Wave The Flag And Ignore The Blood

[Sleeping Dragon]

The only thing I hate more than politics is politicians. Their lack on honor turns my stomach. If they spent as much time doing their job as they did tyying to keep their job the world would be a better place.

Here's where I'm going with this. I'm closer to finding piece than I've been in over forty years. Spending time with all of you here and contact with so many veterans like like you is responsible for much of my progress. So, I should be content to stay with all of you and enjoy as much of life as I can.

Here's the ptoblem. My young Brothers and Sisters are dying while the politicians who send them wave the flag and ignore the blood. These young vets. come home after multiple deployments with lives that are in shambles only to face more of the same.

Here's what I want. If the country goes to war then we all go to war. Taxes go up. Fuel is rationed. Selective service goes back into effect. AND, WE ALL SACRIFICE rather than puting the whole burden on a few. Until we truly support our service men and wonem I feel that we're leaving them behind.

Every time I get involved with politics I pay a huge price. At times it's like starting all over again. Here's the question: How do I leave it alone without feeling like I'm leaving my young Brothers and Sisters behind???????????????????? Based on what we all know of war shouldn't we hold our leaders responsible of how and when they use deadly force?????????????? Is it our responsibility to kick some political ass??????????????

 

[JarHed]

That's a really tough one Dragon

You have to decide this, in my opinion, as I like you feel very much the same. You either commit yourself completely to the political arena and try to stop what's going on or you find an alternative to that. Like helping the returning vets in the best way you can, with your experience and wisdom. Either is a commitment to something positive. You may be the one to change the world, you never know. But I do know that, and as you said as well, being involved in politics changes you as much as you might like to change things.There are so many things wrong with governments today that I honestly wouldn't even know where to start. It both saddens and sickens me.

Sadly, I've gotten to the point where I don't want the world to change me any more than it has. Maybe I'm just selfish. I'd like to think that in a very small way by interacting with the vets that I do I make a difference. If only to listen to their problems.

I really do think that change happens small and gets bigger. Help one person, than help another, and keep going and then they help someone and pretty soon you have a ground swell. What's the expression; think globally, act locally. As with all things pick your battles well. Best of luck Brother.

Jar

 

[Sarg]

Altho' I've completely blown my current attempt at helping our "newer" Vets (more on that later)...it ain't stopping me. Like Jar said, act locally. I'll stick my enormous nose right back into the routine of helping where ever I can. I don't have a good rapport with the Service Orgs. and therefore am out of the loop in many ways but still feel they could be a greater help to Vets if they weren't so political in all the wrong ways.

Look at IAVA. Link Removed Paul Rieckhoff is an in-your-face rep for them. They have already gotten a couple of people elected to congress. Politics in all the right ways.

And I don't know why it stayed bold face type like that.

That's what I do, Dragon.

Sarg

 

[Sleeping Dragon]

Thanks Guys,

I guess I knew the answer when I asked the question. I can't slug it out the way I used to. Trying would waste time I could use where I can made a difference.

However, I can still kick my senators and congressman in the ass with a nasty letter once in a while.

Thanks for the web site Sarg. They're still young enough to make a difference. I got lots of satisfaction looking through their information.

Again, thanks!

 

[Sarg]

Example: (I guess I'm back in the action, again). If we can pull this off it will be the coolest thing. We joined forces with a Christian non-profit to renovate a run down motel, using Veteran labor, and convert it into a housing unit for homeless Vets! The rooms are large enough for double occupancy and have little kitchenettes.

It would be the only facility on it's kind in Northern Arizona. They turned to me for some computer graphics they want done, my knowledge of building code, plus my contact with a retired building official and my contacts with planning and zoning.

Unfortunately, I can't pound nails any more but I'll be a little help.

So, you CAN make a difference. Check what services are available in your area for Vets, ask what you can do to help and away you go.

Good luck!

Sarg

 

[Zipperhead]

I know every vet may have a diffrant take on world events, but assuming that we don't support the current efforts may be abit presumptuous. Politicians need not appologise fo the middle east hating us. The religious radicals have declared war on our way of life and I believe our way of life is worth fighting for. What the politicians need to appologise for is allowing these extremist views to proliferate in our society. If shira law is so great, go back from where you came from and live under shira law.

 

[Ned]

Well, I am in the UK and I've got Zip's back on this. It is deeper than politics. And blaming politicians won't get rid of it.

 

[Chin Strapped]

I agree, we have to take the fight to them, they hate our way of life. However, our government has other ideas. I'm on edge most days because our country has slack immigration policies; especially after the likes of the Woolwich incident.

Shira law, Christianity whatever; there is no more requirement for religion, we are an educated society; we do not need to be controlled or believe in a god in order to live purposefully. I digress! Can you tell I'm an atheist?:) I don't mean to offend those who believe; I simply truly believe religion is dying. Mind you, those catholic priests in Ireland were doing a good job.

 

[Sleeping Dragon]

I guess what I'm looking for is honesty, accountability and honor. When I look at leadership world wide I see little or none of any of the three. Many countries write documents upon which they base their principles. That's an example of "talking the talk". Living up to those principles is what's called "walking the walk".

Problem is money and power get in the way. And, once in power leaders turn ther backs on principles for the sake of money and power. They don't "walk the walk" because it isn't as profitable as sliding up next to the bankers and corporate executives. They are more than willing to become the lackeys of those who can keep them in office.

That makes me angry. Here's what makes me furious. These same lackeys are willing to spill the blood of others without considering the cost and sacrifice inflicted on those they send to do their killing for them. There's gotta be a special place in hell for anyone who would sacrifice the life of another for power or profit.

That did it. The Dragon is awake now. Time for a walk. Thanks for listening.

The Wide Awake Dragon

 

[JarHed]

I guess what I'm looking for is honesty, accountability and honor.

Hey Dragon

You can only get that from people that are honest, accountable and honorable. To expect it from those that don't even know what they are is unreasonable and disappointing for you. Being that was is a good credo in life. But because you find it so doesn't mean other will.

Semper Fi

JarHed

 

[Anglesachse]

...........These same lackeys are willing to spill the blood of others without considering the cost and sacrifice inflicted on those they send to do their killing for them. There's gotta be a special place in hell for anyone who would sacrifice the life of another for power or profit..........................

Being honest SD, I am glad they don`t join us on the killing fileds. I would rather have a Brother I can trust.

And as for Hell, No way they are going there, It`s reserved for us Airborne so we can regroup. :cool:

What keeps my Beast in check, is not thinking about the morons who run the world any more. Saves a lot of unnecessary stress.