The 21-year-old nephew of Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez has enlisted in the Marines, and Lopez isn't happy about it. "Don't become a pawn, I told my nephew," Lopez writes. His column is, "When the reality of Iraq hits home" (Sun., 7/15/07).
Says Lopez:
Some have argued that without a draft, enlisting in this war is a matter of choice, so what happens, happens.
But that's not necessarily true in the case of National Guard troops who have been called up. And as for soldiers as young as my nephew, I don't see enlistment as a well-informed choice but as a product of manipulation.
Not a "well-informed choice"? A "product of manipulation"? At 21 years old? Am I the only one who think this sounds a tad condescending?
Lopez has a justified worry that his nephew will be deployed to Iraq. Nearly everyone can sympathize with that anxiety. But Lopez claims that President Bush "misled us from the beginning" and "will keep sacrificing lives in a vain and futile attempt to save face." Bush's campaign has been one of "deceit and simplification," says Steve.
"Misled us"? "Deceit"? Ugh. It seems Lopez has bought into the "Bush lied" canard. Being from Los Angeles, Lopez should be well aware of KABC radio host Larry Elder. Lopez needs to take Elder's "'Bush lied, People Died' Challenge." (Scroll down to the lower left of the home page.) It could be that the nephew knows more about the Iraq war than Lopez does.
+_+_+_+_+_+
(P.S. - After reading Lopez's column, I thought of this ... Back in 2005, Californians debated Proposition 73, an initiative that would require minor girls to acquire parental notification before getting an abortion. In an October 2005 column (I found it reprinted here), Lopez talked with a group of high school-aged girls, most of whom were against the initiative. One girl even insisted it was "nobody's business" (Lopez's words) if a 13 or 14 year old had an abortion by herself. Despite misinformation and relativism ruling the discussion, Lopez beamed at the end of the column that he had "much respect" for the girls. Lopez wrote that he hoped his own daughter "will be able to handle herself as responsibly as these girls have." It sounds like these teens have earned more respect from him than his own adult nephew.)
—Dave Pierre is the creator of TheMediaReport.com and a contributor to NewsBusters.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Mr. Pierre...Great point you
July 15, 2007 - 16:58 ET by bigtimerMr. Pierre...
Great point you made about the difference with the 13/14 yr. old gals and a young adult making his won decision that his Uncle does not like.
He ought to filled with pride and gratitude that his nephew has more patriotism in his little finger that he does....
People like his nephew have kept leftist enemy within critters the right to keep writing their treasonous crap IMHO.
Lopez...it is a voluntary...deal with it.
That's not all, bt...he thi
July 16, 2007 - 07:14 ET by motherbeltThat's not all, bt...he thinks that it's different for the Reserves:
Some have argued that without a draft, enlisting in this war is a matter of choice, so what happens, happens.
But that's not necessarily true in the case of National Guard troops who have been called up.
Sorry, Mr. Lopez, wrong again. When they joined the National Guard or Reserves they knew they could get called up. Your charge of "manipulation" (with the promise of free college, I assume) is hogwash. Every day people are "manipulated" into taking jobs by the offer of a hefty salary, good benefits, and a company car.
True, a few of the Guard and reservists took the benefit, and now whine that they have to live up to their part of the bargain, but the vast majority shoulder their responsibility admirably.
And Mr. Pierre, I join in the kudos to you, finding Lopez's article claiming that 13 year olds are mature enough to decide on abortion (no one is "manipulating" them, I suppose). That is too rich!
Another liberal hoist on his own petard.
It's A LOT CONDESCENDING
July 15, 2007 - 17:07 ET by OldSailor88I can't believe the nerve of this guy. If I were his nephew, I'd return from boot camp and kick this jerk's butt. Just for general purpose. Then when I went to Iraq, I would constantly send him emails showing him the truth about what is happening there. Hopefully, the conflicting data will short circuit his pea brain, and we won't have to read his drivel any more.
OS...As they say...Hope sprin
July 15, 2007 - 17:20 ET by bigtimerOS...
As they say...Hope springs eternal.
In the case of Steve Lopez....I do not think we can be so lucky though, I think he would suppress whatever his nephew sent him....that is for sure.
