The Military: Your personal viewpoints

[B.Basher]

What is your personal view concerning the military?

My personal belief is that the notion of pride in joining the military is more than a little stale in these backward times. Any misconception that joining the military makes one more of a "man" or a better person only leads to the kind of pricks you get coming out of the TA thinking they're Chuck Norris. All the same, while I believe there is zero pride involved in putting one's life on the line for a corrupt government that see one as just a figure, I would never condemn anyone for doing so and still see a great deal of bravery in it. I'm aware that many people join the army as a personal challenge and/or to make a difference, and I see this as far worthy of respect than anyone with ambitions to be a robot.

What is your view on the military and/or joining the military? I had a brief conversation on the subject with my best friend yesterday who tried to make a point the army is only made up of "dumb fucks that couldn't get their A levels." While this is obviously a negative misconception, it's just as ridiculous as the previously mentioned elitist fantasy that joining the army is the equivalent of having a 40 inch penis.

Your thoughts?

[thcbongman]

It's a necessary evil.

I respect those that join the military, but I couldn't ever endorse an entity that kills people.

[GraziLovesMary]

I dont agree with my countries government, our president, or our reasons for going to war.

However I would still go in a heartbeat, if only to end it sooner. Id actually prefer to go over privately on my own but with the same resources. Thats not very likely though :(

And the people that say the military is filled with nothing but idiots are showing their own ignorance. There are many people that I personally know in every branch that are nearly as intelligent as I am. Sometimes I get angry when I hear people speaking of such things, but other times I just laugh at their ignorance.

[GHoSToKeR]

It's a necessary evil.

I respect those that join the military, but I couldn't ever endorse an entity that kills people.

Pretty much exactly what I was going to say, word for word. I'll never join the military. The only thing that would attract me to it is the discipline and fitness aspects, but I can improve on those without joining an organisation that exists solely for the purpose of fighting.

[BwiseLegalize]

I support the United States Military ten fold, yes!!!

:pimp:

[Trip06]

I would join the military in sec to if I could. Ive wanted to all my life. The trill the adventure, fitness, disipline, careers and meet new friends. So much shit but I got pins in my fuckin elbow so nope, Ill just play my xbox360 and go paintballing lol. I dont agree with alot of political dicisions but w/e still would be a wild ride.

[Spoken Word]

I'm speaking of the American Military, the only one I'm familiar with.

Well, it's just one of those things. It stands for "liberty" and "freedom" but I notice that they REALLY push the idea. At malls, on t.v, on websites etc. It's like they are preying on a certain type of 18 year old. Cause we all know they cream for 18 year olds. If it was my job, I'd want criminals to fight...not young kids with lives ahead of them. And when they die, they offer money. Like money can replace the memory of a lost son or daughter. All for the "greed" or even the "freedom" in another country.
WHAT THE FUCK? Doesn't the U.S.A have enough problems on it's own soil?

But at the same time, it protects us. I don't know. I'd love if there was no need for it.

[Beatrice]

My husband has served proudly (yes, proudly) in the U.S. Marine Corps for 18 years. I'm no fan of this administration, believe me, and neither is he. Unfortunately, he doesn't get to choose his battles. He didn't join to fight, he joined to protect. He has been closer to death, more times, than 99% of the people on this site, I'm sure. He also happens to be a card-carrying member of MENSA, so the notion that men and women in the military are inferior intellectually is absolutely ludicrous. So, hell yeah, he should be proud. He has consistently put himself in harms way to protect this country (that means YOU). He is currently sitting in the middle of Iraq with a target on his head, especially as an officer. If you have never served, you shouldn't speak about things of which you have no knowledge. BTW, this is the United States of America, which has a an open exit door - if you don't like it, get the f--k out!

:asskick:

[rebgirl420]

I believe that the U.S. military is the best military in the world. My family members are in the military (marines, navy, and the army). I have nothing but respect for those people. I also have respect for the other militarys of the world. To me being in the military does indeed make you a stronger and better person. I believe that they dont get nearly the ammount of respect that they deserve. Especially today when you turn on the news all you hear is about how many people have died, though I believe it is important to know how many have passed I have found that they often ignore all the great things our military does every damn day. I am proud of my serving men and women.

