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An Open Letter To Politicians On Both Sides Of The Aisle
May 31, 2007
I received this letter from one of the Soldier’s that we’ve featured here at ASM in the past. His letter, speaks eloquently of the frustration that our Troops in harms way are feeling when they are constantly barraged with the news coverage of the political posturing that constantly is occurring in Washington D.C. I can fully appreciate and understand his frustration and the frustration of the many men and women serving in our Nation’s Armed Forces. This is a letter which needs to be read by every single one of the Politicians currently sitting on their “thrones” in Washington D.C., not caring that their political posturing gravely affects the lives of the men and women so proudly and valiantly serving our Country. I say that, because quite honestly, I don’t think the Politicians, really care about how their decisions and political posturing affects not only our Troops, but each and every one of us. I honestly don’t think they care about much of anything, as long as they can maintain their “political power base” and continue to line their pockets with our hard earned tax dollars. I think that many of you will agree, after reading this letter.
To the Esteemed Ladies and Gentlemen of both sides of the aisle:
I have watched and listened to your political posturing and fighting, and have tolerated it up until now, but I find myself increasingly unable to let those things slide and find myself drawn to speak out, especially in light of the recent Memorial Day holiday.
To those profess to be opposed to the war in Iraq and Afghanistan:
I will not speak as to whether it is correct or right for us to be in those places, or any other for that matter. Instead, I will address my opinions on your actions regarding the conduct of those missions and your support (or lack thereof) for them. If, as you profess, you truly believe that we shouldn’t be in those countries, if you believe, as you state repeatedly on the media, THEN YOU ARE FAILING YOUR PRINCIPLES AND YOUR CONSTITUENTS. If you believe that Soldiers are dying needlessly, as you’re so fond of saying to all that will listen, WHY ARE YOU ALLOWING IT TO CONTINUE? If you TRULY believe that things are hopeless, that we cannot win, that we must withdraw, then every second you delay that SOLDIERS ARE DYING and you do nothing about it. Each second you waste with useless posturing and toothless bills and motions merely delays any productive change, and SOLDIERS DIE while you plan your next soundbite for CNN. If you SINCERELY believe that Soldiers are dying needlessly, WHY DO YOU REFUSE TO TAKE THE NECESSARY STEPS TO STOP IT? If, on the other hand, as I suspect, you are merely using the deaths of American patriots to fuel your political machinery then you are, without a doubt, the most vile of opportunists, and should not only be censured for your actions, but should forfeit your place within the governmental workings of the land those Soldiers died to protect.
To those who profess to support the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan:
If you support the troops, then SUPPORT THE TROOPS. Quit the political in-fighting, work together, and give the troops the adequate and necessary funding and support they require. Don’t back down from the assaults of the far side of the aisle, FIGHT FOR THE TROOPS TOOTH AND NAIL as they fight for you in a far off place. DON’T LET THEIR DEATHS BE IN VAIN. If you support the mission, then you MUST SUPPORT THE TROOPS, and in no way should you allow the POLITICIZING OF THEIR DEATHS, using their deaths as a statistic being used to push for the end of the mission and the removal of the troops. If you believe their deaths serve a purpose, if you believe the Soldiers serving overseas are doing the right thing, then HOW CAN YOU LET OTHERS BELITTLE THEIR MISSION AND CALL FOR THEIR RETURN BEFORE THE MISSION IS OVER? Support the Troops, Support the Mission.
Either way, to both sides of the aisle: CHOOSE YOUR SIDE AND HAVE THE INTESTINAL FORTITUDE TO FIGHT FOR IT. Don’t let our brave men and women die overseas because you’re too cowardly to fight for them as you see fit.
- A Tired Combat Veteran
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68 Responses to “An Open Letter To Politicians On Both Sides Of The Aisle”
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Exactly!!
Thank you for your service, Tired Combat Veteran. You are so appreciated!
Thank you for your truthfulness and your service. I pray for God to open our eyes to these truths and guide us in how to overcome this evil, in DC and Iraq, Afghanisan and many more countries.
I agree with you Terri, for the most part, but I think it should be made clear that when we refer to politicians caring more for maintaining a power base than other more pressing matters, we must include the president and vice president and their cadre of Republican advisors in the mix.
Sharon, do you ever actually read anything?? Is there ANYTHING between your ears besides slimy green jello?? Good God. Grow up.
This is not about your Bush bashing and complete and total hatred of the man. It’s about the Congress and the Senate and what they are doing, AND NOT DOING. The President has not wavered, right or wrong, like it or not. This poor Vet is talking about Congress and the Senate. So why don’t you just grow up and act your chronological age instead of your mental one.
