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"I Didn't Sign Up for the Navy to be in the Army!"
The Other Military Draft
By JOSHUA FRANK
"There sure as hell is a draft going on," the passenger sitting next to me said begrudgingly as the flight attendant handed him a ginger ale on our way in to Los Angeles last week. "I signed up to be in the Navy, not the damn Army."
It will be his third deployment to Iraq in four years but his first to be served on shore. Thousands of Navy and Air Force personnel are now serving non-traditional roles in Iraq -- posts they never signed up for. Steven, who asked I not use his last name in print, said he's to receive six weeks of weapons training at a California Army base before being flown over to Iraq for a year-long deployment.
"We've all heard of the stop-loss policy, there's even a new movie about it, but few know about what else is happening in our armed forces right now," Steven explained. "The back door draft is real, for sure, but here we are being shipped off to Iraq to basically serve in the infantry. It's ridiculous."
The Department of Defense reports that sailors and Air Force members are carrying out many different missions in Iraq, from traditional duties in the air and sea to construction jobs, medical operations, civil affairs, custom inspection, security and detention operations. Most are promised non-combative roles in Iraq, but many have found themselves to be in harms way once they arrive.
In 2007 the Navy sent roughly 2,200 "individual augmentees", as the service calls them, to handle combat-related duties with Marine and Army units stationed in Iraq. As of early April, 2008, 92 Navy and 46 Air Force personnel had been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, with those numbers sure to rise as the U.S. troop surge continues into its second year.
On March 31, 400 Navy reservists who had received training at military bases in Virginia were shipped back to Iraq. "The good news and bad news about this is that we are out doing things that our people weren't originally trained for," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley in a speech last year.
Such a trend has increased over the past several years. In 2006, for example, there were 4000 Air Force members in Iraq, but that number has jumped significantly. Now the Pentagon reports that over 6000 are to serve in the country by year's end.
"Technically, these combat-related assignments do not violate service members' contracts," said Lawrence Korb, who handled manpower as assistant secretary of defense during the Reagan administration. "But many ... are not volunteering for these jobs -- they're being told to do them."
Military recruitment numbers across the board are dwindling, and as result all branches of the service are being overextended to maintain current troop levels in Iraq. Aside from combat-related roles, however, sailors and Air Force members have been deployed in order to protect U.S. economic interests in the region -- from oil pipelines to Halliburton's numerous reconstruction projects.
And that's what seems to have sailors like Steven irked at the troop surge and his new job in Iraq.
"It's a draft, plain and simple. I don't care what they call it," Steven told me as our plane landed at LAX. "I didn't sign up for the Navy to be in the Army. But I'm going because I don't feel I have a choice. I have children to feed and a mortgage to pay."
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"I Didn't Sign Up for the Navy to be in the Army!"
Another way the good old U.S.A is screwing its people.....But it makes sense since they dont want to have a real draft because the elite who run your country will all be hung from the highest tree.....because the war is sooo popular
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"I Didn't Sign Up for the Navy to be in the Army!"
You're actually a 'closet American', aren't ya? It's almost humorous how your disdain for certain American policies bleeds through in all these accounts you post as "news".
And why don't you ever cite your sources? Ashamed of where they originated? Or just plain lazy?
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"I Didn't Sign Up for the Navy to be in the Army!"
As we listen to General Petraeus' testimony to Congress this week and mark, on Wednesday, the fifth anniversary of the fall of Baghdad, we should keep in mind the number of young Americans who have sacrificed their lives for America. Any judgment we make about where we are and what we must do in Iraq must be conditioned by the courage and commitment of those who have volunteered to protect us.
Consider Mike Monsoor as just one example of those who believe in the cause of freedom and believe in protecting America.
He Yelled "Grenade!" but It Was Too Late
On the morning of September 29, 2006, Petty Officer 2nd Class Mike Monsoor was on duty with three fellow Navy SEALs on a rooftop in Ramadi.
Monsoor was 25 years old and already serving his country with more courage and more impact than most of us do in our lifetimes.
