ThankASoldierWeek.com -- I Think this is cool!

[bren]

Caught this on the news last night .. think it was Fox or CNN:

Thank A Soldier Week - http://www.thankasoldierweek.com is a time when us Americans are being encourages to stop for a moment and give thanks to the men and women risking everything for us.

Check it out and send a nice message.

Thanking you

Bren

[Black Dog]

"Dear Soldier:

Thank you for putting your life on the line for the elite interests of your nation, the same elites who will cut your health benefits, charge you for equipment lost in combat and deny you the necessary supports for readjusting to civilian life. Know that they are proud to put a "Support the trops" bumper sticker on their SUV, which is being run on gasoline produced by corporations who's economic well-being your sacrifice is safeguarding.

Suckers."

[Army Guy]

Black dog:

Comments better served ,by keeping them to yourself.

I'm sure that every soldier has his owns reasons for serving his country. I also sure that none join for the reasons you've mentioned.

Calling them suckers, because they have a different set of morals, a different set of values and see the world in a different light than you do is an insult.

Don't hate the player hate the game.

[Black Dog]

I'm sure that every soldier has his owns reasons for serving his country. I also sure that none join for the reasons you've mentioned.

Sure. But that's not particularly relevant, is it? Throughout history, men have sacrificed life and limb for what they may have earnestly believed to be a good cause: but those lofty ideals and wonderful values mean jack shit to the people who send others to choke on mustard gas in the mud of Ypres, spill their guts on the beach at Dieppe or watch their friends get blown to pieces on soem Iraqi highway.

Calling them suckers, because they have a different set of morals, a different set of values and see the world in a different light than you do is an insult.

What else would you call soemone who willingly signs up, risking everything for what is ultimately, someone else's gain?

Don't hate the player hate the game.

The game stops when the players stop showing up.

[Army Guy]

Sure. But that's not particularly relevant, is it? Throughout history, men have sacrificed life and limb for what they may have earnestly believed to be a good cause: but those lofty ideals and wonderful values mean jack shit to the people who send others to choke on mustard gas in the mud of Ypres, spill their guts on the beach at Dieppe or watch their friends get blown to pieces on soem Iraqi highway.

It is relevent, it has everything to do with it. They joined because they believe that they can make a difference, that there sacrifice will be worth something.

It's not about taking a few moments and remembering those that sent them to fight...it's about those who believed it was a worthy cause and risked thier lives for a better future. Thats all.

Soldiers don't care much for politics or the people that send them into battle. And there not doing it for our political masters they are doing it for a better future, hoping that their sacrafice will mean something to someone someday.

To call those people suckers is a slap in the face. It implies that those that did go before us, did so in vain and yet we are here today taking advantage of the fruits of thier labour. The world may of been a much different place had they not gone and fought in the fields of Ypres, Somme,Vimy Ridge,or Dieppe,battle of britain,Holland,korea and the many many more battles.

The piont is this, It's not about approval of War, or our political masters it's about taking a moment and saying thanks to a soldier.

  What else would you call soemone who willingly signs up, risking everything for what is ultimately, someone else's gain?

A Hero, just like a firemen, or a policemen.

The game stops when the players stop showing up.

No the game stops, when man figures out a way to solve his problems with out violence. We both know that is not going to happen in the near future.

[Black Dog]

It is relevent, it has everything to do with it. They joined because they believe that they can make a difference, that there sacrifice will be worth something.

But, for the most part, it doesn't. And it's not.

's not about taking a few moments and remembering those that sent them to fight...it's about those who believed it was a worthy cause and risked thier lives for a better future. Thats all.

But no matter how much they believe in the cause, it's stil a lie. War is never about "making a better future". Excercises like this merely perpetuate the lies that convince men to lay down their lives for another's profit. A lie is no less a lie because somebody believes in it.

Soldiers don't care much for politics or the people that send them into battle. And there not doing it for our political masters they are doing it for a better future, hoping that their sacrafice will mean something to someone someday.

Maybe they should pay more attention into why they fight and who is really benefiting from their sacrifice.

To call those people suckers is a slap in the face. It implies that those that did go before us, did so in vain and yet we are here today taking advantage of the fruits of thier labour.

I'm not saying they died for nothing. I'm saying they died for reasons other than the one's listedon the monuments. And in a sense, we are enjoying the fruits of their labours: for the western world got to where it is through the supremacy of its force of arms.

A Hero, just like a firemen, or a policemen.

No. Cannon fodder. A firefighter keeps people safe. Cops keep order (though also to the benefit of some more than others). Soldiers are there to catch bullets and deal death.

