New Democratic ad: Why did Norm Coleman send this couple’s son to die in Iraq?
posted at 7:43 pm on September 16, 2008 by Allahpundit
Via Ace, who’s holding his breath for a sequel to Olbermann’s very stern lecture about using the dead for political leverage. We’ve gotten dozens of e-mails over the past week pointing us to the “Dear Mr. Obama” video on YouTube in which a wounded vet calls out The One for his Iraq policies; I didn’t post it because I thought it was a weak tactic, a hawkish version of Cindy Sheehan trying to rebut a policy argument with guilt over her suffering. But evidently this is a game the left wants to play, so you’ll kindly find that video embedded below. Exit question: The Democrats must feel pretty sure that Obama’s bluffing about extending the war in Afghanistan if they’re willing to set a precedent like this, huh?
Blowback
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Democrats. Using death to get elected for 40 years.
lorien1973 on September 16, 2008 at 7:48 PM
The Dems are trying to fight fire with fire.
They’re only gonna get burned.
Sakaki on September 16, 2008 at 7:48 PM
I will never understand why people join the military if they don’t expect to be sent off to war!
Mercy4Me on September 16, 2008 at 7:48 PM
Just…wow.
capitalist piglet on September 16, 2008 at 7:49 PM
It was the son’s choice. If the parent’s cannot reconcile his decision that’s one thing. But, much like Sheehan, playing the victim card for someone who made their own choice, is the lowest form of politics.
The second video, while touching and heartfelt, is the same thing.
lorien1973 on September 16, 2008 at 7:50 PM
As with St. Cindy, I always have a hard time believing the fallen soldier would want anything to do with something like this…to put it mildly.
BigWyo on September 16, 2008 at 7:50 PM
because people who join that go into Jobs or MOS’s such as IT or Tech’s or medical, don’t think they will go anywhere…
via what recruiters tell them as well. Then SURPRISE!
upinak on September 16, 2008 at 7:51 PM
Nah AP they’re pretty sure the worst that’ll happen is we’ll refuse to shake their hand…..
http://www.opinionjournal.com/medialog/?id=110003120
stay classy donks.
sven10077 on September 16, 2008 at 7:51 PM
Oh man….these liberals here in Minnesota are something else.
Did it ever occur to these parents that perhaps their son agreed with the mission? I won’t say anything about them personally, they lost their son and it’s tragic, but gawd almighty the liberals here who would make a commercial like this are…scary.
Bishop on September 16, 2008 at 7:51 PM
I wonder if Major Anderson would have agreed with using his death as a indication of failure rather than sacrifice.
Nessuno on September 16, 2008 at 7:51 PM
“We’re proud of Stuart…”
Is Stuart proud of them for this?
And it’ll get even uglier before it’s November.
beatcanvas on September 16, 2008 at 7:52 PM
Hey Barry…..one more slice of sleaze please!
grapeknutz on September 16, 2008 at 7:52 PM
Would like to know where that gravestone is as well! I would love to put flowers on her Son’s grave… if Cindy won’t do it!
upinak on September 16, 2008 at 7:53 PM
7.5 million views and still counting.
Dusty on September 16, 2008 at 7:53 PM
So what is the Iraq war vet supposed to do, keep his mouth shut?
There seems to me to be a major distinction between a grieving parent assigning blame to someone other than their offspring, and a guy who’s been there.
That is apparently just me.
capitalist piglet on September 16, 2008 at 7:53 PM
Well you and Ed are welcome to come to Alaska if you can convinced the Mrs.’s.
upinak on September 16, 2008 at 7:54 PM
To have a son or daughter die is unimaginable. But it was his decision, and he was not a child.
His sacrifice will elicit nothing but respect in these quarters and others on the political right. Meanwhile in the fever swamps of the left, his death will be used as a political tool to berate “chimpy mcbushhitlerburton.”
Which would these grieving parents prefer? That their son’s death be honored or used to score political points?
zmrzlina on September 16, 2008 at 7:54 PM
upinak on September 16, 2008 at 7:51 PM
Naw, you go to bootcamp first for a reason, to learn how to serve and fight, then come training schools. Everyone is a potential rifleman; the commander, the cook and the old man’s orderly.
Don’t blame it on recruiters.
