OK, did I step over the line here?

[11 Bravo]

A group of young conservatives were congregated outside of a local shopping mall that I needed to visit this evening. I think the point of the rally was to voice a preference for approving Bush judicial appointments; but they were also displaying full "Support out troops" regalia. Let me point out here that from 1970-71, I was a combat infantryman, twice wounded, and I support "the troops" with all my heart. In any case, one of the young repubs noticed my Kerry-Edwards bumper sticker (yeah, still); and decided to brace me about it. I listened to about 5 minutes of "You don't love your country" and "You don't support our fighting men" bullshit, before I launched. I pretty much shouted at the young man who appeared to be their leader, "I'll tell you the same thing I told the candy-ass Young Republicans who met me with their "Support the Troops" signs when I was released from Walter Reed Army Hospital in 1972. The only kind of support we were interested in was fire-support, boy; so either put down your sign and pick up an M-16, or just shut the fuck up." He turned away, but the reason I'm feeling badly now, is that some of the group appeared to have had young siblings with them.

[Hong Kong Cavalier]

1. Hell no.

In fact, I think you went easy on them.

:toast:

[shadowknows69]

204. man, you've earned the right

to say anything to anyone any fukin where. I think everyone would agree with that. Thank you for your service.

[hippiepunk]

2. Nah

those dickheads fucked with you first. I would have punched em.:evilgrin:

[WillyT]

3. I Think Ya Did Just Fine !!!

:yourock:

[amazona]

4. You Did the Right Thing

Go You! :toast:

No harm in young siblings hearing the truth and a lot of good.

The conservation movement is a breeding ground of communists
and other subversives. We intend to clean them out,
even if it means rounding up every birdwatcher in the country.
--John Mitchell, US Attorney General 1969-72

[BrklynLiberal]

5. You did the right thing...If they are going to drag the kids around while

they harrass people, the kids better get used to hearing that kind of language.
BTW. Thanks for the time you put in risking your life for this country.

[zanne]

108. Well said, BrklynLiberal!

I hate it when people use their kids to push their political agendas.

[globalvillage]

6. Bravo, Bravo.

:yourock: :applause:

[SheWhoMustBeObeyed]

7. No, that was good

Just as important for the youngsters to hear, and to see how their big bros had no response.

"Slink away, boys...slink away."

[Wickerman]

8. That you would have any concern over the correctness of your rant

only demonstrates what a class act you are. You were in the right. Maybe you were coarse, but the kids are goign to be far more afflicted by their brother's hatred than your stray swear word or two.

Thanks for standing your ground and ALL you have done.

:yourock:

edit - parents to brothers. I kin red.

[mcscajun]

9. No way. They drew the line; you stood up to it. And them.

And their young siblings have heard that word before. I'm amazed you were as controlled as you were. You did good. :)

:applause:

[deadparrot]

10. While the kids probably didn't need to hear you curse...

I don't think you did anything wrong--it's nothing they've never heard before, I'm sure. If I was in your situation, I would have a hard time not wringing the brat's neck.

[DebJ]

11. Here's a 21 gun salute! Thanks! Did you catch it on video?

I'd like to send it to my neighbors!

[beam me up scottie]

12. Most valuable lesson

they'll ever learn.

to quote me:
"Put thy money where thy yap is"
:evilgrin:

[Vektor]

13. Well done!

And hell no. You did not step over the line. Those half-wits needed to be set straight and told who the REAL patriot was, because it sure as hell isn't Bush. And as for the kids present, it's a great way to learn what harping on a veteran over stuff they know nothing about will get them. Those people had no right to attack you OR your Kerry sticker, and when they did they got a hell of a lot nicer version than what I'd have given them for spewing that asinine bilge.

GOOD WORK, SOLDIER!

(Wish I could have been there!)

:yourock:

[goodboy]

14. you should do that more. We need to stop being nice and confront

these little brownshirts.

