So...Where Are You Emotionally, What With This War Thing?

[Plaid Adder]

Poll question: So...Where Are You Emotionally, What With This War Thing?

I'm just curious...now that the war has entered a whole new phase of horror, how would you sum up your current emotional place?

Poll result (172 votes)
Verge Of Tears	(2 votes, 1%)	Vote
Past The Verge, Now In The Vat	(2 votes, 1%)	Vote
Bitter and Burned Out	(27 votes, 16%)	Vote
OK, I'm Afraid Now...Very Afraid	(6 votes, 3%)	Vote
My Rage And Hatred Are WAY PLENTY HONED, BABY!	(51 votes, 30%)	Vote
Other (specify)	(6 votes, 3%)	Vote
All of the above	(74 votes, 43%)	Vote
Everything will be just fine as long as Bush stands strong! Oh, wait, wrong forum...	(4 votes, 2%)	Vote

[wryter2000]

1. Past the verge

I started crying when I heard they planned to use Shock and Awe.

[GOPisEvil]

2. My constant simmer has been raised to a low boil.

[truthspeaker]

3. Mad as hell

Unfortunately, being angry for extended periods of time (over 12 months now) stresses me out and depresses me.

[Ladyhawk]

30. Amen (nt)

[Guaranteed]

4. I'm pretty goddamned pissed. nt

[Bog Frog]

5. I'm a mass of tense and painful knots, and I thought it was because

I took two days off and applied for a new job. Coming back to the job I hate . . . ugh.

But now I think that this tension (and throbbing headache) are due more to the rah-rah repubs and this godforsaken country they've run into the fucking ground -- not to mention the murder, destruction, and evil that the "greatest country in the world" ( ) have brought to us.

[Plaid Adder]

7. Welcome to DU, Bog Frog

Yeah, the state of this country has taken its emotional toll on all of us, I think. Honestly sometimes I think people vote Republican because that helps them spend less time being worried about things.

Sigh,

The Plaid Adder

[Bog Frog]

thanks

always a pleasure to meet family (I like your columns)

I am infuriated by the thought that people vote Republican so that they don't have to think. No one should take the easy way out when so much depends on our decisions.

[ChrisNYC]

40. Greetings!

Despite my low post count I've been around for 3+ years now. I'm more of a troller than a poster, but in these times we must do all we can to bring everyone together. I hope you enjoy DU as much as I have.

[Beetwasher]

6. Just See My Recent Posts

I'm sure I'll get some mod warnings. I have no patience anymore for the idiots on this site or in general that are defending some of the shit that's going on. I'm not a nice guy anymore (was I ever?)...

[starroute]

8. How about . . . living somewhere the other side of reality

Since 911, I've been feeling like I'm living in a bad sci-fi movie. Or maybe acting out Marx's dictum about history repeating itself the second time as farce.

Nothing seems quite real any more. It's getting harder and harder to tell the news from the fiction shows on tv. I buy groceries with play money that has less and less real value . . .

And this isn't me! I'm as sane as I ever was. It's the world that's nuts. And the only honest response seems to be a kind of dark humor.

[Minstrel Boy]

25. That's pretty much where I am, too. Though

since I'm not in the States, I suppose it's more like watching a bad sci-fi movie than actually living it. But still, it's IMAX, and it encompasses my field of vision.

[ChrisNYC]

42. I can really relate to that

I can't tell you how many conversations I've had with intelligent, quasi informed (as much as CNN can inform you) people that fail to see what's going on. I think we're on the most radical dangerous path in our nation's history, and most people seem to think W is just protecting us. At times I just want to scream, cry, and move to the Bahamas.

[JCMach1]

9. I have relatives in the military and students with their families in

Iraq...

I am beyond anger... sick of having to explain to Arab friends why I hate the so-called leader of my country.

I don't want to have to be every conversation with 'I'm American, BUT'

[ewagner]

10. Had to go with "Other"

because I'm so damned depressed that the inmates are running the asylum and there's no good answer. Invading Iraq was the penultimate mistake and now there is no happy ending. That's what's so depressing. More of our military will die and I can't do a damned thing to a) Stop it, or b) minimize the number who will be killed or maimed.

