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‘Anything Not to Go Back’

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  • Posted By: ready2rumble @ 12/18/2008 2:36:23 PM

    To Riff2422: You state "There are no troops that do not re-enlist that will see the iraq theatre more than twice in their service. They don't whine about it obviously, so um don't feel bad. The funniest thing about this war is that the ones that have never served whine the most." You also claim to be an Iraq Vet. You know what? I think your full of it. If you even ARE or WERE in the military, I have doubts that you've ever been in a warzone. Hey, anyone can buy a uniform and look "official" at the military surplus stores. My husband has never whined once, even after serving 5 tours in Iraq and Afganistan, nor have any of my friends. Last I checked, this is still America and we all have the right to voice our opinions, even if I find yours borderline offensive. You are brainwashed and probably not very smart, you also seem very gung-ho about fighting in Iraq, so I suggest you go back to Iraq or Afganistan so my husband doesn't have to do a SIXTH tour while you sit around whining about people sitting at their desks trying to earn a living while their loved ones very well COULD be (in my case IS) away in a war zone - you stupid, ignorant fool! Oh yeah, happy holidays everyone!

  • Posted By: ready2rumble @ 12/18/2008 2:21:12 PM

    Regarding multiple tours of duty for people enlisted in the reserves, has anyone here EVER heard of the "back door draft"? Or Stop Loss? My husband has completed 5 tours!!!!!!!!!!!!! The first 4 were because of the tiny little writing on the contract he signed when he initally joined full-time, about how he could be recalled in time of need, etc., etc. So stop your whining about people enlisting and then being cowards. YOU try doing what they are forced to do not once, or twice, or three times or even four or five! Any of you have a problem with that, I'll be more than happy to give you my phone number and we can talk. As far as all the political BS on this site, SHUT UP! You have so much to say, I suggest you go speak to a veteran (preferrably wounded and VERY young) and rant to them about some of what I've seen here. PTSD does exist, bet you don't believe that either, and I'd LOVE to see just one of our veterans that are finally home shut a few of you up for good. Shame on you, you're a disgrace - go live in another country. PS - it took my husband over 8 months to receive ANY reimubursement for a few college courses taken....yet one of you big mouths claim people join for free education? You have to be joking. They say anything to get you in, then they screw your balls to the wall.

  • Posted By: PEACEFOREVER @ 11/02/2008 10:34:49 AM

    My brothers son has been home from camp liberty.He is trying to work out his marriage troubles.His wife was whith a 30 year old man and my nephew has two choildren beteew them,He has to go back to camp liberty in 5 days and thee is no acoplishment with marriage.He is ver distraught and I fear a suicidebecause of this.Please e-mail me on who I can contact for help for him.I am his uncle and he is only 22.My e-mail is DEPUTY409@AOL.COM.i LOVE HIM VERY MUCH.

  • Posted By: rif2422 @ 07/08/2008 7:25:03 PM

    My point is never and never was that it made any Americans' life safer, thats ridiculous. My point is that 60 something percent of the US wanted to take out Saddam. You send our military somewhere don't start crying when things get tough. You send the military let them defeat the enemy. I personally never saw a reason for invading Iraq whether or not there were WMD's. Seriously whats the difference (and for all the fruits that believe Bush lied why not just plant them?) But we're there, we've broken a lot of stuff it's our job and duty to clean up the mess. Why run when things are getting better? Furthermore if we did pull out all our troops immediately the real murderer would be the citizens and politicians of the U.S. You can say whatever about Bush getting us into Iraq, but every single man, women and child demanding immediate withdrawal of our troops would have the blood of every Iraqi that died in the ensuing chaos on their hands. If and when we succeed it doesnt hurt to have a chance to bring some light to a dark region in the world. These people still live like it's the 1200's still in some regards. But like every other sane person in the world I want peace, just one that will last. With the successes we've witnessed in the last 6 mos. it would be foolish to pull our troops home so soon. (Just ask Obama : P) Bet you loved to hear that huh????

