NOT QUITE UNDERSTANDING THIS EXCHANGE

So I did a funny post about Koran desecration at IMAO, and somewhere along the lines I had a serious & semi-civilized discussion with a liberal commenter.

The only thing I can think to explain Oasis's portion of the conversation is that he has difficulty grasping what non-tactile abstract concepts actually MEAN in real life.

I mean, it's just weird, because it's like we're not even speaking the same language. Are public schools REALLY that efficient at destroying people's ability to make connections between broad concepts and reality? It doesn't seem that he's saying that he doesn't agree that stateside morale is an important factor in fighting an overseas war, it seem's more like he believes "stateside morale" can't exist because it's not something he can touch, like an armored vehicle.

This must be the sort of thing Grau was talking about.

Anyway, the pertinent part of the comment chatter is in the extended entry.

Just want to thank your brother for keeping me safe now and your uncle for keeping me safe then. Bless them both.

The ONLY government programs I support are the ones for veterans. Considering their job description is "take a bullet", they can't be paid too much. The cuts were a bad move on Bush's part.

As for the grants & SS - not as much sympathy. I don't think the government has any business paying for civilian education or retirement in the first place.
Posted by Harvey at June 14, 2005 07:47 AM

What has Bush done to Social Security?
I've seen talk, but nothing done yet.
I think the botched part started at the inception of the program.
Posted by jimmyb at June 14, 2005 11:10 AM

My brother isn't keeping you safe, my uncle didn't keep you safe, and they both know that. My uncle is now the father of two boys, and when one of them expressed interested in becoming a soldier, the family recoiled in shock. My uncle then patiently explained to his son that his service goes unappreciated and that the work is far too hazardous for the very tiny perceived benefit to this country. My family may have a military tradition, but it isn't like we're proud of it.

All I want is for fuckers to stop putting yellow ribbons on their cars and pretending like they're doing their part.
Posted by Oasis at June 14, 2005 12:00 PM

No, they didn't guard me directly, but they did play a role in the big scheme. It's true, most people DON'T appreciate that, but I *do*.

I find it odd, though, that you complain about your uncle being unappreciated, but you also complain about the people who show their appreciation publicly with yellow ribbons.

I agree, there's more the ribbon-displayers CAN do, but stateside morale is an important factor, too, and I wouldn't completely discount the value of those ribbons.

In the overall scheme, it's a penny in a coffee can, but - nationwide - that DOES add up.

There are people publicly saying that they don't support the war. It's important that that noise be balanced by those who do, lest we lose at home like we did in Viet Nam.
Posted by Harvey at June 14, 2005 03:11 PM

I was pretty sure that we lost at home and abroad in Vietnam.

And the ribbons on cars don't help my brother, not even one slight bit, because his armored vehicle is the only thing providing him support, not a magnetic fucking ribbon.
Posted by Oasis at June 14, 2005 06:00 PM

Guys, I wouldn't buy the bs about the yellow ribbons not making a difference, though armored vehicles are great. My husband (Army) absolutely loved/loves hearing about all the ribbons. I even took a bunch of photos of them when traveling from Ft. Riley to Ft. Knox to keep forever. Not only did/do they make me happy, I feel the love when I see them. Hard to not cry when I see so many. Yeah I've totally seen the big guy clouding up a couple times too. I can't explain exactly really, but those yellow ribbons do mean a whole lot (to some of us anyhow). They say "We love and appreciate you", I think, and certainly is how it feels.

I also have 3 children interested in serving their country and though I worry about my children like all mothers, I'll be proud should they choose to carry on the military tradition in our family.

Not everyone has become so jaded.
Posted by JJ at June 15, 2005 01:02 AM

I just hope you don't become a proud war widow.

Jaded with what, anyway? Taking another person's life? Jesus Christ.
Posted by Oasis at June 15, 2005 03:54 PM

I speak of becoming jaded about duty, honor, integrity, commitment and sacrifice.

The words duty, honor, integrity, commitment and sacrifice are not just "empty words" to us.

They are reality.
Posted by JJ at June 16, 2005 12:15 PM

Yeah, don't sit there and tell me that killing other people who are caught up between two warring rich bastards is honorable. You're only fed that bullshit so that the deaths look nice on paper. Anyone with half a brain can see that.
Posted by Oasis at June 16, 2005 10:23 PM

oasis,
Sorry to hear that your uncle felt unappreciated for his service. With sons of military age that would make him what, Vietnam era? Mid 70's? Wonder who it was that made him feal unappreciated. I really hope your brother doesn't suffer the same fate, apparently so do the people with the yellow ribbons.
Posted by Wesley at June 17, 2005 12:33 AM