Bishop on September 16, 2008 at 7:54 PM
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee is not only misusing the tragic death of Major Stuart M. Anderson, but also abusing the grief of his parents. When they use them as props in a political campaign, Democrats demonstrate they have no respect for members of the US Armed Forces who have given their lives for our country. Their ad really makes me angry.
Loxodonta on September 16, 2008 at 7:55 PM
Volunteer Military.
Terrye on September 16, 2008 at 7:55 PM
Is it just that they can’t mention Al Franken or are they embarrassed at who they support?
Dusty on September 16, 2008 at 7:55 PM
Disgusting. Using a soldier’s death for political gain; sick.
I salute the soldier, condemn those who ran this ad.
dugan on September 16, 2008 at 7:56 PM
Well you and Ed are welcome to come to Alaska if you can convinced the Mrs.’s.
upinak on September 16, 2008 at 7:54 PM
She say no, we are Texas or Tennessee bound in the next five years.
Bishop on September 16, 2008 at 7:56 PM
Oh come on! When I went in to re-enlist this spring, I was told a crock of BS that was taller then Mt Denali!
The Kids believed them… or the ones I saw. I and a few older men and women knew better.
Basic teaches you skills, AIT/Tech teaches you more skills… then Home is where the Military sends you!
upinak on September 16, 2008 at 7:56 PM
Why? For the same reason Joe Biden sent their son to die I guess….
It's Vintage, Duh on September 16, 2008 at 7:57 PM
Hmm … ok, becareful of the hurricanes. Don’t need you two to blow away!
upinak on September 16, 2008 at 7:58 PM
The Democrats are one confused mess aren’t they.
tarpon on September 16, 2008 at 7:58 PM
Ah, so Norm Coleman voting no would’ve stopped the war? Last I checked, Democrats considered Bush a warmonger who’d been planning this for years and the resolution passed the Senate by a margin of 77-23. Lincoln Chaffee voted against it and no one cared. Coleman’s “NO” vote would’ve changed that?
amerpundit on September 16, 2008 at 7:58 PM
I don’t think these two ads are equivalent.
The condition of the soldier isn’t the basis of his argument, it merely reflects his commitment to his message.
Spirit of 1776 on September 16, 2008 at 7:59 PM
…it’s a ghoulish speculation, but I’ve been thinking the same thing about Casey Sheehan for a couple of years now…Casey reenlisted prior to his deployment…Major Anderson was, well, a major. He’d been in the Army for 10 years, at least.
This nation is at war. Soldiers die. We have a son in Iraq as I type this, been there a year this month, and I pray for him daily (as I hope the Andersons did, but won’t presume).
If they didn’t support the “policies”, as they put it here, they could’ve prevailed upon their son to resign his commission. As an officer, he had that option (which enlisted soldiers don’t). Had he not supported these “policies”, he might’ve done it on his own. He doesn’t appear to have done so.
If the Dhimmicrats are now going to begin trotting out the bereaved, parents (a’ la Mamma Sheehan)/wives/brothers (a’ la Kevin Tillman) of the dead, why not dredge out the parents, etc. of kids killed in Korea and Vietnam. Then, we can go and dig up Harry Truman and Jack Kennedy and give their corpses a damned good talking to!
This is a Stuart Smalley affair…an execrable ad for an execrable candidate.
Puritan1648 on September 16, 2008 at 8:02 PM
The Vets for Freedom are committed to their message too and they don’t resort to showing off their war wounds. I agree there’s a distinction, but the currency of suffering, i.e. Absolute Moral Authority, is similar in both.
Allahpundit on September 16, 2008 at 8:02 PM
upinak on September 16, 2008 at 7:56 PM
Then you got yourself an unscrupulous recruiter. Even back in the 80′s when I joined, mine told me straight out that I would be in the fleet, not shore-based, and I could expect to see the Persian Gulf/Northern Indian Ocean on a regular basis.
He told me fairly well what shipboard life was like, showed me photos of the enlisted quarters, the chow halls, etc., probably because I looked him straight in the eye and asked.
Difference in our experience and recruiters, I suppose.
Bishop on September 16, 2008 at 8:03 PM
That is without a doubt the dumbest commercial to date. I sympathize with the parents but their son was a professional soldier doing what soldiers do (and yes I know about soldiers . . . I was one for 35 years). There son also new the risks and the purpose of his Service. They should honor him and stay out of the politics that only exploit him.