[laylah]

15. While I can understand your

remorse regarding younger siblings, I, for one, feel you did what you had to do. These young conservative kids do NOT think for themselves. They have drunk from the kool-aid cauldron provided them by their parents and other uninformed persons in their midst.

Quiet your mind, I see no reason to feel badly. If you (we) don't educate them, then who will? If you (we) don't call them on their double standards, who will? You did the right thing! :hug:

Jenn

[11 Bravo]

35. I guess it's your "If we don't educate them" comment

that cuts to the heart of my remorse. I GI billed my way to a degree in education, and have been teaching elementary school ever since. The look on the faces of the young ones as I cursed their elder sibs is still with me.

[flygal]

16. THANK YOU!

I think you said what a lot of us want to say. As a vet wife I hate seeing support our troops on repuggy soccer mom suv's. I doubt they'd be having much fun with their hubby's over in Iraq for a year on military salary.

[doublethink]

17. Keeping My Kerry Sticker

on my bumper too ....... and you should have dragged that kid down to the local recruiting office. Maybe send a recruiter by the mall next time you see them out there. Thanks for your service. Peace.

[hippiepunk]

25. mine got ripped off.

:cry: id still have it though.

[liberal N proud]

106. I taped mine on the inside of the rear window

So no one can rip it off or deface it.

[flying_monkeys]

200. I still have 9 left in my stash

If you want one, I'll mail it to you :)

[kliljedahl]

18. Tough shit for them

I don't think you were hard enough.


http://www.kliljedahl.net

[Erika]

19. The young also need to hear the passions of war eom

[NNN0LHI]

20. With any luck his kids learned something too

I wouldn't worry about it. You did good. Thank you for posting this.

Don

[libhill]

21. Screw 'em -

You fought for this country, you bled for this country, and it's nobody's damned business who you voted for. If you want to write in Mickey Mouse, that's your privilege. You earned it. Don't even sweat those "Sunshine Patriots" or their siblings. They confronted you, not vice versa. Have a great day.

[nytemare]

22. It is so easy to say you support a war or support the troops when

the war doesn't affect you. Nothing worse than a chickenhawk making war policy, and a bunch of little parrot-chickenhawks repeating what he says.

The deal in Abu Ghraib showed me the true lack of support this administration has for it's military. I was a 95B, and we couldn't make an arrest without our SGT's permission. There is no way in hell these reservist MP's dreamed that shit up on their own. Now, the troops over there are still paying for it. Bush should have listened to the only voice that really mattered, Powell, because he was the ONLY one who was there.

I don't think you were off base at all. Glad you made it through!

[DearAbby]

23. candy-ass Young Republicans? Sheeesh, if that is the harshest these

youngins have heard, then they live in a cave...worse is said on MTV. Reality TV. :hide: "candy-ass Young Republicans" Scared me! :evilgrin:

[Mr_Spock]

24. Right-on!! Don't feel too bad for the siblings of Satan

These people would stab you in the back in front of their kids to make a point - you did fine - he provoked you...

[ProgressiveConn]

26. You are my hero for the day.

I am honored to have read that post. Good show sir!

Next time drop trow and show them scars while you are calling them out. =)

[sescob]

27. Kudos to you!

They stepped over the line by assuming they knew what the hell they were talking about just because they saw your Kerry/Edwards sticker. Funny how they love to spout off about supporting the troops and yet they are HERE rather than in Iraq supporting the war they are so in agreement with.

[SammyWinstonJack]

186. And when you ask these

"candy ass young republicans" why they aren't in Iraq they will tell you that *remaining here and working and paying taxes* is a better way to "support the troops" with regard to themselves. :eyes: Chicken hawk chicken shits!

[TayTay]

28. Bravo!

I can only hope that the parents of those kids had to explain to them that the man who yelled had every right to do so. Once upon a time, in a country called America, we respected free speech and we respected veterans and tried to do right by them. We didn't just mouth empty platitudes about 'supporting the troops.' We showed that we knew what supporting the troops meant by paying for their health care, not charging them for their meals when they were in hospital from war-related injuries and so forth.

