an ex-conservative pep talk

[x-g.o.p.er]

I haven't made a lot of posts lately, but I've been reading a lot on here and other places. DU has really opened my eyes on a lot of things, like PNAC, for instance. Peak Oil concerns me, but I don't see an end of the world cataclysm as they do. I have cut ties with my Republican past, probably for good. Maybe someday I shall return to try and work from within to restore the party to what it once was, but in it's current form it is nothing like it was when I was growing up in it, and I want no part of it. I am sick and tired of being called a communist and a traitor by "real Americans" for joining the Democratic Party. What pisses me off and saddens me the most is that I went to Afghanistan for 4 months and served with honor and distinction. I was even put in for a Distinguished Flying Cross, which is still being boarded. I can no longer fly due to some weird virus I got over there, so I am working a desk job, and still serving my country, loyally and with honor. But people still choose to call me a traitor, or a communist, or get this, a terrorist. Whatever. I know I'm not, and what few friends I have left know I'm not. And most importantly, my family knows I'm not.

To those DU'ers who are feeling hopeless and helpless and wanting to
just give up, I say take heart! Those of you that have been fighting the good fight for years are tired, and no longer see the point in it. I can understand that, but hang in there. Where would we be if our Founding Fathers just gave up? Keep fighting the good fight, because reinforcements are arriving, and we're loaded for bear! There is a subtle, slow, but swelling sea change occurring out here in America. Scales are being removed from the eyes of the masses, and people are starting to question what they used to take as gospel. This is not going to be an overnight conversion, but a slow, evolutionary process. Do we have obstacles to overcome? Most definitely. Can they be overcome? Yes, absolutely!

I choose to stand and fight for this beloved country of mine. I will not give up, ever! Giving up and leaving is to throw away what our fathers and their fathers left for us, and what some of them died for.

Anyways, I'm here for the long haul. Let me leave a couple of quotes from Thomas Paine that can summarize so adequately in a few lines what I have difficulty conveying in several paragraphs:

"I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death."

and.........

"It is not a field of a few acres of ground, but a cause, that we are defending, and whether we defeat the enemy in one battle, or by degrees, the consequences will be the same."


Hang in there, one person at a time, one issue at a time, one vote at a time, we will prevail.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

1. One of the best things i've read here in a long time

Thank you for your words... they certainly do help motivate me.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

2. As usual, you are eloquent and on the money

Those people that label you a commie and traitor are probably armchair warriors. Thank you for serving your country.

[liberalhistorian]

7. Exactly!

Just like fratboy Bush, Dick "I had other priorities during Vietnam" Cheney, etc., etc., bunch of damn chickenhawks that did everything they could, using their family money and position, to get out of Vietnam or other service, but have no problem at all sending other people's kids to fight and die for their own greedy political ambitions and purposes.

I'm amazed that more people haven't made an issue out of Bush not yet attending a SINGLE military funeral! Were I the family member of someone who was killed or injured I'd consider that beyond insulting.

[KC21304]

3. Thank you for your service to our country,

and for your eloquent words of encouragement. We are lucky to have you join us. Hope things get better for you so you can get back to flying. You have made my day.

[ewagner]

4. Thanks twice:

Once for your service

and another for the encouraging words......

[liberalhistorian]

5. THANK YOU!

Thank you for a WONDERFUL thread, which we all desperately need. It's especially meaningful coming from a former republican and soldier; it helps more than you know to know that your eyes have been opened and that people are finally starting to wake up.

We do get tired and discouraged, especially when it seems as if no one's listening or cares or sees what's happening and when we get called "anti-American" or "traitors", etc., because we dare to disagree with and work against those leaders who are destroying this great, beloved country we love so much and are willing to fight to the end to protect.

And a huge thank you for your service, as well, there are many DUers who have either served themselves or currently have family/friends in Iraq or Afghanistan. I hope the cuts in the military budget for veteran's health care haven't affected your treatments!

As far as I'm concerned, anyone who's served in combat for the country should have their needs taken care of for free for the rest of their lives. My uncle was a Marine in the front lines of Vietnam, and I'm watching him currently struggle to get the treatment he needs and deserves from the VA. His eyes are being opened as well.

[mhr]

6. x-g.o.p.er - Great Sentiment, Good Pep Talk, Easy To Say While Employed

I am a long-term democrat. I am also now long-term unemployed.

I remember the salad days serving my country as a military officer.

Those days are now long gone.

Looking at being homeless sometime next year.

Under these conditions, survival is paramount, fighting is not.

I think you will have to carry the torch now.

My broad sword is dulled and rusty and the sword-smith will no longer work on credit.

[x-g.o.p.er]

9. Hang in there....

I hope things improve for you, and soon.

[kentuck]

8. We hear you x-g.o.p.er ....

Thanks for the encouraging words.

[Frank_Person]

10. Awesome. Thanks

[billybob537]

11. Well Said

I don't know where to begin. I was a parachute rigger several years ago. I took a lot of heat for being a democrat and for being from Ma. I congratulate you on reaching the next step on your journey to enlightenment. To blindly follow the leader is not enlightenment. We must ask questions. The tougher the better.The more you know, the more you realize you don't know. It is very encouraging to see former Republicans defecting. Also Senators standing up for whats right not just the party line. I don't believe Bush can be ( re-elected ). The weight of all the investigations underway and wrapping up in the next few months will be overwhelming. The only chance for the Bush admin. is more election fraud. If we can't get a paper trail on the voting machines they may be able to rig another election. Don't forget the quote from the head of Diebold,"I'll do anything I can to see that Bush gets re-elected." This is my biggest fear. Election fraud backed up by the Supreme kangaroo-court. If they succeed this country as we know it will cease to exist.

