T1B

http://www.defenselink.mil/afd/

(this link may self destruct--so read it now !)

rack those who serve and protect !!

More propaganda.

sin

BSmack wrote:More propaganda.

sin

I see your exploitation attempt and raise you a young Marine that will learn to cope with and take pride in the sacrifice he made, despite the efforts of your ilk.

Your ilk failed to condemn the Vietnam Vet, albeit you kept your birkenstock laden foot on their throats until 1982, but nevertheless, they've won.

As will that Marine.

Tom In VA wrote:

BSmack wrote:More propaganda.

sin

I see your exploitation attempt and raise you a young Marine that will learn to cope with and take pride in the sacrifice he made, despite the efforts of your ilk.

Your ilk failed to condemn the Vietnam Vet, albeit you kept your birkenstock laden foot on their throats until 1982, but nevertheless, they've won.

As will that Marine.

WTF are you talking about? I was 16 in 1982. Take "your ilk" and shove it up your ass.

Tom In VA wrote:

BSmack wrote:More propaganda.

sin

I see your exploitation attempt and raise you a young Marine that will learn to cope with and take pride in the sacrifice he made, despite the efforts of your ilk.

Your ilk failed to condemn the Vietnam Vet, albeit you kept your birkenstock laden foot on their throats until 1982, but nevertheless, they've won.

As will that Marine.

You're the guy who chose comfort over duty, Tommy.

Unless of course, you're posting this from Boot Camp...Say "Hi" to ADAM for me.

I wouldn't exactly call it 'Happy' but much love for our brave troops. I might not support the president or the mission itself but I'll at least support the everyday people putting it out on the line.

Ah Marty, how is it that Tom champions the "rights and respects" which are typically expected for the US of America's fighting forces, and he gets jabbed for it? Typically the slaps are saved for the fookers who bash the fighting forces without having served.

Me? I didn't serve either. I availed myself for the big old draft. Remember that, or were you still in diapers? The draft came around for me when I was 18 and a freshman in college. I was born in 1953 and the link reflects when all of us, then, were ordered to serve our country, for that year of our birth. Scroll down to the 19th of Jan. and you can see/hear/understand how I did. I was happy with the number, but I also would have been happy to have served my country. I wasn't going to raise my hand to enlist in 1972, but I was willing to go if my number was called. It wasn't. Oh, I served, kind of. I guess working the streets in some shithole neighborhood in SouthEast Portland for three decades has some arguments toward civil responsibilities. I just found it odd that some of my American buddies wanted to kill me just like old Charlie did. VC. The Cong. The varmit Cong. :D

http://www.sss.gov/lotter4.htm

I garnered a 303, as I was born on Jan. 19th. No way was 303 going to be drafted in the year, 1972. I'm not sure how far they got in '72, but I think it was less than 60. I didn't try for any deferment, or Conscientious objector status. Even though my dad was career military, he just said, "Do what you want, kid, but I wouldn't volunteer. Do your duty and accept your fate with the lottery."

I was a lucky son of a bitch. You will never hear me bad mouth the military people for serving. Maybe badmouth their ordered stance per se, sure, or for crimes etc. I'm not going to badmouth people who opt for an education or a job over military service either. A volunteer Army is just what it means. You know, when I was over in Israel last month, it was fascinating. Every young Israeli, of age, had to serve in the military. They were proud of it, as we are here about our volunteer defense forces. Males and females served in Israel. I only talked to a handful of people, but they ALL beemed about their service. A small country, hated my many Muslims ('sup Syria, Iran, Iraq, blah blah), probably has to do a mandatory service. For right now, the USA doesn't have to do that. This is cool, too, Yes?

Rip City

rack luth

Thanks Luth. Marty's slaps are.

1. Ignorant, he doesn't know the full story.

2. But ultimately close to the truth. I chose the pursuit of a wife over the military. Not to say I would have cut the mustard anyway, but I had my decision and I chose the wife.

Leaves me with two choices when it comes to debate.

1. Keeping my mouth shut.
2. Expressing my opinion and getting a few zingers and slaps. They won't change my opinion, nor the truth of the matter that the BSmacks, Marty's, and Tom's In VA don't deserve the sacrifice these men make.

And yes Marty, you and your country have benefitted from the blood American men and women have shed. Whether you think so or not, and whether you like it or not .... you have enjoyed comforts .... unearned ... as have I.