Dumb ass, insensitive Democrats.
rplat on September 16, 2008 at 8:04 PM
When parents lose a child, their grief can turn to anger and blame, even if misguided. Because of my respect for Major Stuart M. Anderson, I would not want his parents used or abused because of their reaction to their loss.
Loxodonta on September 16, 2008 at 8:04 PM
Hmm … ok, becareful of the hurricanes. Don’t need you two to blow away!
upinak on September 16, 2008 at 7:58 PM
No income tax in Texas; I will use the windfall to build myself a concrete house on stilts.
Bishop on September 16, 2008 at 8:05 PM
The difference is the dead soldier does not get to speak to his sense of mission and the sacrifice is his or her sacrifice not the parents or spouses’.
If my wife dies at her FOB after having reenlisted and telling me she believes in the mission and I turn around and in my grief undermine that mission she died for I….I don’t quite have the words at my fingertip but it is as loathesome as Barry is on infanticide.
sven10077 on September 16, 2008 at 8:06 PM
I thought Paul Wellstone’s funeral was an isolated insensitive exploitation of someone’s death by the Dems, but apparently that was just the beginning.
Wethal on September 16, 2008 at 8:07 PM
Ours is an all volunteer military. My son volunteered and is going to Iraq again. I volunteered to go to Vietnam. To take the loss of a son and blame it on Norm Coleman is reprehensible. Do you who don’t like the war understand what “volunteer” means. You say you do, when you want government handouts and welfare gifts You take a loss, I understand…. but we who volunteered know what we did…. and we were ready to pay the price. I was fortunate, in a way, I was only wounded. But I am sick and tired of political groups who use the sacrificed combatants to make a point. Prove to me that the referenced family wasn’t influenced. I’d tell my Dad, to shut up…. and I think most of the sacrificed military members would say the same.
MNDavenotPC on September 16, 2008 at 8:07 PM
Oh I get it, only Republicans are responsible for sending their son to war. I want to punch my screen. It is such an idiotic and infantile argument. Norm Coleman is no more responsible for sending their kid to war than any other senator who voted for the authorization. That includes almost every democrat who ran for the presidency.
One question for this couple— Is Joe Biden also responsible for the death of their son? or is he absolved of responsibility because he is a Democrat?
Another pet peeve of mine is the idea that someone who lost a son or daughter in this war has absolute moral authority and should not be argued with or refuted. This is hogwashed horsecrap. Don’t tell me they can’t simply be stupid or biased on either side. I don’t think these people are any wiser or better than me because of their grief. I lost friends and a family member in the world trade center attack and collapse, that doesn’t make me in expert in airplane navigation, building fires, steel construction or building demolition.
titus_pullo on September 16, 2008 at 8:07 PM
…make it Texas…plenty of room here…we’re losing the odd coastal town every so often, but the surfing’s bad there, anyway.
South Texas…that’s the ticket. We live in Atascosa County…population @ 40k…the size of a small town in the northeast…
…then, there’s McMullen county…immediately south of us here…850 or so people in the whole county…450 of them in the county seat, which is one block either side of the main drag…and still 90 minutes to San Antonio, the seventh largest city in the US…for movies and shoppin’ and urban crime, if you come to miss those sorts of things….
Texas…land of elbow room….
Puritan1648 on September 16, 2008 at 8:08 PM
None here either!
Texas and Elbow Room! HAHAHHAHAHAAAA!!!! Hold on I am crying.. the BF from TX is crying too… Elbow Room!
upinak on September 16, 2008 at 8:10 PM
As to the “Dear Mr. Obama” video, I think this a very effective personal testimonial. This is the third time I’ve watched it, and the third time I cried. (So? I’m an old man!)
There is no “paid for by” disclosure. Does anyone know the story behind the making of this ad and who the disabled veteran is?
Loxodonta on September 16, 2008 at 8:10 PM
Meanwhile 65 Medal of Honor Winners gather in Colorado this week
McCain should trot them out to defend himself
William Amos on September 16, 2008 at 8:10 PM
Everyone…this is the sort of political ploy that makes my blood boil.
And while the people who made this ad deserve to beaten, any arguments about MAJ Anderson are doing the same thing that the makers of this ad are. Perhaps in a slightly more tactful way: but he died serving his country and anyone who uses that for a political purpose earns my scorn.
