I don't think it's healthy or good that we lionize those who serve in the mil

[Freeper]

cali
 
I don't think it's healthy or good that we lionize those who serve in the military

I am NOT suggesting that it would be good if we demonized them either. By and large, they're young men and women like other young men and women in this society. They're entrenched in a military culture that sends them terribly mixed messages. They bring with them into the service cultural biases and in many cases educational deficiencies.

By lionizing them and insisting that they're heroes we do them, and ourselves as a society, a serious disservice. We continue to send out fractured messages: They're heroes, ergo any wrongdoing is either not true or it's reflective of so tiny a minority of those serving that it's inconsequential. Heroes are good, ergo any war we engage in is worthy. The young people serving in the military are the best of the best.

So no, those serving aren't heroes any more than there peers who aren't serving. They're just kids in a bad system. And yes, I think our military is a pretty lousy system becomes it's almost wholly an aggressive and not a defensive entity.

And I don't mean to insult any of you who served or are serving. I know that there are exceptions. I'm not wholesale anti-military. I'm just anti a military that's postured in the aggressive stance the U.S. Military has assumed.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002578447

Every so often one of them has to remind us of how they look down upon those serving in the military.

izquierdista
1. Real heroes don't need to be lionized

The nastier the work they do, the more human rights they violate, the more crimes against humanity they perpetrate; that's when they need a big cheering section with a brass band while they hand out medals.

LibDemAlways
6. This worship of the military has reached a fever pitch at

sporting events where at each game a hero is introduced to a rousing round of applause. Enough.

Why not recognize a teacher, a social worker, a health care worker, a firefighter, a volunteer -- anyone making a difference in their community. People quietly perform heroic acts that go unnoticed and unappreciated every day. It's beyond time to acknowledge and celebrate some of them.

Of that group only the firefighter comes close to making the sacrifices that our military does.

n2doc
7. Yep

By making them "heroes" regardless of what they actually do or don't do, we glorify war. Why don't we consider all teachers "heroes" automatically? Or for that mater sanitary workers?

When teachers do something heroic then we shall.

Tierra_y_Libertad
8. I spent 4 years doing absolutely nothing beneficial to anyone..

and I'm embarrassed when anyone thanks me for my "service".

USMC '61 - '65

I get a little bit embarrassed if anyone thanks me for my service because I know many others have sacrificed so much more than I did, however I am damn proud that I served.

cbrer
9. Since we've continued our Imperialistic foreign policy

The invasive missions the military's been asked to perform are more outrageous. But the set of values that cause our young to volunteer for military service are generally honorable.

And the chronically violent segment is embedded regardless.

I thought all of that changed when Barry took over.

Marrah_G
13. I have a son in the military

He has an important technical job, high security clearance and looks spiffy in a uniform.

He is also 19, can't clean his room or remember to call momma or nana once in a while and like to play D&D and Magic when he is home.......

I'll pass on making him a hero..... at least until he cleans up his damn room.

Gee can't figure out why he wouldn't be jumping at the chance to call momma every chance he gets. 

cherokeeprogressive
37. The word "hero" has been meaningless for a very long time.

As evidenced by some of the people whose names you can find the word attached to today...

So true, the left is especially bad about calling people heroes who didn't do anything but hold out their hands and demand free stuff. For instance Sandra Fluke has hero status at DUmmyland.

[Ogre]

Tierra_y_Libertad
8. I spent 4 years doing absolutely nothing beneficial to anyone..

and I'm embarrassed when anyone thanks me for my "service".

USMC '61 - '65

I'm also embarrassed that you ever sullied any military uniform, much less the Marine's.

I'm certain even this tard was beneficial to his team leader, as he could always be used as a case in point of what not to do.

[BEG]

They are are oh so predictable. 

[seahorse513]

Lionize?? does she really mean idolize??? Anyway she is an asshole!!!

[DumbAss Tanker]

Educational deficiencies?  Hardly.  Military recruits as a group are probably the most highly-educated entry-level workers in our whole country.