I can't even watch the fricking news anymore.

[Plaid Adder]

11. For me, 'depressed' pretty much embraces 'all of the above'

And this is just one of the things I'm pissed off at Bush for doing: plunging an entire country into depression, economically and emotionally. While he, apparently, is off in Crawford having himself a well-deserved vacation.

@#$!,

The Plaid Adder

[mouse7]

12. bitter, burned out, and drained

When all hell broke loose yesterday, I couldn't even look at the threads or the news. Everything is happening exactly as we knew it would, and I can't stand being "right" about people dying. I don't want to gloat. I don't want to say "I told you so." I'm helpless to do a damn thing. It's like watching a train wreck in slo-motion.

[yellowcanine]

13. grief stricken and depressed

When I saw the picture on the front page of the WP of a marine carrying his comrade in a body bag that just made me sad. Sad that my generation, who had so many killed and maimed in a stupid war in Vietnam, is now subjecting a new generation to the same fate in Iraq. I know, Iraq is not Vietnam, but they have one thing in common - death and maiming for no good reason.

[DrWeird]

14. My sense of humor got outsourced.

For those of you wondering what happened to the "Behold" guy.

[mhr]

15. I Pity Any Freeper That Crosses My Path

Three minutes and their hearing will be gone.

It is the best way to neutralize those Rush listeners.

[Palacsinta]

16. Anger & Fear

Anger that a 51-year-old homemaker (me) could have predicted this outcome better than the ones running the show. Fear for my foster kid who leaves for the military on Tuesday.

[Plaid Adder]

18. Yikes! Good luck to him, man!

Ouch! Is he going to Iraq, specifically, or just into the army?



The Plaid Adder

[ChrisNYC]

44. So True!

I've said so many damn times, "I don't think I'm so smart, yet I knew EXACTLY what was going to happen."

Why did we all KNOW what was coming, yet the entire administration and 75% of America didn't? Even intelligent, informed, quasi liberals like Thomas Friedman thought this could work. HOW?!! WHY?!!! I'm just dumbfounded that they thought America could colonize the middle east -- it's just truly SHOCKING to me that they actually thought this would work.

[Avalux]

17. Enraged and Tearful

Was behind a car the other day, on it's back window was painted "My Soldier is Coming Home!" I started crying - partly because of the joy that person was feeling and also because there's so many left that can't come home.

[Miss Authoritiva]

19. I think I've lived too long.

Not only do I see the same wars erupting over and over again, not only do I see the US government making the same incredibly bad foreign policy decisions over and over again, not only do I see the US government disregarding the basic needs of its citizens over and over again, but now they've gone and remade the excrementally bad "Walking Tall." I never thought I'd live to see that.

[Crunchy Frog]

20. When this war started

I was filled with rage and hatred and despair. It plunged me into a severe episode of depression.

Now, I'm just kind of resigned. Nothing that is happening right now surprises me. It's pretty much what I expected, and I expect it will continue to get worse.

To tell the truth, I never wanted Bush to succeed in his little adventure. He would have just been emboldened and invaded more countries. Many more people would have been killed. At least with our military tied up in Iraq, it's not available for Bush to do anymore mischief.

[NuttyFluffers]

33. yup yup, numb

me and several others are just essentially so resigned it's like we are numb.

the news comes to confirm our expectations and then goes away. the only rage i feel anymore is the stupidity of americans to allow this. other than that i've gone numb.

[seeker3]

21. I'm glad about one thing... and one thing only...

I'm glad my father isn't in the Naval Reserves anymore. He was in Intel in the USNR, and was still in the reserves during the first Iraq invasion when Bush1 was in office. Luckily, he wasn't called up then.

Everything else that concerns this war? It pisses me off. We shouldn't be there, and it REALLY steams me that the Bush administration is STILL trying to justify our military's presence in Iraq, even though they've been confronted again and again with evidence that contradicts every justification they've given about why we should be there.