Since Mr. Lopez is obviously
July 15, 2007 - 17:24 ET by jcrapes4Since Mr. Lopez is obviously steeped in Anti-Americanism he can't believe why someone would join the military. So to him any decision for anyone to join the military is an product of manipulation. Especially if your upbringing goes against Anti-Americanism. Lopez is an just Anti-American, nor is he just anti-war. He is someone who is Anti-Military.
Who's manipulating whom, here
July 15, 2007 - 17:21 ET by ThisnThatWho's manipulating whom, here? ma-nip-u-late: To change by artful or unfair means so as to serve one's purpose.
So, is enlistment unfair, or is Lopez and the LA Times a more manipultative organization? My money is on the myopic, self-centered, agenda-driven, left-wing-biased LA Times and Mr. Lopez. But typical of such people, he doesn't see himself as anything other than Mr. Richeous -- the person who will tell us all what to believe and how to act, and the moral standards of capitualtion, lying, and manipulation to the nth degree.
I wish the best of his nephew. And if he has to join my son in Iraq in defense of this country, he will definitely be in the best company possible. The young marines, airmen, soldiers, and sailors of our country need and deserve our undying support and congragulations -- we certainly don't need this self-serving, sniveling little twerp of a columist from that communist rag to tell them how to think, how to vote, and how to act -- and then condemn them when they choose something different than their uncle's wish.
TnT...Please send your son my
July 15, 2007 - 17:25 ET by bigtimerTnT...
Please send your son my family's gratitude.
I pray he comes home safely...along with all else serving.
Thank you all, past and present.
He's over there as part of th
July 15, 2007 - 17:33 ET by ThisnThatHe's over there as part of the surge. Deployed early this year to help clean up the Anbar province as a Marine.
They've done one hell of a job. Read the reports (at least those that make it thru the MSM's filter) here, and here, and they say that this area of Iraq has gone from one of the worst to the best. They are proud of what they've done; and they are mad as can be about the spineless twits in Congress. They just laugh at the MSM -- but Congress really worries them.
Anbar province has been somet
July 15, 2007 - 17:44 ET by bigtimerAnbar province has been something else by the hard work and determination from the men/women in the military, along with Ramadi too I think it is...my neighbors son served in Balad at the beginning of this war and stayed for about two years, I know for a fact the msm does not report the good news as there is a lot of it...I received numerous pictures and commentary along with the stories of numerous situations that were going on there at the time.
I am past furious with Congress and I cannot help but feel for our military every single time one of the creatures open their mouths when these men are serving and giving their lives too .....
Btw....I have nothing but admiration for Kagan, I watched that hearing...he also was on Fox I think it was this morning with Brit H.
Someone should point out to
July 15, 2007 - 17:22 ET by Del DolemonteSomeone should point out to Mr. Lopez that maybe if his nephew isn't "old enough" to join the military, he's also "too young" to register to vote (for Democrats, of course).
Dave P. - its no big deal, I had a stupid Uncle too.
July 15, 2007 - 17:38 ET by acaiguanaDave P. - its no big deal, I had a stupid Uncle too.
The biggest insult is when the MSM and their bottom feeding salivating drones refer to soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines as, 'boys'.
That is the mindset.
ACA
...
Quoted from: 'Acaiguana Notes from the Bomb Shelter' (soon to be a movie at theaters near you)
Lopez this
July 15, 2007 - 18:11 ET by acumenWow, take a look at the link - "Steve Lopez" - provided by Dave to get an idea of what "Steve Lopez" is all about. Just another I-know-better-than-you moonbat. I'm thinking life in Iraq is going to be looking a whole lot better to the nephew than hanging around Uncle Braindead.
Here is the link once again. Lopez is an out of touch maroon.....
Marine Manipulation
July 15, 2007 - 18:32 ET by River CityDave:
I like your excellent analogy to Prop 73. I have another. Most of the same people that would agree with Steve Lopez probably advocate for the age of consent to be 16 or younger. Now imagine a young girl of 16 dating a 21 year old man. None of them would dare say she was manipulated. In several states you can get married at 16. What about tattoos? We will have to take those away from people until what, after they are 25? Steve better be careful what he asks for. He may get it. Fairness Doctrine anyone?
God bless Recruit Lopez
July 15, 2007 - 18:36 ET by Lame CherryIt is a marvelous thing when God shines His Light of discernment in the think clouds of liberalism so a young adult like Recruit Lopez can see what a load of bovine scat Uncle Steve is spreading.