[obumazombie]

Educational deficiencies?  Hardly.  Military recruits as a group are probably the most highly-educated entry-level workers in our whole country.

Across the board more educated, especially the career service members. They know higher education gives their careers a leg up.

[Splashdown]

If I had it to do all over again, I would have served in the military. It is the one regret of my life. I revere and honor the men and women who have served their country to protect the rights and comforts I enjoy. I have the privilege every year to teach young men who go on to military academies as well as careers as noncommissioned officers in all of the country's armed forces. I keep in touch with those guys and always thank them for their service.

Shakespeare had it right way back when, in Henry V.

This day is call'd the feast of Crispian.
    He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
    Will stand a tip-toe when this day is nam'd,
    And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
    He that shall live this day, and see old age,
    Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
    And say 'To-morrow is Saint Crispian.'
    Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars,
    And say 'These wounds I had on Crispian's day.'
    Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,
    But he'll remember, with advantages,
    What feats he did that day. Then shall our names,
    Familiar in his mouth as household words-
    Harry the King, Bedford and Exeter,
    Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester-
    Be in their flowing cups freshly rememb'red.
    This story shall the good man teach his son;
    And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
    From this day to the ending of the world,
    But we in it shall be remembered-
    We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
    For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
    Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
    This day shall gentle his condition;
    And gentlemen in England now-a-bed
    Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here,
    And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
    That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.

[thundley4]

n2doc
7. Yep

By making them "heroes" regardless of what they actually do or don't do, we glorify war. Why don't we consider all teachers "heroes" automatically? Or for that mater sanitary workers?

No man wants peace more than one that is on the battlefield.

[ExGeeEye]

And gentlemen in England now-a-bed
    Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here,
    And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
    That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.

There's a special class of werkin' wimmen who'll hold your manhood, cheap, upon any day you like. 

[hillneck]

izquierdista
1. Real heroes don't need to be lionized
The nastier the work they do, the more human rights they violate, the more crimes against humanity they perpetrate; that's when they need a big cheering section with a brass band while they hand out medals.



To my friends here on CC I am sorry for this rant, but this is one subject that winds me up.
Last time I checked nobody in the service gives a F**k what you liberal pansy ass think.  We don't serve looking for praise from you or trying to be a hero.  If you think soldiers do what they do for medals, than you are more stupid than I thought.  I would gladly give up all the medals I've earned if it would bring back just one of my buddies back.  We serve our country trying to protect our freedoms and look out for each others back.  Although we may not be perfect all the time, we are the best the world has to offer.  The U.S. military has brought more freedom to the world than any other organization combined.  We are trained to be peacemakers, not peacekeepers.  Everytime I hear or see bulls**t like this, I just have to remind myself it's freedom for everyone.  Even for the very people who would just as soon spit on my grave than thank me for my service.  My serving is NOT for you and your kind it's for freedom and to a lesser degree for me wanting to make a difference in the world.  Through our sacrifice enables you spew your hateful, ignorant babble, but that's OK you're free to do that.  Thanks to me and my kind present and past.  For me personally do me a huge favor and go F**k YOURSELF.           

[seahorse513]

and to add, if we didn't have the first Commander-in -Cheif, General George Washington of the First Continental Army, we wouldn't have the dedicated military we have today...
Though the causes are different , the outcome will still be the same, FREEDOM!!!!

[txradioguy]

[Gina]

Marrah_G
13. I have a son in the military

He has an important technical job, high security clearance and looks spiffy in a uniform.

He is also 19, can't clean his room or remember to call momma or nana once in a while and like to play D&D and Magic when he is home.......

I'll pass on making him a hero..... at least until he cleans up his damn room.

Holy Crap!  I hope it's son never reads this.  How horrible to know your parent thinks of you this way. 

[txradioguy]

Holy Crap!  I hope it's son never reads this.  How horrible to know your parent thinks of you this way. 

If her sone ever does find out her opinion of him...my guess it will be through a site like this.