[JohnOneillsMemory]

35. Welcome to the anti-imperialism support group, Seeker3. n/t

[Rainbowreflect]

22. One positive is that it has helped me with my weight loss.

Usually I eat more when I'm stressed, but the last few weeks the combination of constant stress, tears and nausea I have lost almost 10 lbs.

[sangh0]

23. Ohter- I'm determined to spread the truth

about this war and what's going on in Iraq.

[buddhamama]

24. all of the above

i've experienced all of those emtions on the same day. some days are more taxing than others.

[RichardRay]

26. Continuing to lean forward

I got pretty burned out in the 60's, went to prison for awhile in the 70's, finished that decade trying to figure out who, what and how to be.

At this point I am unsurprised by the situation in Iraq. I do what I can as best I can to change it. I don't expect much to be different in the 20 years or so I have left. The good news is that the other side is in no better shape.

I am a Knight of Faith with only momentary slips into Resignation.

[Plaid Adder]

27. Kick cause I'm EVEN MORE HONED! n/t

[anarchy1999]

28. Kicking up to the top.

Personally, I am at my wits end, and I don't even have a family member there.

Tonight though, I did find out one of our closest friend's best buddies was one of the employees of Blackwater that was killed last week in Fallujah. Our friend is not doing well. He was a "Seal" that trained with "Scott" and considered him to be one of the finest and one of his best buds.

[corporatewhore]

29. what gets me is the liberals i know who have turnedout to be closet

colonials

[JohnOneillsMemory]

36. "Closet colonials" - ha! good one, corpwho! n/t

[FrankBooth]

31. I'm effing PISSED!

On NPR I heard the screams of the Japanese aid worker hostages in IRAQ who are facing being burned alive in a couple of days. All because of Dubya. Listening to that while stuck in rush hour traffic filled me with rage and sadness. His stupidity and callous arrogance are unforgivable.

[Ladyhawk]

32. I'm also sad because my family still supports these madmen and their goals

And they do so with full knowledge of what it entails.

[Only Me]

34. I'm all of the above.

I have a 17 year old and a 13 yr old, both boys. My oldest is about 5'4 and all of about 140 pounds. He collects Yu GI o cards and failed his drivers ed class. (Secret) He sleeps with a little stuffed black kitten that he has had since birth. He watches scary movies and sleeps with a night light.

I cry everyday. Somedays... I cry till I literally can't make anymore tears. My heart breaks. As a mother, my boys are my whole world. We are not fighting enemies on our own land, our boys should be home, not in Irag.

My personal opinion and I don't really care if it is not popular with some...

The Iraqi's have done a good job defending themselves from us.
Why couldn't they have ousted Saddam along time ago? Was it simply they didn't have the motivation, or cooperation of one another? A big enough common cause??? I understand being in fear of retribution by Saddam's Loyalists...they couldn't fight. But they don't fear our boys...cause they fight, burn, slaughter, slander and call us devils. They have no problem fighting us. Some were glad to get rid of Saddam, but from what relatives kids say most hated our boys more than they hated Saddam. They were spit on, rocked, called pigs, devils, etc.,. from the very start.

I care about the innocent lives of people trapped in all this ciaos from all sides of this war. But my main loyalties are with our own country's people first, in particularly, the mostly 21 and under kids who inlisted and really to young to have a clue. Too young to go to a bar, or club. But not too young to die.

Whom have had "out there in life experience" that might added up to around 5 years. I care about their moms and dads, brother, sisters, and wives that hearts jumps and stomachs sink every time the phone rings, cause they fear the worst.

Wonder... Who is going to help us get rid of our tyrant?

Sorry to ramble on so, this has been a very long and emotional day...
Needed to Vent a little....I'm sorry.

[Lindsay]

38. myday38, welcome to DU.

And we all need to vent from time to time, or go stark raving mad, I think. So no need to apologize. We're here for ya.

It's got to be awful to have a 17-year-old son at this point in history, with madmen running the government.

[Only Me]

41. Thank You Lindsay, I appreciate..

your kindness. I literally live in daily fear of loosing my son.
I thrive on knowing we will get rid of this madman oneday soon.