The SEALs' job was to protect the coalition troops clearing the streets below their rooftop position. When they came under automatic weapon and rocket-propelled grenade fire, Monsoor and his fellow soldiers stood their posts. Suddenly, an insurgent lobbed a grenade up onto the roof. It hit Monsoor in the chest and bounced onto the floor. He yelled, "Grenade!" but it was too late to escape the rooftop. So Monsoor threw his body on the grenade and absorbed the blast. His three fellow SEALs survived. Michael Monsoor died thirty minutes later.
Five Years after the Fall of Baghdad: Honoring the Sacrifice of Michael Monsoor - HUMAN EVENTS
If your boy Steven can't handle the fact he signed up for military service he should either change his panties or talk to a navy seal about it. Maybe one of the two that was saved from the article above. Another GREAT article from Canada.:wtf:
Have a good one!:s4:
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"I Didn't Sign Up for the Navy to be in the Army!"
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Clandestine
And why don't you ever cite your sources? Ashamed of where they originated? Or just plain lazy?
That Other Military Draft - by Joshua Frank
;)
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"I Didn't Sign Up for the Navy to be in the Army!"
P4B typical response from someone who wraps himself in the flag every night.You just cant accept the fact that the white house doesnt give a shit about the American people and the damage that has been done to the once mighty U.S economy.People are dying in wars,your country is in debt up to its ass,your dollar has fallen in value compared to other countries curency and to top it all off China could destroy your economy if it wanted too.America is past its prime thanks to GWB and the sad part about it is most Americans dont even know it.
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"I Didn't Sign Up for the Navy to be in the Army!"
you know when i was in the army we had a term for these guys, either pogues or r.e.m.f.s (rear echillon mother f*ckers) the pansys who get in the miitary and dont want to fight. we even had some mail clerk jerk off say he couldnt go to iraq because his recruter didnt tell him he may have to go to war. people need to take a close look at that contract they are signing and if it dont suit them DONT SIGN IT. i get so sick of hearin how the gov't is screwin them. all i can say is YOU signed the contract YOU took the oath and YOU can blame NOONE but YOURSELF.
now as far as this "stop loss" crap. when you join the military your contract is an 8 year obligation whether or not you serve 2,3,or 4 active years your ass belongs to uncle sam for 8 years. so it is entirely up to them as to wether or not you go home after your active time is up or they extend that contract.
but onthe flip side of this these kids are gettin screwed not by actualy havin to serve but when they are finaly released from duty. veterans benifits have been cut almost to the point of non exsistance. we here all the time about 4,000 + dead GIs 30k wounded, but what about the kids that come home just screwed in the head. i can personaly tell you that combat leaves scars on anyone whose been there wether they take a bullet or not. it takes years to adjust. my x wife knows better than to ask what i went thru, my gf asked one time and i was shit faced enough to tell her some of the things i did and saw and she never asked again, my little girl wont ask either. i still wake up in the middle of the night with cold sweats and can still see the faces when i close my eyes. and i served in desert storm almost 18 years ago.
m1-a1 tank Aco 4-66 armour 3rd infantry attached to 1st armour division
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"I Didn't Sign Up for the Navy to be in the Army!"
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fencewalker
LOL... wow! Directly from the site "Anti-war.com", I had a feeling that the original website would have a similar URL. Thanks for clarifying my suspicions. :thumbsup:
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"I Didn't Sign Up for the Navy to be in the Army!"
One of my best friends, older brother was a Navy SEAL, he has scars on his nuckles from when he had to pull his buddy outta the shit and he was digging into his hands so hard it left scars. huh
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"I Didn't Sign Up for the Navy to be in the Army!"
Quote:
Originally Posted by fishman3811
P4B typical response from someone who wraps himself in the flag every night.
Typical article from a foreigner that loves to piss on our flag....as usual. Maybe that's why Canada didn't want to engage in Iraq....troops didn't have the nads for that sort of action.
Canada sure had the nads though when we got the Kurdish areas somewhat secured. I wonder how many U.S. troops or contracters had to protect their asses though when they were striking up oil deals in Northern Iraq bypassing the Central Government? VULTURES!
