| Posted By |
Message |
| Pages: [1] 2 |
Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)
Member since 5/06 23378 total posts
Name:
remember, when Gulliver traveled....
|
Everyone has A LOT of opinions on the war and the military and the Govt...I'd just like to know
how many of you are INVOLVED in any of those things, or have a FAMILY member...not a friend, or a friend of a friend...but a CLOSE relative involved in the war, the military, or the govt as it relates to either of those things...
I am just curious. I see a lot of "my friend told me this" or "I heard that" and it got me curious.
eta:
are your opinions based soley on what you read in the news...???
Message edited 4/25/2007 10:06:02 AM.
|
Posted 4/25/07 10:05 AM  |
| |
|
Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
CaseyGirl
Mommy to 3 Boys :)
Member since 5/05 19978 total posts
Name:
Jen - counting my blessings...
|
Re: Everyone has A LOT of opinions on the war and the military and the Govt...I'd just like to know
My first cousin that I grew up with has been in the Army since June 2000. Let's just say that he is a changed person...has seen a lot of terrible disgusting things and even his own mother says she feels like she lost her son, she doesn't know him anymore 
|
| Posted 4/25/07 10:07 AM |
| |
|
nov04libride
big brother <3
Member since 5/05 14672 total posts
Name:
Me
|
Re: Everyone has A LOT of opinions on the war and the military and the Govt...I'd just like to know
I worked in the White House so I learned quite a bit more about what goes on and how decisions are made from being there.
|
| Posted 4/25/07 10:13 AM |
| |
|
CheeChee
HI THERE!!!!
Member since 5/05 3416 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Everyone has A LOT of opinions on the war and the military and the Govt...I'd just like to know
My brother is in the army, (military police). He has served one year in Afghanistan and thankfully came out alive. Hasnt been to Iraq yet, but that can change at any moment. I think the war is total crap and personally cant stomach the man that this country calls a president. (insert big heaping pile of dog sh!t icon here)
|
| Posted 4/25/07 10:14 AM |
| |
|
KGools
Happy
Member since 9/06 9532 total posts
Name:
Kim
|
Re: Everyone has A LOT of opinions on the war and the military and the Govt...I'd just like to know
Just curious... what difference does it make if it's a family member or a friend? I ask because FH's best friend since practically birth is a vet (at the ripe old age of 24). Just wondering where the difference lies??
To sort of answer your question... I don't even try to attempt to wrap my mind around the situation because I can't... regardless of what our FRIEND tells us or shows us or what I read in the paper. All I know is that we now have a friend that will never be the same mentally, emotionally, or physically and that saddens me and whether or not he risked all of those things that we take for granted (our mental, emotional, and physical stability) for nothing, I'll never know....
|
| Posted 4/25/07 10:18 AM |
| |
|
Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)
Member since 5/06 23378 total posts
Name:
remember, when Gulliver traveled....
|
Re: Everyone has A LOT of opinions on the war and the military and the Govt...I'd just like to know
Posted by CoopersMom01
Just curious... what difference does it make if it's a family member or a friend? I ask because FH's best friend since practically birth is a vet (at the ripe old age of 24). Just wondering where the difference lies??
the difference is personal experience. to me, the impact a family members service has on YOU personally is greater than a friend or a friend of a friend (of course, there are exceptions, but I am speaking generally) and I wanted to understand how many people are experiencing this on a PERSONAL level...rather than a slightly distanced level.
|
| Posted 4/25/07 10:22 AM |
| |
|
KGools
Happy
Member since 9/06 9532 total posts
Name:
Kim
|
Re: Everyone has A LOT of opinions on the war and the military and the Govt...I'd just like to know
Posted by Ophelia
Posted by CoopersMom01
Just curious... what difference does it make if it's a family member or a friend? I ask because FH's best friend since practically birth is a vet (at the ripe old age of 24). Just wondering where the difference lies??
the difference is personal experience. to me, the impact a family members service has on YOU personally is greater than a friend or a friend of a friend (of course, there are exceptions, but I am speaking generally) and I wanted to understand how many people are experiencing this on a PERSONAL level...rather than a slightly distanced level.
gotcha.
this friend is like a brother to FH... best man at our wedding... we were there for his homecoming... i felt inclined to answer regardless of the relationship, but i try not to get involved in the other threads on the same topic...
|
| Posted 4/25/07 10:24 AM |
| |
|
Kate07
Feel better my little guy!