My comment is more to the point of why doesn't Steve Lopez put his big Scrooge mouth where his money is in his 5 to 6 figure salary check he gleans every 2 weeks bashing the United States.....by this I mean perhaps Recruit Lopez joined for training and to be able to afford college. So where is the column from Uncle Steve relating HOW MUCH HE HELPED THIS YOUNG GENTLEMAN ALL HIS LIFE?????
Want to bet that Steve Lopez idea of sharing the wealth with the poor relatives was his Hillary Clinton used underwear and recycled gifts he was too good for.
Kids growing up see that garbage and this kind of hypocrite and immediately discern people who stand for things, are genuine and are someone you can count on.
I know of no other organization in the world more resolute and family oriented than the United States Marine Corp. From Carlos Hathcock to E J Land, America has a continuing legacy which is keeping this nation secure and those soldiers safe.
Semper Fi Recruit Lopez and God bless all of you
As for Uncle Steve.......God bless you too to learn respect for a family member doing the most honorable of deeds in protecting your rights to being an ass everyone with any sense is ashamed of.
Ashamed except Pelosi, Sheehan, bin Laden and Putin that is.
*HIC IACET ARTORIVS REX QVONDAM REXQVE FVTVRVS
Just like a demonic sculptur
July 15, 2007 - 18:40 ET by ahusserJust like a demonic sculpture, the msm keeps hammering away, a chip here a chip there. Don't believe me? Todays AOL main page has "All time best protest songs". The final piece of work will be the "Vietnamization" of the war. Which is the total revision of society's view toward the war in Iraq and revulsion and hatred towards anyone and anything having to do with it. This includes the men and women serving in the military and the institution itself. This will be the final step in the process. I am a Viet vet. I still have not forgiven or forgotten the folks who turned the public against those who fought in it. The gullible American public fell for their lies and propaganda then and they are falling for them again. The only reason the protest movement is not large is because the military is an all volunteer force and the multiple choices for getting information exist now which didn't exist then. I have already encountered fictional evil, murderous Iraqi war veteran's in novels. Pretty soon they will have TV shows and movies about the dysfunctional Iraqi vet using drugs and committing crimes. It's De Ja vu all over again.
Enlistment
July 15, 2007 - 19:21 ET by WoodysviewDuring WWII I enlisted at the age of 17. Just how stupid did that make me??
GOODBYE AMERICA, WHEREVER YOU ARE!!
Hey, woodysview, good point.
July 15, 2007 - 19:31 ET by acaiguanaHey, woodysview, good point.
It is really nice to see someone with a bit of historic perspective on this site. Remember, WWII America had its nutcase anti-war protesters also.
I smile when I see the hindsight of people. I'm a Vietnam Vet and I remember the context of my service, before and after.
Further, I went on and studied revolutionary theory and other things, like economics and in Graduate School furthered my self with some silliness like - - ta ta - geographic economics, astronomy, chemistry and physics.
Then, I grew up. That is to say, I went through University with a bunch of kids who were not thinking of joining the service or held any part of the military in esteem.
Unfortunately, these geniuses are running things now.
When it comes to basic IQ, I advocate tattooing IQ on every politician's forehead and any bureaucrat's forehead as a job requirement.
Then we'd know who we were dealing with.
Journalists need not apply as only 3 digits (e.g. 100 or above) is necessary. Anyone else we just assume is below the norm of 100.
ACA
...
Quoted from: 'Acaiguana Notes from the Bomb Shelter' (soon to be a movie at theaters near you)
Woody -Damn stupid ... for Hi
July 15, 2007 - 21:04 ET by drillanwrWoody -
Damn stupid ... for Hitler and Japan!
Thanks for not being too smart.
xoxo
Mr. Lopez: if you haven't f
July 15, 2007 - 19:26 ET by Seabeach4348Mr. Lopez: if you haven't figured it out yet, and obviously you haven't, your nephew is doing what he chose to do so that you may continue to insult good men and women in our fine military and to pollute the MSM with your Marxist-commie, anti-American garbage from that great big sewer pipe of misinformation, propaganda, and indoctrination you chose to follow a long time ago.
Instead of portraying your nephew as a hapless "victim" and a manipulated fool who doesn't know which way is up, you should really kiss the ground he walks upon, you jerk!
