Syria??????

[preston falls]

And I forgot to say, I agree with both sides. Someone always has to pay a high price.

 

[combatgoldfish]

I'm completely torn on this one. On one hand...

• This nation is far too exhausted with over a decade of war with Iraq (03-10) and with Afghanistan which is finally in it's last year +. I don't think we could manage or want to have another long term war.
• We need to focus commitment at home to better our country and recover.
• We need to stop saving the world without significant backing.
• I don't believe a few strikes here and there is going to change anything or "punish" anyone.

On the other hand...

• The use of chemical weapons isn't used in conventional warfare. It's something that's used not only to those that oppose but also to the civilian population. It's something in which long lasting effects can be seen to those who live through such an ordeal.
• If we do nothing, this could continue to happen. And perhaps other countries may use this as an example in the future to use chemical weapons.
• If the rebels take over Syria, the weapons are up for grabs. What are the possibilities they're used in other countries or even against the US?

I hate the fact that the media and social media announces EVERYTHING. I'm interested as to the UN test results before I'm even committed to making a decision personally.

 

[Sleeping Dragon]

OK Sarg, you and JarHed convinced me that there's really nothing I can do the change this stinking world. I guess some things have to run their miserable course. So, I'll watch all those fine young warriors march off the way we did, and try my very best to do what I can to help them when they get back.

But, it I had one wish it would be for every member of every government that participates in this shit to spend a day in a combat trauma center, a night on ambush and man a post during a fire fight. And, yes I know that's not going to happen either.

 

[Spock]

I'm just tired of the US being the policemen for the world...

That and I'm tried of the military being used to cover for an impotent State Dept with nation building and police actions.

...And, every time I boot up my computer there's a fresh trigger...

I've been doing well avoiding the Talking Heads on TV, the propaganda pushers, the PoliCrats, and phony media...then I turn on the tube for a market update and there was the Botox Bitch talking out the other side of her mouth...hit mute, then off, started pacing, breathing and thinking who to call to distract myself from more insane DC noise.

The Military Industrial complex will always be churning, looking for a way to make more $$$, foreign policy is the least issue under consideration

SD, if McCann thinks as he does I doubt exposing Congress to trauma will matter much. Ego comes first and their wallets next. Greed is extremely addictive, a very strong drug

 

[Sleeping Dragon]

There's a part of me that's sorry I started this fhread. But, I guess I got what I was looking for. You Guys provided what I didn't want to accept even though it's so obvious.

Spock pointed out "...I doubt exposing Congress to trauma will matter much. Ego comes first and their wallets next...."

Sarg said. "...we're going to be churning out PTSD criticals for a long time..."

JarHed reminded me "...all this stuff does to me is get me upset about things I'm totally unable to do a damn thing about... "

One of you said on another accasion when I was also ignoring the obvious. "Help me change what I can, accept what I can not change, but most of all help me see the difference". That's not quite it but close enough.

I hate the picture you painted, but am greatful for it at the same time. Taking an honest look, and accepting what I see will keep me from beating my head into the same wall again.

Thanks for the honesty and wisdom.

 

[Jimmy1]

OK Sarg, you and JarHed convinced me that there's really nothing I can do the change this stinking world. I guess some things have to run their miserable course. So, I'll watch all those fine young warriors march off the way we did, and try my very best to do what I can to help them when they get back.

But, it I had one wish it would be for every member of every government that participates in this shit to spend a day in a combat trauma center, a night on ambush and man a post during a fire fight. And, yes I know that's not going to happen either.

SD, keep on believing you can do something to change the world, nobody has said different. Having passion for something you believe in is your right and a good thing, that way you are not like the rest of the brainless morons who stand idlely by and watch the world destroy itself.

The worst thing for you though mate is that those fine young warriors marching off the way you did have made a choice. A lot of those joining up now want to go, they join to go, not like Australians during Vietnam when there was a birthday lottery and if your number cam e up, you went.

Obama and the USA are the only power that people look to in these times, he just has to be cautious on how he does it. I personally don't think there will be boots on the ground now.

