0.5% of the US population joins the military. I could be wrong, but I thought Rich was asking how many here, have a connection to those in the military that volunteered to serve and were not drafted. I realize the holiday is "Memorial Day", but I like to also show appreciation for those that are still living. I always thank all the veterans who have served.

TheHeretic -> RE: Got a connection? (5/27/2013 11:04:57 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Marini I could be wrong, but I thought Rich was asking how many here, have a connection to those in the military that volunteered to serve and were not drafted. The shift to an all-volunteer force plays a role in the disconnect, Mari, but it isn't the whole story. There were plenty already disconnected enough from the notion that there is an obligation to serve to give us legions of proud draft-dodgers in the decades since WWII. Hell, we even had a proud draft dodger make it into the White House.

Marini -> RE: Got a connection? (5/27/2013 11:06:58 AM)
quote: The shift to an all-volunteer force plays a role in the disconnect, Mari, but it isn't the whole story. There were plenty already disconnected enough from the notion that there is an obligation to serve to give us legions of proud draft-dodgers in the decades since WWII. Hell, we even had a proud draft dodger make it into the White House. Thanks for explaining your op, Rich.

tj444 -> RE: Got a connection? (5/27/2013 11:29:59 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: TheHeretic So I'm reading the New York Times' Memorial Day preach piece, and it contained the sobering statistic that a mere 0.5% of the US population joins the military. that is not surprising to me.. they are not very well paid considering they could be risking their life.. and consider that the Iraq war was illegal and based on a political lie.. who wants to die for that? If you die for something, shouldnt it be for an honorable reason?.. and how veterans are treated when they get back, higher unemployment rates, and a good percentage ending up with pstd, various other problems and also end up homeless.. and then there are some that joined the military and decided that killing wasnt for them so they desert instead.. and, just cuz there isnt a draft now, doesnt mean the govt cant institute the draft again in the future.. Decades ago, the military was viewed differently, then came Vietnam and the view changed.. People became aware that it was mostly the poor and poorly educated that were drafted or joined (some to get an education) but the likes of Bush & Romney who evaded "serving" or were given safe positions have made some people distrust those in charge of the military.. then there are how women are treated in the military, especially if they are raped.. a lot of not so good PR for joining the US military.. so yeah, when you make a list of pros and cons.. that stat does not surprise me.. About Memorial Day.. http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/05/26/why-memorial-day-is-confused-with-veterans-day/

Marini -> RE: Got a connection? (5/27/2013 11:36:02 AM)
quote: About Memorial Day.. http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/05/26/why-memorial-day-is-confused-with-veterans-day/ Thanks tj, that was an informative article. I fully understand that Memorial Day is to honor those that are dead, but I will continue to thank those that are still living also. Isn't it nice to live in a free country?

tj444 -> RE: Got a connection? (5/27/2013 11:46:53 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Marini Isn't it nice to live in a free country? it depends on one's definition of freedom... "freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose.." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTHRg_iSWzM

Marini -> RE: Got a connection? (5/27/2013 11:48:03 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: tj444 quote: ORIGINAL: Marini Isn't it nice to live in a free country? it depends on one's definition of freedom... "freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose.." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTHRg_iSWzM Noooooooooooooooooo not Janis, I freaking love her music. I agree, freedom is another word for nothing left to lose!

Powergamz1 -> RE: Got a connection? (5/27/2013 11:50:44 AM)
There are 364 days of the year including Veterans Day, to 'thank anyone who ever served'. There is only one day set aside to show a shred of human decency by remembering those who won't be able to 'thank a vet' or anyone else, because they gave the price of doing war at its extreme.... dying. Refusing to grant them that distinction for one even day, honors no one.

TheHeretic -> RE: Got a connection? (5/27/2013 11:55:24 AM)
FR Looking at the poll results, I'm wondering why it is that those with no personal connection whatsoever to voluntary military service aren't willing to have themselves counted.

TheHeretic -> RE: Got a connection? (5/27/2013 11:58:35 AM)
It's still a good day to give those who came home whole a hug, while we remember the ones that didn't.

Powergamz1 -> RE: Got a connection? (5/27/2013 11:59:03 AM)
Where do the poll results say anything even remotely resembling that? ETA: Ahh, 'counted' as in clicking the button, not 'stand up and be counted'. Nevermiiind. quote: ORIGINAL: TheHeretic FR Looking at the poll results, I'm wondering why it is that those with no personal connection whatsoever to voluntary military service aren't willing to have themselves counted.

TheHeretic -> RE: Got a connection? (5/27/2013 12:08:02 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Powergamz1 Where do the poll results say anything even remotely resembling that? At the time I posted the comment, there were zero responses to the "no personal connection to the modern volunteer military" responses. Duh It does seem someone dashed right up there, though. Good for them.

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