  • Posted By: funkdome @ 06/08/2008 3:41:30 PM

    I'd like to offer congradulations to the angry liberals on this board for thier truly impressive name calling.

    Haven't seen the names fly like this since te fouth grade.

    • Posted By: apolitical one @ 06/13/2008 2:01:31 AM

      In case you are not aware sir, the word liberal will not be a dirty word soon. Is that what scares you? This is not a political discussion.It is about doing the right thing for our brave young men !!

    • Posted By: jgrisham @ 06/09/2008 3:54:34 AM

      To funkdome: I would like to offer congratulations on your truly impressive spelling. Congratulations does not have a letter d, but fourth does have a letter r. The word their does not follow the i before e rule. By any chance did you go any further in school than fourth grade? You should have been inside at recess practicing your spelling lesson instead of out on the playground listening to all the name calling.

  • Posted By: ChicoCDM @ 06/08/2008 2:22:10 PM

    Look you whinny liberal NUT JOBS! When you sign up for the military you follow your orders. In every war people decide they don't want to fulfill their obligations this is nothing new. There is always a small percentage and even if it isn't the military is NOT a democracy - it has an established system over thousands of years of warfare for a reason. Other military organizations follow these ideals the world over. Iff it was up to some of you NUT JOBs we would just disband our entire defense forces and HOPE for no more wars or conflicts.

    • Posted By: apolitical one @ 06/13/2008 1:55:30 AM

      I am curious sir. How many years did you serve, and during what period? You are not exactly a brainiac are you? The leaders have reponsibilities also.

    • Posted By: R.R. @ 06/08/2008 4:49:16 PM

      THAT'S TELLING 'EM, ChicoCDM !

      FAR AS I'M CONCERNED,THE LESSON HERE IS DON'T BE LIKE OUR ELECTED LEADERS THAT TALK TOUGH! IF YOU REALLY SUPPORT THE TROOPS AND BELIEVE IN THE ROLE OF THE MILITARY AND IT'S NON-DEMOCRATIC STRUCTURE, THEN PUT YOUR MOUTH WHERE YOUR BELIEFS ARE, AND I EXPECT YOU TO REPORT TO THE FRONT LINES IN IRAQ. GET YOUR BDU'S ON AND GEARED UP! WE NEED REAL MEN LIKE YOU THERE!

      "When Cheney became eligible for the draft, he was a supporter of the Vietnam War but did not serve in the military. Instead, he applied for and received five draft deferments."

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Cheney

      GOD I HATE CHICKEN HAWKS, DON'T YOU?

      IRAN IS NEXT, ALONG WITH SYRIA, INDONESIA, NORTH KOREA, CHINA, FRANCE AND ALL THOSE UNAMERICAN NATIONS, SO BE A PATRIOT AND LETS DIE FOR OUR COUNTRY AND KILL SOME TOWELHEADS BECAUSE THEY'RE DIFFERENT THAN US. THAT IS, IF YOU'RE A TRUE AMERICAN AND NOT JUST SOME GODDAMN NEOCON CALLING THE BLUFF OF THESE LIBERAL JERKOFFS

      I EXPECT TO SEE YOU, YOUR WIFE, YOUR EX'S, YOUR SONS, DAUGHTERS, YOUR RELATIVES, IN-LAWS, YOUR BOSSES, YOUR COWORKERS AND ALL THE NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS THAT YOU CALL FRIENDS TO REPORT FOR DUTY AT THE NEAREST RECRUITING OFFICE.

      NOW ! NOW ! NOW ! MOVE IT ! MOVE IT ! MOVE IT !

  • Posted By: emtyn1 @ 06/09/2008 4:45:08 AM

    To yourcountry, if there is a job to be done in Iraq, let the Iraqis do it. It's their country...at least, I thought it was.

    • Posted By: joe_mama @ 06/09/2008 6:05:55 AM

      You need to check up on international law...

      ...the invading army/country is responsible for the well-being of the citizens in the country it invades.

      Not to mention the whole idea of inviting yourself to somebody's house, trashing it, and then calling them slobs.