[Spoken Word]

My husband has served proudly (yes, proudly) in the U.S. Marine Corps for 18 years. I'm no fan of this administration, believe me, and neither is he. Unfortunately, he doesn't get to choose his battles. He didn't join to fight, he joined to protect. He has been closer to death, more times, than 99% of the people on this site, I'm sure. He also happens to be a card-carrying member of MENSA, so the notion that men and women in the military are inferior intellectually is absolutely ludicrous. So, hell yeah, he should be proud. He has consistently put himself in harms way to protect this country (that means YOU). He is currently sitting in the middle of Iraq with a target on his head, especially as an officer. If you have never served, you shouldn't speak about things of which you have no knowledge. BTW, this is the United States of America, which has a an open exit door - if you don't like it, get the f--k out!

:asskick:

yea I'm sure Iraq has an exit door as well.

I respect anyone who serves in the military. I respect the military. I dislike what it currently stands for. I hope I don't offend you but I can't help but notice the defensiveness in your reply. We aren't at war here;)

[slipknotpsycho]

i'd rather not get started on it...

the people who join are just doing what they believe to be a noble thing and what they believe they need to do to serve their country... so i've got nothing against the soldiers...

the people who're in charge however... well need a swift kick in the ass straight out the door.... and to be replaced with someone who isn't just 'doing' what everything 'thinks' that needs to be done... and actually looking between the lines and doing what DOES need to be done... who knows it could just work.. it certainly hasn't been tried yet.

[geonagual]

Disband the military and tear down the borders...

[BUZz UK]

Disband the military and tear down the borders...

And everyone got high and had sex.

The End.

[rebgirl420]

^ yes and we can all hold hands across America :wtf:

[Beatrice]

I'm sorry if I came off defensive. I was responding to some of the comments made earlier. Besides, I have been without my husband for 5 and 1/2 months this deployment. There is no exit door in Iraq for the U.S. military unless it's in a wooden box. I hate this war! I hate this president! I hate that my husband is in danger over this disgusting mess W. has created!!! But I love my husband. I love his marines and his friends. I love my fellow military wives who struggle everyday to get by with a smile on their faces. It's very hard being a liberal in the military. You struggle to make sense of everything going on around you and what's happening to you, but it will never make sense to me. Sorry to offend. I'm just lonely and quite frankly, I'm mad as hell!

[geonagual]

And everyone got high and had sex.

The End.

Sounds good to me...

[BUZz UK]

^ yes and we can all hold hands across America :wtf:

your cinicism perturbs me.

[geonagual]

^ yes and we can all hold hands across America :wtf:

I know, I know...

it is so much better to have little iraq kids dying by small arms fire..

[rebgirl420]

Its not cinicism, its reality. The whole hippie idea of peace and love are crap. It would never happen. It sounds great, sure. Who wouldn't like everyone to finally get along and just go with things but its not realistic. I dunno, its hard to be one of the 2 or 3 proud republicans/libertarians here haha

[Spoken Word]

I can only imagine what it's like to have a loved one in danger, in some far away country. I respect you, your husband and the military. But it makes me even more sad knowing you are suffering for something you don't believe in. I'm sorry and I hope everything turns out for the best.


and rebgirl... without offending your republican beliefs.... there is a difference between a country of flower children running through the fields and a bully country messing with forgien affairs.

it's two extremes. but i think we managed to accomplish one. I don't want either. I think it would be better to have a STRONG military protecting our mainland with the dedication it's showed in iraq.

[slipknotpsycho]

yeah but the idea of war and hate is crap too.....

life is crap.

[rebgirl420]

^ well im def not a extreme right winged republican. Like im for gay marriage, im atheist and I hate religion. But im for closing our borders on both sides, Im very anti gun control (im even an NRA member), im for lowered taxes, no welfare, drugs legal, and im for capitalism, and for the death penalty and way harsher penalties for certain crimes, like pedophilia and rape.

