8

[Gerry]

?

That is the US foreign policy history. Its not pretty.

 

[dn-101]

That is the US foreign policy history. Its not pretty.

Wait a minute! It's OK for our families to fight and die for our country, but it's not ok for us to engage in a dialog?

 

[Gerry]

it's not ok for us to engage in a dialog?

Where are you going with this?

Who/what is not engaging with dialog?

 

[dn-101]

That is the US foreign policy history. Its not pretty. ???????????

Let's make it pretty

 

[Gerry]

That is the US foreign policy history. Its not pretty. ???????????

That's just the way it is. You can go back in history and see all the regimes we supported only to have them turn on us. The Shah of Iran is the most notable one that comes to mind.

 

[Mark Talbot]

We have served honorably.

Even when our commander-in-chiefs were less than honorable.

I dont disrespect anything you said,..except the last two lines.

The irony and conflict in those statements.

 

[Gerry]

I dont disrespect anything you said,..except the last two lines.

The irony and conflict in those statements.

I do not believe the invasion of Iraq was an honorable action.

And it is fully intended to be ironic.

Soldiers will do the honorable things (following orders) asked of them by their commander in chief, even if that commander in chief has less than honorable intentions.

 

[Mark Talbot]

... even if that commander in chief has less than honorable intentions.

And that is why I replied the way I did.

Any honerable military personel with integrity, would ever suggest that of his commanding officer.

We have served honorably.

Doesnt include you, does it? (not a slam, just an observation that "you" were never mentioned.)

 

[Gerry]

Doesnt include you does it?

Absolutely it does. Vietnam era veteran. Nearly 5 years in the Air Force working/training dogs. Spent time in southeast Asia.

 

[Mark Talbot]

Absolutely it does. Vietnam era veteran. Nearly 5 years in the Air Force working/training dogs. Spent time in southeast Asia.

I stand, informed.

So then I have to ask,...

Did you question your commanding authority?


And in retrospect if so, do you see that as a benefit to the cause of which you served for your country?

(in reference to the statements I have questioned)






I am assured that you understand my reasoning. I do not question you or your families contributions to the country as they represent. But what I am questioning here is the reason and/or cause that such a political statement be presented for what is appearing to be a political bias, outside of the reasons that you (and your family members) decided that honor in action be questioned while allegedly standing firm to the concepts of the purpose of contributing in the first place, the acceptance of joining and representing this country in the positions that were originally honerable acceptable.

I hope that makes sense.



I myself, and not of enlisted position, stand firmly behind OUR elected leader in his direction and representation. (regardless of who he/she will ever be)

And I find it very difficult to fathom one who offers his life for his country and it's freedom, but does not believe in its leaders direction and see's fit to diminish it publically for political benefit.

I hope you can understand where I am coming from. This isnt about "you", it is about belief imho.



The Titanic was doomed to sink, yes?

But should an honerable officer of the "ship", or any of its constituants, not deligate the authority of leadership to the captain?


Lest they can do better in the eye of conflict and tribulation?

 

[Bender]

Soldiers will do the honorable things [...]even if that commander in chief has less than honorable intentions.

honorable things like this?

soldiers are also humans, and we can't judge all of them by the actions of one or few .

 

[Gerry]

soldiers are also humans, and we can't judge all of them by the actions of one or few .

...but you post that link to make a point?

I stand, informed.

So then I have to ask,...

Did you question your commanding authority? (only once - an officer [LT] tried to interfere with orders I received by a higher ranking [capt] officer)

Yes, it is political bias.

And I find it very difficult to fathom one who offers his life for his country and it's freedom, but does not believe in its leaders direction and see's fit to diminish it publically for political benefit.

Seems to me I have earned that right.

If you think Bush was justified to invade Iraq that is your right.

 

[Mark Talbot]

If you think Bush was justified to invade Iraq that is your right.

I feel I may have misrepresented myself.

I wish to not be corraled into a corner of political belief based on observation by others.

I have never "felt" that "Bush made the right decision to invade Iraq".

That is not what I am talking about.

I am American and stand by my leaders decisions to do so as they see fit for the benefit of our freedom.

But now, we are in the arena of Obama as President.

And once again I find myself at the defence of my positions.



I have been blamed by my peers for being Republican, for being Democrat, for being conservative and being liberal.

All because I find myself in the position of being a mere voter, with a mere leader, and left to defend the country of which I am a citizen.



Regardless of the actions that occur beyond my direct control.


I am American and proud.
And I just want the best for my country.

But I have tired so much of this incessant intolerable political bickering that is tearing my country apart by the seams.

If I may quote a statement that is so very cliche' but so very representative of my mind,...



"Together we stand, divided we fall."




And this division and political "insolvency", just seems to be tearing us apart.



I think I should bow out of this discussion.

Thank you. Sincerely.

 

[Gerry]

But I have tired so much of this incessant intolerable political bickering that is tearing my country apart by the seams.

I am in the same position and in total agreement.

Never in my life have I seen such a rift in this country. I call it like I see it. And while many of the issues are legitimately presented on both sides, much is disguised as more deeper undertones.



My intent of posting this thread with a single number was simply to call attention to the 8th anniversary of our entry into Afghanistan.

I did not envision it as being a dialogue.