      While I am an Obama supporter, I do not support a complete withdrawal, and, frankly, do not see how he'll be able to keep this campaign promise (too many variables....and once the violence picks back up, he'll be forced to delay his plan).

      I think we should stay in Iraq--not because it is a "just" war, or because the terrorists will follow us home (you think they're not trying to get us now?)--but rather that we've created a power vaccuum in the middle east, and I'm not too keen on seeing Iran move in and fill it. Furthermore, a quick withdrawal could be dangerous for Israel. WIthout Iraq to keep them in check, Iran could turn its full attention to the war of attrition against Israel.

      • Posted By: apolitical one @ 06/13/2008 1:47:38 AM

        I agree wholeheartedly ! I believe Obama is a pragmatist, and will surround himself with pragmatic advisors. The void was created when Bush took out Saddam, because unfortunately, it appears that Arabs only respect force, and he was good at that. The real threat is Iran and Pakistan. Obama will do what is neccessary to insure Israel's national securiry, while rebuilding our forces in an orderly fashion. Unlike Bush, there is no ego involved. The Iraq's will not step up to the plate, unless forced to do so.

      • Posted By: mouselion @ 06/09/2008 6:49:36 AM

        BUsh's Out On A LImb Doctrine:
        Put us in a false situation in which it is morally reprehensible to walk away from. I don't mention the "K" word -- but somebody's got some heayduty hell to pay.

        • Posted By: CEPHALUS @ 06/09/2008 9:38:36 AM

          Nic comment ,but check this out there will only be one solution to this problem and is withdrawing the troops.
          We can stay there twenty years and get more casualties and spent billions and the result will still be the same,iran will always has more influence.it is shia and shia.
          If we should attack iran what do you think would happen to iraq?we can leave now and give up iraq on two buns or we can spend five more years and add lettuce and tomato,anyway we do it ,same result.

          • Posted By: onepoker @ 06/09/2008 2:14:14 PM

            Or we can stay and win! by win I mean support the people of Iraq until a Government is in place that can look out for its own citizens. If we abandon these people now they will suffer great attrocities brought on by Islamo facscists. I was angered by our government standing by while Genocide took place in Rawanda it causes me great pain that the people of Burma/myrnamar are left in the clutches of a cruel military that allows them to die because of fear of losing their power. I believe we can and should do more in the world. Not because I am a war mongering republican but because people need our help! Remember how desperate it got after Katrina after only a week. The people of Burma are looking at months before help will arrive if ever.

        • Posted By: joe_mama @ 06/09/2008 7:01:28 AM

          ha! good one.

  • Posted By: willnotvoteobama @ 06/09/2008 12:52:55 PM

    if you buy into the obama thing then you will have buyers remorse in 2010

    • Posted By: maryctaurus @ 06/09/2008 3:26:06 PM

      Uh, this article is about our soldiers, not Barack Obama. You've got plenty of other places to discuss him. How about making our politicians in Congress do their jobs for a change -- both sides of the aisle?

    • Posted By: apolitical one @ 06/13/2008 1:29:25 AM

      I am so happy this Repubican rhetoric will be ending later this year !!!

  • Posted By: apolitical one @ 06/13/2008 1:03:58 AM

    Can you honestly blame them! Today a soldier was discharged for throwing a dog over a cliff. I am not condoning this type of behavior, but seeing your comrads get blown up may tend to distort your judgement. Why are these kids being held to a higher standard than the deginerates in Washington that rig a presidential election, a President who sat out Viet Nam in the Texas National guard, who lied to get us in a war that doesnt benefit our national interests , a war he said would cost 100 billion that is actually going to cost an estimated 3 trilion dollars, and still not solve our national security issues. Who in their right mind would want to serve multiple tours while Bush prepares to fade into the Texas sunlight! Are you kidding Me !!!!!

  • Posted By: iravet07 @ 06/12/2008 11:59:18 PM

    To rif2422 - my friend, you are brainwashed. Keep on believing your "truths", but this 25 year veteran doesn't fall for your BS.