I’m going to go punch a wall or something.
its_a_trap on September 16, 2008 at 8:11 PM
Meanwhile I caught George Soros’ hand in the cookie jar
William Amos on September 16, 2008 at 8:12 PM
So, would the Dems appreciate it if parents whose children died, made political commercials that blamed particular Dem politicians for their deaths because they prolonged the war and gave aid and comfort to the enemy with their “patriotic dissent”?
Yeah, I didn’t think so.
Dusty on September 16, 2008 at 8:12 PM
Puritan1648 on September 16, 2008 at 8:08 PM
I want to be able to shoot things from my porch wearing only my skivvies, and have not too nearby neighbors who are good at BBQ’ing and inviting me over.
Sadly, my wife will probably need to be in the Dallas area, or within a decent commute so I suppose I’m out of luck.
Bishop on September 16, 2008 at 8:13 PM
Agreed. Said perfectly.
Loxodonta on September 16, 2008 at 8:13 PM
Wow, for the longest time I thought you were a women. OPPS!
As for the add… I think VFF or another group like VFW might know.
upinak on September 16, 2008 at 8:13 PM
…he died in a helicopter crash, the ad said…does anyone know any more? Was he an aviator?
It might’ve been something as prosaic, I hate to say, as his flying to attend a meeting or make a report…that sort of thing could and has happened in peacetime during training (Fort Chaffee, 1991, for instance, about 5 dead, including a neighbor of mine). It just happened to happen in Iraq.
No soldier sets out to die. No motorist sets out to die, either. It happens. To politicize a tragedy is to use the tragedy for gain, which, in my book, is the same as the Chinese allegedly harvesting organs from imprisoned “donors”.
If you want to punish those you think “killed” your loved one, vote against ‘em…don’t let them be used….
Puritan1648 on September 16, 2008 at 8:16 PM
Re: Recruiters lying – of course they do. I was told I’d see the world, only to be stuck in a cube farm at Ft. Meade. It’s why I will never let my husband recruit (not that he’d ever do it either)… I enjoy being married to a man of integrity.
And if my husband lost his life in service to his country, I would do Very Bad Things to anyone that tried to use his memory as political fodder. These people are crapping all over their son’s sacrifice, all for what? A political agenda. Somebody needs to get them into remedial English stat – first vocabulary word to relearn being “volunteer.”
Anna on September 16, 2008 at 8:18 PM
Do the dems really want to make Iraq an issue with us close to victory. do they really want to be known as the party of defeat, surrender, and corwardice? well if they do let’s have at it.
Obama can not even admit victory let alone see when it is in reach
unseen on September 16, 2008 at 8:20 PM
hey woman… gott love them recruiters.
But, since I can not see the video. Does anyone have a name of the parents? What was the name of their son? I can find out some info..
upinak on September 16, 2008 at 8:20 PM
Well,I will never have a kid in the military, but I think that if my son or daughter were killed in action, I would blame the enemy, not our government.
Al Queda or some other terrorist group killed their son. Wouldn’t they rather see them destroyed then worry about a politician’s tenure in office?
redshirt on September 16, 2008 at 8:22 PM
The question is this. Would their son agree with them? I served 23 years in the Army and something tells me he would be ashamed of them.
Jdripper on September 16, 2008 at 8:23 PM
http://www.militarycity.com/valor/1464138.html
so it was a loss other than combat….
sven10077 on September 16, 2008 at 8:23 PM
Been saying that for years, you hit the nail on the head.
x-wing on September 16, 2008 at 8:24 PM
1) !!!!
2) Thanks. I just caught that from Allahpundit’s post after I asked the question. (I too have trouble with a keyboard.) But who is that young veteran? He can really talk through the camera and touch the audience.
Loxodonta on September 16, 2008 at 8:25 PM
[upinak on September 16, 2008 at 8:20 PM]
Major Stuart M Anderson, 3rd Corps. He died in January 2006.
I’ve looked through some links. He was 44 years old and lived in Peosta, Iowa. Didn’t find much else, except many memorial testimonial sites in his honor.
Dusty on September 16, 2008 at 8:26 PM
Loxodonta, at first I too thought you were female, but your handle sounds feminine. It’s all good, though. Your posts are always a good read.