Have a good one!:s4:
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"I Didn't Sign Up for the Navy to be in the Army!"
Our troops who are fighting YOUR WAR IN AFGHANISTAN are doing one hell of a job and the last time i checked the world trade towers were in new york not ottawa canada.Maybe if your president wasnt such an idiot the taliban would be taken care of by now.But noo you guys choose to fight in Iraq while the job in Afghanistan wasnt done yet.OHH hows that hunt for osama bin laden going lol your president is a joke......
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"I Didn't Sign Up for the Navy to be in the Army!"
Quote:
Originally Posted by fishman3811
Our troops who are fighting YOUR WAR IN AFGHANISTAN are doing one hell of a job and the last time i checked the world trade towers were in new york not ottawa canada.Maybe if your president wasnt such an idiot the taliban would be taken care of by now.But noo you guys choose to fight in Iraq while the job in Afghanistan wasnt done yet.OHH hows that hunt for osama bin laden going lol your president is a joke......
Too bad Canada doesn't have the willpower, or the clout, to actually finish any job in Afghanistan. Otherwise, you'd have made a valid point. You've got 2,500 troops digging through minefields in Afghanistan, being used as target practice for bored Taliban fighters. Southern Afghanistan now has a HIGHER occurrence of drug manufacture, and the soldiers still aren't properly trained. Yeah, you're doing one heck of a job, Mountie.
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"I Didn't Sign Up for the Navy to be in the Army!"
Quote:
Originally Posted by fishman3811
Our troops who are fighting YOUR WAR IN AFGHANISTAN are doing one hell of a job and the last time i checked the world trade towers were in new york not ottawa canada.Maybe if your president wasnt such an idiot the taliban would be taken care of by now.But noo you guys choose to fight in Iraq while the job in Afghanistan wasnt done yet.OHH hows that hunt for osama bin laden going lol your president is a joke......
So what are ya saying? Unless we're their holding your hands you can't win a damn war? Yipper, sure is nice to depend so heavily on your friends but bitch when ya have to return the favor.
Have a good one!:s4:
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"I Didn't Sign Up for the Navy to be in the Army!"
Fishman- "Maybe if your president wasnt such an idiot the taliban would be taken care of by now."
First off the president is pretty dumb I'll have to admit but not because the Taliban haven't been disbanded. Its quite obvious you're basing their military tactics on previous wars. This is a new era of warfare buddy and just like WWI and II it took mistakes to figure out how to adjust to new military techniques. This war is Assymetrical and its not as if they're standing around in uniform. Its a highly organized underground militia who will literally kill themselves for their beliefs. If you think Bush is stupid based off of the fact that we didn't find Osoma yet, then please enlighten me on how exactly we would go about finding the bastard. Perhaps then I along with everyone else on this forum will give you more respect.
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"I Didn't Sign Up for the Navy to be in the Army!"
Quote:
Originally Posted by Psycho4Bud
Typical article from a foreigner that loves to piss on our flag....as usual. Maybe that's why Canada didn't want to engage in Iraq....troops didn't have the nads for that sort of action.
You're kidding, right? Troops didn't have the nads for the action...I'd say it was more like WE HAVE NO BUSINESS THERE...and say what you want about our government but at least they can recognize they really have no business being there. Nor do you guys, but...you've made your bed. Too bad it's full of shit and sinking.
And to Mr.Clandestine...
You should be kissing our ass for pulling any weight for you in Afghanistan...another place we shouldn't be. You guys got attacked, not us...and right away we came to help you because we're allies. your government somehow thought it necessary to send all your troops to some different arab country while the real crap in Afghanistan had to be taken over by your allies....and therefore, before you go saying we don't have the clout or will to finish the job in Afghanistan, you should think about the fact that we sent guys there to help your retarded war on terror...and you owe us for it. And as for us not being able to finish the job....it isn't our job to do. Remember that. We did it cause we're nice. Don't you think we don't know our military isn't capable?? We know that. And thats why it pisses us off that we're doing your dirty work. Remember, we don't need to, so regardless of your thoughts on the strength of our forces, at least have enough courtesy to give thanks that we even moved a muscle to help you. If your military is so damn strong why has it been clusterfucking itself AND Iraq for the past 5 years. Don't see you guys pulling out a big easy victory there..and you won't...and no matter how long you stay you're prolonging your inevitable embarrassment from the loss you will definitely leave with.