    Anyone that joins the military "signs up" for whatever they get, HOWEVER our elected officials should have the wisdom and judgement to not so easily put our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines in harms way so readily. Invading Iraq was NOT necessary and as others have pointed out Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11. For all the lives lost in Iraq it has not made the US safer, instead it provided a breeding and training ground for future operations against the US. The only good news for you rif2422 is that McCain will let you stay in Iraq for 100 years........write to us and let us know when you are on your 10th tour over there. Stay safe and please do not tell me that you are making it safer for me by being in Iraq, because you are NOT!

  • Posted By: gone2idaho @ 06/12/2008 8:16:19 PM

    This war just makes me sad. I think about the lives of those young men and women all the time. All this over oil? All this to finish the fight of Bush Sr.? Such a waste of mankind. One thing is for certain if your looking for President Bush to say he was wrong, that my friend, will never happen.

  • Posted By: maxbianco @ 06/12/2008 1:07:30 AM

    Hey!! dont worry about it, according to John mcCain its "Not Too Important!

  • Posted By: Krallski @ 06/09/2008 2:30:31 PM

    Can't Mr. Dokoupil do a small amount of fact checking before he writes an article. Why doesn't Newsweek have higher standards for their reporters? There is not a single factual statistic on soldier's self inflicted wounds in the entire article. Only vague references such as "few doubt the Korean and Vietnam Wars were different", or "The current war MAY be the worst"? Don't you know if it is or not? What a lame, vague opinion piece designed to make us think even more negatively about the war written by a person who apparently "May" know nothing./

    • Posted By: summer4077 @ 06/11/2008 2:34:34 PM

      Well it's kind of hard to say definitively whether this is the worst war or not, because it hasn't ended. There's also that pesky thing called 'the future' that makes it hard to determine if the worst war is still to come. So 'may' is appropriate. If he said 'this current war is the worst war' then you'd be up in arms, stating that the Civil War was the worst, or perhaps WWII. Geez. Leave the grammar nazism to those who have a clue.

  • Posted By: cnn357 @ 06/09/2008 2:49:42 PM

    I would think that if you joined the Armed forces that you are prepared to go to war.
    I guess I cant judge them, I wouldnt want to go there in the first place let alone go back

    What Ireally dont get is why a 20 yr old soilder would join the army in time of war, then pay someone to shoot him...he knew we were fighting wars

    • Posted By: rif2422 @ 06/11/2008 5:49:20 AM

      As a vet i can easily tell you why he did so. He did it because he believed in freedom. Easily spoken, hard to make a reality. You question his choice? Of course you do, just like every other citizen so quick to pull our troops home. The reality is, you're weakening our country, freedom, and the things that make our country great. Believe it or not folks we're very very close to turning the corner in Iraq. Bend your backs and get behind the cause and I promise you we will win this war and win freedom and security for the Iraqi people despite what the rest of the world tries to tell you.
      The same people who watched millions die in Darfur. You, yes YOU have the opportunity to help someone 8'000 miles away live, succeed, and thrive. YOU also have the oportunity to give up, doubt, and flee. It's your choice.
      Oh yah and hey, for you guys still washing Bill Clintons balls with your mouth on a daily basis, just remember, he allowed the weapon inpectors to get pulled out of Iraq. True story. Yah Bush was wrong, no wmd's. If he wanted to lie about it he could have planted them, ha i wouldve. But the bottom line is If we had INSPECTORS THERE 'BILL CLINTON !!!!!!!!!! '4,000 MEN WOULD STILL BE ALIVE!!!!!!!!! OH YAH AND MAYBE WE COULD HAVE HAD A PREZ THAT WOULDNT HAVE ALLOWED TERRORIST TO ATTACK OUR EMBASSIES, NAVAL WARSHIPS, AND WORLD FINANCIAL CENTERS. (THATS THE WORLD TRADE CENTERS FOR YOU CONSPIRACY THEORISTS OUT THERE) It took yrs to complete 9/11 and Bill Clinton that was on your watch......