No the game stops, when man figures out a way to solve his problems with out violence. We both know that is not going to happen in the near future.

Especially not as long as people keep believing that killing and dying is some kind of noble endeavour worthy of lionzation.

[Army Guy]

It is relevent, it has everything to do with it. They joined because they believe that they can make a difference, that there sacrifice will be worth something.

But, for the most part, it doesn't. And it's not.

Thats your opinion, i have been doing this for over 26 years now, and i still believe that every endevour Canada has taken place in has been worth it. every last minute of it.

But no matter how much they believe in the cause, it's stil a lie. War is never about "making a better future". Excercises like this merely perpetuate the lies that convince men to lay down their lives for another's profit. A lie is no less a lie because somebody believes in it.

To you it's a lie, to us that do it everyday it's what we believe in, and we do that as strongly as you do, in disbelieving it. when they stop believing they'll stop and get out of the military.

Maybe they should pay more attention into why they fight and who is really benefiting from their sacrifice

Soldiers are not a bunch of mindless robots, everyone is giving the option to get out, war time being a little different but no one can make an indiv fight if the don't want to. Those that do believe what they are doing is right.

I'm not saying they died for nothing I'm saying they died for reasons other than the one's listedon the monuments. ..

Then what are you saying other than they are "suckers" implying that all our present freedoms that we take advantage of daily where not worth the price they paid for them. What price would you pay for any if not all the freedoms you enjoy today.

And in a sense, we are enjoying the fruits of their labours: for the western world got to where it is through the supremacy of its force of arms

What is it you are trying to tell me, that you don't like your current freedoms because the price was to high. And to achieve our current freedoms it took military intervention.

the western world got to where it is now, through alot more than it's supremacy of arms "canada a perfect example" but it does retain it's current freedoms because it's military acts as a deterant to others.

No. Cannon fodder. A firefighter keeps people safe. Cops keep order (though also to the benefit of some more than others). Soldiers are there to catch bullets and deal death.

I think you watch to much TV, And regardless of what i post i will not change your mind, as someone has feed you a line of shit and you've bought it hook line and sinker.

Soldiers are regular people just like you they have families ,dreams , asperations just like the rest of Canadians why is it so hard for you to believe that those that wear the uniform are going above and beyond that the everyday Canadian citizen does and they do it because they believe that what they are doing is worth it. they believe it is going to improve someones life.

Especially not as long as people keep believing that killing and dying is some kind of noble endeavour worthy of lionzation

Stop thinking that the world is full of roses ...it's not ..it's full of thugs, scumbags who would not think twice of taking what every you have, and put 2 in your forehead just because. Someone has to stand up . Draw a line in the stand and tell them cross it and pay the price.

[Black Dog]

Thats your opinion, i have been doing this for over 26 years now, and i still believe that every endevour Canada has taken place in has been worth it. every last minute of it.

Of course you believe it: who wans to think of themselves as a tool?

Then what are you saying other than they are "suckers" implying that all our present freedoms that we take advantage of daily where not worth the price they paid for them. What price would you pay for any if not all the freedoms you enjoy today.

No. I'm not talking about "freedoms", but of our privileged place in the world.

Soldiers are regular people just like you they have families ,dreams , asperations just like the rest of Canadians why is it so hard for you to believe that those that wear the uniform are going above and beyond that the everyday Canadian citizen does and they do it because they believe that what they are doing is worth it. they believe it is going to improve someones life.

You're arguing against a point I'm not making. I'm not arguing that soldiers don't believe all the happy-happy stuff about "making a difference" and "protecting our freedoms". In fact, I'm sure they do. My point is, and has been all along, that war is about none of those things, no mater how ardently the people dying believe it is.

[kimmy]

We don't do a lot of invading of other nations, or fighting off invasions, but we do have international obligations. We provide aid and peacekeeping and participate in multinational efforts with the United Nations and with our allies aimed at (hopefully) noble goals. Meeting these obligations is something that Canada couldn't do without our armed forces. We don't have mandatory military service, as many European nations do; Canada's ability to meet its commitments depends entirely on people who have chosen to enlist.

It might be debateable whether these people are "making a difference", but I don't think it is debateable that these people are doing a service for Canada.

If we as a nation decide that it is important to participate in peacekeeping efforts in some country we've never been to and don't ever plan on going to, or we choose to send emergency assistance to the disaster-stricken residents of some hapless nation on the other side of the world, we can do that only thanks to the efforts of people who have chosen to enlist. And even if we don't choose to do any of that, but the United Nations asks member nations to contribute to those efforts anyway, we can live up to our responsibilities as a member of that community only thanks to the efforts of people who have chosen to enlist.