I have to wonder how long it will take for you people to realize what you've done. That excuse of...we have to stay cause it would be reckless to pull out now....hmm...is this 1970??? Sounding a little like nam to me. You did the bombs. Nothing. Then you sent in all your troops to fight on the ground, and operated under your search and destroy policy, and STILL YOU LOST!!!!!!! Have you people forgotten that??? Iraq is not a 'total war'...but for the Iraqi's it is. They are more dedicated to winning at any cost than you guys are...don't see Rosie the riveter anywhere, or the war effort at home prospering. Lets face it, this is not a world war being fought for a good cause, it is an imperial struggle against some people you have no idea about. Again, like Vietnam. They are fighting for your troops to leave, and they will continue until you do!! That's what is making you lose. You aren't half as in it as the Iraqi insurgents. It's the same damn situation as Vietnam...they fought for so long because they wanted the foreigners out of there...not because they were resisting communism. How many countries do you need to ruin before you revert back to the Monroe doctrine and keep your noses out of everyone's business. Cause at that time, you guys were stellar. Your country was fuckin awesome, until about 1963 when Kennedy died and everything went to shit. This is what bugs me...Americans hate Canadians and think we're attacking you guys and insulting your country all the time. I personally love your country, your declaration of independence and constitution are great documents...what I hate is that you seem to have abandoned your founding principles.
The monroe doctrine was a great policy, and then somehow you changed the isolationist nature, and became 'world police'. That is what I hate. Not your country or your people, just your feeling that you have the right to settle disputes around the world, and in other people's countries. If you guys stopped doing that, America could be on its way back to the greatest nation ever.
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"I Didn't Sign Up for the Navy to be in the Army!"
Quote:
Originally Posted by FreshNugz
You're kidding, right? Troops didn't have the nads for the action...I'd say it was more like WE HAVE NO BUSINESS THERE...and say what you want about our government but at least they can recognize they really have no business being there. Nor do you guys, but...you've made your bed. Too bad it's full of shit and sinking.
Gotta love it when our "allies" feel they are so much more righteous concerning this war:
One of those who made out like a bandit is a rich Canadian whose bank made millions and whose Paris-based holding companies include the originally French-Belgian oil company TotalFina Elf, which cut lucrative deals with Saddam's Iraq and is currently operating in war-torn Sudan.
Various congressional committees have launched hearings into what has been described as the biggest corruption scandal in history. Not surprisingly, U.N. officials have refused to cooperate with the congressional investigations.
The Oil-for-Food Scandal â?? the Canadian Connection
So what is the real reason why you guys weren't involved again? As for the "sinking"....only in the minds of the left.
Quote:
Originally Posted by FreshNugz
And to Mr.Clandestine...
You should be kissing our ass for pulling any weight for you in Afghanistan...another place we shouldn't be. You guys got attacked, not us...and right away we came to help you because we're allies.
Glad you stated "any" weight because we are handling the brunt of the load there also:
Troop levels in Afghanistan | ScrippsNews
Canada was involved in the Food For Oil scam not to mention they also tried to bypass the Central Government of Iraq to score up oil deals with the Kurds. If any country should be accused of having "oil interests" in Iraq.....well, I'm not one to point fingers.:D
Have a good one!:s4:
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"I Didn't Sign Up for the Navy to be in the Army!"
you're grasping at straws man.
I didn't say anywhere that we're oil interested, or talk about anything having to do with oil in relation to the war. I said it was ridiculous to be so rude to allies who are helping you when we don't really need to. We didn't get attacked. It's not our issue.
And so one canadian guy made money from some oil deal there...has nothing to do with my argument.