Anna on September 16, 2008 at 8:27 PM
The Democrat ad is obscene.
The Democrat ad is about defeat.
The Democrat ad is cowardice in the face of radical Islamic jihadism.
Phil Byler on September 16, 2008 at 8:28 PM
Thank you for restoring Major Anderson from a political prop into a human being. That was good of you.
Loxodonta on September 16, 2008 at 8:28 PM
http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=9224
DoD Identifies Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of eight soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died near Tal Afar, Iraq, on Jan. 7, when their UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed.
Killed were:
Maj. Stuart M. Anderson, 44, of Peosta, Iowa. Anderson was assigned to the Army Reserve’s 3rd Corps Support Command, Des Moines, Iowa.
Maj. Douglas A. La Bouff, 36, of La Puente, California. Labouff was assigned to the Army’s 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.
Maj. Michael R. Martinez, 43, Colorado Springs, Colo.. Martinez was assigned to the Army’s 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.
1st Lt. Jaime L. Campbell, 25, of Ephrata, Wash. Campbell was assigned to the Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation Regiment, Anchorage, Alaska.
1st Lt. Joseph D. deMoors, 36, of Jefferson, Ala. deMoors was assigned to the Army’s 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Chester W. Troxel, 45, of Anchorage, Alaska. Troxel was assigned to the Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation Regiment, Anchorage, Alaska.
Spc. Michael I. Edwards, 26, of Fairbanks, Alaska. Edwards was assigned to the Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation Regiment, Anchorage, Alaska.
Spc. Jacob E. Melson, 22, of Wasilla, Alaska. Melson was assigned to the Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation Regiment, Anchorage, Alaska.
The incident is under investigation.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs
upinak on September 16, 2008 at 8:28 PM
…asymetrical warfare, they’re calling it now…it was called “the Tet Offensive” once upon a time…it’s the sign of a sophisticated, under-resourced, dedicated enemy…or that you’re fighting against the Keystone Kops who wish they had tanks but must resort to blowing up taxi cabs or wiring retarded girls with dynamite….
(aside) If it has to be Dallas, there’s a pretty good beltway system, and the country isn’t too far outside of it. North of Dallas is excellent. It’s just a bit of a drive. Texas Speedway is northwest of the metroplex, just about 30 minutes above Fort Worth, and the only NASCAR venue around (go Jr.!).
Shooting things from your porch is a Texas tradition…but skivvies are optional….
Puritan1648 on September 16, 2008 at 8:29 PM
yup, my posting “other than combat” is not meant in any way to diminish his sacrifice….it is only to say that military accidents happen with some frequency.
The military community is a high attrition lifestyle, and we are blessed to have the volunteers who execute the policy of the United States.
sven10077 on September 16, 2008 at 8:29 PM
FWIW, MAJ Anderson and 11 others died in that UH-60 as a result of a mishap flying in IMC. His wasn’t a combat related death, albeit occurring in a combat zone. This incident could have happened ANYWHERE, including Minnesota.
Fletch54 on September 16, 2008 at 8:29 PM
SHAMELESS
Ugly on September 16, 2008 at 8:30 PM
…thanks, upinak…adds some reality to sad situation….
Puritan1648 on September 16, 2008 at 8:31 PM
Amen.
Ugly on September 16, 2008 at 8:31 PM
Courtesy of General Sherman: War is cruelty, and you cannot refine it; and those who brought war into our country deserve all the curses and maledictions a people can pour out.
Question: Have these people forgotten that thousands of extremists are still praying for our death every day? Should we just plug our ears, curl up in a corner, and pretend that we are not at war?
m064404 on September 16, 2008 at 8:32 PM
It is all I can do. The man may or may not have believed in the mission but he fufilled his duty with honor and aplomb. In the absence of a missive from him underlying structural anger with the mission I consider the use of him posthumously to undermine the very policy he gave his life executing to be the worst sort of opprobrium whether by his parents or not.
regards,
sven
sven10077 on September 16, 2008 at 8:32 PM
2) Thanks, but not all my posts are worth reading.
1) It’s Latin for a genus of something. I used to know, but I always forget. Maybe it means Kosher dentures?
Loxodonta on September 16, 2008 at 8:34 PM
BTW – that 2nd video (as cliché as it may sound) brought a huge lump to my throat.
