Operation Infinite FReep 9-21-02 in Columbia, MO

Bluesagewoman | 9-21-02 | Bluesagewoman

[JustAmy]

“Do you have any medals?”

Upon arrival to our spot, the peacenik and chief anti-war veteran demanded that we show them our medals, as if only military service would entitle us to have an opinion. DogRobber replied honestly that he had no medals. Bluesage also has no medals, but Bret has medals (he’s a vet) and so does Zip (also a vet). A curious request from the peaceniks, considering they detest the military so much that only those who reject the honor of military service need apply for membership to their ranks.

Six Missourians stood for America this morning, once again, across from the peacenik crowd. With the Air Force birthday and POW/MIA events happening this past week, we were in a reflective mood and discussed issues amongst ourselves. Newbie, Bret, was a bit disconcerted by the half-peace signs directed at us. Must have been that new parasite sign!

As always, we were amazed at the anger and intolerance the peaceful sorts exhibit toward those who disagree with them. This winter when we turn on our heat, drive our comfy cars to work, and enjoy the prosperity that freedom brings, we’ll have to think about their signs and feel sorry for the peaceniks. We know they will be cold, on foot, and extremely unhappy with all America and our military has given to them.

One thing is also clear from this past week’s international events. There will be war with Iraq. President Bush has given clear notice that Iraq must surrender its sovereignty to the UN and America and allow unconditional, intrusive and complete inspections of its nuclear, chemical and bio-weapon capability. Saddam will not comply and we will not be gainsaid our purpose. Ultimately, the peacenik forces will see their protests come to naught and they will be forced to choose between America and her enemies. We know what their choice will be and what ours will be.

FReepers Attending: Zip, DogRobber, Bretmilk, and BSW. Also attending: Wendel and a Ziplet

[VOA]

Upon arrival to our spot, the peacenik and chief anti-war veteran demanded that we show
them our medals, as if only military service would entitle us to have an opinion.

Welcome to (one of the) latests "talking points" probably straight from
the Democratic National Committee.

Funny, this argument was deemed irrelevant when alpha-male chicken-hawk
Bill Clinton was running the show.

I'd print out the article from The Guardian (a left-wing British publication) and hand it
to these folks, and recommend they buy a copy of "Gunning For Sadaam" from
PBS (that should make them happy) and tell them that Clinton and the Congress that
passed the resolution to get rid of Sadaam a few years ago didn't have the cojones to do
the job.
Now these folks can just step aside, turn off the gas at their house and not
fuel their cars for the duration if they are really peeved about "blood for oil".

I'm thinking that those bumper stickes that some lefties are putting on SUVs that say
"I Caused 9-11" (because you drive a gas-guzzler) should be revised to

"I Caused 9-11
I voted for Clinton"
(May G-d and the dead forgive me.)

[bretmilk]

It's a great sign and I'd love to claim credit for coming up with it, but it's someone else's great handiwork!

[Bahbah]

Hey, gang. You are the greatest. I love the "Root causes of American anger" sign. I'm experiencing sign envy.

[bretmilk]

I forgot to tell you, that sign is great about the root causes of American anger!

[bluesagewoman]

Yes, Bret, I think the signs really made them angry this week. VOA, you preach to the choir! HeeHee, Zip will be jealous.

Senorita, you understand about the laundry list of complaints they have! We have one peacenik who will bring her potted plant once in awhile, I guess to protest logging or something. It's crazy!

All you guys, and I hope I haven't left anyone out, thanks for your support for our troops, vets and Missouri FReeps.

Zip, thanks for all you do here.

[Mama_Bear]

That note from Osama is a GREAT find, Meek. Right on target!

[Mama_Bear]

Great job, patriots! THANK YOU and GOD BLESS!

[chadsworth]

It's a great sign and I'd love to claim credit for coming up with it, but it's someone else's great handiwork!

What's this, honesty in a post, what a novelty!

Thanks for the reply, - going into production on the sign for our FResno FRiday FReep session for this coming week.

[MeekOneGOP]

Thank you !

[Mama_Bear]

I agree Amy. The word Patriot means more than just serving in the military too. A dictionary meaning is simply, "One who loves his or her country."

Bravo!.......and ditto to what you said. :-)

[SAMWolf]

PING.

Good job writing up your report Blue!