Mine was that the Canadian Forces should be respected for the job they are doing in Afghanistan...and some people clearly fail to recognize this. But, maybe ignorance is bliss for you? That way you can pollute your mind entertaining the thought that America is doing the most work in Afghanistan. That's a fucking joke of a statement.
First of all, Canada has 2500 Troops there, not 2300. If they made the error, they could certainly err in others.
Canadian pullout from Afghanistan won�t harm NATO: official
Secondly, its important to note where these troops are. Your guys are all up North where nothing happens!!!!! Just some farms, goats, and reconstruction/civilian aid going on up there. Canadian troops are in Kandahar, the Panjwaii District. These are very dangerous areas of heavy combat, and they certainly aren't American troops. They are Canadian and British. Just now has France decided to send 1000 troops to take the place of Americans in the North so they can come to help us in the dangerous areas. Thats only happening now. So until this point, it has been mostly canada doing the important work. Sorry if you don't see that. But I do and take great offense when you patronize the work that those men and women are doing there. I'm not being righteous, I'm stating the truth that you are ignoring, and by ignoring that truth you are the one being righteous. But then again, you Americans alllllllllways gotta be the best eh.
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"I Didn't Sign Up for the Navy to be in the Army!"
Quote:
Originally Posted by FreshNugz
you're grasping at straws man.
I didn't say anywhere that we're oil interested, or talk about anything having to do with oil in relation to the war. I said it was ridiculous to be so rude to allies who are helping you when we don't really need to. We didn't get attacked. It's not our issue.
And so one canadian guy made money from some oil deal there...has nothing to do with my argument.
Mine was that the Canadian Forces should be respected for the job they are doing in Afghanistan...and some people clearly fail to recognize this. But, maybe ignorance is bliss for you? That way you can pollute your mind entertaining the thought that America is doing the most work in Afghanistan. That's a fucking joke of a statement.
First of all, Canada has 2500 Troops there, not 2300. If they made the error, they could certainly err in others.
Canadian pullout from Afghanistan won�t harm NATO: official
Secondly, its important to note where these troops are. Your guys are all up North where nothing happens!!!!! Just some farms, goats, and reconstruction/civilian aid going on up there. Canadian troops are in Kandahar, the Panjwaii District. These are very dangerous areas of heavy combat, and they certainly aren't American troops. They are Canadian and British. Just now has France decided to send 1000 troops to take the place of Americans in the North so they can come to help us in the dangerous areas. Thats only happening now. So until this point, it has been mostly canada doing the important work. Sorry if you don't see that. But I do and take great offense when you patronize the work that those men and women are doing there. I'm not being righteous, I'm stating the truth that you are ignoring, and by ignoring that truth you are the one being righteous. But then again, you Americans alllllllllways gotta be the best eh.
We have at least 5 times as many troops on the ground and 7 times the casualties. Sure we appreciate the "help" but don't put it across like we left ya holding the bag. Hell, the reason that U.S. troops have to go to the south is because the NATO troops "were ill-trained for counterinsurgency operations."
Afghanistan Update
Like is, has, and will probably always be, stated.....when the shit hits the roof it's the U.S. that has to clean up the mess.
As for the "allie" thing....seems to me that there are a hell of alot more Canadians in here pissing on our flag than people from the U.S. pissing on yours.
Have a good one!:s4:
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"I Didn't Sign Up for the Navy to be in the Army!"
Just a small note: War is fucked. War mongers are fucked. Peace is attainable. Those that propose war should fight them and leave the rest of us in peace.
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"I Didn't Sign Up for the Navy to be in the Army!"
Quote:
Originally Posted by Psycho4Bud
Like is, has, and will probably always be, stated.....when the shit hits the roof it's the U.S. that has to clean up the mess.
As for the "allie" thing....seems to me that there are a hell of alot more Canadians in here pissing on our flag than people from the U.S. pissing on yours.
Have a good one!:s4:
Well the reason you clean the mess all the time is because you guys generally made it.
And those canadians pissing on your flag are just afraid...they are afraid that your government's disgraceful actions will start to pollute ours...they are afraid of your influence, your power, etc. But most of all...they can't believe that people don't see it. Most of them don't understand or aren't willing to put up with the continuation of the current path of the US.