And if I were your nephew I would visit you one more time just to let you know how big of a jerk you are.
Funny how a reporter (who s
July 15, 2007 - 19:28 ET by LighthouseJFunny how a reporter (who should be unbiased [yes, it's a lost cause with LAT times reports]) is attempting to manipulate his nephew by saying he's being manipulated by others.
Next thing you're going to tell me one of the Live Earth concerts were closed because of unseasonably cold weather...
StickfarmIts left-wing moonba
July 15, 2007 - 20:05 ET by StickfarmIts left-wing moonbats, writing drivel ( read: silly and irrelevant or inaccurate nonsense) that make me so frustrated. GO TALK TO THEM LOPEZ. Ask them why they volunteered to serve, ask why they choose to enlist, especially knowing if you are 0311 in the Marine Corps you will almost certainly be getting an all expense paid tour of Iraq. GO ASK THEM LOPEZ. But he won't, because despite their prediliction for governing based on emotions, the left wing nut-jobs can't stand it when an oz of patriotism leaks into the discussion.
My son is one of those post-9/11 young men and women who volunteered with such knowledge - and he has been there in the middle of Anbar province with a Marine aviation unit since early March. His first born entered the world last Saturday - a strapping young future devil dog. He has only seen pictures of him, and he felt awful low not being with his wife to witness the event and support her. But as he said to me on the phone - he is why I'm here.
Much has been made of the generation that bravely fought in WWII - and rightly so. I think today's young men and women have also set a high mark for others to reach for in the future. They went to do their duty, knowing half the country doesn't support them, or their mission.
Stickfarm
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke
My 22 year old has cousin has
July 15, 2007 - 20:17 ET by Jack BauerMy 22 year old has cousin has enrolled in Journalism School, and I'm not happy about it. "Don't become a pawn, I told my cousin," in a column entitled: "When the reality of working in left-wing dominated group think hits home"
Says I:
Some have argued that without Journalism Schools, enlisting in today's left-wing media is a matter of choice, so what happens, happens.
But that's not necessarily true in the case of students who have been brainwashed into joining liberal arts colleges. And as for cub-reporters as young as my cousin, I don't see enlrolment in journalism school as a well-informed choice but as a product of liberal manipulation.
I joined the Navy in the Dela
July 15, 2007 - 20:19 ET by nnptcgradI joined the Navy in the Delayed Enlistment Program or DEP the year before my senior year. I wanted to see something other than the midwest and be paid to do so, this was in 1999. When I told my "Guidance Councelor" that I had joined the military I swear that woman's head was about to spin 360 degrees. She acted like I was throwing my life in the sewer.
AND THIS WAS BEFORE THE WAR!!
I can only imagine it's gotten worse now.
Mother nature is a bitch - Ninth Corollary of Murphy's Law
Your story is not unlike that
July 15, 2007 - 21:44 ET by GalvanicYour story is not unlike that of the subject of the book "Keeping Faith." The book is authored by his father, who had never served in the military. The family lived in an upscale New England neighborhood where many of the high school graduates went on to Ivy League schools. He himself attended a prep school, and when his class graduated, he announced that he was enlisting in the Marine Corps --- he was the only member of his class to go into the military. His father was stunned, and neighbors expressed sympathy as if the son had contracted a fatal illness. Even the prep school principal informed the father that the faculty was conducting an internal study to see where they went wrong and "lost" the son.
But as the father came to respect his son's choice as an informed and mature choice, he came to accept it with pride. And when he attended his son's boot camp graduation ceremony alongside proud parents of other new Marines --- from all parts of the country, every race and religious affiliation, many walks of life . . . people he admitted he would never meet and know in his little cloistered township --- he sensed for the first time in his life what it means to be an American.
I doubt Steve Lopez could ever come to that realization. I can only say that I am proud of his nephew, who has shown a great commitment to his citizenship than his uncle probably ever has.
Like you, I also enlisted under a Delayed Entry Program in May 1973, just at the end of my freshman year in college. I worked the summer as a custodian in a junior high school until I reported to the Army for Basic Combat Training that August. But before I left, the conversations I had teachers at the school were weird; they couldn't understand why I had enlisted. Meanwhile, the professional, salt-of-the-earth custodians I worked with were almost 100% veterans, and they were very encouraging.
Galvanic - that's the problem with shallow ideology and history.