Always a kind personal thought to share, sue. Thanks and have a great weekend.
Only for you Sharon since you have always been so generous to share your kind personal thoughts about me in your most pleasant of tones. I’m guessing you don’t much like to play your game when its not you doing the playing? You be sure to have a wonderful weekend too.
More hearts and mind eh Sue?
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/01/world/middleeast/01haditha.html?_r=1&n=Top%2fReference%2fTimes%20Topics%2fSubjects%2fM%2fMilitary%20Personnel&oref=slogin
I’ll summarize: most of the civilians in Haditha were shot at close range in the head…I know maybe if they build a really cool minature golf to go with the carnival it will all be alright for the kids in Iraq…you stupid bimbo…..
Ah Paul Cohen, so nice to see you found your way back you ignorant schmuck!! I’m sure that Anthony will be so happy to know your disgusting piece of crap butt is back here again!! Ta ta moron.
No worries Sue just saw an opportunity for a dig on you and took it…you are so easy….did you need to google the big words in the article? I noticed you seem to have the same nasty dispositon to every one else with differing views who post…hmmmmm….hypocrisy at it’s finest….later gator….
Awww Paul you like me, you really really like me!!! And no Paulie, I don’t have a nasty disposition with people who have differing opinions than mine. What I have a nasty disposition with are people like you who come here with your condescending crap, and stupidity. I didn’t start this gator YOU did remember when you treated me like dirt?? I still think you are a schmuck. The name fits. Wear it with pride.
Oh Lord….. I’m gone for a couple of days and the trolls come out in droves. Paul, for your own sake of mind, go back to the hole you came from. You’re crap isn’t going to change anyone’s mind here, so you might as well give it up pal.
After I get some rest, I’ll share some of the experiences I had in San Antonio over the past couple of days.
Dang Terri!!! You missed all the fun!! Paul and Sharon and I were just bonding again!!!
Yeah Sue I noticed. Looks like the trolls had a heyday while I was in San Antonio. Jeezzzz, wouldn’t it be nice if they got a life?
Ah c’mon without us trolls you would only be able to prattle on in your own little warped sense of reality..what fun would that be?
Response back to letter:
Man up troop this is what a democracy is all about!
Our purpose here is to inform the public of what’s really happening in Iraq, the things the media conveniently fails to mention in the news. Quite honestly I have much better things to do than to have to deal with ingrates like you and your ilk.
So sad Terri isn’t it?? Tr, with out you trolls there may be intelligent debate and discourse. But when you bring only retarded rhetoric to the table no one is much interested. People here are tired of explaining to the mentally impaired what the facts and situations are. It has nothing at all to do with who does and doesn’t have an altered state of reality as you would like to think. Because if that were the case, the very same could be said for you.
tr democracy isn’t about the politicians playing games with each other, at the expense of our troops or our nation. What they’re doing is nothing but playing games with innocent lives and has nothing to do with democracy.
Sue and Terri~I agree. Additionally, there is Democracy, and then there’s Decency; a social skill that the little trolls here, obviously, never learned.
Well said Terri!! Give Marty a hug for me huh? Things are great by the way. All fixed.
Hope you guys had a nice trip to San Anton, Terri! Look forward to hearing about it!
Hey Sue :)!
Boy Sue now you ridicule those amongst us with special needs? Have you no shame…You really should consider volunteering at the special olympics you may then learn to appreciate just how those folks need our support as well…
The only “special needs” people that are being referred to are ingrates like you. In no way is that against anyone with developmental disabilities unless you’re professing to be one of those people.
awww troll will i see you there??
Hey Commander Mom!!! Hopin for two days in a row!!!! he he he
Oh and by the way troll, you are only digging that hole a little deeper and a little wider. Because I will tell you again. You have NO clue.
We should not refer in a negative way to the Special Olympics or similar events. Many of our boys have given the ultimate sacrifice in foreign wars. Some have lost arms, legs, or have some other kind of injury, including mental ones. Often times they face discrimination and they have a hard time all round, especially finding members of the opposite sex to love them. I work with some of these people who have had mental injuries. They face many challenges adjusting to the world, they don’t feel, and are often not treated as, fully human. These people are the real heroes in my book, even if they are shunned by the ignorant. Special Olympics and similar events are a great way for challenged people, including some of our challenges heroes, to feel apart of something again. We should take a firm stand against these kind of insults. We need to take care of our wounded warriors, not shun them even more.