      • Posted By: summer4077 @ 06/11/2008 2:28:32 PM

        Wow. Do you really believe all that poisonous propaganda that was fed to you? Honestly?? Every last person I know in the military firmly believes Iraq is a big mistake. They've been on multiple tours there, and some are still there. They have great pride in the military, just not the missions they are sent on. You can love the military and be proud of your service without gushing on and on about how invading Iraq was such a wonderful idea.
        Do you realize how many MILLIONS of people are suffering all over the world? Yet we never took action against them. Most of the terrorists were from Saudi Arabia or Egypt, and based out of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Where in the HECK did Iraq come into it? Saddam was a terrible leader, yes. But he was also a DICTATOR i.e. he didn't want anyone else to have power over his country. Why would he fund an organization that would overthrow him?
        If your basis for invading Iraq is that Saddam was a tyrant and had to be taken out for the good of his people...what about North Korea? They DO have nukes, not just flimsy smoke and mirrors excuses as in Iraq, and their leader is about as nutso as they come. But I guess they aren't close enough to all the oil fields.

  • Posted By: georgeb @ 06/10/2008 12:58:33 PM

    AS A KOREAN WAR VET WHO CAME TO KOREA AT THE VERY START AND WENT THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE PLACE , I CAN EMPATHIZE WITH SOLDIERS THAT DO NOT WANT TO RETURN TO A WAR ZONE .
    WHEN THE CHINESE CAME OVER THE YALU RIVER BY THE THOUSANDS AND WE HAD TO " RETREAT " 80 MILES SOUTH , I HAD HAD ENOUGH .
    I HAD ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT GOING UP ONE HILL , DOWN AND GOING UP ANOTHER , THAT EVENTUALLY THE TIME WOULD COME WHEN I WOULD NOT MAKE IT UP ANOTHER HILL , THE NEXT , BEING MY DEMISE .
    WAR IS SO STUPID , STUPID THAT AN EGOCENTRIC PRESIDENT WOULD SUBJECT YOUNG MEN TO .
    I KNOW WHAT OUR YOUNG MEN ARE THINKING WHEN THEY DO NOT WISH TO RETURN .... WOWWWW , I GOT OUT ALIVE ...... ONLY TO HAVE TO RETURN . ...." NO WAY JOSE " .

    • Posted By: summer4077 @ 06/11/2008 2:17:48 PM

      Exactly. War is stupid and something that should only be used when ABSOLUTELY, unequivocally necessary. Anyone that has been in a war would probably try to avoid creating one if possible. Sadly, we elected a president that has never experienced war or hardship. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and his contempt and lack of caring for the American public shows.

  • Posted By: rif2422 @ 06/11/2008 5:30:41 AM

    There are no troops that do not re-enlist that will see the iraq theatre more than twice in their service. They don't whine about it obviously, so um don't feel bad. The funniest thing about this war is that the ones that have never served whine the most. Of course they don't have the pride the U.S. Military does, it's an all volunteer force folks, and we refuse to lose. 4,000 americans lost in Iraq? We lost 3,000 to a sucker punch in Manhattan in one day. Let us finish and win!!!! You cowards will be all of our downfall. You cry out that 4,000 soldiers have died, do not.... I repeat DO NOT LET A SINGLE ONE OF THEIR LIVES GO IN VAIN! THEY HAD A BELIEF AND AN IDEAL. DO NOT ROB THESE YOUNG MEN OF A VICTORY BECAUSE THIS IS WHAT THEY DIED FOR. YOU FLAUNT NUMBERS. THESE MEN DIED FOR A CAUSE. YOU'RE SITTING THERE 8,000 MILES AWAY AT YOUR DESK. OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM FEEL STRONGLY THAT WE HAVE A REASON TO BE HERE AND A CHANCE TO WIN. TO CALL THEM AWAY FROM THIS IS COWARDLY AND IGNOBLE TO THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO DIED FOR THE FREEDOM OF THE IRAQI PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!