CG is right, I think all the coalition forces are exhausted, they need some time off to recoup.

o. But, when I do it feels like I'm turning by back on those who are down range and outside the wire. I want those who order others off to war to feel the pain and see the blood.

Maybe that's just a foolish wish. But, when I heard Obama tell the world that "....we got bin Laden" I asked myself "When did you join Seal Team Six"? When I heard Bush say"...we got him", refering to Hussein I asked "When did you ever seardh a hostle village"?

We were just pawns in a huge game of chess, and how many times you hear your LT telling people how they got this done and they got that done, and how many times did you see officers receiving medals because they were in command when the hard yards were done.

And, every time I boot up my computer there's a fresh trigger.

Mate, when things are getting to me I refuse to watch the news or even read the thread here that may spark of something inside. Have a look at those bullfighters who stare down those huge beasts with nothing but a cape and a spear. Sometimes it's not good to take the bull by the horns, it's better to let them run by.

 

[JarHed]

I hate the picture you painted,

SD, what I do is give an opinion, it's purely mine and my point of view. I don't advocate that you do nothing about something like this. If this motivates you to action, then go for it. I'm a cynical bastard and have been for quite some time. I've had my time of protests, marches and rallies. I'd like to think it did at least some good. So just because some have a differing opinion don't stop having yours. Don't stop doing what you feel is the right thing.

For me, and again, just my opinion and my life is this; I'm broken down and weary from fighting everything and everywhere. This is my life that I'm talking about here not wars with other countries. Some days I'm hanging on by a thread. For me I have to make choices, choices for me and what will help me to survive. If it sounds selfish, then I am. I've worked on many things, too many to mention, to try and improve this country and the people here. For me it's time to pass the torch to another and perhaps a new generation. I'll always have my opinions and try to interact and do something but there are also times that I just can't.

I'm sick of war, death and seeing maimed soldiers from all sides. This is a part of me that's hard to talk about, but I wanted to so that perhaps you can understand where I'm at and where I'm coming from. I'll never fully give up the fight for what I believe is right but at this moment in my life I've got to work on me because I'm really struggling at the moment.

I hope this can give you some insight into my thoughts and of course feel free to pm me is you'd like to talk about it farther.

Jar

 

[Sarg]

Well said, Jar.

Sarg

 

[Sleeping Dragon]

JarHed,

After being chased across four states, and watching his people die during a winter in Montana a Nez Perce warrior named Chief Joseph is reported to have said. "Hear me, my chiefs! I am tired; my heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever". This was not a weak man. He and eight hundred of his brothers fought the United States Army to a stand still for three months. U.S. Army General Bill Sherman praised the Nez Perce for their corrage and military genius.

That man, Chief Joseph, had given all he had. Continuing his fight would have just brought more suffering and death. I hope you understand what I meant when I said. "I hate the picture you painted". I need that picture to remind me that even warriors need the wisdom to know when to fight, and when to go home.

You have my respect my Brother as a warrior. You have my gratitude as on who reminds me that there is a time to fight, and a time to go home.

SD

 

[Spock]

I just want to be there for the next wounded warriors that come home

 

[JarHed]

I just want to be there for the next wounded warriors that come home

I would hope and pray that at some time there won't be any more. I always think of the original movie 'The Day the Earth stood Still'. There's a scene where the alien, Clattu, visits Arlington with the son of a woman at the boarding house that he's staying at. The boy says that his father was killed in the war. Clattu is struck by the number of graves of men killed fighting in wars. He asks the boy if they were all killed in war. The boy responds 'yes' and then asks if they have cemetery's where he come from and he responds yes. Only that they no longer have any wars. The boy responds,'Gee, that's a good idea'. Havta' say it sure is.

 

[BaMuoiBa]

Jar said;

I'm a cynical bastard and have been for quite some time.

Me too! Like many who have commented I too have come to believe that the inmates have taken over the asylum.

Listening to the so called "leaders' drives my BP where it should not be and I immediately have to activate my BS Shield.

If allowed to to penetrate, it hazardous for all within verbal striking distance, and once again..... I LOSE!

The "beast" lives rent free in me head - I'll be goddammed if I'll feed too.

My serenity is far too important to me and those within striking distance.

Good thread SD!

Ba