Proud & Free
I whole heartedly agree. I hope you can get your message across to the trolls!!
proud & free we do nothing here but advocate for our troops and our wounded warriors, regardless of their injuries. Unfortunately I can’t say the same about some of the trolls we’ve had visit the blog, as more than one of them have made very derogatory comments about our wounded warriors and how much money they’re supposedly making because of their injuries. I hold nothing but contempt for a good majority of the negative anti-troops trolls who come here to defame our troops and their good names.
Oh boy, trolls again? Just comin’ to do nothin’ but try and stir trouble. UGGHHH!!! Will they ever just go and get a real life? Honestly.
Hey Sue~hopin for 2 days in a row for ya, too!!! :)
proud & free, I can guarantee you, you won’t find the good folks here ever having anything but love, respect,admiration, good thoughts, prayers, support and help for any wounded Warriors, those living with special needs, or Special Olympics. They are all heroes in our books’, as well!
I don’t want to comment on anyone’s motives. I would just assume we all support our boys here. I am going to assume such insults are an innocent mistake. I can tell you these boys of our’s always impress me. I have met some that have been seriously disfigured in this war. You would not believe some of the things they have told me about being shunned and mocked in normal society. People can indeed be cruel. This is why I want people to be especially sensitive to criticizing the events for special people. Do not add any insult to injurt.
Sue you really need to reflect on Proudandfree’s words….your quote below I think really reflects your ingnorance about those amongst us with disabilities….
Sue says:
“But when you bring only retarded rhetoric to the table no one is much interested. People here are tired of explaining to the mentally impaired what the facts and situations are.
Hal, I need to reflect on nothing, and will apologize for nothing I said. I am not ignorant of those with disabilities and if you were a regular reader here you would understand fully what I was saying to the persons I was directing it to. If you would like to get all up on a high and mighty horse about what I said, Fine. Judge me. I have more compassion for you than that. I will still pray for you. But know that you do NOT know me or the intentions of my words if you believe what you have just stated. Ignorance is ignorance and that was what I was speaking to. There is more than one inference to the definition of “retarded” as well as “mentally impaired” in the manner in which I used it. As I said, if you were a regular reader and not just someone dropping by to rag on me and protect the degenerates that the comments were written to, then you would know that. But as I said, I won’t judge you as harshly as you have judged me. There is NO ONE in this life who is with out fault or sin and no one is perfect. I think you need to go back and start reading posts. Maybe then you will find out what I was talking about. And WHO.
This site has been bombarded with filthy disgusting trolls who have absolutely nothing to add to a discussion but lies and filth and desecrate sacred things. These are the people I am speaking of. I am so damned tired of the PC police. If you want to be all critical and Politically correct Hal, why don’t you speak to the animals I was talking about?? HUH??? Or is it just fine with you for people to desecrate the memory of our fine Servicemen and women with out impunity???? HUH HAL??? Think about that one. Let me know. Maybe you should rethink your PC bs.
Yes, Sue, for those of us who read through the whole post, and all the other posts, know that the digusting trolls willingly and knowingly choose their mental state, and their hearts of cold stone. It’s wrong and will not be tolerated here. I understand!
Sue,
Like other threads, this one is under a coordinated attack. First, someone who is a first time poster makes obscene drive-by posts (which none of the ‘we support the troops’ leftists condemn) and then they escalate (like the SPC Smallwood thread) to the homosexual attacks, name calling, desecration, etc.
We then respond saying sexuality doesn’t mater (and why bring it up like a scene from brokeback mountain?)and I stated up the point that I thought the leftists supported homosexuality and then we get slammed by more ‘first time posters’ calling us homophones and worse.
And no, the left could care less about any group and people they should support are automatically bashed if they are conservatives. The left ’support’ groups and categories only as a means of gaining power. Once someone leave the plantation, they are deionized and attacked.
While the attacks may not be officially coordinated, they all follow the same very apparent structure. National Socialism mixed with Stalinism: The “glories” of the modern left wing.
Next will come calls to shut this website down from the “we are leftists so we are better than you because we *care*” crowd. When that fails, cyber attacks commence.
Yep ChrisG, EXACTLY! That’s the MO.
You can bet Chris, that IF they call to shut down this blog, it’s WON’T happen. Ingrates such as the trolls we’ve had here lately on the site, do nothing more than disgust me. I agree, that IF Hal and the others who are suddenly attacking Sue for her choice of words would take the time to READ some of the vile and disgusting comments that have been made, especially on the SPC Smallwood post, then perhaps they’d understand her frustration. If they’re not willing to do that, then as far as I’m concerned, they can shut the fuck up, because I’m NOT in the mood for their bullshit today.
Right there with you Terri! Thanks!
And we’re here for you, Marty, and your family.
