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We Should Not Forget
As Memorial Day approaches, we are reminded that we should not forget.
I had the thrill this morning of seeing the 500 plus motorcyclists who are traveling from Los Angeles to Washington, DC to remind Americans of the sacrifices made by those individuals who served our nation. It is the annual "Run for the Wall". Motorcyclists travel to L.A. and then travel east picking up other riders. They stop at Veterans Hospitals along the way bringing attention for their cause. By the time they made it to Louisville, KY, they had over 500 riders from every state in America, and they expect to pick up more before landing at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in DC this Memorial Day Weekend.
Everyday, we read about how the financial and economic world is crumbling right in front of us. Every now and then it pays to step back and see how we really got here and to see what is really important. Our world may be really messed up, but none of this would have been possible without those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Here are pictures of some great Americans, and go to this link to learn more about the "Run for the Wall".
Figure 1. Jeff Hilewitz/ West Virginia
Figure 2. Run For The Wall
Figure 3. Platoon Leader
Figure 4. Mr. and Mrs. "Bones"/ Colorado
Figure 5. Memento Given to Patients at Hospital Thanking Them for Their Service
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We should not forget to beware of the military industrial complex.
I spoke with a 20-year veteran recently and he indicated that most of these young guys learn & know quickly that they aren't fighting for "freedom" or anything so noble. They know that they are fighting for the whim of the chosen who won't have to fight, so basically they fight for their buddies who are stuck with the same shit sandwich.
Fighting for the money, for the lolz, for the social recognition can be told to be US citizen perception of noble things.
I often wonder what will happen when a critical mass of ex military decide they've had enough of this crap. How will the local swat twits react when confronted with a squad of seasoned vets?
Yes, bring them all home.
I remember when we had REAL ANTI-WAR candidates for the presidency...oh, wait, we do have one. And I DO NOT mean Obomba. Nor do I mean draft dodging MITT who protested FOR the Vietnam War when he was in college.
Remember Donna Shalala? She said we did not send our best and brightest to Vietnam.
I am one of the not so bright or the best.
I pray for my Brothers .
Rene
Here's to the 26 year old Iraq/Afghan vet who I met living behind the --- motel in --- WY last month. Sent back 4 times before he got a leg injury. Now has all his life belongings in an abandoned school bus. Could afford to live in a cheap apartment on disability but is terrified of being "shut in". I say enough. Bring 'em home.
I agree man.
My old roommate was an afghan vet. He woke me up on multiple occasions while i was sleeping. The most memorable was when he had all the sinks, and tubs running while he was yelling "blood on my fucking hands, blood on my fucking hands, blood on my fucking hands...". This dude was 215 lbs so he would always be hard to calm. I moved out and when I visited his new pad he had a flak jacket of a afghan he killed hung above his television. I knew him through high school and he was always the guy you would go to if you ever needed anything. War kills people, and souls.
He is now on a few different psychotropic drugs, and cant keep a job. We don't talk anymore, but if you're reading this, you're my boy Pete.
What route are they taking? Anyone have the information. BTW, nice exercise of free speech here... I wonder who protects that in the world... oh, never mind...
WTF
You have to thank those who serve; regardless of your feelings.
Many of these young people entered to do what they thought was right.
Anger should be directed at the military industrial complex, the politicians, the higher-ups who put them in harms way without proper equipment, ammunition, or mission.
Ah, yes. The misled sheeple, the abused, the lied to, the misinformed poor US citizen kid who was thrown in a war he/she did not choose.
Well, that does not resist one second to actual experience. US citizens joining the military to serve in actual combat knows what is going on, that the enemy is easy, that it will be fun, that the entitlements are good and the rest.
By the way, an amazing bit: many of these young people entered to do what they thought was right. Can it be applied to others than the military?
I dunno, Ben Bernanke is serving. And he entered to do what he thinks is right.
Could you thank him for his service for the US of A nation? He and all the rest?
AA - Ben serves other masters ... knowingly.
Like a chimp, you come here and throw feces around and then run away. Aside from bitterness and resentment that you weren't born American, do you have any real motivation or purpose for doing so?
The reason I ask is because you will occasionally make a point worth considering. However, if someone should try to engage you in discussion or get you to expand or clarify your statement, you start chattering and screeching about "citizenism", fling feces, and run away.
You claim to be serious, but your behaviour indicates otherwise. Do you actually intend for people to take you seriously, or is your appearance here merely a manifestation of some deep seated insanitation?
If you're trying to be serious, you're not going about it very well. On the other hand, if your purpose is merely to perform for entertainment, well, you're doing somewhat better on that account.
Just trying to help.
Running away? Ah, that is gross. So valid from a US citizen who takes shelter into fantasy anytime a feature of US citizenism is pointed out.
No, no, no, no, no, US citizens know no limits.
Born 'American'? That is big. Again, this drivel.
That is a huge step to take. Are you saying that some people are destined to adopt 'Americanism' no matter their cultural indoctrination?