He is this countries disgrace.

[xxqqqzme]

37. ragin'

will B ragin' in LA 2morrow @ the Federal Bldg @ 4P. Join us!

[ChrisNYC]

39. I had to sit back for a moment

And really think about the spectrum of emotions I've felt in recent days. Finally, the word "bitter" came to mind. Then I saw that was a choice... I'd get I TOLD YOU SO tatooed on my forehead if it wasn't so damn sad. Why! Why! Why! Why! Why!

That's all I can ask myself...

[guitar man]

43. Dumbfounded

I am absolutely dumbfounded by the whole thing.I just don't know what to try to say anymore to the * supporters I know that could possibly convince them the kool-aid was drugged. For God's sake it isn't like the truth about everything this maladministration has done is hidden away in some deep,dark place.It is all right out in the open in front of their faces!

I have been encouraged over the past couple of days to find out that my sister-in-law and her husband have started to see the light. He was on his way to pick up "Worse Than Watergate" yesterday.They are both mad as hell at * and refuse to vote for him. For these folks,that is the equivalent of hell freezing over.

I guess the rest of the pubbies I know are going to have to either see it for themselves or not,I've told them everything I can tell them.

[Hogarth]

45. Well, I cry a lot.

My son is stationed at the Abu Ghraib prison outside of Baghdad (an MP), and as much as I don't want to dwell on what's happening there, I have to know. So I've become a news junkie.

When I don't hear from him for days on end, understanding that I can't contact him directly by phone, I wait for his e-mail. And I do cry because I don't think he knows what he's waded into. He ends his notes with "See you soon." But the way things are going, it looks like he may be kept for one more Christmas--maybe two.

I'm bitter--not because he chose to be a reservist, but because this administration has stretched the Reserve so thin. Now will come the draft.

I don't know what to do about it, and I guess that's why my eyes get wet. He's stuck over there, there's a maniac in charge of his fate, and resistance is futile.

This war sucks. My son agrees but is obligated to be part of it because "he signed up." Well screw that. I'm sick of hearing that argument. He signed up to be a reservist, and never signed off on the president's policy of war for profit.

[NJCher]

46. This is the Decline of Civilization

Yeah, that's what my friend said to me tonight at dinner. We were at dinner in a restaurant where the children were ill-behaved and with no parents willing to calm them down. I said, "I am ashamed to be an American. Actually, at this point, even just ashamed to be a human being." If I weren't a boomer, I'd move out of the US. Too late now.

The restaurant was at the same shopping center where, a year ago Feb/March, I'd spent weekends handing out flyers to arrogant Americans on their way from the store to their big gas hog SUVs. One man thrust the flyer back in my face. The flyer merely asked our gov't to give the inspections a chance to work. He said, disdainfully, "I know what's going on over there!"

I still think of that guy. I think, "Oh so you know what's going on over there. Wonder what you think of all your great information now."

I am so sick of this country and its people. It bothers me tremendously that our wasteful habits and way of life has such an impact on the rest of the world. And now this horrible war, which has perfected the U.S. as a pariah country.


Cher

[ulysses]

47. that'd be #5. yup.

[Capt_Nemo]

48. Raging mad!

[mmonk]

49. Other

Quite tired. A general public is out there that doesn't seem to have a clue. Sometimes I feel I'm in an alternate universe or something. Tired of thinking about things and tired of trying to get people to understand what US policy really is.

[hiphopnation]

50. All of the above and invigorated

at the prospect of President Kerry pulling us back from the brink of armageddon.

[Plaid Adder]

51. For everyone who has people over there

Not that it helps, but I hope you know we are all thinking of you and pulling for everyone over there to come home safe. This has been a very awful week. I hope everyone's sons and friends and so forth have come through it all right.

All the best,

The Plaid Adder

[SayitAintSo]

52. Afraid * admin will f*ck it up even further for the sake of politics

The June 30 deadline will be a key indicator of how the *admin plans manage the war forward. All eyes to June.