Posted on 03/13/2010 6:56:17 AM PST by Sarah-bot
I want to approach this delicately because it is a delicate issue. Throughout our discussions we commonly encounter individuals referring to their military service as a form of reference. I must admit that I have done this my self. The point is that there is no way to know if someone is stealing valor by claiming military service on this forum. I am willing to submit my DD -214 to Jim Robinson or his surrogates. My suggestion is that anyone having prior military service (validated by DD-214 gets a star or some such indicator by their screen name), and those people can reference their military service. I am not saying this because I want to brag, I just resent the idea of people using pretentious military service as a form of reference. If I am out of line on this I apologize and I will accept the rebuke graciously.
The only reason it matters to me is when it comes to military discussions. Many people berate a person for there political view, although a person risked their life honorably. I also should say that there is a difference between having liberal views and being a traitor. John Kerry vs. John McCain is my submission. Kerry returned from war and worked against the war effort, McCain did not. I guess I feel differently about criticism over McCain’s, or any man’s service, when it comes from vets. It just easy to steal valor on the internet.
Did you know John Kerry was in Vietnam?
I am down with that, and I frequently ask a person to resolve discussions with me through email if they tend toward military claims. I know there are a lot of patriot here who endured much more rigorous service than myself, but I am troubled by the problem. Like I said it is delicate and if I am the only one who has a problem with it I will leave well enough alone.
That is what I heard. I also heard that he threw his metals in the drink, in a fairly public manner. Don’t cross swords with me over Kerry.
Good idea S-Bot but agreed it’s alot of work for the Mods.
I would do it if they were willing to do the work.
Was I wrong in posting this question?
Thank you.
Why? What's the difference?
Can you prove that? Did he serve? I hate it when Rush says that Kerry served in Viet Nam. He attended and was present but did he serve? Kerry did much to steal the valor of soldiers but he destroyed the accomplishments of veterans. Kerry you need to apologies to 2,500,000 men of valor. Kerry you are a lying weasel and I along with the 2,500,000 men of valor are not baby killers and war criminals.
Not all who risked their lives were in uniform.
There’s enough FReeper institutional knowledge that we’ve historically been able to “out” the wannabe’s. I rarely make an issue of my service unless I have a personal anecdote to illustrate a point I’m trying to make. Whether or not that enhances my credibility, I leave purely to the discretion of the reader...
I am sorry, what I meant was I feel differently about criticism over his patriotism.
We are posting to an internet forum using made up names and you are worried about somebody fudging on military service??
I am merely a military wife, but I post about the military. No DD214. :)
Yes, but how? Do you feel vets have more a right to comment on it? Less?
Hey, who you sayin has a made up name?!! Shimmer is my real name. You mean you’re not Crazy Horse????
:D
USN Vet but my DD-214 will stay with me.
A simpler step:
Recognize that military service is irrelevant to most discussions, and having served does not make an unsound opinion sound, or an invalid argument valid—so why mention it?
Point well taken, but still. I beseech that you allow veterans the leave to judge their own. I do respect the sacrifice of the family. Soldiers, unfortunately, do not only have to survive for them selves they also have to survive for their families.
Truly said.
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