I know you're not the most sensitive soul, Steel, but have you ever considered that a lot of Freepers have family members in Iraq, and some have even lost their own kids (yes, 'kids') in this very noble cause?
Honest discussion is one thing, but mission bashing is quite another. Don't think that the troops........at least the younger ones........aren't negatively affected by the betrayal of the politicians, and the leftist pacifists and far right isolationists. And don't think that the families who are sacrificing haven't been hurt deeply by what has happened to the support of the mission here on FR.
This discussion could be held with respect for the troops and their families, and it would accomplish far more.
I don't think that's too much to ask of decent people.
That's hardly true. I cried like a baby at the end of "The Dirty Dozen" You remember the part, when Lee Marvin was dumping gasoline and stuffing grenades down the .. *sniff* .. down the bunker air shafts onto the trapped Nazi officers? *sniff* And poor Donald Sutherland got it by the f..ffrront of the mansion. I .. really thought he was gonna make it. I'm sorry .. I need a minute...
but have you ever considered that a lot of Freepers have family members in Iraq, and some have even lost their own kids (yes, 'kids') in this very noble cause?
I have considered it. I have friends and colleagues who's names are etched into walls, and I'm not at all neutral about it. I don't think they died for nothing, no matter how it all ends. They were men who died doing what they loved, and in the company of friends. It's a shame only in that they are gone, not how they left.
Back to honest discussion, life does go on. We can't get fixated on the past, we need to keep our eyes open, think about what we're doing, and talk about it. Lord knows it's the kind of things troops hope is going on. They want to know that people are thinking about them and evaluating the importance of what they are doing.
One more thing. rbmillerjr, you're being an ass. An airborne ass, perhaps, but I've met plenty of them, too. I used to be one myself, so I know what I'm talking about. They don't hand out wings for being smart, so don't think you can use them to win arguments with.
Don't think that the troops........at least the younger ones........aren't negatively affected by the betrayal of the politicians, and the leftist pacifists and far right isolationists.
They're negatively affected by a lot of things. Our talk, insofar as it's honest and respectful, probably least of all. I know you mean well, and your heart's in the right place. All I'm saying is, give them a little more credit. They may surprise you.