July 15, 2007 - 21:58 ET by acaiguanaGalvanic - that's the problem with shallow ideology and history.
It would appear that the morass of intellectual ferver within the confines of NYC are responsible for the 'adult' point of view expressed by the 'headmaster'.
As a mid-Westerner, it is my privilege to understand the sacrifice made by my family in the French/Indian War, the War for Independence, the War of 1812, and the ensuing wars for freedom including the Civil War between the States of the Union.
When Lincoln declared that his job was to preserve the Union he was ridiculed by the 'liberal press' as being a dreamer.
The economics of the time were also interesting. The role of the Cotton Gin was never fully understood by the people of the South and the role of the Carpet Bagger was never acknowledged by the North.
We see so much history in this war with Fundamentalist Islam and its progeney that we cannot fathom the depth of Bush's historic stand in the face of modern criticism.
I support our stand because there is no other outlet historically or culturally to save our civilization.
So, I'm just another redneck radical.
When I was in the Army, I understood the historic 'fog' of presence that my forefathers brought to the battlefield.
ACA
...
Quoted from: 'Acaiguana Notes from the Bomb Shelter' (soon to be a movie at theaters near you)
Good points, acaiguana. As
July 16, 2007 - 00:37 ET by GalvanicGood points, acaiguana. As a lifetime lover of history, it distrubs me that so many Americans have so little knowledge of our own history, and much of what they have learned is only the darker sides of the Nation's past. Perhaps many have divorced themselves from their American heritage because they perceieve that to be openly American is to be wrong. We certainly see this on the Left, which rails against the legends of 'dead white males.' The high school textbook my children used had more text devoted to Sojourner Truth than to George Washington.
I'm currently reading a book called ALIEN NATION, written by an English immigrant in the mid-'90s. He makes a point that national history is a cornerstone of national culture, which in turn is the cornerstone of national identity, and that the advent of multi-culturalism mixed with effects of the Immigration Reform Act of 1965 has begun to erode our culture and ultimately change our identity, and irreversibly.
Lopez: "And as far as so
July 15, 2007 - 20:23 ET by TELopez: "And as far as soldiers as young as my nephew, I don't see enlistment ...." Somebody, please inform dimwit Lopez that his "nephew" is not a "soldier". His nephew is a "Marine". Thank you.
"And as for soldiers as young
July 15, 2007 - 20:24 ET by Sonny Lykos"And as for soldiers as young as my nephew, I don't see enlistment as a well-informed choice but as a product of manipulation."
But a 13 year old getting an abortion, and without her parents knowing about it, is a mature, well-informed decision, eh?
And of course, teaching a "mature", "responsible" 10 year old how to apply a condom is hokay dokay because that too is a well-informed decision by him.
I am continually amazed at the mastery of the left's ability to rationalize their agendas, and rationalize it is.
The parallel between the mili
July 15, 2007 - 21:34 ET by drillanwrThe parallel between the military volunteer issue and Prop 73 is excellent.I know this is a bit off topic, but what really bothers (very mild word there) me about those who insist under-aged girls can have a surgical procedure done without parental notification and permission is a paradox the pro-abortion left has created. So, say my 12/13/14/15/16/17 year old daughter was taken under the abortion clinic's loving wing, and the blob of unwanted non-self-viable cells sliced and suctioned from inside her body without me knowing about it. She comes home, thinking all is well and secret, and begins to bleed out during the night. So much so that she is in critical condition. Will they: 1) honestly inform me as to the source of my daughter's critical condition 2) expect and demand me and/or my insurance to cover the expenses of surgery, treatment, blood transfusions, and follow-up care for my daughter who originally had OTHER adults accepting her under-age decision to have the abortion. 3) be able to recover from the physical and emotional trauma after I shove the multi-page hospital/ medical bill up their abortion clinic arses 4) pay for her funeral bills if she doesn't make it out of her under-aged choice, sanctioned by them, alive ... So, these might just be the same people who scream criminal cover-up when the military and Pentagon fumble the facts in a Pat Tillman friendly fire episode in the heat of battle in a war between adults ... But would fight me in court to possibly keep me from knowing what/why/how my daughter child stroked out and is now a vegetable ... or dead ... just to protect the abortion agenda under the guise of protecting my (under-age) daughter's personal choice and decision about what to do with her body ... and who she would entrust her decision and life to ... as long as it wasn't her parents. Lopez, your nephew doesn't need your respect ... YOU need his respect, and you're very far from earning it.
