A lesson that should be taught in all schools and colleges...

[TARPSBird]

I figured somebody would address the "jingoistic propaganda" comment.

 

[GT182]

True or not I'd like to give her a big hug.

I've been asked to Delete this thread, but I'll not do it nor ask for it to be deleted. If someone doesn't like it then don't read it. It's about time kids today are taught manners and respect. We had to learn them when we were growing up, it's time they did too. You can sit back and watch the news and say "Oh my that young fella is going to jail because he shot someone and was caught selling drugs". Or just he wanted that car Mrs. So and So was driving so he carjacked it. Horse Hockey, if he'd been taught respect, manners and what's right from wrong, his dumb a** wouldn't be in that predicament. Ms. Cothren should be given a medal as far as I'm concerned.

End of Rant!

 

[tigisfat]

True or not I'd like to give her a big hug.

I've been asked to Delete this thread, but I'll not do it nor ask for it to be deleted. If someone doesn't like it then don't read it. It's about time kids today are taught manners and respect. We had to learn them when we were growing up, it's time they did too. You can sit back and watch the news and say "Oh my that young fella is going to jail because he shot someone and was caught selling drugs". Or just he wanted that car Mrs. So and So was driving so he carjacked it. Horse Hockey, if he'd been taught respect, manners and what's right from wrong, his dumb a** wouldn't be in that predicament. Ms. Cothren should be given a medal as far as I'm concerned.

End of Rant!

It's not about the teacher or the lesson, it's about the people who took part in it. You're right, children do need a lesson in not only thankfulness, but to stand up and contribue to what they've given when it's their turn to carry the torch. Being in the military, especially in an active job, is very humbling. I can't understand the mindset of any self-respecting veteran who would put on their uniform to drive to a school to tell kids "yeah, you should thank me because I'm a hero". Every vet of war I know, including myself, would consider the humiliation almost unbearable to be compared to men who've given their lives. TARPS, MCDesigns, that's why I'm dissapointed in these men.

The "jingoistic propaganda" is somewhat true. Before September 11th, my fellow airmen and I, while travelling, were spit on at Denver Intl. Noone stood up for us, they just watched the spectacle unfold. What could I do, fight the guy? I was in my blues. I don't think we have that problem in this forum community, but watching the droves of fair weather patriots pop up over the last so many years has made me feel mixed emotions. Things are much different now than they used to be and I can't help but wonder when meeting a loud patriot if they've been loyal to their country for the long haul. I guess it's better than no patriotism, though.

One of the reasons I like to keep coming back here is because most people here seem like those of conviction and steadfast opinions.

 

[tigisfat]

"jingoistic propaganda"?? really sad that a 17 yr old sees it as that.

Having spent 10 years 'in uniform' I tend to agree.

Let's not play him wrong like that. He's just saying that he doesn't need someone to tell him to be patriotic, he already is patriotic and thankful.

And it shows.I really don't mean to be impolite and moderators please feel free to edit this if you feel I crossed the line.So at 17, living in a free society on the sacrifices of others,what do you care about? Read about it here http://www.cmohs.org/ at the Medal of Honor site.You will never be the same after you see what these men did for you.

Good sir, you've really misunderstood him and I think you should re-read what he said. He's said that he's patriotic and thankful in this very thread. He's also expressed a desire to serve his country when old enough in previous threads. Thank you for the link though, there's some good stuff there.

 

[wombat666]

I often think we Aussies must be doing it all wrong.

Only a couple of weeks ago, April 25 to be exact, I was struck by the increasing number of young people, anywhere between age 5 and 25, attending the ANZAC Day Dawn Service and/or joining in the march to the Shrine of Remembrance for further memorial services.

Almost all have taken a place in their Great Grandfather's, Grandfather's or Father's unit block, wearing decorations awarded to relatives departed and in many cases known only via photographs and oral 'Family Histories'.
Many march proudly alongside their surviving relations, while all are aware of the respect due to ex-service men and women, and understand the reasons for paying them that respect.

I was very proud and humbled to have my 17 year old nephew join the Viet Nam veterans group with me.
He's become very interested in military history and can more than hold his own ground in a sensible conversation with any adult, be they civilian or veteran.
I have no doubt Mick will become a serving member of the ADF, and both myself and my brother will back him all the way.
He may decide to follow another path as a civilian, either way he has earned my respect.

As I mentioned above, we must have done something wrong, so many children and young adults display respect and pride for veterans without the need for 'patriotic jingoism'.

 

[tigisfat]

Wombat, it's always enjoyable to hear a man from anywhere speak of pride for his country. It reminds me how similar people from different places really can be. Well; that and we all like airplanes.

I must question the character and intent of anyone who doesn't like where they are from but can leave and doesn't.

 

[safn1949]

Let's not play him wrong like that. He's just saying that he doesn't need someone to tell him to be patriotic, he already is patriotic and thankful.




Good sir, you've really misunderstood him and I think you should re-read what he said. He's said that he's patriotic and thankful in this very thread. He's also expressed a desire to serve his country when old enough in previous threads. Thank you for the link though, there's some good stuff there.

Oh I don't know about that,it really is a simple question.What do you care about? This young man doesn't have to answer me,again that whole free society thing,but here is a chance to clearly state his views.


That is the beautiful thing about free speech,the ability to disagree politely and ask for further discussion. One thing I tell people is free speech also applies to speech you don't like or agree to.I think the key here is politely.

 

[jmig]

... One thing I tell people is free speech also applies to speech you don't like or agree to.I think the key here is politely.

IMHO Free Speech in the US has often been a myth. I cite Sen. Joe McCarthy and the recent events following the Miss USA pageant as only two examples of what I am talking about.

For the record I also liked the story. I see no conflict of interest with the vets helping. They weren't asking for praise no more than the vets who march in parades are asking for praise. They were helping to teach a often forgotten or ignored truth about freedom.

 

[Willy]

I'm retired Navy and liked the story myself. Today's view towards veterans is a refreshing relief from when I first joined the Navy at the very tail end of VietNam.

 

[cheezyflier]

I must question the character and intent of anyone who doesn't like where they are from but can leave and doesn't.

i have said in the past that anytime you really want to learn a deep appreciation for your country, just live for a while somewhere else. if that don't do it, nuthin will.


***there are a few countries where that wouldn't work, i realize, but y'all get my drift

 

[n4gix]

it costs $1.95 to view the story...unfortunately I don't care that much.

I didn't expect you to buy the article. The point was that the story was published by a reputable news organization. The synopsis given was more than enough to support the verity of the story.

 

[tigisfat]

***there are a few countries where that wouldn't work, i realize, but y'all get my drift

I know what you mean, but I travel alot and I get my fill of even the most advanced and 'US-like' countries. Usually I can't wait to come back to the states.

I love the time I spend in England, but navigating by car there could be taught in graduate school.

 

[Henry]

I know what you mean, but I travel alot and I get my fill of even the most advanced and 'US-like' countries. Usually I can't wait to come back to the states.

I love the time I spend in England, but navigating by car there could be taught in graduate school.

As i am British and learned to navigate in High School
there, i still do not disagree with that comment
Having lived in the US for the past 25 years
i sure as hill will not drive there now
as far as pride for my Country
I am proud to be British and by the same token
Proud to live in the US and to be a part of it.
As far as Vets go i remember the old saying
over sexed, over paid and over here!
but England would not be the same today
if it where not for all the Countries
throughout the world who sacrificed
and then Later wars who where enemy's in WW2
where side by side then
Patriotic Im an Ex Pat or so i am called
Im Patriotic to the people who
who help unselfishly the "free World"
and extremely Grateful
H