Member since 5/05 4476 total posts
Name:
Kate
|
Re: Everyone has A LOT of opinions on the war and the military and the Govt...I'd just like to know
My cousin is a pilot in the Air Force reserves and goes to Iraq often. I worry about him 
|
| Posted 4/25/07 10:27 AM |
| |
|
Snozberry
I might steal your diamonds
Member since 2/06 4680 total posts
Name:
Melissa
|
Re: Everyone has A LOT of opinions on the war and the military and the Govt...I'd just like to know
My uncle is in the Navy. My cousin and her DH are in the Marines.
It broke my heart when I called one day - my cousin's DH answered and sounded awful. The pain I heard was indescribable. When I asked him if he was okay, he told me that he had just called a family to let them know that their son was dead. He saw it there and he's home - and it's still all in front of him.
I won't even tell you what it was like for all of us when he was injured out there.
He'll never tell me what he truly thinks about the war but I know what my cousin thinks.
Having them involved only strengthens my opinion on the war.
ETA: I am VERY close with my cousin.
Message edited 4/25/2007 10:37:27 AM.
|
| Posted 4/25/07 10:35 AM |
| |
|
smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
|
Re: Everyone has A LOT of opinions on the war and the military and the Govt...I'd just like to know
I have 2 close friends in the military (army and navy). While they are not family members I believe their experience is more "true" than anything in the news that I would report.
They both went to Iraq and came back SAFE. One was there for almost 2 years. The other one for over 6 months.
|
| Posted 4/25/07 10:37 AM |
| |
|
PaddysGirl
Little princess is here!
Member since 4/07 5923 total posts
Name:
Crystal
|
Re: Everyone has A LOT of opinions on the war and the military and the Govt...I'd just like to know
My boyfriend is now a (disabled) veteran. His best friend for as long as they can remember - also considered family - is in the National Guard. I was the maid of honor and my bf was the best man in his wedding last year. And my best friend who is literally my brother was in the Marines.
So yes, all of their deployments and current conditions (mental and physical) have impact on me.
|
| Posted 4/25/07 11:34 AM |
| |
|
MsG
Should be working
Member since 5/05 2824 total posts
Name:
G
|
Re: Everyone has A LOT of opinions on the war and the military and the Govt...I'd just like to know
My BIL was in Iraq, one of DH's best friends was in Iraq. Other than those 2, I base my opinions on the news (tv and paper).
ETA: I forgot that my Uncle is ia Major in the Army Reserve; he's been to Afghanistan. The other 2 are Marines.
Message edited 4/25/2007 11:38:41 AM.
|
| Posted 4/25/07 11:37 AM |
| |
|
Shelly
She's 7!!!
Member since 8/05 14624 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Everyone has A LOT of opinions on the war and the military and the Govt...I'd just like to know
I have had 3 friends over in Iraq and 1 colleauge. No one I am particularly close to.
But as an American, a voter and a taxpayer, my opinion is just as valuable as someone whose family member is over there.
I do pray for everyone who has family over there. Even if I don't support everything our government has done, I support every member of our armed forces. I support every soldier who joined the army voluntarily, especially during war time, and I especially support those soliders in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan.
|
| Posted 4/25/07 11:43 AM |
| |
|
Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)
Member since 5/06 23378 total posts
Name:
remember, when Gulliver traveled....
|
Re: Everyone has A LOT of opinions on the war and the military and the Govt...I'd just like to know
Posted by Shelly
But as an American, a voter and a taxpayer, my opinion is just as valuable as someone whose family member is over there.
the "value" of ones opinon was not in question here...just the experiences that formulate it.
your support is wonderful.
|
| Posted 4/25/07 11:46 AM |
| |
|
DebG
Pick a cause & stand up for it
Member since 5/05 18602 total posts
Name:
The cure IS worse!
|
Re: Everyone has A LOT of opinions on the war and the military and the Govt...I'd just like to know
I also don't understand this. It is such a sweeping generalization. Do I have less vested in the war because my brother isn't there?