I hope the kids ask a lot of questions. (Hey, I still have that hope over experience thing going for me.)

Good for you!

[EFerrari]

42. "Hey, I still have that hope over experience thing going for me."

Don't leave home without it :)

[htuttle]

29. Your language wasn't any worse than they hear on HBO at home

Don't sweat it.

I think you did good. I think the lessons you taught there were more important that the lesson of 'don't curse' (which nobody really listens to anyway...).

[tabasco]

30. Way to go 11-bang bang !

From a fellow grunt.

Assholes like these young repukes do NOTHING for this country.

They expect others to go fight the wars while they stay safe here at home to "lead." Assholes.

[11 Bravo]

38. Haven't heard "11 bang-bang" for a long time.

As soon as I read it, I knew that someone else had put on the green suit. Welcome home, bro.

[kliljedahl]

31. C'mon people

Is mine gonna be the only vote for greatest?


http://www.kliljedahl.net

[Vektor]

32. No, it will not.

Done, and KICK!
:kick:

[WildEyedLiberal]

34. Nope

I second that.

Thank you for your service 11 Bravo, and NO you were not out of line. They started the shit, like they always do, and they need to start learning to expect it right back. It's especially appalling that some snot-nosed College Republican who's lived off his parents' wealth his whole life would DARE to start yelling at a Vietnam Vet. I go to college, and the young Republicans are the worst. Arrogant, brainwashed, goose-stepping little bastards, ready and eager to do their masters' bidding. I salute you.

[doublethink]

33. I'll respond again ..........

Go by the local marine recruiting office and pick up some business cards to hand these candy ass kids next time your approached. We could use their support more so in Iraq. You'll be doing the marines and our country a service. Peace.

[raccoon]

119. Great idea! nt

[wisteria]

36. Don't feel bad.

The younger people needed to hear your experiences, opinions and your anger.Perhaps, you even made them realize that life is not one dimensional.

[EFerrari]

37. And your little dog, too!

Well, life is life. Their parents let them go there with their older sibs and that idiotic mission. Now, maybe Mom and Dad will have some 'splaining to do.

It's all good. Kids are little truth magnets. Who knows, maybe you've just registered some future democrats.

:thumbsup:

On edit: I'm a Mom and I approve that message.

[proud2BlibKansan]

39. You done good

Will you come to my next anti-war rally with me? :)

[readmoreoften]

40. HELL NO

You did the right thing. Don't you think your message trumps the 'damage' done from their kid brothers/sisters hearing the 'f' word? (which I'm sure they've already mastered...)

Good Job.

[donheld]

41. You said exactly what needed to be said

Hopefully the "young siblings" will learn from your words right along with the rallyers.

[applegrove]

43. The young are the most vulnerable. They are the generation

Hitler got to do much of the spying and dirty work. They need to be 'shocked into reality'. It will after all be the 'little siblings' who end up in the draft if not them.

I think it is great they know what propaganda is and that they do not have all the answers (if any at all). As to the little siblings.. that is too bad they were there. But they were there. And if they have an issue with it .. the parents should think about how politically involved they want their kids to be.

Some kids were involved in the peace movement and learnt so much from that. A very different childhood than I would choose for a child of mine. But who am I to say I know exactly what my child will need in the life they have to live. I certainly wish I had been taught how to fight for myself. That came very late in life for me. So perhaps I would get my kids involved in demonstrations and such. As to letting their minds be filled with propaganda. No. That is a crime. You don't teach children to not grow up and not feel empathy. Kids are supposed to learn how to 'get over' the 'other' when they are about 4 years old. If your favorite politicians want to teach your kids young how to hate and bait the 'other' with lies. Ruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuun.