I suppose, if you wished, you could call these people "tools," as they're acting on our behalf. As for whether they're "suckers", I guess that depends how cynical you are. Someone with my very low opinion of the competence of our leaders should probably think yes. I am not sure that I would ever willingly put my life in the hands of Paul Martin and Bill Graham and their friends. That's just me, though. Generally speaking, somebody who enlists in the armed forces is somebody who has agreed to act as as a representative of our country's will on the world stage, somebody who gives effect to our country's views on world policy and the global community. If somebody trusts our leadership and believes in our views on the international community, then I think they're entirely justified in feeling that they're sacrificing themselves for the good of the nation.

If Canadian soldiers find themselves losing their lives in tasks that are not worth the cost, I don't believe it is they that are the suckers, I believe it is the people that put them there. That might be our leaders or it might even be we voters.

-k

[Army Guy]

I'm not saying they died for nothing I'm saying they died for reasons other than the one's listedon the monuments. ..

Thats your opinion, i have been doing this for over 26 years now, and i still believe that every endevour Canada has taken place in has been worth it. every last minute of it

Of course you believe it: who wans to think of themselves as a tool?.

A tool of the goverment perhaps yes, but no more than any other government worker. As far as our government is concerned and the powers to send us into combat your right we are at thier mercy to a piont , but we rely on the voters to keep them in check. Besides soldiers are not just going to throw thier lifes away for a governments bad chioce or politcal asperations.

No. I'm not talking about "freedoms", but of our privileged place in the world.

you've lost me, what privileged place are you talking about, Europe not under german control, or the rest of us under Nazi control. what have we siezed from someone else to earn our priviliged place.

You're arguing against a point I'm not making. I'm not arguing that soldiers don't believe all the happy-happy stuff about "making a difference" and "protecting our freedoms". In fact, I'm sure they do. My point is, and has been all along, that war is about none of those things, no mater how ardently the people dying believe it is.

How do you get that (above) out of what you wrote (below) And as you've pionted out above you sure they protect our freedoms and are making a difference why not just say "thanks" and save your comments for those that deserve it.

My point is, and has been all along, that war is about none of those things, no mater how ardently the people dying believe it is.

I agree that war is not to be glorified, and is the result of the lack of strong government leadership. but then your statement was not about war, but soldiers and citizens that believe there are things worth fighting over. such as rights and freedoms.

Dear Soldier:

Thank you for putting your life on the line for the elite interests of your nation, the same elites who will cut your health benefits, charge you for equipment lost in combat and deny you the necessary supports for readjusting to civilian life. Know that they are proud to put a "Support the trops" bumper sticker on their SUV, which is being run on gasoline produced by corporations who's economic well-being your sacrifice is safeguarding.

Suckers."

[Black Dog]

Besides soldiers are not just going to throw thier lifes away for a governments bad chioce or politcal asperations.

It's happened before: what make syou think it won't again.

you've lost me, what privileged place are you talking about, Europe not under german control, or the rest of us under Nazi control. what have we siezed from someone else to earn our priviliged place.

We're a tiny portion of the earth's population, yet we control most of its wealth. See where I'm going?

How do you get that (above) out of what you wrote (below) And as you've pionted out above you sure they protect our freedoms and are making a difference why not just say "thanks" and save your comments for those that deserve it.

My argument is, simply, no matter how much they might think they are protecting our freedoms etc. etc., the primary job of a soldier is to protect the interests of the wealthy and powerful. The fact that society as a whole profits from the subjugation of others does little to change that fact. The war in Iraq is a perfect example. The American way of life runs on oil. The war in Iraq (as much as its defenders like to pretend it doesn't matter) is predicated in some degree on maintaing that dependency, a dependency which all Americans benifit from to some degree. But some beneift more than others (a lot more) and they are the one's sending the guys who would be otherwise working the gas station to die.

but then your statement was not about war, but soldiers and citizens that believe there are things worth fighting over. such as rights and freedoms.

This is not hard: people who believe they are fighting primarily for freedom are believing a big, fat lie.

[Montgomery Burns]

Black Dog:

"Dear Soldier:

Blah blah blah people who believe they are fighting primarily for freedom are believing a big, fat lie blah blah blah "progressive" liberal memes.

Suckers."

Just when you think that BD can't stoop any lower....

Thanks for the link, Bren.

