PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN

[Rison]

I've been reading the posts in the various threads and I'm concern about some of the characters in this forum. Granted, they may question US foreign policy (like we all do) but this is not the time to applaud bin Laden and put blame entirely on the U.S. I work in Lower Manhattan and I was there (on Broadway and Vesey, standing next to Trinity Church) when the planes hit and the buildings collapsed. Seeing and experiencing the mayhem made me realize that we should all be in this together. These cowards that want to cower to, respect, and legitimize terror should just pack their bags and head to Afghanistan, Iraq, or wherever terrorists are bred (and await the weather forecast, Nuclear Shower). We are fighting a war and it means our very survival as a nation. Now is the time to show unconditional support and let these cowards know that we're even more fearless. Questioning our government at a time like this does a great disservice to the moral fabric of the nation and spits on the victims (me included) and Americans in the face of hardship.

 

[Moonbeam]

Your emotionalism, while understandable and appreciated, is not a foundation upon which to base a future course of action, in my opinion. Our survival as a nation, no matter how horrible the chaos must look from where you are, is not in jeopardy. Your talk of the use of nuclear weapons against terrorists, whose nationality and location you cannot pinpoint, is a just the kind of frustrated impotence that if acted upon, will grarantee an endless series of retributions. Maybe we need some faith that what can be done that should be done will be done. The fact that people are able to express the kinds of opinions you wish to eliminate is the reason this country is great.

 

[Oalex]

very well said Moonbeam.

 

[PrinceofWands]

I respect your opinion, but I don't totally share it. Certainly we should be consolidated in our compassion for our fellow man, and comfort and aid those directly affected by this.

Certainly we can not allow this attack to go unanswered.

However...two wrongs don't make a right. There are some things which simply CAN NOT BE!

1. Nuclear attack. CAN NEVER OCCUR AGAIN. If America launches a nuclear strike for ANY reason I will be the next to give aid and support to the terrorists. I don't give a good god da&* about your reasons and motivations...if you threaten the very EXISTENCE of the planet out of some ridiculous nationalism, I will personally dedicate myself to your eradication.

2. The strength of this nation is in our RIGHT and our DUTY to question...even decisions of our leaders which we inherantly agree with. There is no such thing as 'divine right' and following a leader 'because he is our leader' is utter nonesense. We must, as individuals and as citizens - follow our hearts, support our fellow man, and question the decisions of those around us to make certain that everyone truly lives up to their potential.

3. Striking out blindly causing similar damage to innocent people of other nations equates us to the evil we have sworn to purge. Only when confirmation is truly high can action be taken.


I'm not downplaying anyones sorrow, or pain. I am a former USN sailor who holds a National Defense Service Medal (among other things) for the last action we took. I have supported this nation when, and as I saw it my duty to. I have, and continue to contribute to the lives of those around me. And because of my love of the idea of this nation I will not 'settle' to accept the current incarnation of our country. I'm sorry if that upsets you, I wish you peace.

 

[Kazi]

Check out this song, God bless the USA by Lee Greenwood

 

[PrinceofWands]

When we screwed up in boot and got EMI in the morning we'd have that song BLARING at us over these hideously oversized loudspeakers the whole time...rather unfortunate because now I wanna puke every time I hear it (reminds me of doing endless 8 count body builders and sit ups and diamonds)