Imagine if the people actually SUPPORTED the troops [UPDATED with a diagram]
It's a pleasant fiction, is it not?
By Jeff Emanuel Posted in Anti-war liberals | War — Comments (55) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
What does it say about an element of our society when this amazing sequence of images...
....posted on Memorial Day is immediately met by this comment:
That does not look to me to be an authentic fighting man of United States military. Where is his insignia? What type of weapon is that he is carrying? His cammo pattern appears something less than genuine issue. And, I’m not expert, but his boots do not apear to be G.I. –I think this guy could be a washed up police man who just got himself a life long job working for Halibuton. Can this man’s connection to The US Military be verified?
Yes, Virginia, it is "an authentic fighting man of United States military." He is in the 82nd Airborne, his insignia is right there on his sleeve, the "camo pattern" is, in fact, "genuine issue" ACU, and the boots are the same as just about everybody else's. Good to know that what you see when you look at a picture like this, though, isn't heroism or a recognition that, rather than running away from the off-camera car bomb going off at the moment, the little boy in the picture immediately ran behind an American soldier, seeing him as the greatest source of protection in the area.
No, what you see is "a washed up police man who just got himself a life long job working for Halibuton" [sic]. That is sick.
Below the fold, I've diagrammed the first photograph, just to help anybody who may be having similar problems.
Click image to see full-size version.
Does that help a bit? If there are still any ambiguities or points of contention, please feel free to drop them in the comments.
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Imagine if the people actually SUPPORTED the troops [UPDATED with a diagram] 55 Comments (0 topical, 55 editorial, 0 hidden) Post a comment »
Edwards may be onto something - there really are two Americas.
But it's not what he imagined, and I see nothing but trouble in this.
That our nation could produce a citizen with so little regard for this country. The left always likes to ask how its our fault. Well maybe they should ask how this individual is their fault.
______________________________
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
Then re-read. Wanted to stay within Site posting guidelines.
The other posters seem to be a mixed bag. Mostly moderate with some mixed nuts. What struck me though was the first posters reaction to being called on letting his bias override common sense.
Ok. Well im a f**g idiot.
Thanks for setting me straight, I’ve need that kind of discipline my whole life and never got it. Please spank me.
This guy is carrying around a load of anger the likes of which I can't imagine. Whats strange is its directed at people that are sacrificing for him.
I'm not a psychologist so I can only guess he is substituting personal feelings of inadequacy with anger at those making him feel that way. Most of the other nuts seemed plain deficient. The kind of people you need to keep away from sharp objects and have to make certain there are safety covers on the outlets.
______________________________
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
reading down through the comments was like immersing yourself in a bath of self-loathing. There is a terrible disconnect in this country.
I'm waiting for a spineless person make a comment like that in earshot. I'll be happy to slap down some civil obedience.
Just because you have the right, doesn't mean you should.
that fools like this think the way they do. And it's also sad that they're not an insignificant portion of our population..
But they ARE a minority. If the American people really wanted to cut and run, the Dems would have had more legislative success with their Iraq funding bill. Looks as if they got smacked pretty good on that one, didn't they?
Personally, I hope we get to debate nutjobs like this in the coming election. Pit our intellect, maturity and common sense against theirs. I'm pretty sure that, in most situations, when Nutrootsers get pressed, they crack. Didn't take much for Elizabeth Hasselbeck to send Rosie over the edge, did it?
Remember---the last time we elected a President based on his existing war policy and performance record, George W. Bush became the first president in a very long time to win a true majority of the national popular vote.
When asked to vote directly on victory or defeat, the majority of Americans stil speak loudly and clearly AGAINST defeat. Ask Nancy Pelosi.
Our side holds good ground in this battle of ideas. Now, if only our side would fight aggressively from it...
"Who will stand/On either hand/And guard this bridge with me?" (Macaulay)
If the American people really wanted to cut and run, the Dems would have had more legislative success with their Iraq funding bill. Looks as if they got smacked pretty good on that one, didn't they?
We sometimes forget this fact, amidst the non-stop hurricane-strength media crap-storm saying otherwise.
It's war -- so when can we start shooting back at the enemy Democrats?
if those criticizing us could at least recognize us. /sigh
The Liberals can not even believe their own eyes. They have so much hatred that they can not even see the truth if it hit them in the face.
It makes you proud to wear, or in my case, had worn, the uniform.
"Wubbies World" - MSgt, U.S. Air Force (Retired): "Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know." -Jer 33:3-
"It's a book about a man who doesn't know he's about to die, and then dies...