Does that ring true for every cause then? Can we not have people interested or concerned about cancer unless your mom, dad or sibling has it?
Really that could be any cause (poverty, aids..insert your own here)
Bottom line, take EVERYTHING the media says with a grain of salt...their a business to, just like the gov't.
Knowledge is POWER, do your OWN research.
|
| Posted 4/25/07 11:48 AM |
| |
|
KGools
Happy
Member since 9/06 9532 total posts
Name:
Kim
|
Re: Everyone has A LOT of opinions on the war and the military and the Govt...I'd just like to know
Posted by Shelly
Even if I don't support everything our government has done, I support every member of our armed forces. I support every soldier who joined the army voluntarily, especially during war time, and I especially support those soliders in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan.
I think that's so important. And I feel like so many people loose sight of that fact. We may not support why they are they but regardless, we need to support them.
|
| Posted 4/25/07 11:50 AM |
| |
|
Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)
Member since 5/06 23378 total posts
Name:
remember, when Gulliver traveled....
|
Re: Everyone has A LOT of opinions on the war and the military and the Govt...I'd just like to know
Posted by DebG
I also don't understand this. It is such a sweeping generalization. Do I have less vested in the war because my brother isn't there?
Does that ring true for every cause then? Can we not have people interested or concerned about cancer unless your mom, dad or sibling has it?
Really that could be any cause (poverty, aids..insert your own here)
Bottom line, take EVERYTHING the media says with a grain of salt...their a business to, just like the gov't.
Knowledge is POWER, do your OWN research.
I don't think we are saying the same thing. at least, what you are describing is not what I am saying.
I didn't mention anything about interest, or lack of it for that matter. I asked where the "knowlege" was coming from, whether first hand, second hand...or via "telephone".
but to answer you, yes, you can be interested in something, but you probably know more than most, that once something effects you on a very personal level, your interest and/or opinon of it changes in many different ways.
|
| Posted 4/25/07 11:54 AM |
| |
|
SweetestOfPeas
J'taime Paris!
Member since 3/06 32345 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Everyone has A LOT of opinions on the war and the military and the Govt...I'd just like to know
my opinion is - I am a tax paying American who has the right to an opinion
I'll leave it at that
|
| Posted 4/25/07 11:55 AM |
| |
|
DebG
Pick a cause & stand up for it
Member since 5/05 18602 total posts
Name:
The cure IS worse!
|
Re: Everyone has A LOT of opinions on the war and the military and the Govt...I'd just like to know
I would like to add, just because your loved one is in the war doesn't mean you or them know SQUAT about the government.
|
| Posted 4/25/07 11:56 AM |
| |
|
DebG
Pick a cause & stand up for it
Member since 5/05 18602 total posts
Name:
The cure IS worse!
|
Re: Everyone has A LOT of opinions on the war and the military and the Govt...I'd just like to know
Posted by SweetestOfPeas
my opinion is - I am a tax paying American who has the right to an opinion
I'll leave it at that
The second time to do you are resisting.
WOW!
 
|
| Posted 4/25/07 11:56 AM |
| |
|
Lisa
I'm a PANK!!!
Member since 5/05 22334 total posts
Name:
Professional Aunts No Kids
|
Re: Everyone has A LOT of opinions on the war and the military and the Govt...I'd just like to know
My BIL is on hes second tour in Iraq right now.
