Reminders From Restrepo--or, How I Remember War Isn't War.

[Jimmy1]

SD, don't take offence, but you use some very powerful words with a lot of hate in them. Your thinking too much on the political level where you have absolutely zero control.

There is never a war anyone loses. For instance Japan never lost, they surrendered, big difference. We could hate the government for sending our grandfathers to that too, but they wanted to go. Were you forced to join the military.
Over here in Australia it was a birthday lottery for Vietnam, if your DOB came up, you signed up and went.

Every single war is fought on political grounds to some regard, we are just the pawns in their little games.

Lets get back to it.. Memories.....

Anyone that went to Iraq, do you remember going out to the range. There were big white tents with airconditioning blowing hot air. Full kit and armor, ballistic goggles filling up with sweat. You had to wear your nomex gloves or else your skin would fry off getting off the ground. Then there were the 'Kill' Houses.
Every stinking hot day I am reminded......

 

[Sleeping Dragon]

Jmmy,

No offence taken my Brother. My problem is that I judge poliiticians by a warrior's standards that include honor, duty, sacrifice and things like "no man left behind". Being judgemental causes problems that I don't need. But, for now it's a way of venting.

I was drafted into the Army, but ended up serving with a Marine Corps company in Vietnam. I went willingly, beleiving I was helping those who couldn't help themselves. Turns out things weren't that simple. But, enough of that.

I'm working on the hate thing. It's one of the reasons I spend so much time on this stuff. Thank you for the honesty!!!

SD

 

[Jimmy1]

You say you went willingly, the problem mate is none of us really had a choice, we were doing as we were told, regardless of what the political agenda was.

And you can never judge a politician by warrior standards, not until they have walked a mile in our boots.

 

[Sleeping Dragon]

They won't walk that mile. They have us to do it for them, and they're more than willing to spill our blood along the way.

I try my best not to judge because of the harm it does to me. But, I earned the right to judge with the blood I spilled in those stinking mountains nine thousand miles away from home.

I willingly went to Vietnam because my country was at war. At the time I believed my place was there because my nation needed me. How's that for stupid? The only ones at war were those who covered my back while I covered theirs.

I, like so many others, loaded the bodies of good men onto choppers, and killed Vietnamese while guys burned their draft cards on street corners back home. You were right the first time Jimmy. I have enough hate inside to last ten lifetimes.

I called this venting before. It was more like an explosion. I guess that's why I'm here.

Again, thanks for the honesty. I definately need reminders of how the world really is, and the fact that I can't change it. But, letting go of the hate is very tough.

 

[Jimmy1]

That is half the problem actually 95% of the problem in the world. As soon as someone dislikes something now, it turns to pure hate, then rage, then we end up fight wars. Not you mate, it is starting with the little ones. I constant tell my children to not use the word hate as it is too powerful, and that they will not understand the true meaning until their adult life.

Don't worry SD, I have a pile of hate inside me too, I just keep it under raps, until my therapist decides to work on it or someone presses my buttons.

 

[Sarg]

SD,

Another thing to consider is who is your hate hurting? It's not the politicians that are the least affected by your hate. No one is bothered in the least by your hate but you. I'm bitter as well. But our angst harms no one but ourselves. I'm slowly coming to terms with my bitterness. I now have a motive, to try to live the very best I can for the few short years I have left.

Yesterday, I spent the afternoon with two old friends. Played guitars, talked about the good old days. I wouldn't trade a gold bar for it.

Just a different take on it.

Sarg

 

[Sleeping Dragon]

Jimmy, Sarg,

Of course you guys are right. The hatred is only doing damage to me. And, I'm definately working on that. Like you, Sarg, I want to enjoy the years I have left.

But, the hipocrisy makes me crazy. I watch a president award the Medal Of Honor to a young Marine, and can't help but notice that his family, friends and fellow military are shoved back while the front rows are filled with senators and congressemn. I see that same president talk of how "WE" got Osama bin Laden and say to myself. WE my ass. Seal Team Six got bin Laden. You were in a fortified bunker under the White House.

I know, I know, I have to let it go. But, if no one speaks out, how will nations ever understand the true cost of war? Hell, mabe the problem is that people just don't care as long as the bullets hit someone else.

Sorry for beating this to death. I honestly came here to help, but find that I receive much more than I give. Thank you all for that. Now, I'm gonna go hit a golf ball.

SD

 

[Sarg]

O.K., SD...a challenge. I challenge you to go with the political party of your choice and start working for them. Work your butt off handing out flyers at the mall. Immerse yourself in the party. Election day, drive people to the polls. I mean exhaust yourself getting "your" man or woman into office.

Then, you have a right to bitch. Then you can complain what the politicians are doing to this country.

Don't tell me it won't matter because it does. My wife was a political zealot. She drove me crazy with all the election signs piled in the house. Handouts all over the place. And she pried people off their asses and to the polls.

And here's the secret...you may not get who you wanted elected but politicians live and die on voter turnout. If they were elected by a very narrow margin, they're pay attention to what their constituents are saying cause they are already looking at the next election.

Then after all that, you can bitch.

Sarg

 

[Sleeping Dragon]

Wow, I know where the name Sarg came from. YOU DID THAT GOOD! I had a Gunny Sgt. chew on my ass once in terms that were almost poetic. The thing that I remember most was the vein in his neck. At one point I honestly thought it would explode.

Anyway, as for the getting involved thing, already did it. As a mater of fact I ran for the state legislature several years back. Before that I was party district chairman, and before that I chaired the local building trades council. All that made about as much difference as a fart in a hurricane. I don't play that game very well. In fact, I truly SUCK at politics.

I went door to door for myself and others. I put up lawn signs, and did the get out the vote thing on election day. But, I failed with the special interest guys who were looking for far more than I was willing to give.

I respect you, Sarg, as a Brother who knows how to walk the walk. But, were gonna agree to disagree on this one. I already earned the right to bitch. I paid a heavy price for that right. In fact, I'm still paying.

However, as before, I appreciate your honesty.

 

[Spock]

This is why we voted Sarg to be one of the primary mentors of the site, despite his modesty. He is wise and he is good.

 

[Sarg]

Look, guys, ya gonna give me a bad name around here...Yeah, you went the mile alright. Don't think I could of put up with it that long. I tried to go to some of my wife's functions and get the "creepy-crawleys" around some of those folks.

I don't know what to tell ya, SD. I'm a Constitutional Moderate, and I thought this train went off the tracks back in the Bush days. (either one).

Just a suggestion, be careful how you parse your words...they have made it a felony now for even threatening a politician. Don't want one of our own making small rocks out of big ones.

Spock, were I wise and good I wouldn't have PTSD and I'd be rich!

Sarg

 

[Spock]

ahhh, that would be nice. Still, PTSD doesn't discriminate b/n bad & good or dumb & wise, male & female, rich & poor, black & white...it tortures us all with equal veracity. :)