...But if the man does know he's going to die and dies anyway. Dies, dies willing, knowing he can stop it, then...
Well, isn't that the type of man you want to keep alive?"
Karen Eiffel, Stranger Than Fiction
Maybe it's time for a draft. Libs need a dose of reality. Leave the fighting force voluntary. There are plenty of dishes to be washed and toilets to be scrubbed and laundry to be done for the rest of em.
Israel requires every one of their students to visit Auschwitz and Birkenau. We need to require everyone to watch the 9/11 attacks periodically or visit the site and talk to the victims families.
Just because you have the right, doesn't mean you should.
I certainly agree with the latter part. It's a shame how it seems that a good portion of this country has either forgotten, or chosen to forget, what we went through.
The cynicism of these comments and so many others like them is a disease, self-chosen to be sure, that is crippling too many in this country (and the west) when it comes to seeing things clearly. My fear is that too many would read these words and think, "Hmmm... maybe he is right. One can never know! The whole thing is just a muddy mess any way."
Sad.
Jack
The World's Ruined
How does that make the symbolism less potent?
An Iraqi child is scared and he immediately runs to an American for protection.
Are Halliburton employees somehow sub-human devils? So that their involvement in anything, no matter how heroic otherwise becomes a thing of evil?
I'm with South Park on this- 1/4 of Americans are retards.
I'm with South Park on this- 1/4 of Americans are retards.
It looks like the actual figure is closer to 28%.
Drinking. Drugs. Hanging around websites run by people for whom you have irrational loathing. All of these things can hurt your family, your friends, your job.
You want to get out, you want to stop, but you can't. Not by yourself.
But you're not alone. Here at Charter, we can help.
No need to call us. You just did.
-----------
We are all heroes, you and Boo and I. Hamsters and rangers everywhere, rejoice!
Make that 14% Americans with an unfavorable opinion of the military, or perhaps 26% who give Congress a good or excellent rating.
It's war -- so when can we start shooting back at the enemy Democrats?
"I'm with South Park on this- 1/4 of Americans are retards."
You realize, don't you, that almost half of all Americans are below normal in intelligence?
Devils in baggie pants to the Nazis
circle with a square patch to the Iraqis, cause the Iraqis know that the AA types don't mess round
...should be identified, incarcerated, and quickly hung--in a public square--for the traitor he or she is. His/her family should get front row seats.
Treason is punishable by death. If you disagree with me, you disagree with the Constitution; in that case, frankly, we don't need you around, either.
I'm sure I'll get banned for that last post. Even though it is an obvious reading of the Constitution and I assure you the Administration would privately support me on this.
Now scram. Nobody took your bait anyway.
Moe
PS: Zip up your pants first.
The Fuzzy Puppy of the VRWC. I've been usurped!
an American soldier if I felt in danger. They represent safety and courage and strength in a way that most only aspire to and few get to. I love the United States military they are the best in the world. I was fortunate enough to spend time with wounded soldiers from Walter Reed yesterday on an outing to a state park where they spent the day fishing and enjoying the beauty of their home, America. I can say they are the toughest men and women that I have ever met and I thank them for their service and commitment to this country.
And I'm with Gensec. I'm glad that idiot posted that so Jeff could shoot him down and let me see this soldier. Our guys make me so proud my chest hurts.
I meant what I said and I said what I meant. An elephant's faithful 100 percent.
That's an M4 but it is not standard issue. He's holding a 7.5" CQB Noveske Upper with a Trijicon ACOG sight.
I wish all our troops could afford such fine weapons. My neighbor just went back with his own rifle, a SA M1A White Feather.
How do you identify this stuff on that photo ?
I am looking that guy's gun and I see what looks like a red dot sight and its some sort of short machine pistol. To me it could be anything from an UZI to a Mac 10.
______________________________
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
First, the pic is bigger on my computer -- it shrunk a bit when I powerpointed the diagram on and uploaded it.
Second, I'm a recent veteran and just got back from a few weeks embedded with those folks, remember? The details jump out at you plain as day when you've got a good bit of time being up close with them, as well as a familiarity with the gear already.
glasses.
______________________________
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
It has a Noveske flash hider so I figured it was at least a Noveske barrel. Since Noveske makes a complete 7.5" upper I put 2 and 2 together.
...I'll just spit it out rather than explain :-)
There have been 3 versions of M4 working their way over to the sandbox. One looks just like an old M16A2, then there's the standard, and then there's the 8-inch barrel issued mostly to paratroopers and white SOF.
this post be reading and get offended.
