JungleJett
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 16, 2004
- Posts
- 1,111
I cannot look past the hate and disdain I have for those that put service over self. It is much easier to criticize than to praise. Sound about right?
I cannot see beyond my own inadequacies and realize that there are some who give it all every day and at the end of the day, are human and make mistakes. I will judge them, not on their bold and brave efforts, but for their failures. Sound about right?
I ignore the lengths that our men and women in our armed forces go to avoid civilian casualties. I would rather think they are intentional, despite facts. Sound about right?
I judge those who I have no right to judge? Sound about right?
I have never walked in the shoes (or boots) of those who put it on the line everyday, but that will not stop me from condemning them every chance I get. Sound about right?
I live a comfortable existence in part because of those I disrespect on a regular basis. Sound about right?
I have no ideal what I am talking about and get 100% of my information from an unbiased news source therefore I am qualified to discuss such matters? Sound about right?
I am an American with rights to free speech but have no ideal how those rights were secured and kept secured. Sound about right?
I will dishonor the memory of men and women who have paid the ultimate price by my constant disrespect. Sound about right?
Here is what does sound about right. I AM better than you and always will be because I realize and see the sacrifices of the men and women of our Armed Forces. I am in AWE of them and am honored to serve among them. My service is not about me but supporting those around me. Something I take great pride and personal satisfaction in. I am a tiny part in a huge machine. I see first hand the selfless sacrifice of good people trying to make a better life for everyone around them..all over the world without regard to their own existence. I have seen the opening of schools, hospitals, roads, clinics, water wells,...all created by the hands of those in uniform. These efforts have benefited generations have changed the direction of millions of lives for the better. I know that everyone who puts on the uniform has done so voluntarily.
I know that in combat, people die horrible deaths. I know that many go home disfigured, missing limbs, blind...or suffer wounds that cannot be seen. I know people who disregard personal safety to protect the lives of others...some they do not even know. I know that a family somewhere is fearing the knock on a door....and the message that they bring. I know families are crushed by the news that their loved one is not coming home. I know a daughter whose father was recently killed in combat operations in Afghanistan. She is less than three months old and will never again know the feeling of being held by her father. She WILL know of his sacrifice and the man that he was. Everyone around her will make sure of that. I know that the work he did was for the benefit of those around him and the people of Afghanistan. I know that we he did, he did with great care to avoid needless destruction and death. I know that he knew that sometimes, mistakes were made and the innocent were caught in the destruction. I know he knew that those who pulled the trigger will forever live and regret that decision.
I know that when you look beyond what is wrong with war, which is everything, you will realize that good men and women try everyday to do good things. You will realize they are..human and subject to failures. Someday you might be challenged in person and I have no doubt you will not have fortitude to defend your position to someone who was THERE.
Someday, you might be realize that Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, and Airman, are not the people you think they are. Someday, you will respect them. Someday...but not today.
I cannot see beyond my own inadequacies and realize that there are some who give it all every day and at the end of the day, are human and make mistakes. I will judge them, not on their bold and brave efforts, but for their failures. Sound about right?
I ignore the lengths that our men and women in our armed forces go to avoid civilian casualties. I would rather think they are intentional, despite facts. Sound about right?
I judge those who I have no right to judge? Sound about right?
I have never walked in the shoes (or boots) of those who put it on the line everyday, but that will not stop me from condemning them every chance I get. Sound about right?
I live a comfortable existence in part because of those I disrespect on a regular basis. Sound about right?
I have no ideal what I am talking about and get 100% of my information from an unbiased news source therefore I am qualified to discuss such matters? Sound about right?
I am an American with rights to free speech but have no ideal how those rights were secured and kept secured. Sound about right?
I will dishonor the memory of men and women who have paid the ultimate price by my constant disrespect. Sound about right?
Here is what does sound about right. I AM better than you and always will be because I realize and see the sacrifices of the men and women of our Armed Forces. I am in AWE of them and am honored to serve among them. My service is not about me but supporting those around me. Something I take great pride and personal satisfaction in. I am a tiny part in a huge machine. I see first hand the selfless sacrifice of good people trying to make a better life for everyone around them..all over the world without regard to their own existence. I have seen the opening of schools, hospitals, roads, clinics, water wells,...all created by the hands of those in uniform. These efforts have benefited generations have changed the direction of millions of lives for the better. I know that everyone who puts on the uniform has done so voluntarily.
I know that in combat, people die horrible deaths. I know that many go home disfigured, missing limbs, blind...or suffer wounds that cannot be seen. I know people who disregard personal safety to protect the lives of others...some they do not even know. I know that a family somewhere is fearing the knock on a door....and the message that they bring. I know families are crushed by the news that their loved one is not coming home. I know a daughter whose father was recently killed in combat operations in Afghanistan. She is less than three months old and will never again know the feeling of being held by her father. She WILL know of his sacrifice and the man that he was. Everyone around her will make sure of that. I know that the work he did was for the benefit of those around him and the people of Afghanistan. I know that we he did, he did with great care to avoid needless destruction and death. I know that he knew that sometimes, mistakes were made and the innocent were caught in the destruction. I know he knew that those who pulled the trigger will forever live and regret that decision.
I know that when you look beyond what is wrong with war, which is everything, you will realize that good men and women try everyday to do good things. You will realize they are..human and subject to failures. Someday you might be challenged in person and I have no doubt you will not have fortitude to defend your position to someone who was THERE.
Someday, you might be realize that Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, and Airman, are not the people you think they are. Someday, you will respect them. Someday...but not today.