[lavenderdiva]

44. Way to go!

Kudos to you for setting them straight, and telling them the truth! You've been there and really experienced everything; you're only telling them the reality of the situation. They are believing some pie-in-the-sky mumbo jumbo their parents have probably been feeding them. I'll bet you affected at least one of them, and gave them something to think about. :applause:

[tuvor]

45. Good on ya!

Young repub obviously didn't realize the gravity of his flip attitude. Not your fault he chose to chide you with tykes in tow.

[applegrove]

46. I think you need to post this in more than one forum. I think it is an

important bit of information. And yes...when your life is on the line.. all you want is back-up to live - so your family will not suffer.

[JI7]

47. you don't have to feel bad for anything

they should feel bad for bringing young people with them while trying to get violent with others.

you should feel nothing but proud of what you did.

[leftofthedial]

48. No. I admire your restraint.

Thank you for your service then AND now.

[Blue Diadem]

49. You did a good thing,

you told them like it is..the absolute truth. I'm sure it's not the first time their siblings heard swear words.

I'm proud of what you did!

:applause:

[City Lights]

50. You didn't step over the line, you put some loud-mouthed punks

in their place. Well done! :toast: :yourock: :bowsbeforeyou: Wish I had the guts to do that. :thumbsup:

[seabeyond]

51. being a mama in lessons learned, these people younger than

you, were being disrespectful to you and your beliefs. they were putting you down and making you less and being judgemental without the facts.

you taught the older boys a valuable lesson, you taught the younge children a valuable lesson too.

dont feel bad with the cussing, i personally dont have issue with cussing though lots of parents do. i think this was something bigger than a few cuss words i am sure they have heard before.

[NYC]

52. Nothing wrong with what you did.

Maybe the young siblings will learn something. If nothing else, they should learn not to make assumptions about strangers based on bumper stickers. "You don't support our fighting men" was an erroneous assumption.

[gordianot]

53. Definitely not over the line. I use the same line on Republican relatives

The same time you were in Vietnam I was in ROTC (a real popular place to be in the early 70's). Amazing as it may seem there were no damn young Republicans to be found. If there was a Republican in the crowd with a low lottery number they were in the National Guard. You had to have connections to get in the Guard. The neighborhood kids I grew up with and went to Vietnam referred to ROTC as "idiot children". I failed my flight physical which put an end to ROTC.

Two Father's in our Boy Scout troop (both now ex Republicans)just returned from tours in Iraq with the modern National Guard who goes in harms way. They straightened out one of our Eagle Scouts who said he was going to enlist next year.

I did send socks and long underwear to some local boys who were freezing this winter. I understand clean underwear was hard to come by this winter. Wonder who has the laundry contract in Iraq?

The younger siblings in the crowd needed to hear the truth.

[11 Bravo]

54. Thanks, all.

If the folks I respect most in this world are cool with my response, then I'll get a good night's sleep.

[roguevalley]

55. he crossed the line when he came at you. don't feel bad. these

mannerless little apes need to grow up and get some class.

[me b zola]

56. No reason to feel bad

You did the right thing. Thank you for putting straight a few of the next generation of chickenhawks. :spank: These youngsters need truth spoken to them & you have done them a favor.:applause:

[specimenfred1984]

57. Thank You. If We All Would Do What You Did...

the U.S. would be a much better place to live.

Keep it up!

[izzybeans]

58. You did their siblings a bigger favor than they ever could have. n/t

[jdj]

59. thank god.

they'll remember what you said, the kids that is.

they won't forget your words and it will make an impression on them, hopefully a lasting one.

plus, this is the 21st century, so you used the F word about 75% less than it is used in most of the rap songs they listen to.

[meganmonkey]

60. I bet at least one of those kids is gonna go home

and actually THINK about whether or not they would be willing to kill and die for this war. And maybe one of them will realize that it isn't fair for them to expect other people to kill and die for it. That if it truly is a noble cause worth killing and dying for they would want to join, but it isn't, and maybe it shouldn't be happening at all. And if just ONE of those kids has a realization like that, you have accomplished a great thing today.