As to me, I stick to what 'Americanism' is, a set of beliefs, a state of mind before and above all. Making it hard to be born an 'American'.
Save, of course, that into your walled monologue, you keep pretending that 'Americanism' is the same thing as US citizenship. Which is not.
US citizenism and its consequences on the world, on humanity, on the natural world, is a serious thing.
It was, is and will be serious, no matter the way you deal with it. Bear with it.
I am not the guy who makes US citizenism. Bear with it.
US citizen nature is eternal. Bear with it.
You'd better stick to Chinese citizenism fantasy. It is crap but still better than when you do give into it.
Just trying to help.
"Love inflation-thank a vet". mindless faux-patriotic drivel that belongs on Fox or CNN or introduced by some mindless blond on your local MSM news-right before some "cute baby " video. We're lucky we fought the VC and the Iraqs over there before they were able to invade our shores.
The enemy oligarchs and their lackeys within are the worst danger. Assisted by ALL of TV and all of Hollywood and probably retards like you who watch TV. By watching TV - you support it all.
Freddie - Thank you for your important, ongoing Anti-TV campaign. You are gaining traction.
Well, yes, but when he gains traction, he ends up driving off the road into the ditch of talk radio.
But mah tawk ray-dee-ooo spakes tha troooth.
mindless drivel that belongs on Fox or CNN or some MSM local news puff piece. "Love inflation-thank a vet"
I'm sorry, anyone who is stupid enough to go kill poor people to help rich bastards get richer gets no sympathy from me. Be smarter next time.
They're so young when they join. I can't blame them. People's brains don't fully mature until around 22. People have poor impulse control before then. And sometimes they even have their parents encouraging them to join.
We just gotta keep spreading the word of what a bad choice it is to join the military to discourage it.
I remember thinking it was okay to join the military when I was 17/18. I thought nothing bad of it. Nobody thought they were joining to help the rich bastards get richer. It's obvious they are not awake if they join now.
"All this terror America demands action,
Next thing you know you've got Uncle Sam's ass askin'
To join the army or what you'll do for there Navy.
You just a baby,
Gettin' recruited at eighteen,
You're on a plane now,
Eating their food and their baked beans.
I'm 28,
They gonna take you 'fore they take me"
Eminem
-1000, and a resounding fuck you.
Our military is made up of young men and women who believe that enlisting is still a service. I was lucky enough to be awoken in high school by accidently downloading an alex jones podcast, otherwise I would probably be a statistic right now. How can you blame them though? War is glorified by movies,video games and commercials. Public school literally had us read the poem "Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori." Recruiters were at the school twice a week offering us the world.
The pentagon doesn't approve of movies like "Full Metal Jacket" or "The Deer Hunter" anymore because they portray the harsh realities of war.
I, and obviously you understand that the MIC are behind most of our military decisions, but unfortunately 99.8% of the population does not. I understand that our military will one day be used against people like us who speak our mind, but we are the vast minority. Until someone try's to some them the light, I consider them just to be ignorant.
Instead of calling people stupid, we need to try to enlighten them. Before you junk me, how about a retort?
This discussion reminds me of a slim volume by Smedley Butler (1881-1940) entitled War Is A Racket. He writes:
"I spent 33 years and 4 months in active service as a member of our country's most agile military force--the Marine Corps. I served in all commissioned ranks from second lieutenant to Major General. And during that period I spent most of my time being a high-class muscle man for Big Business, for Wall Street and for the bankers. In short, I was a racketeer for capitalism. I suspected I was part of a racket all the time. Now I am sure of it. Like all members of the military profession I never had an original thought until I left the service."Just look at that. Written in the 1930s but could have been written yesterday. Nothing has changed.
Well, actually, things have changed.
That US citizen wrote in 1933 and with the information material available now, it is getting harder and harder to play dumb in a credible way.
I guess that this US citizen has to be one military man you do not want to thank for his service because he busted it for the generations to come.
agreed. sympathy and empathy are absolutely indicated if the problems are to be solved.
People are bombarded with indoctrination.
It takes guts and lucky connections to be able to see past the propaganda mirage and view the horror.
'Oh the horror!' - Kurtz
[from up river.]
ozzzo,
Don't you ever become a hypocrite bastard and call 911.
So being mugged and requesting police assistance has to be the same as enlisting voluntarily in the military to go in the treasure hunt in Iraq?
Well, one situation is forced and the other is free willedly embraced.
But hey, it has to be the same for US citizen propaganda purpose.
i know the distinction is fading but the police are not the same as the army.
Excellent use of nonsense cliches. Occupy!!! fuckin idiot...
uzzo: you are clueless
Exactly. Unfortunately the stupid sons of bitches are breeding.
This should be sponsored by Blackwater and McDonalds................
I'm a former naval veteran that did time in the Gulf enforcing UN sanctions on Iraq. I also spent time doing counter-narcotics in the caribbean.
I'm sorry that I wasted your money.
