For Those Of You Who Support The Afghan Escalation

[lame54]

http://www.army.com/forms/pdf/DD4.PDF

Be all that you can be

[NightWatcher]

1. no silly, they want OTHER people to put their ass on the line

[FiveGoodMen]

2. Hear, hear!

[SIMPLYB1980]

3. LOL!

http://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=learn.howvol

[eqfan592]

4. So are you saying that only military personal have a right to ever agree to go to war?

Sorry, but this argument that keeps popping up is beyond childish and idiotic. And what's really sad is how many people around here think it's so great. It shows the extremely low level of discourse that is expected, even in the progressive movement.

[lame54]

5. no

[NightWatcher]

6. if it's worth fighting, you should be willing to fight

If someone were attacking us and there was a threat, I'd get back into the game myself, but to fight and die for oil?

[eqfan592]

15. That's your opinion that this particular war is for oil.

I was more sold on that idea in Iraq than I am in Afghanistan. But at this point, I'm getting a bit tired of the bumper-sticker phrases, and desire something with a bit more substance.

And really, the idea that if you think it's worth fighting for, you should fight is a bit ridiculous. That's like saying that if you think it's worth it to have trash collection services, you should collect trash. We are a society, each of us play our part. Some collect trash, others work in customer service, and others fight. Unless you want to say that only those who fight have the right to make this choice (and coming out and saying that is at least taking a solid position on the issue instead of the other BS we're seeing now) then this crap is meaningless drivel that is lowering the level of discourse.

[eleny]

20. "the idea that if you think it's worth fighting for, you should fight is a bit ridiculous"

I'm surprised you actually admit that this is how you feel. Pretty disgusting that you think others should endure multiple tours of duty and do the dying.

[eqfan592]

26. Really now?

It's pretty disgusting that you think a disabled person can't have a voice in conflicts because they can't fight. This is exactly what you're saying.

I'm incapable of serving in the military for various medical reasons, and if you think because of this I don't have the right to voice an opinion on this issue, you can go to hell.

[eleny]

28. Yes really...

And while I'm on my way to hell, you can go f**k yourself.

[YouTakeTheSkyway]

35. You're out of line, eleny.

[YouTakeTheSkyway]

34. Nicely put.

[bertman]

40. Not oil, eqfan592. Oil AND gas. By way of the trans-Afghanistan pipeline that allows

it to be piped from the other "Stans" to Pakistan and India and the Arabian Sea detouring around Iran. Link: http://www.theforbiddenknowledge.com/hardtruth/oil_war.htm

You got to be able to move it if you are going to sell it.

[bamacrat]

44. I agree with you.

Whether you support this or not everyone cant fight, who would pay their taxes to help fund this? Who would collect the trash, patrol our streets, put out fires, run pharmacies and hospitals? Who would teach children in schools, who would report the news, who would coach our sports teams? If everyone who was in favor of this enlisted our economy and society would crash. Sure it may only be the progressives left and that may be nice but seriously. I would have been in favor of passing out enlistment papers to people leading up to Iraq, but for this no.

[Chulanowa]

31. And if it's worth protesting, you should protest

Write yourself a sign and find yourself a street corner, stat!

[Hepburn]

47. Want one of my signs? n/t

[YouTakeTheSkyway]

33. Let's break down your basic reasoning here

If you believe in something, you should be taking part in it. If you believe the homeless should be fed, you should be the one feeding them. If you believe we should take in stray puppies, you should be the one taking in stray puppies. If you believe we should explore outer space, you should be the one exploring outer space. Sounds great until you realize that we're all confined by certain limits within our own lives and that virtually no one has the time to actively participate in everything they think is a good idea.

[treestar]

10. Women would never have a say

And what if the military wanted to go to war and we didn't agree as a people.

You're right, this is idiotic.

[ShamelessHussy]

36. if you support it, then put your money where your MOUTH is

i believe is the common judgement.

so get your ass in gear solider, and fight that good fight!

