War Death Perspectives

[Jim727]

Originally Posted by Danimal16

That is very well said. If anything our founding fathers did was put the civilian commander in chief to do just that, have civilian control of the government. I concur with all of your thesis. But IMHO folks forget their responsibilities to speak out prior to committing troops. When one thinks of how heavy a responsibility it is to decide the question of war, it should sink in. That is not to say that, regrettably sometimes war must be fought. FOLKS NEED to weigh the question prior to the decision and scream like hell if they are opposed or support such a decision.

One thing I have a problem with is after the decision is made, I have a real intolerance of those that act like a bunch of spoiled brats and publicly aid and comfort our enemy once troops have been committed. Protesting the war in this manner emboldens our enemies and gets our kids killed, period, no doubt about it. However, that does not mean that I don't say there should be decent, but in the form of political workings that are not so subversive. The blood of many Soldiers are on the hands of those who demonstrate in such a manor. Read the history of what kept the communists going in indochina.

Now for those of you who hate war and are pacifists don't you dare shout me down, cause I got a challenge for ya. The State Department needs folks of many skills and trades to help get the infrastructure running. Positions pay up to 149K a year with about a 75% stipend and they pay your room and board. Is it dangerous? Can be, but Iraq needs folks to help them get the show running. SO before those of you who would castigate me, I say come here to Iraq as a peacemaker and walk the walk.

Anyway, signing off from Fallujah.

Danimal, It is rare to see a post nail the center of the target. Bravo!

Come home safe.

Jim

[island911]

Originally Posted by Jim727

Danimal, It is rare to see a post nail the center of the target. Bravo!

Come home safe.

Jim

Indeed! That was one hell of a post.

[RWebb]

Mike - One thing not in your stats is the extremely high number of seriously maimed US personnel in this war. That comes about b/c of a "good" reason - the field medical support and med-evac now is superlative.

BUT, the total casualty count is much higher than it appears from the fatality count.

Also: "it is considered one of the worst events that has occurred in modern history. It is not."

- You mean b/c of fatalities. But there are other things than that making wars bad events or "good' events. Unless you are a Kurd, this war does not have a lot going for it.

The US has squandered a huge amount of good will we had in the world. And that is a very important component of so-called "soft power" (getting your way without threats or warfare).

If nothing else, the Iraq war has made it harder to justify an attack on Iran. Guess who we ought to attack...

[fintstone]

Randy...Since in the thread about Gore and global warming...you seem to feel that your opinion regarding climate change is the only one of value...because your chosen profession is related...
Does that mean that your opinion isn't worth crap here...because you are not in the military or foreign service...compared to say....Danimal or others who make that their profession?

[aap1966]

Originally Posted by Danimal16

Anyway, signing off from Fallujah.

Look after yourself mate.

[FOG]

Danimal16,

Keep us posted on the numbers that take you up on the challenge. I don’t think many will as it goes against their fantasy world and would require living in the real world.

If they don’t care either Iraq or Afghanistan they can try the tropics. Zambo and Basilan need some more U.S. AID folks.

Stay safe.

S/F, FOG

[SpartanToJo]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

Anybody here watch the HBO WWII series, "Band of Brothers"?

In the cue ball, Salem, Oregon, you can often find an old guy, a friend of the owner. He doesn't shoot much pool these days, but is a killer backgammon player. Walks with a cane.

He is well respected by all who know. And I'd say he's the toughest SOB in the pool hall. He's poven it!

Donald Malarkey is his name. He parachuted in during D-day, from there, went all the way until the war ended. Battle of the bulge in Mike's graph? Yep, that was part of the war that Malarkey saw...Yes, this is the real life "Malarkey" portrayed in the movie.

Good thread Mike...puts things in a historical perspective.

You've met Malarkey? Very cool. I've had the honor of keeping in touch with Wild Bill Guarnere and Babe Heffron after my father became friends with them on a tour. Great guys. They really put things in perspective when it comes to war.

Kind Regards,

Tom

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by SpartanToJo

You've met Malarkey? Very cool. I've had the honor of keeping in touch with Wild Bill Guarnere and Babe Heffron after my father became friends with them on a tour. Great guys. They really put things in perspective when it comes to war.

Kind Regards,

Tom

Actually, I'm still working up the courage to introduce myself to the man. Hard to describe, because I'm usually pretty sociable. But with Donald Malarkey? It's a feeling of being in the presence of greatness. That I shouldn't bother him...like I said, hard to describe.

[RWebb]

finstone - Just in case you didn't realize it you are confusing facts obtained using science (my contribution in the global warming thread), with opinions here. Big diff.

And how do you know whether or not I have any experience in military or State Dept.?? There is a lot you don't know...


Try to make a substantive post next time.

[Jim727]

pwd, that's fantastic. I understand the feeling; about every 6 weeks I have the privilege of dining with a bunch of vets and I'm in awe of many of them. One was a Pathfinder for the Normandy invasion. Another flew Mosquitoes and Lancasters in WWII. Another was in a Luft Stalag during the war and escaped. Another was infantry on New Guinea. Another had 25 missions in B-17s (but only 23 landings). The room is littered with Silver Stars and DFCs. To say it's humbling doesn't begin to describe the experience.

Jim

[fintstone]

Originally Posted by RWebb

finstone - Just in case you didn't realize it you are confusing facts obtained using science (my contribution in the global warming thread), with opinions here. Big diff.