If Mr. Lopez doesn't feel he
July 15, 2007 - 21:53 ET by RackieIf Mr. Lopez doesn't feel he can stand behind our troops, he is free to stand in front of them.
I'm confused. Don't the lefti
July 15, 2007 - 21:51 ET by kevcadI'm confused. Don't the lefties like Lopez say that they support the troops?
They do, in the same way and
July 15, 2007 - 22:17 ET by GalvanicThey do, in the same way and with the same empathy that they support the mentally and physically disabled. Young men and women who opt to serve in the Armed Forces are treated as victims.
Ok, you really got me there!
July 15, 2007 - 22:33 ET by bunnytoesOk, you really got me there! I what sense do 'lefties' not support the mentally and physically disabled? Before you answer consider that I have a mentally disabled cousin who has needed constant care since birth. Something about the cord being around her neck. And her father was a WW2 vet who later wound up in a wheel chair due to wounds...so please do fill the room with your insight about how 'lefties' don't care!
On contempt
July 15, 2007 - 23:02 ET by UnsaneLeftists look at the military with extreme contempt (as this thread indicates), as they believe that freedom is 100% free for the asking. That is how "lefties" don't care.
MAKE WAY FOR THE SAN ANTONIO SPURS!!! THE 1999, 2003, 2005, AND 2007 NBA CHAMPIONS!!!!
Where did I say that I believ
July 15, 2007 - 23:10 ET by bunnytoesWhere did I say that I believe freedom is 100% free? I have willing given up around 50% of my earnings (it varied from year to year) to support people like I described above and the troops who fight for freedom.
Question
July 16, 2007 - 01:16 ET by UnsaneWhere did I say that YOU said that?
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
So, you are willing to throw
July 16, 2007 - 10:48 ET by BDSo, you are willing to throw your money at a problem. How about picking up a rucksack and joining the ranks?
BD, because I'm a really old
July 16, 2007 - 11:02 ET by bunnytoesBD, because I'm a really old guy with an artifical shoulder implant. The likehood of surviving basic training is NIL. But I have done my best to support the troops and vets. And yes I still call myself a liberal.
Sympathize about the shoulder
July 16, 2007 - 11:18 ET by BDSympathize about the shoulder. I had mine redone two years ago and it is still not up to snuff. Still serving though....
However, the one group in the US military that is totally under represented demographically is liberals.
BD, glad you can still serve.
July 16, 2007 - 11:25 ET by bunnytoesBD, glad you can still serve. I guess you got thru basic training before the injury. I had mine done 4 years ago now. Still not as good as the original...I think I'll never get full mobility back...take care and good luck!
"so please do fill the r
July 16, 2007 - 00:54 ET by Galvanic"so please do fill the room with your insight about how 'lefties' don't care!"
Re-read my post. I didn't say they don't care. I said they support the troops in the same way that they support the disabled: They see people victimized by something beyond their control, and they pity them. Plain and simple. And having been both an enlisted soldier and a naval officer, I can assure you that while a military member can't command respect from the Left, he/she certainly rejects pity.
In the case of the military, they paint senior officers and NCOs with stereotypical characteristics of heartless glory hounds and brutes who care nothing about civilians and little more about their own troops. The private soldier is always pitied as the young person who was "manipulated" into joining (That's the explanation since the Draft has not existed for 34 years). And yes, quite often those young soldiers are often portrayed as poor, under-educated folks with no real opportunities.
It's demeaning; it's elitist, and it's prominent on the Left!
Or, they paint the young as j
July 16, 2007 - 01:19 ET by UnsaneOr, they paint the young as joining the military as a last chance at life before the cruel world of socioeconomic disadvantage drowns them.
Or, they paint whoever joins (as other posters have pointed out) as too stupid to do anything else. (Never mind the vast numbers of enlisted personnel with bachelor's degrees, or those in hot pursuit of one, to say nothing of both enlisted personnel and officers with advanced degrees!)
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
Like all VICTIMS, Lopez belie
July 16, 2007 - 10:46 ET by BDLike all VICTIMS, Lopez believes they deserve pity....... To him that is support.