    Iraq Vet

    • Posted By: summer4077 @ 06/11/2008 2:16:08 PM

      Ok, honestly not everyone is in the military for a noble purpose. Some probably truly do believe that they are doing something good in Iraq. But a lot of them only join for the stable pay, paid education, travel opportunities (only a fraction of our troops are in Iraq...many are stateside, in Europe, and Asia), and free medical care and housing. I know there are those troops that say the benefits suck, housing sucks, they can barely subsist...but I know 11 different military families (young families) and they are all doing just fine.

      Anyway, I digress. My point is that a lot, if not most, people join the military for practical, not romantic, purposes.

    • Posted By: joe_mama @ 06/11/2008 11:47:37 AM

      "THESE MEN DIED FOR A CAUSE"
      yeah, they died 'cause our stupied President (one of people you ridicule....he never served oversease or in any combat role) JUST NOW realized that he could have "used a different tone" instead of saber rattling and forcing himself into a corner before the war.

      Don't believe me? He admitted it himself
      http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25089978/

      That's what you fought for and these young men (and women) died for.....a dumb@$$ President.

      • Posted By: joe_mama @ 06/11/2008 11:49:30 AM

        BTW--

        Don't believe the Republicans....we ALL value your service, sacrifices and commitment, and none of us (especially those of us who have lost family in Iraq) takes it lightly or for granted.

  • Posted By: Micky Marsh @ 06/10/2008 9:58:07 AM

    Yes, especially those who find themselves deploying four or more times. Iran and Iraq fought for more than a decade. I believe now together they'll fight the United States for decades to come ie., if the United States does not withdraw. The new elected President of the United States will have to be a man with wisdom and intelligence this time around to in order to conquer evil. A President who will not just look to technology and science but one who is willing to follow the old path of life and walk therein.

  • Posted By: melley19 @ 06/10/2008 2:25:42 AM

    Democrazy pls. don't be so harsh. A lot of these soldiers are being asked to do more than one tour of duty, they did not sign up for that!

  • Posted By: mfenwick @ 06/09/2008 12:09:26 AM

    There is no such thing as "fighting for your country," "fighting for America," "fighting for freedom," etc. ad nauseum. Those are just a bunch of buzzwords that all politicians from all countries throughout history have used to persuade their subjects to go to war. And of course there are enough fools who, with the blessing of religion, march willingly to their deaths despite the fact that there is no god or gods who are going to reward them for dying for the politicians. The American soldiers who have died in Iraq are just as dead as the Iraqi soldiers. The Christian god is not handing out medals to slain Americans any more than Allah is handing out 72 virgins to the slain Muslim soldiers. Every one of those soldiers dead or alive in Iraq and in Afghanistan have been lied to by their governments. I don't feel a damn bit sorry for them though. If they are that stupid let them go. Do you think McCain or Obama give a damn? You're a fool if you do. The best way to end this whole mess is for every soldier to tell Bush where he can stick it, lay down their weapons, and walk away. Enough of this God-Country-Mom-And-Apple Pie nonsense. All you John Waynes and Sergeant Yorks need to give up your foolishness.

    • Posted By: onepoker @ 06/09/2008 2:32:36 PM

      without those John Waynes you miy friend wouldn't have the freedom to spew your crap. There really are bad guys out there that want to take everythng you have and if it wasnt for the military im fairly sure you wouldn't last a minute against them. If you feel safe in your neighborhood thank a cop. If you feel safe in your country thank a soldier. God Bless America! Thank you Army, Navy, AIrforce, Marines reservists, national guard and any other person that wakes up everyday knowing they could die but goes to work anyway because they believe in something greater than themselves, that is courage!

      • Posted By: mfenwick @ 06/09/2008 10:08:45 PM

        No, that's why the world is in the shape it is in.

    • Posted By: Daves3 @ 06/09/2008 12:17:14 AM

      Ditto

  • Posted By: Democrazy @ 06/09/2008 9:06:39 PM

    These so call soldiers were all gung-ho for the free money for education and such but when it came time to heed the call they showed that they are nothing more than COWARDS! Wrong war,wrong time BUT you do your duty,you swore an oath!

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