I'm sorry that I spent part of my life starving poor Iraqi children through the enforcement of sanctions.
I'm sorry that I helped arrest simple merchants for smuggling fruit (dates) out of Iraq.
I'm sorry that I helped arrest drug smugglers for the victimless crime of narcotics trafficking.
I'm sorry that I believed in the state.
No offense, but nobody listened to the Vietnam vets (personal experience) and no one will listen to any other vet either. I still love my counrty, just not as much as I love my wife and kids. Peace.
No offense, but nobody listened to the Vietnam vets (personal experience) and no one will listen to any other vet either.
______________________________________
You know, the situation can look awfully unfair when a youngster looks at it.
He/she sees a guy/girl who kickstarted his/her life by living off blood money, killing easy enemies.
He sees a guy/girl who had his/her fun by doing plenty of things that would get lifetime sentences in the US. Hey, you can even being acknowledged a multiple time murderer when serving abroad and be given a light sentence compared to what you would get.
She sees a person who is lionized and celebrated as a hero for freedom, justice and truth, a saviour of humanity.
And that vet would like to force the youngster to turn down all those opportunities?
I think that even Jesus Christ admitted that when rejecting a previous life, you had to throw the bad you get from it but also the good.
By the way, for reality's sake, do not worry. US citizens joining the military are for the most of them not gullible, indoctrinated, misled people.
They perfectly know what they are joining and what they are going to experience and what they will get in return.
Your education endeavour is somehow unrequired.
They know.
suede,
I'm sorry to read that you feel what you did was money wasted.
Hussein starved the Iraqi children and denied the medications. I hope you were able to get some satisfaction from his removal.
Drug smugglers are not carrying out victimless crimes. The broken lives from narcotics use are visible in every city and most other parts of the country. Thank you for reducing the quantity of dope for the dopes.
Everything the state does and proclaims is not a lie. The claims of great success in an instant certainly are though. We keep arresting bank robbers but still have robberies. Should they simply be left alone?
Hussein starved the Iraqi children and denied the medications. I hope you were able to get some satisfaction from his removal.
_______________________________________
Dont forget. He also concealed those WMDs he did not have. And by removing him, that US citizen soldier also helped to protect humanity from the dangers of those WMDs.
When charging people with unrelated and fanciful crimes, play the US citizen game, bigger than biggest is not big enough.
AnAnonymous droned on thusly:
Yes, and when doing so, also play the Chinese citizenism game by blaming not just those responsible, but everyone that you can tar with your broad brush.
It's best to alienate everyone, according to Chinese citizenism, and also easy because it requires no thought.
Not responsible?
Come on, again this scam?
Lets recap a bit of US citizenism political theory.
Leadership is not exerted through authoritarian means but through the consent of the governed. Right.
Leadership power transcendance is not explained by some divine, superhuman feature but by deleguation of power by the constituents. Voters empower their representatives, bestowing them mandates.
And you state that US citizens are not responsible?
US citizen representatives are mere servants who operate due to the dictate of their constituents.
And they should not be responsible?
It is funny how US citizenism requires dismissal of the most blatant facts.
Best is that people living under dictatorship are perceived by US citizens as being responsibles for the acts of their governments and dictators while themselves, who keep empowering their representatives, should be dissociated from any relationship.
Comical.
Come on, show how you can fight, it is a fight club, you know. Show how you can fight actual statements without taking harbour in your fantasical land. Raise those fists, steady your foothold. As president Bush said, bring it on.
Ah, yes, a last one for the road. Remember too that US citizens of A have guns to fight tyrany in government. It means that until they take arms against their government, they do not perceive it as tyranical.
Augustus - whatever Hussein did is immaterial ...we murdered 200-300,000 Iraqi civilians, under entirely false pretences, removing Hussein
when do our murderous Western sociopaths get arrested and removed for their crimes against humanity???
your thoughts on the drug war are self contradictory. it is the law that produces most of the mayhem. addiction is a medical not a legal problem. when we adore the cute budweiser commercials during the superbowl this contradiction is made grand farce.
If we don't watch out for our own country instead of "visiting" on these other lovely parts of the world - we are going to have our very own Sadam Hussein right here in the USSA.
People will fed into the chipper shredder feet first - and others will actually wonder how it got this way in the USSA.
What color is the sky in your utopia where you can save everyone?
Shut the fuck up, suede. You were probably a supply ensign or Ltjg. I'm sorry you didn't fall overboard. Believed in the state? your probably as much of a statist as most of the socialist posters on this site.
With that said, I will say Bring 'em all home!
like his thoughts are more cogent if he was an admiral or a chief petty officer with the navy cross? what is this, identity politics? also ad hominem is the weakest argument.
also ad hominem is the weakest argument.
___________________________
ad hominem is no argument.
But US citizens use them proudly and lavishly.
AnAnonymous hypocritically boasted:
Take a look in the mirror, friend. This is a case of the wok calling the cooking marmit black.