[bluesagewoman]

The peaceniks think they have the corner on the word "patriot" in a twisted way. It is most irritating.

[bluesagewoman]

Thanks SAMW, DogRobber says I use too many archane words. FReepers are intelligent folks, we have dictionaries! HeeHee. Unlike some peaceniks who just make up definitions to suit themselves.

[Mama_Bear]

The peaceniks think they have the corner on the word "patriot" in a twisted way. It is most irritating.

Unfortunately, as I recently learned, it is not only "peaceniks" who feel this way. My patriotism - indeed, the patriotism of ALL of us who participate in rallies, waving our flag and supporting our military and our President, has been called into question by a few FReepers who feel that military service is a prerequisite and the criteria by which someone may be judged and considered a "patriot".

So, as you might guess, this is a hot-button issue right now for a few of us here. I admit, I cannot see war through the eyes of a veteran, but I do understand the sacrifices of those who have answered the call and endured God only knows what horrors on the battlefields. I grieve for those who's lives were cut short and their families, and I DO understand the price that so many thousands throughout our history have paid fighting under OUR flag. Patriotism is expressed in many ways and in many degrees. Thank God that MY patriotism and yours and the patriotism of many fine FReepers and Americans is not defined by those few narrow-minded people.

[mtngrl@vrwc]

Unfortunately, as I recently learned, it is not only "peaceniks" who feel this way. My patriotism - indeed, the patriotism of ALL of us who participate in rallies, waving our flag and supporting our military and our President, has been called into question by a few FReepers who feel that military service is a prerequisite and the criteria by which someone may be judged and considered a "patriot".

Don't give these few FReepers a second thought. They are ignorant. Yeah, we have been FReeping the peaceniks every Friday night for over a year because we are working on our tans, right? Not! I don't enjoy having those little skin cancers that keep cropping up cut off.

I hold my sign asking those that drive by to honk to show their support for the military and President Bush because if we don't do that, Fresnans (and Americans everywhere) will forgive and forget the horrors of Sept 11th. We are trying to keep the feelings of patriotism alive so that President Bush will have the support of the American people behind him as he undertakes further strikes against terrorists and those countries who give them refuge.

Also, I hope that members of the military in other parts of the world might see our thread on the internet and realize that we support them and appreciate the sacrifice they are making for their country.

[Mama_Bear]

Thank you, FReep Sister!

God bless America!

[JustAmy]

You put into words what many of us feel. How can serving in the military make you a patriot? Just look at the Soldiers for Peace that these Missouri Freepers face every Saturday.
The few FReepers who question the patriotism of the Freepers who meet weekly to Support our Troops and yes, send mail and care packages, are living in glass houses and throwing stones. IMHO!
I have no proof, but I would guess that many who call us unpatriotic, themselves have not served! I know many of them have and some are still serving. I have many family members who served and they know their service does not necessarily mean 'patriot' nor does that service entitle them to belittle others. There are some violent, abusive veterans, are they better patriots than the Americans who have not served?

[Mama_Bear]

Thank you, FReep Sister Amy. I agree with your comments and they are appreciated. :-)

[bretmilk]

Speaking as someone who served in the military and made a career of it, I would never even think to question whether someone who did or did not serve in the military is a patriot. That is a moot point as far as I'm concerned. Everyone I've met who stands on our side is a patriot regardless of their military record. There are many different ways of serving and me having been in the military doesn't make me any better or any worse than any one else and I would question someone who would try to even make that a point. I'm proud to be in the company of those I spent that hour with Saturday morning. To judge someone in such a way is wrong and I'd be ashamed of anyone in the military who ever questioned someone else's patriotism. This may not be very clear, I'm not a great writer, but I hope my meaning is clear.

[bretmilk]

Speaking as someone who served in the military and made a career of it, I would never even think to question whether someone who did or did not serve in the military is a patriot. That is a moot point as far as I'm concerned. Everyone I've met who stands on our side is a patriot regardless of their military record. There are many different ways of serving and me having been in the military doesn't make me any better or any worse than any one else and I would question someone who would try to even make that a point. I'm proud to be in the company of those I spent that hour with Saturday morning. To judge someone in such a way is wrong and I'd be ashamed of anyone in the military who ever questioned someone else's patriotism. This may not be very clear, I'm not a great writer, but I hope my meaning is clear.