Aren't we still at war?

[wjh2657]

Being a patriot has nothing to do with being shot at. A Patriot is a person who supports and defends their country and its citizens; not necessarily their government.

This country was full of Patriots during WWII that never saw action or even joined the military. But if it weren’t for them we probably would have lost the war.

We don’t have many of those kinds of people left today.

Exactly. They all had loved ones directly involved. Women worked extra hours at mens' jobs to build arms, they bought bonds, there was direct support , As I said ,in 1939-1945, this whole country was "at war."

It isn't that today's Americans are weak, it is because the nature of war changed. War , at least for us, is no longer a national effort. We fight wars with professional troops and nothing is really required of us as civilians in the way of sacrifice. No ration books, No war bonds, No "meatless Wednesdays" or blackouts.

We live our normal everyday lives even while men and women are dying on a battlefield. Is this wrong? No, it is how the way of war works now. You mentioned "defend your country." Defending your country isn't putting a ribbon on your bumper. It is facing an armed enemy and defeating them. From what I just said, we couldn't all do it if we wanted to, the service can only train and equip so many.

But for those of us( Including myself, I retired from the Corps in 88') who are not in harm's way to claim credit for being involved in war just strikes a sour note with me.

Take well deserved credit for supporting the troops but don't take credit for fighting the war. The troops are Patriots, we are good citizens and there is nothing wrong in that.

Edited March 17, 2011 by wjh2657

[gregintenn]

I'm sure your posts were aimed at me, wjh2657. You are technically correct that since I'm not in the military, I'm not fighting a war personally. I do have friends and family who are, and the U.S.A. is at war. I am a citizen of the U.S.A., ergo WE are at war. I appreciate your service, but it doesn't make you any more of a United States citizen than I am. I understand the point you are trying to make, but it seems you've chosen a poor way to present it.

[wjh2657]

I'm sure your posts were aimed at me, wjh2657. You are technically correct that since I'm not in the military, I'm not fighting a war personally. I do have friends and family who are, and the U.S.A. is at war. I am a citizen of the U.S.A., ergo WE are at war. I appreciate your service, but it doesn't make you any more of a United States citizen than I am. I understand the point you are trying to make, but it seems you've chosen a poor way to present it.

I didn't reference any qualifications for Citizen, and in fact I made the statement that we are all citizens. Just tired of everybody who watches the war on FOX News getting Veteran status.

[kieefer]

bottom line,

Seen at black bike week.

[Guest TnValleyBulletman]

I agree totally. I can't even think of a scenario where this place recovers. I am to the point I could care less about an election in 2012. All we will have is the devil we know or the devil we don't yet know. Doubt there will be much difference between the two.

I hate to say it but I agree.

[Guest Drewsett]

I didn't reference any qualifications for Citizen, and in fact I made the statement that we are all citizens. Just tired of everybody who watches the war on FOX News getting Veteran status.

I guess I can understand your frustration, however, I do agree with gregintenn that you have done a somewhat poor job of presenting it. I am sure it was not your intention, but instead of reverent and respectful, your statements come across as arrogant and snarky. Alas the limited nature of solely text communications.

I don't think anyone here is granting themselves veteran status, but you are unlikely to find a group more sympathetic, empathetic, and respectful towards our nation's military and the men and women who wear the uniform.

As for me, I tried to serve and was declared medically ineligible. Of course, if I had been able to follow my dream of serving in the military, I would never have met my wife and have a great life that I do now. I take solace in that, and have the utmost respect, admiration, and envy of those who can be a part of the greatest force for freedom, bravery, and good that has ever existed in our world.

[Guest BungieCord]

...We are not at war. The troops are at war.

Are the troops still at war when they come home on leave? Or when they're taking a shower or standing in the line in the chow hall?

Nations and/or armies go to war. As a result, troops get sent into combat. It's called the "Combat Infantry Badge", not the "War <insert MOS here> Medal".