[BlAzInIt4:20]

Speaking of the US, Bush wanted this war to happen its all about money and being in power. I mean did you watch his debate he wasn't even able to handle that im not even sure how he won. hes not capable of being our president and i believe his actions has proved this. Why are we at war?? because when bush heard about 9/11 he didn't do anything and just let it happen. This giving him a reason to go into Iraq. WHY is he having dinner with bin ladens family WTF make sense of that shit?? people say its the money.. and im going to agree, the us is nothing but money hungry... The war is pointless we are not going to end a battle thats been going on for thousands of years over their. We are just sending our people in to be killed and to kill. My cousin is in the army sign up 1 month before 9/11 went straight to boot camp then to Iraq for two years. He does not like to talk about the war, and completely disagrees with it.. but it is his duty to go, he has been trained to defend our country, he feels as if he is using his training in all the wrong ways..

[BlAzInIt4:20]

^ well im def not a extreme right winged republican. Like im for gay marriage, im atheist and I hate religion. But im for closing our borders on both sides, Im very anti gun control (im even an NRA member), im for lowered taxes, no welfare, drugs legal, and im for capitalism, and for the death penalty and way harsher penalties for certain crimes, like pedophilia and rape.


I don't find the Death penalty to be a harsh sentence. Yes your life is shorten but i see it has an easy way out. and for pedophiles, once they go in, their most likely going to be killed right away or beaten severely everyday. My father was in prison for about 3 years maybe more im not sure. He said all the men in prison hate pedophiles and they are instantly a target for rape, and violence. A life sentence with no parole for a pedophiles sounds right to me.. imagine being scared for your life every way you turned, daily beatings and wondering if your going to be killed every time you wake up.. that sounds like a punishment right their. And i know this is off topic im sorry but Texas is going out of control with their death penalty i think they just like to kill people..

[rebgirl420]

See many pedophiles are actually put away with other pedo's for their safety. When I was in lockup the girl was beaten in the lunch lines and such but still, to me it wasn't enough. Screw getting an injection and dying like that. I want to do it so painfully that they'll wish for death to come sooner than it will. I want mutilations, I want punishments that would make the beheadings of people look like childs play. Besides, most criminals they want to put to death end up waiting 30 years before they can even do it. Screw making my tax dollars keep some sicko alive.

[slipknotpsycho]

well if you're gona do it to them, why not to murderers as well.... similar to the type of homo that killed my brother and got 2 years in jail (no prison)... then what about gang bangers... they're worthless in society all they do is futher crime, against innocent people and other gang bangers.. and hey why stop there? what about theives? i've done said in one thread to me pedo's and theives are on the same lvl...

you live your life right you ain't got no reason to worry... why should anyone really get to help take up air when they only hurt society?


sorry it don't work that way....

[BlAzInIt4:20]

actually you have to request to be under protection they dont just do it. And their are ways to get around a prison no special treatment for ne one unless your a celeb and have lots and lots of money..

and to be honest with you i doubt any human being would sit their wishing death upon them selfs. How long were you locked up? juvy right? Iv never been to jail or prison. But i have been to juvy for 30 days. GOD it was terrible. I also beat someone up and i regret it. I have talked to the girl since and she completely respects me, same for anyone who knows what went down. i dont get it?? i thought iv done wrong then people would come up to me YEAHH YOU BEAT HER ASS... like wtf.. i hurt her.. and i didn't mean to.. haven't been in a physical fight like that since.. and i hope to never do it again i felt so bad.. and for the punishments you believe in i think your in the wrong country..

[rebgirl420]

I like how the government levels of crimes now (with a few exceptions of course). Of course you shouldnt get the same punishment the first time that you get a speeding ticket that you would being a drunk driver and killing someone. And why should I have to pay for some a-hole who breaks the law to live oin prison with grade A hospital care? Forget that. Rehibilitation rarely works anyway. I don't know about you people but they only reason I havent killed someone isnt b/c of the life sentance its b/c of the fear of being put to death.

[slipknotpsycho]

^^^ that's cuz kids priorities are all screwed up, same with criminals....

don't expect any criminal/kid to congratulate you on goign through a school program while locked up...

[wayoftheleaf]

I don't believe in the military at all.

