Thread: I Don't Think Magnets Support Our Troops

As the title of this thread implies, this is my opinion. I know there will be opposing opinions but please, just read what I have to say before you close your mind. A sticker does not "support our troops". Let me tell you, as a veteran of the U.S. Military, what I believe it means to "support our troops":

1. You do not support the actions of a government that would
put me in harm's way for frivolous or self-serving
reasons.

2. You do not support the actions of a government that
would put me in harm's way unless it has become
unavoidable and necessary to protect the people and/or
property of the United States of America.

3. While I am stationed in a war zone, please think kindly
of me, realizing I am in harm's way not because I want
to be there but because I am doing my duty, as I swore
to do when I joined the military. You must also re-
assure my friends and family of this at every possible
opportunity.

4. When I return home from a war zone, thank me. Thank me
for being there so the war might not be here. Thank me
for being there so that you might not have to be. Thank
me for being there to fight and, if necessary, die
alongside your son, daughter, brother or sister.

I don't really expect you to care what I feel or why I feel it. But in the event you are interested, for your edification the reason I am worked up over this is because when I was in the military, doing my duty aboard a nuclear powered, ballistic missile submarine, we pulled into several U.S. ports and were greeted by angry people protesting and telling us to leave. These people were not only taking us for granted, they also credited us, the crew of the ship, with some sort of authority to decide what we did with our submarine. I recognize the sacrifice made by our military and I respect them, no matter what they are ordered to do. The stickers are not to show support for the individual soldier. They are showing support for G. W. Bush and his choice to invade a sovereign country, a choice that should not be supported by anyone who truly is concerned for the young people in the military.
In the days of old, the leaders of the people were also the leaders of the military. When a king decided to invade a foreign land, he would be leading the invasion with his sons right beside him. You can bet, in those days, the decision to attack was made much more carefully.

There are undoubtedly many people that have these magnets, not so much for supporting the troops, but to show their support for the war. However, there are those that have these support our troops magnets for just that, to support the troops.

I will tell you exactly why I have these on my cars. When my father returned home from Vietnam, he was spit on, and had feces thrown at him. And now, it seems like every time I turn on the news it shows wacko groups protesting at soldiers funerals. This is just ONE thing, among many others, that I do to show my respect and admiration for the troops. Furthermore, I have a lot of friends and family members serving in the military, and whenever I see these magnets on my car or others, it reminds me of them, and makes me grateful for everything they do.

Anyway, if I wanted to show my support for the war instead of the troops, I'd get something less ambiguous, such as those "I support the war" stickers and magnets that are easily attainable.

Brad, I do respect you for your service to our country. Thank you.

Im active duty and agree with some of what you said but here is my life lessons list, its not ment to be contradictory or anything disrespectful towards you:

1. Being in the military is not my job, its my lifestyle. I chose this way of life and i chose it to be my lifestyle for the rest of my life when i reenlisted. I am aware of the inherit dangers. Do not try to give me freebies or constantly think you owe me something because i serve. The lunch lady serving your childrens food is just as important of a job as what i do. It takes all walks of life/talents to make the world spin. I am not anymore special than the guy that served you your lunch at mcdonalds today.

2. Do not attempt to argue politics with me. Do not degrade me for doing what i am told. If you have a problem with what the president has done, vote for someone else when the time comes.

3. Respect your elders, prior military or not. They have payed their debt to society. If all the seats are full on a bus and someone older gets on the bus, give them your seat. Address all those older than you properly, you will notice when i speak to any of the older people on this forum i address them as Mr and their name, go ahead make fun of it. They have paved the way for what we have now and they deserve this respect.


I could go on forever but i am tired. Again i do not intend any of the above to be disrespectful.

"Well I just seen readers digest
in the back of a dirty book store
when a plastic flag with gum on the back
fell out on the floor..."

JP

I think we are on the same page Michael. I keep my support very personal and direct. I donate comfort items to be sent in packages overseas. I pressure my congressman to bring an end to our involvement in Iraq. Most importantly, when I run into men or women who are in the military, I shake their hand and thank them for their courage and dedication, regardless of my political view of the war(s).

Too many people put these magnets (that were printed in Taiwan) on their car or truck and feel, "There, I'm a patriotic American. I'm supporting our troops now."

As far as I know, there's one group from some F'd up church in Kansas that is protesting at funerals. They are saying the the war is God's punishment for homosexuals in America. I saw a documentary on them but I can't remember the pastor's name but I do remember seven year old kids holding signs that read, "God Hates Fags." Somebody help me what's that asshole's name?

Originally Posted by M1ke

... I am not anymore special than the guy that served you your lunch at mcdonalds today.

Mike, I agree with everything you said except what I've quoted above. I know nothing about the guy at McDonalds but if he hasn't enlisted voluntarily in the U.S. Military (with some exceptions regarding eligibiliity) you are more special. Too many people ride the freedoms of this great country for free while others keep those freedoms flowing. I don't expect any priviledges (in fact I get none except a flag when I die) but I don't want anyone getting in my way because I did serve.

Oh and by the way, I bet I'm a bit older than you there sonny so that'l be Mr. Icedog if you please.

The guy at mcdonalds gets up and puts his pants on the same way i do (doubt he blouses them though lol) If he didnt get up and go to work and neither did anyone else there would be nothing to serve for, nothing to protect. Of course im not talking about all the mcdonalds closing, im talking in a more general sense.

Originally Posted by icedog

I think we are on the same page Michael. I keep my support very personal and direct. I donate comfort items to be sent in packages overseas. I pressure my congressman to bring an end to our involvement in Iraq. Most importantly, when I run into men or women who are in the military, I shake their hand and thank them for their courage and dedication, regardless of my political view of the war(s).

Too many people put these magnets (that were printed in Taiwan) on their car or truck and feel, "There, I'm a patriotic American. I'm supporting our troops now."

As far as I know, there's one group from some F'd up church in Kansas that is protesting at funerals. They are saying the the war is God's punishment for homosexuals in America. I saw a documentary on them but I can't remember the pastor's name but I do remember seven year old kids holding signs that read, "God Hates Fags." Somebody help me what's that asshole's name?

Fred Phelps, may he die of the most painful cancer there is. Few people on this earth deserve as much hatred and pain as this piece of crap.

I think had the magnets been done in a way that all money made from them went to care packages and such they would mean more. Although they wouldn't be the same as the ones i sent to a buddy (porn and beef jerky) man he loved those.

the name of the church is the westboro baptist church and they are some sick minded people

icedog's point is very important because we need to treat each other with respect, especially when we disagree about the issues. I was strongly opposed to the war in Vietnam but I never thought to insult a solider because, by serving, by putting his money where his mouth was, he had earned the right to my respect. For me, the only honest, legal and moral way to oppose the war was to go to the draft board and apply for Conscientious Objector status. I did two years of alternative service in a mental hospital.

I never had any problem giving my respect to those who serve in the armed forces, even though I refused. A healthy society needs people who have the courage to fight to defend it. On the other hand, a healthy society also needs people who have the courage to say, "No, this war is wrong." The problem with the Vietnam war was that it had absolutely nothing to do with defending the United States.