Re: THANK YOU Cynic
<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>If anyone is interested in WAR, there are many sites on the net in many forums regarding those who support the killings and those who want peace. Check em out and come back to warfree figure skating.[/quote]
Is that an invitation to leave? Or is it a strong hint that we shouldn't be discussing this, even though it's in off-topic?
<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>It is true many of the posters are anti-war; anti-killing; anti-maming.
Unless one has actually been in a war watching the horrific acts which take place among comrades, colleagues, enemies, property, etc. one may not be able to understand the anti-war sentiment that one half of the country has grasped. Supporting the military has nothing to do with being anti-war.
On the other hand, if one has not been in a war, then one can truly sing the broadway show: "Oh What A Lovely War". [/quote]
Once again, I fear you have confused supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom with a desire for bloodlust. Just ain't so. I realize I didn't serve in the military (though I did go through the whole MEPS process back in '92; didn't make the cut due to vision issues), but I have heard several firsthand accounts from family members (my grandfather served in the Phillipines in WWII, my other grandfather fought in Korea, just as you did, my ex-husband fought in Vietnam, plus 4 first cousins that all served in the military, one of whom served in ODS) as to many of the horrors that happen. Factor that in with the fact that I was travelling in the Middle East during some very tense times - nothing like staying at a hotel that has military posted at every entrance and exit, not knowing if the next bus you get on is going to blow up, and I think I have at the very least a good grasp on the fact that war is not glamorous or glorious, but at times is necessary.
It's foolishly naive to think that by sitting world leaders down around a campfire and singing a few verses of Kumbaya, resolution, disarmament, and regime change will occur without conflict. Once again, the UN had 12 years to deal with it, and, like my old sig line said, they were about as effective as a traffic cop on valium at enforcing the resolutions they passed.
Tell me, if Britain had decided to go it alone and the US abstained from any military action, would you be screaming in protest with the same amount of zeal? The answer had better be yes, otherwise it helps make the case that your opposition is less about the carnage of war and more about your distaste for the Bush administration.
As for the senseless killing, maiming, carnage, and bloodshed:
Where are the tens of thousands of civilian casualties?
Where are the thousands of body bags returning home?
Seems to me the only side that has killed thousands of civilians is the regime you feel we have no business removing from power.
This number of US military personnel killed in action as of Frday was two more than were killed in Warwick, RI in February, less if you choose not to count non-combat fatalities. If your concern is truly over senseless killing et al, why weren't you angered and vocally outraged over the tragic, preventable loss of life in that fire?
I don't understand how someone who claims to be concerned about protecting the lives of innocent civilians can be so selective about applying that belief. To put it in a much smaller context, if the government has no business getting involved in a matter that doesn't directly concern them, I guess then that the cops should stay out of domestic violence issues until blood is spilled on the neighbors lawn.
You're entitled to your beliefs, Joe, just as I am entitled to mine. I am genuinely trying to understand your stance on this issue, but I am confused by inconsistencies, and as a result of that confusion I cannot help but feel that the axe you have to grind is not about the war with Iraq but rather your personal war with the Bush administration.
Kasey