[mmm...pizza]

I believe in the death penalty and most definately human torture...i think the eye for an eye policy is a great way...my family was attacked by a sicko as well as this sick bastard attacked and killed many people[2 were only teens]...he made my brother watch why he tortured my mum for hours...i dont believe in guns but if he was ever released i would want to blow the fucka away...we don't have the death penalty here and I wish we did...he got 54 years and 2 life sentences and now lives in protection and some rich peadiphile fucktard has provided him with a top lawyer for him...he detroyed way to many lives...he should die! The death penalty should be everywhere!
and as for war...hate will always live in this world and it will never end.

[rebgirl420]

actually you have to request to be under protection they dont just do it. And their are ways to get around a prison no special treatment for ne one unless your a celeb and have lots and lots of money..

and to be honest with you i doubt any human being would sit their wishing death upon them selfs. How long were you locked up? juvy right? Iv never been to jail or prison. But i have been to juvy for 30 days. GOD it was terrible. I also beat someone up and i regret it. I have talked to the girl since and she completely respects me, same for anyone who knows what went down. i dont get it?? i thought iv done wrong then people would come up to me YEAHH YOU BEAT HER ASS... like wtf.. i hurt her.. and i didn't mean to.. haven't been in a physical fight like that since.. and i hope to never do it again i felt so bad.. and for the punishments you believe in i think your in the wrong country..

I was put away in JDC for 2 years then I was in and out of group homes and mental health facilities actually. And Ive never gotten into a fist fight in any of those places, screaming matches sure. I kept to myself and would read and listen to my cd's. Being a tough ass doesnt do much for you there. Your better to just mind your own business ya know. And yeah, if you plea bargain they'll put a pedo by themselves. Just like they do to cops. They dont put them in blatant danger. And im perfectly fine in America, I wouldnt go anywhere else for anything.

[slipknotpsycho]

reb i was in juvi, for over a year... juvi ain't shit compared to even jail... i'd rather die then spend my life in prison so i guess you could agree there...

but grade a medical care? hardly lol... infact i still owe over 3k from w hen i was locked up and had to have my teeth pulled (they're supposed to cover medical expenses that aren't cosmetic... i kept gettin infections... so it was actually medical)

if i hadn't gone to LBJ (not free, but you won't get turned down just cuz you don't have th ecash up front) i'd of either had those teeth still in my mouth, or i'd have to get them pulled just with novacaine...

they didn't pay for the dentures either..

prisons are one of tx's (and a few other states as well) greatest industry... 300 or so bucks a day per head, and with what they supply you, costs all of 30... including shit like the light bulb in your cell and the energy it burns and the water it takes to flush that toilet...)

if everyone just paid the money it costs to keep them locked up you'd be speechless over how fast your taxes dropped...

[JohnGalt]

proud libertarians here haha

I'm mostly Libertarian (some Democratic ideas). The libertarian view is mostly that peace and love hippie 'crap', just through apathy of other peoples problems. Libertarianism is the ultimate party for those true individuals. No one is willing to fight over someone else's issues, which I believe is the right idea. You can't make people do things out of nobility, so get them to do it out of personal gain. So I don't know about talking about Libertarians there. The whole system really needs redone however.

[rebgirl420]

I dunno slip, all I know is that I was happy to get the fudge out of there when I got my cancer. And a bullet is a hell of alot cheaper than housing an inmate :thumbsup: and I know that P4B agrees with me on that one. But whatever, to each their own. And John, I agree the whole system does need redone. The government is so big right now it cant even get out of its own way. We need less government in general.

[slipknotpsycho]

hey i never said i'd rather have htem sitting in there either, it's worse punishment is all i'm saying...

but you have to be realistic, no way in hella re we gonna see the death penalty for what the govt. seems to consider 'petty crimes' even if that involves attempted murder/rape on an 80 year old woman o.o

and if someone does some really fucked up shit, i'd rather have them sitting in prison forever... i just think how much they charg us to keep them there is fucked up... they're making like 900% profit off each prisoner daily...

i mean here we are, we've got gansters saying they're not scared of jail... and that, THAT is the problem... it doesn't strike fear in anyone, it's justa big day care for less productive memebers of society (minus the ones who honestly made mistakes or the faslely accused)... jail is just too easy today...

it's sad to say but as chris rock says "shit if you live in an old ghetto a new jail ain't that bad!"... it's fuckin true :mad: i've seen it with my owneyes.. these people get catered to, and treated like babies and recieve food they would have never even cared or been able to afford...

imho, if we actually once again made it a horrible place to go to, i think we'd see a drastic decrease in jail-worthy crimes.. as long as there is people out there not afraid to go to jail, there will be overcrowding, and large ammounts of crime.

can i get an amen?!
i said CAN I GET AN AMEN?!