[dugger]

I haven't been around here long enough be able to see the "mental capacity" of the various posters. That said, calling members of the Armed Forces "suckers" and, basically, dismissing the horrors of world war two with inane comments, is sad and brings into question the bitterness behind such comments.

However, that said, the poster of these comments has the freedom to say this and that is what members of the armed forces fought for...the freedom to be able to make comments..no matter how "dumb" they are.

Also this posters further "shot" at police officers was uncalled for.

[Guest eureka]

Black Dog does not use the words lightly and it would be helpful to have some disagreement that is a little better thought out than the soulful criticisms.

Soldiers in most wars are suckers. Many eagerly sign up to fight for "King and Country." What they are really fighting for is privilege and ambition of those who do not fight.

There are few exceptions to that.

[Black Dog]

That said, calling members of the Armed Forces "suckers" and, basically, dismissing the horrors of world war two with inane comments, is sad and brings into question the bitterness behind such comments.

Who dissmissed the horrors of WW2 or any war? War's are horrific. And yet, those who benefit most (those that send men to die) never get their hands dirty.

However, that said, the poster of these comments has the freedom to say this and that is what members of the armed forces fought for...the freedom to be able to make comments..no matter how "dumb" they are.

Argh. This is precisely the mythologizing I'm trying to skewer here.

[Montgomery Burns]

Sometimes I wonder if Black Dog is channeling the loathsome Ted Rall, who stated in his latest column:

Do our government's poorly paid contract killers deserve our "support" for blindly following orders?....Ethical Americans considering a military career should seek a civilian job until a lawful, elected government has been restored in Washington and we have withdrawn our forces from occupied Afghanistan and Iraq. Those who are already enlisted should refuse to reenlist. Soldiers trapped by "stop loss" orders should apply for conscientious objector status (which is difficult to obtain) or refuse deployment based on the unlawful order principle. And if all else fails, there's always desertion."

Poorly paid contract killers who should desert the military? How nice of Rall.

But don't you dare question the left's patriotism!

And this clown is still whining about Bush not being elected. Get over your 2 losses already, you idiot.

[newbie]

I haven't been around here long enough be able to see the "mental capacity" of the various posters. ...

Also this posters further "shot" at police officers was uncalled for.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Uncalled for remarks are the norm here it seems dugger. Stick around, you'll either get used to it, ignore those offending posters or leave in digust. Re-read some of Montomery's posts. He kind of set the tone since I've been here.

[sharkman]

Black Dog does not use the words lightly and it would be helpful to have some disagreement that is a little better thought out than the soulful criticisms.

Soldiers in most wars are suckers. Many eagerly sign up to fight for "King and Country." What they are really fighting for is privilege and ambition of those who do not fight.

There are few exceptions to that.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Many do not sign up for King and country anymore. Many in the U.S. sign up for the training opportunities and career advancement. You can get education paid for as well. Put you've served in the army on your resume and employers put you above other candidates.

There are plenty among peace activistism who are suckers, but anyone who goes into something with their eyes wide open and willingly is not a sucker.

[Army Guy]

Besides soldiers are not just going to throw thier lifes away for a governments bad chioce or politcal asperations.

It's happened before: what make syou think it won't again.

When as a nation have we used our military based on a bad chioce ? And i can't say with 100 % certainity that it will not happen in the future, However most of our operations that Canada has been involed with have been on a volunteer opition, if a soldier does not fully agree with the operation he simply does not volunteer. Yes there has been periods that this country has ordered it's citizens to war. but even then there are clauses placed in there to allow an indiv an out.

My argument is, simply, no matter how much they might think they are protecting our freedoms etc. etc., the primary job of a soldier is to protect the interests of the wealthy and powerful.

When have we as a nation gone to war or sent troops solely based on the fact we were protecting the interest of the wealthy and powerful?

As for the OIL aspect the western world depends on oil for it survival, not only the rich and powerful but everyone. The war on Iraq is not going to change that. Nor is it going to solve that, How much oil is actually imported from the outside the US, i think you'll find those numbers very small.

This is not hard: people who believe they are fighting primarily for freedom are believing a big, fat lie.

Not every military operation is the same, but for the most part Canada as a nation has taken part in some noble operations. Which have primarily been about rights and freedoms if not ours then someone elses. Everyone is going to have different reasons for joining up and fighting. What freedoms would we have now under Nazi rule.

Again you are entitled to your opinon. I believe this nation needs a force of people that are willing to stand-up to those that may want to take something from this country be it our freedoms or rights. And when man finally grows up and decides it's armys are no longer required i'll be the first to turn in my uniform.