That's why they piss on your flag. And you guys have been pissing on ours for years, how come we can't spring a little stream over once in a while.
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"I Didn't Sign Up for the Navy to be in the Army!"
Sorry for pissing on your flag all the time im just ranting not at you guys just your policies.Anyway our troops maybe ill equipped over in Afghanistan but i do believe that they are well trained and thought as much by our allies......
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"I Didn't Sign Up for the Navy to be in the Army!"
Its not just a job, its indentured serviture
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"I Didn't Sign Up for the Navy to be in the Army!"
Quote:
Originally Posted by FreshNugz
Well the reason you clean the mess all the time is because you guys generally made it.
And those canadians pissing on your flag are just afraid...they are afraid that your government's disgraceful actions will start to pollute ours...they are afraid of your influence, your power, etc. But most of all...they can't believe that people don't see it. Most of them don't understand or aren't willing to put up with the continuation of the current path of the US.
That's why they piss on your flag. And you guys have been pissing on ours for years, how come we can't spring a little stream over once in a while.
Just a lil' update....something you all may want to read. LOL
http://boards.cannabis.com/politics/...ml#post1842608
Have a good one!:s4:
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"I Didn't Sign Up for the Navy to be in the Army!"
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Clandestine
Too bad Canada doesn't have the willpower, or the clout, to actually finish any job in Afghanistan. Otherwise, you'd have made a valid point. You've got 2,500 troops digging through minefields in Afghanistan, being used as target practice for bored Taliban fighters. Southern Afghanistan now has a HIGHER occurrence of drug manufacture, and the soldiers still aren't properly trained. Yeah, you're doing one heck of a job, Mountie.
wow, congrats, i use to look up to your advice on the message boards , but wow man u sunk low, real low, show some respect, u should be grateful that anyone believes your country is doing something. god damn, you really did sink low, i guess there is a difference of character once you go across the boarder, or at least thats what your showing.
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"I Didn't Sign Up for the Navy to be in the Army!"
Quote:
Originally Posted by BIGFattie
wow, congrats, i use to look up to your advice on the message boards , but wow man u sunk low, real low, show some respect, u should be grateful that anyone believes your country is doing something. god damn, you really did sink low, i guess there is a difference of character once you go across the boarder, or at least thats what your showing.
My message wasn't directed towards you, and I was feeling a little bitter with the poster I was responding to that day. I don't appreciate Canadians who come in here and constantly run their mouths about how much of a failure they consider our government to be. Differences in opinion are one thing, but it's entirely different when the only topic a poster consistently brings up are American conspiracy theories and supposed American failures in our war campaigns. Our government is not perfect by any stretch of the word, but who lives in a country that has a 100% content citizenship? I actually went much further than this in my little tirade against Canada, but luckily one of our moderators was gracious enough to delete my rantings before I could get myself in trouble.
I personally have nothing against Canada. I've visited Canada several times, enjoyed speaking with the people I met, and fell in love with the majestic scenery. My only problem, again, is when a Canadian gets so angry with the U.S. that they start spouting off at the mouth about what a failure we are, and how we're ruining the entire world with our actions. When someone wants to go that route and toss around generalizations and partisan rhetoric, I have the tendency to fire back with my own inane rantings. Something I'm trying to work on, before it gets me into trouble.
Sorry you've lost respect for my posts, though. Just know that while we may share some different opinions about the American political system, we share similarities in some of our chosen hobbies. I'll still give you the best advice I can muster should you have a question about growing our favorite plant! :jointsmile:
Take care.
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"I Didn't Sign Up for the Navy to be in the Army!"
Quote:
Originally Posted by medicinal
Just a small note: War is fucked. War mongers are fucked. Peace is attainable. Those that propose war should fight them and leave the rest of us in peace.
I concur that war is fucked, but peace will not be attainable for generations.
For those of us that served, true peace will not come until Taps is played for the final time.
For those of you who have not served....Your Welcome.