[rebgirl420]

hahah AMEN, I agree, prison isnt the scary place it used to be. Now its like a badge of honor...(damn you fifty cent haha). My solution to make it worse was to kill more people. But your right, it is just a day care center for a-holes. Many of which wont change their ways and will either reoffend or they'll continue to be a leech on society in other ways. Its a shame.

[Spoken Word]

Amen.

[mmm...pizza]

I think goverments need to start to fixing there own countries before they start war with others...though we all know thats never gonna happen.

[slipknotpsycho]

it's alot easier to point out fault/problems in someone else then it is to deal with your own.

[rebgirl420]

^ true, everyone damn one of us is shady as hell. Americans, Canadians, whatever.

[B.Basher]

Nice responses here. Should've expected it to get all political :jointsmile: .

It's funny how when I say military, everyone automatically assumes I mean infantry. It's possible for anyone to join the army as an engineer, pilot, doctor, nurse or to help with spreading aid to poor countries. In my eyes, this is far more worthy of respect than anyone with enough bloodlust to find attraction in killing for cash.

The only people I have met personally who are joining/joined the army have fit into the latter category. I shared my last year of university living four doors down from a psychopath that bought knives off ebay and spoke directly to the soldiers on Call of Duty 3 on the Xbox while he played :wtf: . However, it's not in my nature to generalise. My brother told me about a friend that returned from Afghanistan and came home to a letter saying he was to go back in 6 months (he must be there now). My brother was curious as to what he had to do, but when he asked, the friend just replied "i'd rather not talk about it."

[andruejaysin]

Nice responses here. Should've expected it to get all political :jointsmile: .

It's funny how when I say military, everyone automatically assumes I mean infantry. It's possible for anyone to join the army as an engineer, pilot, doctor, nurse or to help with spreading aid to poor countries. In my eyes, this is far more worthy of respect than anyone with enough bloodlust to find attraction in killing for cash.

Join for whatever reason you want, but you end up where they want you. Don't forget that the recruiter's job is to get you to sign on the dotted line, and they'll tell you anything you want to hear. I did 4 years in the navy and 2 in prison, BTW. If I had it to do over I would avoid both, but that which does not kill me makes me stronger. Or at least gives me some interesting stories to tell.

[Sugarblaster]

I to believe and trust in the military establishment, but our government (mainly our Commander in Chief, Mr. Bush) isn't using it to it's full potential. We're to focused on Iraq, what we need are soldiers in the general Middle East becasue the terrorists arn't just in Iraq and as long as we're there they'll keep coming or hiding in caves and fox holes.

There are only two ways out of this crock of shit right now,

Option A: immediate withdraw
or
Option B: Re-enstate the draft and get it cleaned up asap.


(i have a medical issue so i can't be drafted, LATER!)

[GHoSToKeR]

I want to do it so painfully that they'll wish for death to come sooner than it will. I want mutilations, I want punishments that would make the beheadings of people look like childs play

Holy shit, you're stupid.

[psteve]

My dad was in the Navy (US).
He told me that if I ever joined the military he would disown me.
He said no way is it worth it. They will tell you lies to get you to join, then give you nothing in return. They promised him a college education and lifetime healthcare, but never delivered either one.
He had to pay for his own education, and move to Holland to get a job and healthcare.

[thisisthepart]

Hahaha, I dont even know what to really say. The war isnt against terror and everyone knows it. Its the patriots that keep this war going, that and the American Government. Its sad when the soldiers themselves dont even want to be there and all we can do is read in every newspaper the daily death tolls.