[YouTakeTheSkyway]

38. This logic could be applied to literally anything.

How far do you really want to take it?

For instances, manyh Americans believe that paying down our national debt is a good thing. However, do they send Uncle Sam money above and beyond your taxes each year in order to accomplish that goal? Do you?

[ShamelessHussy]

39. but this isn't about just 'anything', this is a matter of EXTREME sacrifice, LIFE & DEATH

so if you are only willing to support it by words, then your opinion doesn't hold much weight.

sorry, but that's how it works, otherwise you are known as a HYPOCRITE, the tribute that vice pays virtue.

good night

[YouTakeTheSkyway]

50. One cannot favor something that they're not actively involved in achieving?

For instance, you have no business saying it would be a good thing if folks stopped butchering albino people in Tanzania because you're not over there attempting to stop it. Hmmf. Seems like rather ridiculous reasoning to me.

[ShamelessHussy]

51. of course you can, just don't expect your opinion to be given as much weight or respect

as someone who is actually actively involved in stopping the killing.

and as an arm chair warrior, you should expect to receive ridicule, disdain and criticism.

and so it goes...

[YouTakeTheSkyway]

53. I may not be in Afghanistan, this is true,

however I have educated and continue to educate myself on the subject, am more than open to hearing out those who disagree with me in order to achieve a more open and well thought out dialogue on the subject, and am donating what money I can spare to the cause of educating young women in that country.

For comparison's sake, I'd like to know what exactly you're doing to halt the gears of the war machine you despise so.

Oh, and for the record? I'm asking as someone who has been clubbed, pepper sprayed, arrested, under surveillance, has an FBI file, and dedicated literally years of his life organizing against the war in Iraq.

[roguevalley]

42. no. it is just easy to sit in a chair and be for a war you will never fight.

my insane uncle vern does that. if people had to put up a child for their fucking wars, there would be none

[OneTenthofOnePercent]

7. And what would you say to those of us that who support the effort and

have served, are serving, or are assisting military efforts?
Bueller? Bueller?

You voted for him... no reason to project your disapointment onto others. lol :eyes:

[lame54]

9. thanks

[VMI Dem]

8. Chickenhawks ain't just on the right.

[Bluerthanblue]

11. here's one for the others-

https://www.peacecorps.gov/apply/now/index.cfm?

Apply Now
Before you begin your application, please tell us a little about yourself by completing all the questions below.

* Required fields are indicated by an asterisk.

Step 1 of 2
Basic Eligibility
In order to join the Peace Corps, you must be over age 18 and be a U.S. citizen. Non-citizens may not join the Peace Corps.

* Are you a U.S. citizen? yes no * Are you at least 18 years old? yes no Contact Information
* First nameMiddle initial* Last name

What were your major fields of study? Select as many as apply.
Agriculture Business Education Environment Health Information Technology Liberal Arts Nursing Certification Science/Math Do you have a background in any of the following language?
French Spanish Have you had any experience (paid or volunteer) in the following areas? Select as many as apply.
Agriculture At-Risk Youth Business Community Development Construction or Other Skilled Trade Education/Tutoring Environment Health Information Technology Non-Profits When are you available to leave for overseas?
--- Select --- December 2009 January 2010 February 2010 March 2010 April 2010 May 2010 June 2010 July 2010 August 2010 September 2010 October 2010 November 2010 December 2010 January 2011 February 2011 March 2011 April 2011 May 2011 * What prompted you to visit the Peace Corps website today?
-- Select -- AmeriCorps Article in Magazine/Newspaper Brock Brady Former Peace Corps Volunteer Frank Higdon James Bay Peace Corps Advertisement Peace Corps Campus Event Peace Corps Community Event Peace Corps Email Peace Corps Mailing Peace Corps Recruiting Office/Staff Web Site: College Site MonsterTrak

[XemaSab]

13. Win

:D

[Zywiec]

14. Shhh, it only works one-way. n/t

[Lydia Leftcoast]

29. Don't worry, I'm actually considering it

but for the moment, I have an elderly mother who has been given about a year to live.