Ugly on September 16, 2008 at 8:35 PM
Least busy job in the world: The guy on Olbermann’s show who suggests Democrats for Worst Person in the World.
Speedwagon82 on September 16, 2008 at 8:35 PM
AP, I see your point. But there must be some value to first-hand knowledge, no?
I respect your opinion, so I gave this some consideration and I don’t mean to parse for it’s own sake, but I think one is primary and the other secondary in nature. If the argument is ” I am _____ therefore listen” as opposed to ” I think _______ ” then it seems unfair to discredit the second just because of identity. Should we treat them the same?
Spirit of 1776 on September 16, 2008 at 8:36 PM
Tragic, the donks want to encourage anger, even hate to get a vote. If people feel as if they must BLAME someone why not the Terrorist? Major Stuart M Anderson dies a hero, he died fighting for what he believed in. Why can’t/wont the Democrats stand with Americans instead of against us? I feel for the parents,but I praise the man who stood up to the fight, the fight for Freedom.
christene on September 16, 2008 at 8:36 PM
Shooting things from your porch is a Texas tradition…but skivvies are optional….
Puritan1648 on September 16, 2008 at 8:29 PM
Good to know, though my wife might frown on one or the other…or both.
I’m looking forward to it, I’m a Minnesota boy but really really tired of the cold and snow thirteen months of the year.
Bishop on September 16, 2008 at 8:36 PM
Re: The Democrats love using soldiers as political fodder. It’s disgusting and has been throughout this war. Remember the little happy dance they did in the Congress everytime the war in Iraq hit a new milestone? Why should anybody be surprised in 2008 when they are still doing it? You really thought they’d changed?
Re: Military recruiters. If one is so stupid they believe everything they are told about the military without doing the research and looking into things on their own- It’s their own fault if their expectations don’t live up to the reality of military life. Sure there are varying levels of integrity among recruiters but in all the “recruiters suck” posts I didn’t notice one where somebody indicated they did more than just took the recruiters word as gospel. If volunteering for a job that would potentially put one in harm’s way, the potential servicemember really should be putting more effort into the process than reading recruiting material and listening to the recruiter. Caveat Emptor. BTW, that being said, I’d never survive on recruiting duty because my tendency would be to try the best fit for the recruit and the the Navy (in my case) when recruiters often have a limited set of skill sets that need filling. Instead of turning a potential recruit away because his/her skills don’t really match up with what the Navy is hiring, the tendency is to force a fit that might not be the best for either the military or the servicemember.
Re: A volunteer military is just that. The armed forces are not the employer of last resort. The DOD is not a scholarship program. I have zero sympathy for anybody who joins the service for the benefits and then does their best to stay out of harm’s way. I have nothing but contempt that views the military as filled with those who can’t make it in the “real world.” Surprisingly and sadly from the comments above, my contempt has to extend to some of the posters on HA.
highhopes on September 16, 2008 at 8:39 PM
…so…do you have tusks? Big ears? A long, prehensile nose (which I’d actually like to see, if that’s the case)?
…or are you saying that you’ve got thick skin?
Puritan1648 on September 16, 2008 at 8:40 PM
What really burns me about this is, when you hear the grieving(by that I mean celebratory) mothers on the other side, they say their son was fighting for Allah.
Do the people critisizing Bush realize that he will be out of office in 4 months?
How long do you think Allah will be around for? It’s time for the idiots among us to wake up.
x-wing on September 16, 2008 at 8:41 PM
Sorry if this has been mentioned already.
The AUMF against Iraq was agreed to in 2002. Coleman wasn’t sworn into the Senate until 2003. All in Wiki.
baldilocks on September 16, 2008 at 8:42 PM
Thanks for that inspiring video link.
Loxodonta on September 16, 2008 at 8:43 PM
There seem to be a lot of Navy vets here at HA.
Swabbies Unite.
Bishop on September 16, 2008 at 8:45 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asHmttxrxZE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmsP8Nsl4ws
Jim M. on September 16, 2008 at 8:45 PM
So, the Democrats make an ad that no only abuses the death of a veteran, and the grief of his elderly parents, but also abuses the truth.
A triple play of disrespect.