[NicoleM]

12. All I have to say is

:thumbsup:

[KharmaTrain]

13. Warms An Old Heart

Things haven't been easy for many of us for the past several years and some of us see some light...and it's people like you that are shining it for us. Thank you.

As a lifelong and very proud Democrat, I resent the misrepresentation of my core beliefs in honesty, fairness and integrity perverted by greedy, arrogant bastards that wrap it up in a flag or a cross and chastize those who don't do likewise. We need to keep our convictions true and firm with the ultimate belief that we will prevail in the end. If not in a massive political reform (I don't expect to move those mountains in my lifetime) then in one's heart and soul. This is the self determination our founding fathers envisioned for this nation...and one we always need to fight for.

When we "lost" the 2002 elections, I hoped the GOOP would over-reach in attempting to believe they had a mandate and thus showed their true selfish nature. I haven't been disappointed. Many here on DU feel somewhat vindicated, I know I do, that the predictions we made as to what this regime would do if left unchecked are starting to be realized. Sadly, it comes at a cost to millions, who either are suffering economically or as a by-product in a military adventure that consumes the lives of thousands of American families.

There's a lot of discontent in this country. It can't be denied or ignored. It can't be talked away, either. No matter how much up is down this regime attempts to spin and have its mouthpieces ape, people deep inside know different. They see it when their savings have vanished, their earning power decreases, they lose jobs or have to take on more work to just stay even and then face the political divisiveness this regime has brought upon this country.

If there wasn't a perfect example of the slash and burn of this regime, it's their out of control attacks on Richard Clarke this week...demonstrating how they will go after any and all who cross this regime. Clarke nailed it when he told Joe Conason that the loyalty to the BFEE is above that of country or even party. Hopefully others are seeing this as well.

Here's to your resolve and the example you set for many of us who can see how deep and sincere your convictions are. May your words be spread to others as an example of how enlightened thinking can be such a positive thing.

Cheers!

[Rainbowreflect]

14. Thank you!

[Andy_Stephenson]

15. Everything you say is true...

When I got to this part however...I was reminded of Diebold

"Hang in there, one person at a time, one issue at a time, one vote at a time, we will prevail."

Everyone thinks Dems will win...I highly doubt it...But we shall see.

thanks for the pep talk anyway Coach.

[x-g.o.p.er]

16. The Diebold issue bugs me, too...

Many on this site have speculated that for Kerry to register a 51% majority, he will need to get an actual vote count that approaches 60%. I think 60% is unrealistic for any candidate, Rep or Dem, unless extreme conditions in this country are prevailing, such as Nixon right before he resigned. Had that happened in correlation with an election cycle, I think the Dem candidate would have easily pulled 60-65%. Heck, Satan himself would have probably got more than 50% of the vote, lol.

I don't think Kerry needs 60% to show 51 or 52%, but I do think he needs 53-54% to get 51%, if the Diebold problem is as bad as I think it might be.

And 54% is doable. Difficult, considering everything he's up against, but doable. And Kerry is already anticipating problems, at least here in FL. He's already got lawyers and observers ready to raise holy hell if there are any "irregularities" with the electronic machines.

Say what you want about Kerry, but he isn't laying down to the Republicans. This will be a very interesting election.

[never cry wolf]

17. Thanks for the thread xgoper!

And much more thanks for your service to us all.

Unfortunately we don't have a popular vote in this country. With the electoral college shrubs only needed 49% last time and he could conceivably win with 45% if he get all the small population/overly represented rural and western states. This is where they will concentrate their efforts and dirty tricks. We may need 60%.

[RedEagle]

18. Thanks x-g.o.p.er

We have always backed our servicemen.

It's just that the message, especially in the Vietnam era, was twisted away from the government agenda, to the military forces.

I noticed in the first Gulf War people got smarter and said they supported the soldiers, but not the policy. That certainly made it unexpectedly more difficult for the administration and the media.

We need to remember that distinction again, as the administration and compliant media try to spin us as against the armed forces, if we are against the war. No one in the military should be asked to put their life on the line at the whim of the ruling elite.

I think some of our problems would be solved if Congress was on equal footing with military personel and I do mean the rank and file.

Same pay, benefits, medical.

Congress would lose entitlements, but subsidized housing, etc., would be available.

If they had to live like others, "served" only for love of country and the duty to that country that they feel, it might help decrease the "class" system that prevails, especially in government. And more people could run for office.

We ask the armed foreces to be willing to lay their lives on the line. No such requirement is asked of a Senator or Congressman, although sometimes such individuals do risk their lives.

Oh, and no ability to make money off your term until 5 years have passed. Make the point of serving the point, and not lucrative deals after the term is over. That would include jumping into highly paid positions with corporations.

Dream on....

[supernova]

19. Thank you for the pep talk, x-g.o.p.er

It means a lot during this tough slog through this time in our country.

And thank you again for your service. I'm trying to stay involved in my communite, not just posting to DU, since I too am long-term unemployed now. *sigh*

:hi:

[x-g.o.p.er]

21. Hang in there

Hope you misfortune turns around, and soon.

[Festivito]

20. Thank you, thank you, and good luck.

Thank you for bravely working to defend our country, especially for having the strength of spirit to fight for our Republic even when it seems to go in a direction we cannot readily understand.

Thank you for the pep talk. Sometimes learning, reading and talking seem exercises in futility.

Good luck for your future. Your work now may make it brighter.

There is more strength of spirit than strength of arms have ever felt. The strong are those strong of spirit. Those who delight in arms deny that the cowardice that lies within us all has taken control of their lives. Welcome to the other side.