The first debate is now over. Read to the bottom for an update!
Let me begin by saying that I am a veteran of the Viet Nam era. And not just any veteran, I volunteered and joined the Marine Corps. I did so when I was 17 but delayed enlistment until the January after my 18th birthday. I put boots on the ground in Da Nang in July of 1968 -- part of the ongoing Tet Offensive replacement program. I am by MOS a tanker, an 1811. The difference between us and the 0311's -- they walked and we rode. I have seen combat close up and real personal. I am NOT voting for John McCain. John McCain was a pilot. He fought a sanitary war from afar. While it was not his "fault" he was shot down; many, many pilots did lots of sorties and never were shot down. While I deeply admire his prisoner of war status and greatly respect what he must have gone through, still, he has never been in combat up close and personal. It is way different than from 10,000 feet as a fighter bomber. It is way different to have boots on the ground. I am deeply concerned for his decision-making efforts when it comes to war and much more concerned about his ability to push the red button when strained. I would not want this sanitized war person with his finger on the button.
Secondly, and just as important, I will never vote for a Republican again as long as they treat veterans the way they treated John Kerry and John Murtha of Pennsylvania. It seemed that just when we were going to get a true Viet Nam veteran in the White House the Republican party devoted much of their "527" money to "swiftboating" John Kerry and his war record. When Mr. Murtha, another highly decorated Marine, spoke out against the war in Iraq the republicans came after him hammer and tong. No, I shall never vote for a republican as long as they denigrate the service of Viet Nam veterans. I hold no grudge against POWS that told the NV everything the NVA wanted to hear. I hold no grudge against those who dodged the draft and went to Canada and I respect those who dodged the draft and went to jail. I expect the same courtesy back. I especially do not ever expect to hear a national party say such mean, vile and hateful things against decorated war heroes.
No, I am not voting for John McCain nor am I ever going to vote for a republican because of their lack of respect and dignity afforded the veterans of the Viet Nam war who now sit in office trying to provide another service to our country. It is my fondest wish that each and everyone of you will vote and vote your conscience.
This president will not hesitate to send your sons and daughters to: 1, Iran, Afghanistan, Georgia, North Korea, Iraq, Ukraine, or any where else so he can feel good about himself. Each and every time he spoke of these areas in the context of power and warfare his eyes gleamed. He acts like he wants to go to war so bad he can taste it! It seems to me his answer to the economy is warfare!
Opinion – 13 April 2024
5 days ago
8 comments:
Fred,
I didn't know you before the San Joaquin antics with David Schofield but I must tell you that you are one heck of a fellow who keep his eye on the ball...I don't think you'll ever go back to that squished up/manipulated place where JDS had cornered everyone before...and he had the nerve to call it "being of service"...wow, you are into REAL as few have the courage to be...no more accepting nonsense or second rate breathing in and out.
Thanks for the post on McCain...I always liked him until I got to know him through this campaign (and his deadly recent choices).
Thank be to God.
Fred
Forgive my intrusion here but I am encouraged by the name of the blog. I am responding to the post on Mark Harris’s blog as my posts are not getting through.
I wish to remain anonymous because I do not trust the darker side of the internet. Not that I consider that you are part of that side.
Please note, and this is very important, that when Jesus spoke about being “born again” this was before Calvary. Consequently, being “born again” does not happen at Calvary. At Calvary the price of redemption - the atonement occurs. Jesus did not say “when I am crucified be born again; He simply said “you must be born again”.
No scripture should be bandied about but the important chapter John 3 merits close study.
I know that Anglicans love the three legged stool analogy. However it does not stand close scrutiny and may be the cause of the bitter arguments and schism that you face. First who is the arbiter of reason is it Bishop A or Bishop B. Is it the majority? Majorities have been wrong. Then tradition, which tradition is right? Yesterday’s tradition of Apostolic Succession and all clergy male or today’s liberal tradition. If something moves with time it does not provide sold support.
The rock on which to build are the words of Jesus and putting them into practice. “You must be born again”.
"It is my fondest wish that each and everyone of you will vote and vote your conscience."
I have been saying this for years. Of course, my point has been that there are more than two parties and if everyone voted their conscience, then there wouldn't be the, "I'd vote for a third party, but they can't win" excuse. But, I believe the bottom line sentiment is the same here. It is important to vote your conscience. It is important to VOTE. Each and every one of us has a voice and it must be heard.
Ok, I'm done for now... =)
Anonymous,
I will let your comments stand on this blog though my gut tells me to remove the entire post. Your posts have been moderated out by Mark and I think I see why.
Let me begin and end by saying you obviously do not understand the three legged stool. And, apparently do not understand the Episcopal Church. Please do not react to this post and please do not darken our door with this tripe again.
Fred,
Thank you for your perspective as a veteran. My cousin volunteered for a tour on the ground (Army) - and his dad, my uncle (Air Force), did one last flying tour during that period. No fancy stuff, low flying supply drops.
I share your anger about the treatment of vets, particularly since it is happening once again. Once our wounded get past the emergency/initial rehab stage, they are forgotten. If they don't live near a top-notch military hospital, the civilian medical community doesn't know the right way to help (not that they don't want to). And injured civilians? Don't get me started!
Anonymous -- it takes a second to make up a name. YOu really should make something up so we know it's always you who posts as an anonymous.
Also, you should think about emailing the blog owner to identify yourself if you intend to post here frequently.
Havaing said that, you do make some good points.
Mark -- is there a way to show that the moderators have edited posts here? I know taht haloscan allows taht "edited" bit. I belive that if we edit other people's opinions, we should so note.
James, we've never had to do any editing. People have deleted their own comments and re-posted, but on their own accord and it has never been over something political or inflammatory. Just posting to the wrong thread or such benign mistakes.
True Republicans are NOT all that bad!!
It's these Fundi-fuck-ups who are tarnishing a great institution!!
Post a Comment