"White" SOF doesn't mean units that are only composed of white guys.
"A man can never have too much red wine, too many books, or too much ammunition." -- Rudyard Kipling
but you know and I know that factual data and reality mean naught in the face of emotions and self righteousness.
I DO thank you though for bringing the series of photos to my attention.
God, it makes me so proud, I am deeply touched by the scene, the whirlwind of action and fright and there in it's center is one of our boys, walking tall, resolved and resolute.
America is a great nation that we produce men such as these I tell you, that there are those who can never understand that is of no consequence so long as we have them...
Amen!
Well done is better than well said. —Benjamin Franklin
hey, don't blame (or shoot!) me, I'm just the messenger-SW
Dear Mr. Emanuel:
You appear to be somewhat confused about the post that inspired your blog, and have maligned our poster.
As is his constitutional right, our agent merely used our prized Basic Screening of Highly Inconvenient Truth (acronym suppressed in deference to the quaint editing standards of RS) linguistic algorithm, which is designed to probe beyond mere visuals and express the deeper message underlying any image. We have poured an incredible amount of time, money and energy into developing and enhancing the algorithm, as we are appalled at the capacity of the ideologically uninformed public to be deceived by what they see with their own eyes.
Hopeless bumpkins like yourself may be fooled by the Bush regime and its tools such as the Associated Press, but we are confident in the ultimate triumph of our algorithm and the dialectical world view behind it.
Sincerely
GLPMI*
*The Great Lefty Propaganda Machine, Inc. - Proudly Supporting Tyranny for 90 Years! Come celebrate another landmark anniversary in October 2007!
test
We are heros. We do not run. We protect those who cannot protrect themselves. This has always been and (hopefully) always will be. The world knows where to run and we will (I hope) stand just like this soilder stood.
Damn. That picture makes me proud to be an American
"I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast; for I intend to go in harm's way."
John Paul Jones (letter to M. Le Ray de Chaumont,16 Nov.1778)
If that kook hadn't gone off on his accusation about a washed up cop working for Halliburton, inspiring Jeff to straighten him out, I might not have come across the picture. I'm really glad I saw it. Describing emotional reactions isn't my forte, but it was really great.
I know I said it upthread, but I want to reiterate, I love our guys and am glad I got to see this picture. They make me so proud. The man is walking forcefully into a dangerous situation without hiding, flinching, or running away.
I meant what I said and I said what I meant. An elephant's faithful 100 percent.
Well I am new here so let first say thank you for this great resource.
Secondly let me just add that what scares the pants off of me is the fact that these are the kind of people who for the most part according to the MSM have the 08 election locked up.
I dont know about you but I have a 13 year old son that I am raising here in the heartland and I refuse to allow him to grow up with people who look at that picture and think what that person thought as the leaders of this nation.
If anything this should be a rally call to conservatives all over the country to get up and get busy helping Fred Thompson win this next election!
My Grandfather would roll over in his grave, looking for his .45 no doubt!
The soldier is actually too scared and lazy to take action and the child is behind him... pushing him toward the action.
Those are not standard-issue desert boots. Nor are they the standard-issue tan combat boots designed to match the ACUs. They are, in fact, the new Tan Jump Boots that are an accepted personal customization that can be purchased at any clothing sales shop on any Army installation.
"It's a book about a man who doesn't know he's about to die, and then dies...
...But if the man does know he's going to die and dies anyway. Dies, dies willing, knowing he can stop it, then...
Well, isn't that the type of man you want to keep alive?"
Karen EiffelStranger Than Fiction
And there are all kinds of "suitable substitutes" being used in combat. When I was with the 1-4 CAV, a conventional 1 ID Squadron, they had at least one whole platoon that was wearing the desert-colored Oakley boots.
That was my first time seeing them on conventional guys.
Though I had forgotten about the Oakleys. Also acceptable in uniform are the Oakley sunglasses when in the field and not in formation...
"It's a book about a man who doesn't know he's about to die, and then dies...
...But if the man does know he's going to die and dies anyway. Dies, dies willing, knowing he can stop it, then...
Well, isn't that the type of man you want to keep alive?"
Karen Eiffel, Stranger Than Fiction
http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/matrix/82ABD/82ABD-Matrix.htm
"Symbolism: The double "A" refers to the nickname "All American Division" adopted by the organization in France during World War I."
"All American". Enough said.