And how do you know whether or not I have any experience in military or State Dept.?? There is a lot you don't know...


Try to make a substantive post next time.

No more than your assumption that anyone who posts contrary to your opinion on global warming has no scientific background.

Originally Posted by RWebb

I am a professional scientist and work in micro-climatology - that is not directly in the area of planetary science, but it is close. I am not giving you a personal opinion above, I am giving you science.

It is absurd for to call this "indoctrination" or "blather", especially by Glenn (Island), who is merely a professional malcontent. And despite his debater's tricks, he does have a modicum of technical education.

But, lendaddy, where did you get your PhD? What science is it in? And where did you do YOUR post-doc? Still want to call it indoctrination?...

Originally Posted by RWebb

post your real name and the name of your university for your MS or PhD - I do not believe you and would like to check your thesis or dissertation to see if it exists.

Put up or shut up.

Perhaps you could elaborate a bit on your “military education” before you post here. Put up or shut up.

A substantive post? You first...

[M.D. Holloway]

Danimal16 - Thank you sir. Good Luck and Godbless.

[DARISC]

Originally Posted by Danimal16

That is very well said. If anything our founding fathers did was put the civilian commander in chief to do just that, have civilian control of the government. I concur with all of your thesis. But IMHO folks forget their responsibilities to speak out prior to committing troops. When one thinks of how heavy a responsibility it is to decide the question of war, it should sink in. That is not to say that, regrettably sometimes war must be fought. FOLKS NEED to weigh the question prior to the decision and scream like hell if they are opposed or support such a decision.

One thing I have a problem with is after the decision is made, I have a real intolerance of those that act like a bunch of spoiled brats and publicly aid and comfort our enemy once troops have been committed. Protesting the war in this manner emboldens our enemies and gets our kids killed, period, no doubt about it. However, that does not mean that I don't say there should be decent, but in the form of political workings that are not so subversive. The blood of many Soldiers are on the hands of those who demonstrate in such a manor. Read the history of what kept the communists going in indochina.

Now for those of you who hate war and are pacifists don't you dare shout me down, cause I got a challenge for ya. The State Department needs folks of many skills and trades to help get the infrastructure running. Positions pay up to 149K a year with about a 75% stipend and they pay your room and board. Is it dangerous? Can be, but Iraq needs folks to help them get the show running. SO before those of you who would castigate me, I say come here to Iraq as a peacemaker and walk the walk.

Anyway, signing off from Fallujah.

Glad to see your spirits are up and that you're enthusiastically following orders - that's what being a good soldier is all about and ours are the best in the world, hands down.

My uncle was a Seabee in WWII. I'm a Viet Nam vet. I "walked the walk' back then. No need for me to "try to shout you down" or castigate you. I'll just say that some of what you post above I agree with, most I consider bull*****.

I sincerely hope that you make it back home safe and sound.

[island911]

"that you're enthusiastically following orders..."

Something tells me Danimal is giving orders AND is tempered by the orders he receives.

[fintstone]

Just another thinly disguised insult. Military on active duty are all well-screened volunteers and not some mindless, conscripted automaton as some would like to believe.

[DARISC]

Originally Posted by island911

Something tells me Danimal is giving orders AND is tempered by the orders he receives.

I have no reason to believe Danimal is not tempered by the orders he recieves, nor do I disrespect him or the, probably superb, job he is doing.

I simply disagree with a lot of what he said in his post and "Something tells me Danimal" does not begrudge me my right to do that.

Having said what I just said, am I missing a point you wished to make?

[DARISC]

Originally Posted by fintstone

Just another thinly disguised insult. Military on active duty are all well-screened volunteers and not some mindless, conscripted automaton as some would like to believe.

Just another insipid response. If you think I see our military as mindless automatons you're making (another) foolish assumption.

Incidentally, I've inquired before and I (and Randy Webb too, I see) am still interested in knowing just what your qualifications are in terms of military experience that give you the self confidence to proclaim your stance on things military with such categorical certitude.

After all, this is the internet and for all I know you could be some 22 year old 90 lb weakling getting his jollies promoting the macho personna that you do.

[island911]

Originally Posted by DARISC

... nor do I disrespect him ...

No, I think that you just did disrespect him. ..quite intentionally, I will add. (too many posts -- you don't have the anonymity that you used to.)

[island911]

Originally Posted by DARISC

..
After all, this is the internet and for all I know you could be some 22 year old 90 lb weakling getting his jollies promoting the macho personna that you do.

Too many here have met 'fintstone' ... if his words don't obviously paint the picture of who he is (or not) you could just ask around.

[fintstone]

Originally Posted by DARISC

Just another insipid response. If you think I see our military as mindless automatons you're making (another) foolish assumption.

Incidentally, I've inquired before and I (and Randy Webb too, I see) am still interested in knowing just what your qualifications are in terms of military experience that give you the self confidence to proclaim your stance on things military with such categorical certitude.

After all, this is the internet and for all I know you could be some 22 year old 90 lb weakling getting his jollies promoting the macho personna that you do.

Why shouldn't a 22 year old, 90 lb weaking be able to express their opinion here? Is having an uncle that served in WW2 some sort of badge of honor?

...and are you speaking for Webb now too? Could you please point out where he has inquired as to my military experience. I must have missed that post.