He has told us some stories...of course most of his missions are highly confidentional so we only get a little bit of info. The one thing that that really bothered me was that he missed meals because he was out patrolling and that if he did not bring snacks with him, he would not eat....W T F is up with that? I guess the US Govt cant give them meals to go huh??
He hurt himself the first time there and it AMAZED me how poor the health care was for him! He needed an MRI...which in my book is NOT anything that the US Govt doesnt have access to. He also lost about 40% of his hearing in his left ear...because of the roadside bombs that kept going off next to him. Again, he had to scramble to find a doctor that could help him!!
Before he went into the Army, I thought that our "boys" were taken care of....since he joined...I know differently.
|
| Posted 4/25/07 11:59 AM |
| |
|
Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)
Member since 5/06 23378 total posts
Name:
remember, when Gulliver traveled....
|
Re: Everyone has A LOT of opinions on the war and the military and the Govt...I'd just like to know
Posted by DebG
Posted by SweetestOfPeas
my opinion is - I am a tax paying American who has the right to an opinion
I'll leave it at that
The second time to do you are resisting.
WOW!
this is very strange to me.
I'd like to reiterate, again, that I am not disagreeing with anyone's "right" to an opinion.
as far as resisting...now...that's just no fun. 
|
| Posted 4/25/07 11:59 AM |
| |
|
lilqtny
-Crossfit & pitbull addict
Member since 7/06 2830 total posts
Name:
Tracy
|
Re: Everyone has A LOT of opinions on the war and the military and the Govt...I'd just like to know
My husband is a U.S. Marine and was overseas for nine months last year.
Does that mean I know more than any of you?
No
Does that mean I have a more vested interest?
NO
However, the situation is a bit more personal for me and IMO for all those that are closely involved. We lost a very good friend last year ( a man my husband was with overseas ) and I do think people in the military have a tendancy to "see" things differently.
I have pics of my hubby with Iraqi children, I also have footage of an actual attack (taken by his friend) while it was occuring. The audio is horrifying. You hear our men/ women praying outloud for the attact to stop. I had to learn to turn off the news and listen to my husband b/c the news is so one-sided. My husband still turns it off in disgust almost every time they turn to the subject of Iraq.
I don't know if that clears anything up or if I am just babbling at this point.
We all have the right to our opinions and I think we are all going to have to agree to live and let live in this situation.
|
| Posted 4/25/07 12:04 PM |
| |
|
PaddysGirl
Little princess is here!
Member since 4/07 5923 total posts
Name:
Crystal
|
Re: Everyone has A LOT of opinions on the war and the military and the Govt...I'd just like to know
Posted by Lisa
My BIL is on hes second tour in Iraq right now.
He has told us some stories...of course most of his missions are highly confidentional so we only get a little bit of info. The one thing that that really bothered me was that he missed meals because he was out patrolling and that if he did not bring snacks with him, he would not eat....W T F is up with that? I guess the US Govt cant give them meals to go huh??
He hurt himself the first time there and it AMAZED me how poor the health care was for him! He needed an MRI...which in my book is NOT anything that the US Govt doesnt have access to. He also lost about 40% of his hearing in his left ear...because of the roadside bombs that kept going off next to him. Again, he had to scramble to find a doctor that could help him!!
Before he went into the Army, I thought that our "boys" were taken care of....since he joined...I know differently.
There health care is pretty terrible while in war time and after they complete their time in the military. Conditions at hospitals and availability of care provided are TERRIBLE for our veterans! This I know 1st hand. I am looking into this now to see how I can make it "public knowledge." It's a terrible shame.  There is little the government wants to do once the men and women separate from the military.
|
| Posted 4/25/07 12:06 PM |
| |
|
SweetestOfPeas
J'taime Paris!
Member since 3/06 32345 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Everyone has A LOT of opinions on the war and the military and the Govt...I'd just like to know
I am pleading the 5th
discusisng politics, religion and abortion issues never have a positive outcome - IMO
|
| Posted 4/25/07 12:06 PM |
| |
|
| Pages: [1] 2 |