Loxodonta on September 16, 2008 at 8:45 PM
…it’s a peculiar feature of the fringes of our nation…some people, for at least the last 150 years, feel it necessary to, as a people, grieve when we’re winning.
Those mom’s in Tikrit or Fallujah or Kandahar, unusual as it sounds, are still honestly human. It’s only those who’ve grown too smart to be useful who pick apart their victories and all their nations motives in favor of those who’d gladly smother their children in their cribs.
Puritan1648 on September 16, 2008 at 8:46 PM
Highhopes –
Hey, I knew my recruiter lied to me about things, but I still joined up, because I wanted to. I did not, however, know that they’d shut down a slew of duty stations right before I came up for orders out of ‘a’ school – and yeah, neither did my recruiter. True, it is caveat empator, at the same time, I’ve heard many untruths said to increase quotas. That’s wrong, and I will not support that. Telling some kid off the street that they can do their 4 to get their college money, we’re not going to war, you’ll be fine is being deceitful. Things may have changed in the 8 years since I joined, but have they really changed that much?
As for your final paragraph, sans the last sentence, I agree with 100%. I served with people like that, and it ticked me off to no end. I joined for the training I’d get at langauge school, yes, but also to serve my country. As much as I could hate it at times, it was the best 4.5 years of my life. Also agreed with your first paragraph.
Anna on September 16, 2008 at 8:49 PM
It’s good to be among fellow Sailors. : )
Anna on September 16, 2008 at 8:51 PM
Loxodonta,
That 2nd video was made and paid for by the soldier himself according to Rush Limbaugh. I did not catch the soldiers name but the only media person who has mentioned this video and played the recording on his show was Limbaugh.
Vince on September 16, 2008 at 8:51 PM
Me either.
VN Vet and retired Army
Linh_My on September 16, 2008 at 8:55 PM
I give that couple a pass, their son died in the service of this country, they can say whatever they want.
Their son was a Major, a career military man, he believed in what he was doing. They are justifiably in pain.
Hog Wild on September 16, 2008 at 8:55 PM
Thanks. That’s what I thought. It is good to know that this country can still produce the most common and most remarkable people.
Loxodonta on September 16, 2008 at 8:56 PM
An active imagination is a wonderful gift. I wouldn’t want to spoil it.
Loxodonta on September 16, 2008 at 8:58 PM
baldilocks @ 8:42 PM
Never thought about the fact that Coleman wasn’t in the Senate when the AUMF against Iraq was agreed to. We should all go fart in their general direction and taunt them some more!
Vince on September 16, 2008 at 9:00 PM
…amen….
It’s daunting experience standing in the presence of the medal. I’ve seen a few in Army museums I’ve visited (I’m a sucker for a post museum). Standing in the presence of a recipient is another thing entirely. You involuntarily stand at attention and say “Yes, sir” and “No, sir”. They must find it annoying after a while, like cops who have to put up with everyone slowing down when you drive up behind them.
There are only 100 living recipients left, Mr. Marm says in the video. We’re losing a true national treasure. The thing to remember is this: we’re still at heart a nation which can produce the sorts of folks whose hearts are up to the challenge…while we hope that it will never be necessary for the medal to be awarded again, we “grown-ups” know that, sadly, this isn’t the case. There will always be people — envious, duplicitious, cruel, ambitious, within our borders even traitorous — who’ll present ample cause for us to spend our nations heroes, one at a time.
…then again, that’s what this thread, the reaction to this ad, and this election are about….
Puritan1648 on September 16, 2008 at 9:01 PM
I sympathize with their pain, but a pass on politicizing their son’s death . . . no.
rplat on September 16, 2008 at 9:01 PM
From YouTube re: the second video (from the guy who posted the video):
ArmyAunt on September 16, 2008 at 9:02 PM
I can’t watch it without crying. I’m pretty tough as females go, but that one is too much for me.
capitalist piglet on September 16, 2008 at 9:02 PM
Their pap undermines their son’s service unless he was on record as objecting, considering he was an officer had he wanted to get out he could in all likelihood have done so far easier than an enlisted man. I respect their grief and have shared in a fraction of their loss through the absence of a few friends, but I cannot bring myself to excuse their Sheehanesque use of their middle-aged child as a political tool. You and I will have to respectfully disagree.
sven10077 on September 16, 2008 at 9:04 PM
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