Thanks CommanderMom. He headed back this morning about 0830.:-(
ok, :(,had just sent you a note.(e-mail)
Figured as such. Sucks, I know. Sending thoughts, hugs and :)’s you way!
oops your way.
Someone mentioned prayer. I may not agree with Twana’s politics, but I like the idea of praying. We should all take a ten minutes of silence today and just pray that no more of our boys end up paying the ultimate price or returning home wounded, disfigured and unattractive (I may have offended someone because in my comment 29, I did not mean to exclude homosexuals when I said our special or challenged warriors have hard time finding someone of the opposite sex to love them. I guess I should have said that they have a hard time finding a partner at all. I did not mean come off as homophobic, please excuse an old salt.). I am serious about this praying for 10 minutes. We should all take a pledge to pray and really follow through with it. I would also ask Sue not to use the Lord’s name in vain as it was used in the 5th comment.
The thing is proudandfree, not everyone is Christian. Take Marty for instance, he’s pagan. So if we’re going to talk differences and not “offend or exclude” anyone, we MUST remember that not everyone believes the same way, or in the same God, Gods or Goddesses. Therefore if you’re going to start getting that God Damned technical about shit, then you MUST keep in mind that not everyone believes the same way you do and you should not be preaching religion on this site either.
Proudandfree, I don’t consider them “unattractive”, at all! You said that not us.
Exactly and I know plenty of troops who’ve been wounded in battle, receiving disfiguring injuries who’ve found a partner to share their life with. Fortunately, most people look beyond the outside, to the heart of the person.
Also P&F, I don’t consider myself a really “religious” person,(religion,respectfully, I’m not going there) however I have my very strong faith, and I spend a heck of alot more than 1o minutes, daily, thinking, holding good thoughts, hoping and praying for our Servicemembers (ALL of them, past and present), our Country, Humanity, and the world we live in.
oops wanted to add, accidentally hit send, but…I know all the good folks, here, and at all other milblog sites, do the same.
P&F if all you have is ten minutes of time today for our troops then I will be praying for you too. I have spent well over that with the troops today and I’m not done yet. Also, you can save your sanctimonious holier than thou pious bull crap for some one who give a damn because I truly don’t. If you were so up on your Bible and your commandments you wouldn’t be here JUDGING ME!! You should be worrying about YOUR soul pal not mine. You could find better things to do with your PC BS on this blog than worry about me. But you are nothing more than one of THOSE and we all KNOW who the heck you are so don’t think you are gettin away with squat. Pound salt bucko!!
Yes Sue~ I do believe P&F has mistaken, and is preachin to the wrong choir, here.
But P&F, I am glad that you will be praying for our “boys” safety.Thanks. And I’m goin to think you mean gals, as well. That you meant all servicemembers and their safety.(I’m really Not trying to be picky, here.)
I’m sorry if I made some wrong assumptions about religion. I don’t care if you pray to God or a pagan Roman pope. I just want our boys AND gals to be safe and not to return mangled, twisted or worse. I am just trying to be honest here. Lots of people have a harsh time adjusting if they have some kind of strange disfigurement due to injuries. Normal people don’t always accept them and children can be cruel and treat heroes like animals. I saw this after Korea. There is a difference between being PC and being respectful by not cursing the Lord’s name. I was trying to be polite and not offend gays because someone else mentioned it.
Sue makes a good point that we should really spend more than 10 minutes to just pray. I should have said at least 10 minutes, but I will take a pledge here today to take one hour of my day specifically reserved in prayer to our Lord and Savior. I would like others to take this pledge, I can’t force anyone of course.
The point that I was attempting to make is that regardless of our religious beliefs, our sexual preferences, our disabilities or intelligence; the majority of us here are behind our troops 100%, regardless of whether they’re our Wounded Warriors or our troops currently fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Each one of these men and women knowingly VOLUNTEERED to serve in this Country’s armed forces, fully aware that they could be called for combat at a moments notice. It’s the nature of the job and they’re well aware of that (or should be). Most believe in the job that they’re doing and serve our Country proudly. Knowing Sue as well as I do, I know full well that any comments she made about someone’s mental capacity or disability was in NO WAY meant as an insult towards developmentally disabled persons, physically disabled persons or anyone of other sexual orientations, but instead made out of frustration towards the blatantly vile, disrespectful behaviors towards our troops, exhibited by some of the people who’ve commented on this blog.
Exactly Terri, point I was trying to get at, as well. (You’re just much better at it than I am)
Also, that ONLY 10 min. TODAY,(as mentioned) is not enough. It’s something that is in your heart and soul, everyday/all day, It never leaves. But your pledge of an hour today, is appreciated.
oops last half to P&F, sorry.