[WinOne4TheGipper]

I agree.  Why are we honoring people who put their lives on the line for us?  We should honor those who truly deserve it.  Like Mumia.

[wasp69]

cali
 
I don't think it's healthy or good that we lionize those who serve in the military

So no, those serving aren't heroes any more than there peers who aren't serving. They're just kids in a bad system.

""The nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten."
Calvin Coolidge

Try to never forget that, earwig.

izquierdista
1. Real heroes don't need to be lionized

The nastier the work they do, the more human rights they violate, the more crimes against humanity they perpetrate; that's when they need a big cheering section with a brass band while they hand out medals.

Like you have any perspective and practical knowledge beyond packing a bong and bitching on the internet, DUmmie.

Crimes against humanity?  Human rights violations?  For medals?!?

LibDemAlways
6.

Why not recognize a teacher, a social worker, a health care worker, a firefighter, a volunteer -- anyone making a difference in their community. People quietly perform heroic acts that go unnoticed and unappreciated every day. It's beyond time to acknowledge and celebrate some of them.

With the exception of the firefighter, none of the above that you mentioned has written a check to the American People (including your worthless ass) in the amount of "up to and including my life".

I'm glad you mentioned "heroic acts that go unnoticed and unappreciated every day", DUmmie.  Here's one for you, broken down into a picture so you can understand it:



Any more stupid questons?

n2doc
7. Yep

By making them "heroes" regardless of what they actually do or don't do, we glorify war. Why don't we consider all teachers "heroes" automatically? Or for that mater sanitary workers?

Teachers?  Teachers?!?

 

No such thing exists in the public education system anymore, you useless simpleton.  I have more respect for the trash man than I do for most of the dipshit "educators" that suck up my tax money.  At least the trash man provides a valuable service.

BTW, DUmbass, I would much rather "glorify war" than praise some welfare queen for the "struggle" of raising children in a democrat built cesspool.

Tierra_y_Libertad
8. I spent 4 years doing absolutely nothing beneficial to anyone..

and I'm embarrassed when anyone thanks me for my "service".

USMC '61 - '65

It is often said that there is no such thing as an "ex" Marine...   

I get a bit sheepish when I'm thanked for my service to my country, but it's not because I'm an America hating, piece of shit DUmmie embarrassed by wearing the uniform.

cbrer
9. Since we've continued our Imperialistic foreign policy

Under barry big ears?  The Hell you say!

 

Marrah_G
13. I have a son in the military

He has an important technical job, high security clearance and looks spiffy in a uniform.

He is also 19, can't clean his room or remember to call momma or nana once in a while and like to play D&D and Magic when he is home.......

I'll pass on making him a hero..... at least until he cleans up his damn room.

Gee, I can't imagine why he doesn't want to talk to his shallow, pathetic, hateful mother, either.  Think it could be because she has the personality of a bent shitcan?

I have a son who is an Army certified Marksman/Sharpshooter that could drop a jihadi from several hundred yards away but can't seem to hit a laundry basket with his dirty socks to save his life. 

Wanna know the difference between you and I, DUmbass? 

The fact that he volunteered his life to give you ass-douches the freedom to spit on his sacrifice has earned him a place of honor in his home and country that none of you will ever be able to achieve.  His picture hangs on a special wall of our home that contains the pictures of his daddy, mommy, grandpas, and uncles that took time out of their lives to serve something greater than themselves.

Is he a hero?  Compared to you and your DUmpmates, he's more of a hero than you ****s will ever be.

[Zeus]

he·ro   [heer-oh] 
noun, plural he·roes; for 5 also he·ros.

1.a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities.

2.a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal: He was a local hero when he saved the drowning child.

3.the principal male character in a story, play, film, etc.

World English Dictionary
hero  (ˈhɪərəʊ)
 
— n  , pl -roes
1.   a man distinguished by exceptional courage, nobility, fortitude, etc
2.   a man who is idealized for possessing superior qualities in any field
3.   classical myth  a being of extraordinary strength and courage, often the offspring of a mortal and a god, who is celebrated for his exploits
4.   the principal male character in a novel, play, etc
 

[obumazombie]

Holy Crap!  I hope it's son never reads this.  How horrible to know your parent thinks of you this way. 

