lol, that is funny, but I say bring on New Zealand, we can take those guys! But seriously, this is all gamesmanship. And any congressman that takes the side of Sadam will suffer political damage unless they have a hippie commune or a liberal arts college in their district.
I would differ with you on this point. Not only do you have physical deterioration with age, you generally have other concerns and interests. Like families. Children heading for school, and family debt/business concerns have generally set in by the the time most reach their mid 30's and can easily serve as unnecessary distractions. There is usually a grasp of the mortality issues also. So gung ho is no longer the personal call of the wild male ego by then. As for the criminals in the military issue, I can address that point through a few of my older family members. Being minorities they were still being discriminated against so front line with a gun was not the destination that the services had in mind for them. Many of their peers who didn't have criminal records were allowed to rise to their roles with odd ranks. They were all over the motor pools and desk jobs abounded. My uncle had thirty years under his belt with the rank of colonel when he retired. He worked in the area of intelligence for the air force. Never saw a frontline one time. He was one of the first African Americans to be trained on jet fighters. But he was never assigned any air duty. So he saw a lot of the older draftees and others. He too had commented on the desire to express their opinions rather than take orders. He also said that the political interests were not about winning a war either. So before you condemn the troops, look at the true goals of those who sent them. Lastly, age does not make a man grown. Nor does the ability to deliver, or take, a bullet!
Dotslash, show me where I said I was "totally anti-war". I never said that. I said that it is illogical and dangerous to use war as a first and not a last tactic. I also clearly stated that the soldiers in the American military today are not draftees. Like you said, they are pros. But what makes you think they are as gung ho to die as you are to see them die? NOT ONE soldier wants to engage in combat just for the thrill. They know their obligations, and they will fulfill them when needed. I have not gone to being anti-Bush over the course of this thread. I think he is doing fine given his limited abilities. I did say they he came into the job with less credentials than I believe needed, that he is the least qualified President I know of in my lifetime. But that really doesn't mean much now. Great presidents are made not born. Doing the right thing at the right time in history is what it is about. I hope Bush rises to the occasion. Now I am sure you will find fault with this reasoning. I am sure you think GWB was born to lead this country. I admire your loyalty. But I question your intelligence (greatly). Clearly you think I am wrong about everything. Clearly you think I am a "Lefty" and so I must be a "Democrat" and that all Democrats are wrong and all Right Wing Fanatics like yourself are thinking clearly. You are a scary guy! Fortunately there are Republicans and Democrats and Professional soldiers and statesmen that actually think before they act. And hopefully they will be able to save our planet from the bloodthirsty maniacs like yourself. Dotslash=SaddamWest Peace, whenever possible, Rs7
1. Dems certainly do have a double standard. Christ, look at the Torticelli fiasco. 2. Are you purposefully ignoring the question of your entrance and duty dates for your service? If not, how about an answer.
RS7, anybody who cares can go back and read your posts that are incredibly anti-bush and anti-war. Now you don't even have enough of a spine to stick by what you believe in. In a years time you will be claiming that you supported Bush right from the beginning and you are a good republican.
What do you want from me? I told you several times when I was in. I was absolutely not in the CIA. I was in the ARMY and not by choice. I did not "sign on", I was DRAFTED! What is so interesting about this to you? I told you where I was and when I was there. I am not writing a book about myself. I only talked about this stuff to try and get across the point to the more bloodthirsty among you that war is not a game. It is about real people and real blood and very final deaths. I find your overwhelming curiousity quite morbid. What is it you REALLY want to know? Would it give you a thrill if I told you I was at My Lei and killed women and little children? That I am really Lt. Calley? What is your goal here? Are you sitting there now tearing wings off of insects?
Yes, I always said that Bush was not qualified for the job. I never changed my stance on that. But he is still President, and I honor the office. And like normal people, yes, I am anti-war. Every normal person is anti-war. Which goes to prove that you are anything but "normal". I am not naive enough to think that all war can be avoided. I am of the belief that war is an act of last resort. Obviously you feel differently. It is a good thing you have no say in the matter.