You most certainly didn't step over the line. They have the right to be doing their thing, and you had the right to do yours. And that is what this great nation is about.

:toast:

[Undercover Owl]

70. good point!

they are just teens, after all.
They need to actually consider what beliefs they are spouting!
I was a pretty smart teen, but even as having been a "smart" teen, I know that teenagers are relatively unexposed to the gritty truths of life, and additionally, most teens are generally unaware of the concept that their parents might be wrong!

Teens tend to think they are much smarter than they really are.

Republican teens: For your sakes, I hope your mommies & daddies are extremely wealthy! Otherwise, you are screwed under the B*sh administration!

[Undercover Owl]

78. Teenagers ARE smart.

Teenagers are at a prime opportunity of learning. Teenagers' brains are still absorbing information like a sponge (almost like younger kids), and they also have some higher reasoning kicking in. Brain maturity is complete around age 17-20+ (don't worry, this just means the peak of new learning has passed).

(I'm going by memory of what psychologists such as Piaget have said.)

I wrote:
"Teens tend to think they are much smarter than they really are."

What I meant to say is that that teens tend to think they are WISER than they really are. Or that they somehow know more about life.

[Kipepeo]

61. Don't feel bad

You challenged their assumptions about liberals and democrats and the political makeup of troops all in one. Much needed. I find that a lot of time the ones with the most yellow-support-our-troops-stickers know the least amount of people actually in the armed forces. I was coming back from an anti-war rally a few months ago and some frat-boys screamed at me and some other girls to get over it and go home and support our president. I yelled back, "Why aren't you in Iraq fighting for your president's mistake?" The one yeller looked stunned and stuttered something about his cousin. I yelled back, "I'm asking about YOU! Why aren't you over there? You could take my brother-in-law's place because he DIDN'T WANT TO GO!" Nothing. It rendered him without a witty one-liner put-down and I don't feel sorry for doing it because WHY (if he's got the gumption to yell at people for daring to disagree with the war) ISN'T HE OVER THERE instead of people I know who don't want to be and who don't support Bush's war?!?

Also - don't feel bad about the kids. 1) Their parents put them in that situation, not you. 2) You may have provided them with just a fragment of memory to come back to years later when they are attempting to break out of their parents' mold of their life and view.

[Ladyhawk]

62. (((((((((((((( 11 Bravo)))))))))))))

It was brave to speak up like you did. You're OK. Everyone in that group needed to hear what you said, especially if they are young. I wish you could talk to my nephew. :(

[The Magistrate]

63. Good For You, Sir

Do not worry about the young ones: you may have done them a great favor by pointing out the difference between a man and a sham in unmistakeable terms....

[Redstone]

64. You feel bad about your language, I understand, but

you don't have to feel bad about the rest of your tirade.

You EARNED the right to say that. Fuck 'em if they can't stand the truth.

Redstone

(Twice wounded? I know "twice wounded." The assholes you tangled with don't. And never will.)

Blue 32--

[darkism]

65. You totally effin "pwned" that kid.

Nice! :p

[jojo54]

66. Apparently this young freep didn't care about the kids

That's their "moral values" for ya.

[Arkana]

67. Bravo, uh...Bravo!

No, no crossing the line there--you did what I would have done.

[Undercover Owl]

68. You did the right thing!

Thank you for standing up to those dumbasses!

[in_cog_ni_to]

69. Not even close to stepping over the line. He deserved exactly

what you gave him. If he didn't want to hear what you had to say he shouldn't have opened his fat ass mouth. Kudos to you! :toast:

[Technowitch]

71. Good for you, 11 Bravo

And thank you for your service to this country.

best,
-Technowitch

[satya]

72. "Take off that car magnet & pick up an M-16 or just STFU".

Paraphasing you here, but that would be a great bumper sticker!