After that, all bets are off.

[YouTakeTheSkyway]

37. In other words, you have matters in your own life that constrict your ability to actively fight for

each and everything thing you believe in. Interesting how easy that it for you to acknowledge, personally, but how hard it is for you (and others) to see in the lives of others.

[XemaSab]

12. I've applied for several jobs with the Marines

but I haven't gotten them. :(

[theoldman]

16. I volunteered in 1951 and have never regretted my decision.

It makes for interesting conversation with people who have never served in the military. It makes even better conversation with people who have served. It appears that not too many people who post on DU have experience in the military.

[stray cat]

17. Boycott oil, gas, electricity and any thing made with these products!

in other words put up or shut up.

[eleny]

18. Let the soiling of shorts commence!

K&R - good job, lame54.

[jefferson_dem]

19. You win the award...

Stupidest post of the day. Bar none.

[redqueen]

22. Considering the fact that quite a few of DUers have posted this same sentiment...

repeatedly... I think they'll be sharing it.

[valerief]

21. Tut, tut. Doing war is for the peasants. Reaping the spoils of war is for the warmongers.

Why should they get their precious hands dirty? It would ruin their wintering in Costa Rica.

[cbdo2007]

23. Go ahead and fill it out yourself - just because we support the escalation doesn't make us any more

responsible for it than you are. This is what Obama has been moving toward all along. If you missed that, then you may want to go back and watch some of his campaign speeches and debates and stuff.

You voted him into office knowing he would do this so the blood is on your hands just the same as it is on ours.

[lame54]

25. i didn't vote for him in the primaries - mostly for this reason...

of course I voted for him in the general

I was even excited when he won - very excited

now I'm disappointed - not blind-sided- but disappointed

[Ozymanithrax]

24. I am a Vietnam Vet. retried after 20 years of service.

I support the President in what was a very difficult and controversial decision.

[Bucky]

41. Thank you

Barack Obama didn't choose to exhaust our military power and personnel on a futile vanity war in Iraq. Barack Obama didn't choose to ignore or mismanage the deteriorating and under resourced conflict in Afghanistan. Barack Obama didn't choose to call off the assault on Tora Bora when our troops had a decent chance at capturing bin Laden.

He just inherited this mess and is struggling to find a way out of a gluey conflict we can neither win nor afford to lose. I understand those who want to just start getting out now. I think they're wrong, but I can't fault their instincts. As a nation, we've danced to this tune before. Many of the troops who will be going over there in the next two years are sitting in my classroom. I know the kids who'll end up enlisting. It sucks; but it's necessary in order to responsibly clean up George Bush's multiple messes.

[Hepburn]

48. Barack Obama did not...

...choose to get out of two useless wars either.

If we cannot win, we have already lost. GET OUT NOW.

JMHO

[YouTakeTheSkyway]

54. A phased withdrawal is underway in Iraq

which, frankly, is the most responsible way for us to exit there.

Also, who's to say we can't win in Afghanistan?

[JVS]

27. Come on Patriots!

[TexasObserver]

30. Recommend

[alcibiades_mystery]

32. I pay my taxes

Nobody joining the military in the last seven years should have had any illusion about their potential combat status.

[lame54]

43. .

[L0oniX]

45. Go ahead and join ...fools!

[Hepburn]

46. And if you are too old to enlist....

...print the form and give it to every person who is dear to you and encourage them to go and die for this war, OK?

If you support the escalation ~~~ then do all you can to recruit for it.

JMHO

[YouTakeTheSkyway]

55. Would you like to discuss the merits of this war?

[Mithreal]

49. Enthusiastic K & R

[area51]

52. Too late to rec, but +1. (n/t)