Sally Quinn: My Father

[babylonsister]

http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,137177,00.html?wh=wh

My Father
Military.com | Sally Quinn | May 27, 2007

Every year when Memorial Day comes around I cannot help but think of my father, an Army Lt. General, a West Pointer, a veteran of WWII and the Korean War, who died in 2000. It was my father who taught me what it means to be an American, how important honor and duty were, and how we must honor our country and our flag. I grew up on Army posts all over the world, so I was surrounded by people who felt the same way our family did.

Growing up on Army Posts, particularly in times of war, we were the ones who understood more than anyone else, just exactly what the sacrifices those beliefs entailed. I know what it was like for me and my family when my father was off at war. I know the mixed emotions of fear and doubt and pain and pride we all felt. I know the incredible hardships all of us had to endure, having our fathers away, our mothers forced to be separated from their husbands, trying to run a family alone, handle the meager finances (no the military is never paid enough) stay brave and upbeat around us, support the other families who had lost their fathers and husbands and sons. Now that I am a wife and mother I have an even greater appreciation for what it must have been like. My friends were those whose fathers were fighting too. Death was a daily part of our lives. Living on Army Posts you all live together in the same houses on the same rows of streets. During war time there were always sedans pulling up to other house with chaplains and officers to deliver the sad news. We would watch those cars drive along the street wondering if they were going to stop at our house. I cannot describe the feelings of relief and grief we all felt when our houses were passed by. Then we would rush over to console our neighbors and friends.

snip//

I was not a supporter of the Vietnam War, and I am anguished about this war we are fighting in Iraq. But there is never a day that goes by that I don't think about, with the deepest admiration and respect, those who are serving and fighting for our country abroad and at home. There are no finer people than those in the military, no better Americans. Sappy as it may sound I cannot hear the Star Spangled Banner without getting chills and a little weepy. I am so proud to be an American and so proud that there are so many who believe in our country enough to give their lives if necessary to protect us.

Today my father and mother lie buried at Arlington Cemetery in a beautiful location high up on a hill, under a spreading oak tree. When I go to visit them I can see our old quarters from there. Sometimes I go sit quietly under the tree and just remember. Remember him and my mother and remember what they gave for our country and remember how much it means to be an American.

[indepat]

1. Proud to be first K&R for this beautiful tribute. Glad to know Sally and I see eye to eye on

Vietnam and Iraq.

[chaumont58]

3. Let me say just the opposite

What I remember about Sally Quinn is her part of the anti-Clinton clique that permeated DC during the 90s. She and her type brought chimpie to the Presidency. She could die and be reincarnated as Mother Theresa. I still wouldn't piss down her throat if her stomach was on fire.

[Captain Hilts]

4. Yes, this is a lovely tribute and yes, she is a mean-spirited elitest that helped put GWB in office.

[DURHAM D]

5. I agree.

She is a self-serving social climbing bitch.

I get pissed every time she shows up on the tv and is introduced as a feminist but is there for the purpose of trashing women. F her.

[asjr]

7. Ah, yes, I remember that old Sally Quinn also.

Maybe, but I doubt it, that old cat has changed her spots.

[indepat]

9. I seem to remember Sally's disquieting warts, but like what she is saying now re Vietnam and Iraq

[gaspee]

2. Against the grain

And I know it. I take exceptional offence to those who paint the military as

"There are no finer people than those in the military, no better Americans. Sappy as it may sound I cannot hear the Star Spangled Banner without getting chills and a little weepy. I am so proud to be an American and so proud that there are so many who believe in our country enough to give their lives if necessary to protect us."

So, if you're not in the military you don't believe in your country? The dregs of society currently being actively recruited into the military are the best America has to offer?

My belief is that until the US stops the fetishization of the military and the love of violence and war, we will live in a constant state of war. This war wouldn't have been so easy to sell if the American populace weren't so frigging pro-war.

To me, there are no finer people who work for peace; there are no finer people than those who defend the constitution (and not with a gun); there are no finer people than those who serve as teachers, as volunteers, as people who speak up for those without a voice.

I can't ever imagin a day when Americans aren't pro-war and pro military. For if they (the plutocrats) threw a war and no one showed up to fight it, what would happen then?

To be clear; I am not against defensive warfare. I, personally, would pick up a gun if we were invaded by a foreign power. But offensive wars? No fucking way.

America is a militarized, pro-aggression, pro-war society. We wouldn't be at war right now if we weren't.

Like I said, I'm totally against the grain on this one.

[Demeter]

8. You Aren't Alone There

Our troops have been abused for so long...they must feel like fighting with paper bags over their faces to hide the shame of what they are forced to do. If they can critically think about it at all.

[pretzel4gore]

6. sally quinn's a pos...

the mediawhore kinda dropped outta sight, but she helped bush to overthrow the legal usa government. her idiot old man, like old russert, probably was a kgb spy, if their genetic coding indicates anything about their morality....
what's with a country ie usa, that puts up with traitors like sally quinn?
susan schmidt's daddy was a fine taxpayer too. let's built schmidt a statue.