And no, I don't see why you should feel badly about the little ones at the protest. They should see the consequences of promoting the narrow-minded point of view their siblings hold. Probably did 'em some good to hear an opposing viewpoint for a change.

:yourock:

edited for clumsy typing

[lonestarnot]

73. Screw it...maybe the siblings learned something! n/t

[solinvictus]

74. They need this shit...

because they start it with their actions. I'm sick and damned tired of the "support our troops" stickers while our wounded and disabled are coming home to little to no real support.

[seabeyond]

75. i had a 12 year old talk to me about the war yesterday

and i was obviously not buying the bush line. she says, i have a cousin over there

like that was suppose to shut me up.

i immediately stop and ask her about him, where and what he is doing. then i made clear to her, because i dont support this war, dont even try to suggest i dont care for those soldiers. i want them home, all of them, including that cousin of hers. i wnat them home and safe. and those lives of the iraqi's that are dead, i care about them equally. all 150k plus. the babies the children. all the people that never asked us for our help. that didnt ask us to go over there to kill them

we have to speak up each and every time, but absolutely to the children. when she was getting out of the car, i told her, you dont ever have to talk politics with me. my view is different from most, but, i wouldnt stay quiet with a lie

[opiate69]

76. Greatest response ever!

"The only kind of support we were interested in was fire-support, boy; so either put down your sign and pick up an M-16, or just shut the fuck up."

Thank you for your sacrifice, and for this response which cuts right through all the bullshit.

[Catherine Vincent]

77. Way to go, bro!

I'm sure the youngens heard curse words before. If they didn't, then they wouldn't know it was curse words.:-)

[Merope215]

79. Not the slightest bit

They started it, not you. And as a 19-yr-old, I know how annoying my peer group can be. They had it coming. I also promise you they've all heard the f-bomb before. You've given the little siblings a memory that might save lives someday.

P.S. - Thanks for your service! :hug:

[Virginian]

80. Those "Support the troops" magnets really mean

You support the troops, I'm too busy getting on with my life to do anything more than buy this cheap, made-in-China. magnet.

[Maestro]

82. I hate those things.

I prefer these: Support subversion

[LittleClarkie]

86. The local Peace Action Coalition

puts out ones that have a peace sign on them and "Bring the Troops Home NOW". If I was going to have one, that was the one I was going to have. Expresses just the right amount of support for the troops but not for the war.

[Mr_Spock]

84. I wrote "NOT BUSH" on my magnet

I like it a lot better now - it REALLY pisses off the Freepers when they see my yellow ribbon :D

[Maestro]

81. No

They shouldn't have shouted at you simply for a bumper sticker. Stand up and fight! More Dems need to do the same.

[LittleClarkie]

83. Sounds just fine. I wonder what they'd say to me

I have a Support Kerry 08 sticker and a yellow ribbon magnet with a peace sign and "Bring the troops home NOW" on it.

I wouldn't put on a magnet until I could find one that expressed my "Supports the troops but doesn't support the war" point of view.

They'd probably tell me that I can't have both a Kerry sticker and a yellow ribbon.

I'd like to tell them they can't have a yellow ribbon and a Bush sticker on their car. Pick one, son. Either you support the troops or you support the president. Because the president does not support the troops.

I'm also quite proud of my brand new "Support the troops: no more cuts in benefits" button.

[Withywindle]

85. *cheers you wildly*

Better the kids hear some honest truth with a little colorful language than nothing but honey-coated lies. Someday it might be their turn.

Thank you.

[prairierose]

87. 11 Bravo, you have the right to talk about supporting troops....

spoiled little chickenhawks do not. And they most certainly do not have the right to question a veteran's right to have what ever damned bumper sticker he wants. Thanks for the service to your country then and now. More people need to confront these people and talk truth to stupidity.

:applause:

[Straight Shooter]

88. I am so PROUD of you.

You did the right thing then, you've done the right thing now.