Says Lopez: And as for so
July 15, 2007 - 22:13 ET by GalvanicSays Lopez: And as for soldiers as young as my nephew, I don't see enlistment as a well-informed choice but as a product of manipulation.
Of course, what he means is that he's disappointed that the indoctrination by the education system and the MSM failed to manipulate his nephew into selecting their choice for him.
Well said Galv. It's like s
July 15, 2007 - 23:27 ET by ViperWell said Galv. It's like some that I've played poker with... When someone makes a play they don't like, they get upset and think that person does not know how to play the game. It's as though they get mad that you didn't make the play that they wanted you to and then blame you if they fold or lose the hand.
I too enlisted to serve our c
July 15, 2007 - 23:15 ET by ViperI too enlisted to serve our country. Learned a lot and I know that I am much better for it. Started in 77' and was stationed in Turkey in 79'. Just so happens that they had a military coup' that year over there. Interesting time for me to say the least. Now fast forward a number of years.... I started my own business when I got out of the service and had a young man work for me from when he was 14 until he turned 18 and joined the Marines. He said it was because of the stories I had of my time in the military as well as the respect he had come to have for me over the years. (and I for him!) I didn't realize I was manipulating him to make such a poorly informed choice! Now, if you will recall the statue of Saddam being brought down in Baghdad, that was his crew! A short time later I received a package in the mail from him with a piece of that statue enclosed. It is now framed along with his picture standing on the toppled statue and resides in a place of honor in my home. He is one of those young men that truely give me hope for our future. There is much more to this story but I hope the readers digest version will suffice.
Like others here have said, I'm sure he can see his uncle for what he is.
Godspeed
Semper Fi
I'm proud of those guys. On
July 16, 2007 - 00:57 ET by GalvanicI'm proud of those guys. One of my former Boy Scouts was a Marine lance corporal and AAV crewman on that drive into Baghdad. They did us proud.
I'm proud of them too, and ye
July 16, 2007 - 02:30 ET by ViperI'm proud of them too, and yes, they did us proud!
I'd bet my guy knows yours. Check you messages.
Media Clown
July 16, 2007 - 02:38 ET by Sua Sponte 75I'm surprised this guy can even write/type, I mean I'm sure it's difficult with wrists as limp as wet dishrags. He's really got some foot stomping fist clenching thing going on. I'd like to see his list of "well informed choices", probably be able to fit it on a post-it-note.
"You're either part of the solution or part of the problem"
Does anyone else wonder wha
July 16, 2007 - 07:24 ET by sarcasmoDoes anyone else wonder what the 21 year old in question thinks? (Or whether, if they got it, the LA Times would print it?)
JMR
Here ...
July 16, 2007 - 08:56 ET by Dave PierreFrom the article:
"What I want for my life is to stand above the majority," [the nephew] wrote. "I believe in honor, discipline and courage…. I wish to be bigger than myself, to be a part of something more — something important and significant…. I hope that you will understand my reasons for this decision and will continue to support me."
Sorry, I wasn't clear. I me
July 16, 2007 - 09:05 ET by sarcasmoSorry, I wasn't clear. I meant what he thinks of/in-reply-to this article. Did the recruiting posters in his high school, for example, cause him to ignore the dead/wounded soldiers in making his decision?
JMR
Shocking, a 21 year old with
July 16, 2007 - 09:47 ET by dscottShocking, a 21 year old with more maturity than a reporter! No wonder the LAT is against it.
BTW- Who really is going to believe that anyone signing up for military service does not know they are going to Iraq or Afghanistan? Does anyone really believe signing up for the National Guard is a free meal ticket where they are never expected to do anything but show up one weekend a month to play soldier? With the military turning people away, don't give us this canard that recruiters have to lie or deceive young people to join. In actuality, the people under represented in the military are the uneducated (HS dropouts), totally contrary to the blatant falsehoods spewed by Rangel and the rest of the Socialists.
The bottom line is, the reason why the Libs want the draft is to force young people to agree with them by making people unwillingly join the service to forment social unrest. No thanks. Unless we are faced with WW3 in an all out brawl, there is no reason for the draft, period. The point of the draft is to fill the ranks in a national emergency where manpower is required immediately for the survival of the nation. I see no such emergency requiring manpower. Once again, the libs only interest in the military is a social agenda, not a pragmatic use of human capital.
“The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane.” – Marcus Aurelius