Everyone has their phobias, and their uncontrollable urges, if you're a lib.

[Gina]

I have a son who is an Army certified Marksman/Sharpshooter that could drop a jihadi from several hundred yards away but can't seem to hit a laundry basket with his dirty socks to save his life. 

Wanna know the difference between you and I, DUmbass? 

The fact that he volunteered his life to give you ass-douches the freedom to spit on his sacrifice has earned him a place of honor in his home and country that none of you will ever be able to achieve.  His picture hangs on a special wall of our home that contains the pictures of his daddy, mommy, grandpas, and uncles that took time out of their lives to serve something greater than themselves.

Is he a hero?  Compared to you and your DUmpmates, he's more of a hero than you ****s will ever be.

Thank you for your service and thank you for your son!  I can only hope and pray that my son still wants to go in when he is 18.  I would love for all of my kids to serve.  I encourage it.

[Airwolf]

When some asshat teacher or other union drone has to do as tough a job as the average infantry man then I might be impressed. None of them have to drive home each night hoping to Dodge an IED or sniper fire. None of them have to live like pigs in a forrest while It rains and floods their foxholes. Not one of them walks for miles to get to their destination and then start digging in because the enemy might attack. So please for give me when I don't give a **** when some brat makes your day at school a bit harsh because your incapable of handling your job.  Piss on all of them.

[Splashdown]

When some asshat teacher or other union drone has to do as tough a job as the average infantry man then I might be impressed. None of them have to drive home each night hoping to Dodge an IED or sniper fire. None of them have to live like pigs in a forrest while It rains and floods their foxholes. Not one of them walks for miles to get to their destination and then start digging in because the enemy might attack. So please for give me when I don't give a **** when some brat makes your day at school a bit harsh because your incapable of handling your job.  Piss on all of them.

Even more basic, Teachers get to go home to their families after a tough day. They get a couple months off. They sleep in warm beds every night.

Again, I've never worn the uniform, but I'm thinking that those simple things that we take for granted aren't shared by those who took an oath to defend our freedoms.

[JohnnyReb]

You know something, when I see a young person in uniform, it puts a tear in my eye, a lump in my thoart and my heart swells with pride.

I get almost the same results when I see a dirty, smelly, liberal hippie but for entirely different reasons. I cry for my country, my heart aches for its youth and my gut is filled with rage.

[obumazombie]

You know something, when I see a young person in uniform, it puts a tear in my eye, a lump in my thoart and my heart swells with pride.

I get almost the same results when I see a dirty, smelly, liberal hippie but for entirely different reasons. I cry for my country, my heart aches for its youth and my gut is filled with rage.

Not to mention the overpowering hippie smells of incense, patchouli, and maybe even onion and garlic thrown in.

[Wineslob]

I'll make sure I crotch kick the next OWS jackass I see. 

[Karin]

BanTheGOP (696 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

40. EXCELLENT POST REC'd

Congratulations on sticking your neck out for the Freeper trolls and idiots jump into the circle jerk mode to deride what I've known for years: Military service is not only unnecessary but incredibly dangerous to the security and sanctity of the world.

What we SHOULD do is to stand down our military except for coast guard and other border protection (NOT "patrol") duties. We don't need military in other parts of the world to act in our unilateral efforts.

What should be done is to start migrating our offense-related military, including naval ships, elite forces, and all major aircraft, to the United Nations, where a consortium of peaceful, progressive nations can take the controls, and ensure that our military is ONLY used for defense and humanitarian purposes. There is no reason for ANY one nation to unilaterally decide to invade or kill based upon its republicanist leadership's whims.

To that end, we should create a worldwide referendum and begin to migrate the US military to the UN, and stand down all military that's not needed. Pronto.

Die in a fire, asshole.  Preferably one ignited by a jihadi.

Not one DUmb**** dissents.  Not one.