P&F, if one is close to the Lord, one does not need to vow to pray for a certain amount of time each day. One spends their day in constant commentary with their Lord. But if you need a vow to do that, be my guest, the Soldiers through the years have fought and died so that you can practice your religion what ever way you wish, and I can mine. I live my life a certain way, you do not know me, neither do the trolls who spew their vomit and hatred around here, but yet, you all attack me and have a blast thinking that you know me. You pass judgment on me, you don’t bother to find out what the reason I said what I said is, but feel free to come and open your mouth and then preach the Bible at me. You serve your Lord the way you see fit. I will serve mine as I see fit. Just don’t ever pretend to know me or what I am about. Because if you started now, and tried for a month of Sundays you would never even come close. I’m sure your hour of prayer will be most welcomed by the troops. At least you are making an effort on their behalf.
Thank you Terri. I think we are saying the same thing.
Sue, I do not question your motives. I was just pointing out that we should not use our Lord’s name in vain. I was also pointing out that we should not insult our wounded heroes who can be cruelly treated as freaks by normal society. I just think you are a bit touchy about it. I have no ill will toward you, I forgive you for it. I really do. I will even pray for you and all other patriots. It is not me you should be concerned with, this is something between yourself and our Lord and Savior.
You have done NOTHING BUT question my motives. Who do you think you are kidding? WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE???
You are NO ONE that I would EVER ask forgiveness from so DO NOT insult me with your bull crap.
I DID NOT, and I WOULD NOT insult a Soldier, wounded, living or Fallen. If any one is “touchy” I would say it is YOU and your holier than thou attitude and your PC Bull crap.
YOU, as I have previously stated, YOU HAVE YET TO SAY ONE WORD about the filthy things the trolls said that I was referring to, and yet YOU continue to judge ME?????
DO NOT flatter yourself. I am not “concerned” with you. And if you weren’t so judgmental and hypocritical, you wouldn’t be talking about MY relationship with God. YOU would be worrying about YOUR own relationship with God and asking forgiveness for that attitude of yours. As I said, ignorance is ignorance. So why don’t you find something else to do with all your Political Correctness. Because you haven’t seen “touchy” yet.
Anthony and Terri, I have tried to be nice here out of respect to both of you.
Sue, we are on the same side here. There is no need to pour salt onto this. I already said I forgive you and what you do is between yourself and Lord, ultimately.
I know you did not mean to insult any of our disfigured boys or gals.
I know that you did not mean to curse your Lord and Savior (or at least I hope you didn’t.).
You are a patriot, I already said that. I pray for all patriots, including you.
Sue, I say this will all sincerity, think about prayer. Don’t brush it off so quickly. Even if it is only for 10 minutes, it does calm the mind, emotions and refresh the soul. I am just a patriot like you, this is just advice. If I can pray for you, then you might consider praying for yourself. This is just friendly advice, one patriot to another.
This is about being polite, not about being PC.
Save your bull shit for some one who gives a damn cause I don’t. You will have to answer for what you are doing right now. Enjoy yourself troll.
Alright, I can’t take it anymore. Everyone, quit the useless arguing. If your argument has nothing to do with the topic, from now on I will ban you. I don’t care who it is…
All this useless arguing back and forth between the “regulars” and the “trolls” is getting on my last nerve. If someone says something you don’t like, just ignore them. If it is inappropriate or off topic, I will deal with them personally.
Anthony I apologize. I will not comment again about that person. I’m sorry. It wont happen again.
I am new to this blog, the articles are wonderful, even if some of the commentators may have ulterior motives or be unstable. I have expressed my support for our troops in a civilized manner. If those who run this blog want me to leave, then I will. I don’t know what is wrong with asking for a little civility and prayer. The America that I love with all my heart is a nation of civility and prayer.
I think we all need to take a deep breath and count to 10. Unfortunately we’ve been over-run recently with some pretty vile and disgusting people here. You’re welcome to stay proudandfree. We just need to always remember that everyone has different beliefs and some may be offended when asked to pray or told someone will pray for them, when that may be contrary to their beliefs. That’s the wonderful thing about life in the US, we have the FREEDOM to have our own personal religious beliefs, without the fear of persecution for not following the mainstream. We’re very lucky to have that freedom. As I’m sure you’ve noticed, it’s very rare that Anthony, myself, brat or Kari will write a story about religion, because, like politics, it can become extremely heated very quickly.
Amen Terri. Yes my thoughts exactly, all take a big deep breath. It will all be ok. :)