Now... and Then

[LanternWaste]

(I'm new here and doing my best to learn the rules for DU. Mods, if I've done anything wrong, please tell me. I think I've followed all the appropriate procedures.)








NOW...
“None of us that wear this uniform are free to say anything disparaging about the Secretary of Defense or the President of the United States. We’re not free to do that.”
General John Abizaid (July 16,)

General John Abizaid, chief of the U.S. Central Command, warned that public criticism of the U.S. military command would not be tolerated and could be punished.
ABC News, (July 20)

"It was the end of the world," "It went all the way up to President Bush and back down again on top of us. At least six of us here will lose our careers."
Anonymous Officer Quoted on July 17, ABC News

"There are some who feel like that conditions are such that they can attack us there, my answer is bring them on. We have the force necessary to deal with the situation."
President George W. Bush (July, 2)






...AND THEN
“When a general complains of the morale of his troops, the time has come to look at his own.” George C. Marshall,



"Nonsense. S-2 reported that machine gun silenced hours ago. Stop wiggling your fingers at me."


"Another dang mouth to feed."



"I'm depending on you old men to be a steadying influence for the replacements."





The Prince and the Pauper





"Straighten those shoulders! How long have you been in the army?"





"You're right. Th' town has been occupied three days."





"Now that you mention it, it does sound like th' patter of rain on a tin roof."





"Must be a tough objective. Th' ol' man says we're gonna have th' honor of liberatin' it."





"Know any good Moslem prayers? I don't wanna miss any bets."





Fresh, spirited American troops, flushed with victory, are bringing in thousands of hungry, ragged, battle-weary prisoners. (News item)





"Are you seeking a company of infantry, mon capitaine?"





"Luger, $100 ... camera, $150 ... Iron Cross, $12 ... it is good to be captured by Americans."





"Hope I meet that guy in civilian life."





"Uncle Willie!"





"Them buttons wuz shot off when I took this town, sir."





"I think he should at least try to lie at attention."





"Ya don't git combat pay 'cause ya don't fight."





V-E Day: "Th' hell with it. I ain't standin' up till he does!"





All cartoons courtesy of: http://ww2.pstripes.osd.mil/02/nov02/mauldin/

[patrice]

1. Families of Military are Organizing.

http://www.bringthemhomenow.org/

I've also heard, from the family of my son-in-law's by marriage, whose son is in Iraq now, that Guard and Reserve deployments are being time-managed in order to avoid the government incurring responsibility for Veteran's Benefits (probably only the medical benefits). They are sent over there to stay just short of the eligibility deadline, will be brought home long enough to have to re-start their eligibility accrual period, and then sent back again. and brought back again just short of the eligibility deadline etc.

[LanternWaste]

2. Why doesn't that surprise me....

Sheesh! Why doesn't that surprise me? I simply cannot understand the military's blind faith in a pResident who's not only failing to support them, but is actually undermining both their effectiveness and their cababilities while simultaneously cutting off benefits, reducing pay and increasing workload.

I won't be surprised if in the next twenty years or so, the Democrats once again become known as the Party standing shoulder to shoulder with the troops.

[DagmarK]

3. Patrice.....I visited the Bring Them Home site yesterday......

No WHERE is there any mention of someone's name associated with that site. Nor did I see a mailing address. I am sure it's legit, but it just always makes me wary when there's a site that is basically anti-govt and NO ONE is willing to put their name to it. Maybe I am just too suspicious......probably so.

Welcome to DU Latern......I think you posted just fine. (but I wonder if this thread should be posted in General Discussion.....??? I don't know for sure, but with LBN and Editorials, the rules are pretty narrow for what you can put there; ya oughta put a Q about it in Ask the Administrators, and ask for it to be moved to GD if that's where it belongs. Otherwise, they may just delete the thread. But you shouldn't take that personally.......being new and all. Everyone learns some of these rules this way. :-)

[LanternWaste]

4. Thanks for the heads-up....N/T

N/T

[Terran]

5. good post

and welcome to DU!

Dirk - Moderator