:thumbsup:

[Maraya1969]

89. I think you were great - I said to some freak yelling out his SUV

on Anti-war Protest day kind of the same thing - "Why don't you really support them and strap on a gun and go over there"

These kids have heard "Fuck" before. It's not going to ruin them.


:applause: to you



We should start a thread with lines to throw at these people. Sort of like the bitch Coulter's "How to talk to Liberal" book.

[CAG]

90. You were too nice to them

I have a couple of young republicans renting next to me who are going to college on their rich daddy's dime, and they have Cheney/Bush junk all over the place, one I think even volunteered for one of our local RW nut congressmen in the last election.

You don't know how many times I've wanted to tell them to grow up and sign up for the fun in Iraq if they truly support the village idiot so much.

[AnneD]

155. Give their names and address to the recruiter....

That will kill two birds with one stone, so to speak...

[Swamp Rat]

91. Kick ass 11 Bravo! NO HOLDS BARRED!!!!

After all, you may have saved the life of one of those kids.

As for Bush supporters, I get in their face and DEMAND they go enlist, offering them a ride... but it usually ends with me calling them chickenshit cowards, leaving them red-faced and embarrassed.

[gardenista]

92. Bravo, you taught those kids a valuable lesson.

They have been blinded to the reality that dissent is the highest form of patriotism.

[BlueIris]

93. You handled that situation JUST FINE.

Take that with the necessary grain of salt from someone who has never worn a uniform or served in combat. Since those "lovely" people were at the kind of protest you describe with kids, being the ones both provoking the nastiness and choosing to expose said kids to whatever gets thrown back at them in response to their instigation, the responsibility for whether it affects the kids negatively is on them. And if you care, well, I think the kids should be getting the truth, so it's good you spoke up.

[The Traveler]

94. I love ya, man!

Fire support. Fuckin' A.

Support the troups. Haul their asses home.

[ninkasi]

95. Thank you.

Hopefully, a few kids were made to think, and you most certainly did not go over any line. My own personal opinion, is that the young conservatives had their younger siblings with them so they could strut and act all macho like their chicken-hawk hero.

You are the true hero, and you have faced death; if they face nothing worse than a few words of wisdom from one of their elders, they will indeed be lucky. If they support the troops so much, you told them how they can do it, but I somehow doubt any of them rushed right down to a recruitment office.

I'm proud of you.

[BreweryYardRat]

96. You rock!

Kick-ass, man. You didn't step over the line at all-most young kids have already heard worse.

[malmapus]

97. Hoo-uh!

You tell em 11B. Have had my share of crap like that from these young repugs. Been told everything from how I'm un-patriotic and don't support our troops to even a traitor for being "un-American".

I f'ing love the look on their face when they realize they've got a vet who has seen shit in front of them. Can see the fake spine that was propping them up begin to wilt.

They were asking for it from way it sounds buddy.

[Daphne08]

98. No, you did not. They were out of line!

[annabanana]

99. Call them on it EVERY time and EVERYWHERE....

The can't be allowed to get away with the disingenuous crap.

[NoPasaran]

100. Never too soon for younger siblings to learn

That their big brother is a fucking idiot!
:thumbsup:

[w4rma]

101. Nope.

Except maybe you should have said "just shut the *heck* up".
(which means you'd probably have to break yourself of a habit)

But other than that, it sounds like you handled yourself admirably. :hi:

[ck4829]

102. You did the Right thing

Now if there was only a way to say this to the Republicans in Congress and the Thief in the WH.

[JNelson6563]

103. Well done!

The youth among them needed that dose of truth.

Julie

[foreverdem]

104. No way you were wrong

You did the right thing, no doubt about it. All you did was tell the kid the truth, and in no uncertain terms. We need more people like you. :yourock:

[LynneSin]

105. You did us proud

You want to support our troops? Join the military and fight the war. (or make your kids sign up if you're too old).

If not - then STFU

:applause: - for the great job!

[Cooley Hurd]

107. You, my friend, are a HERO!

:thumbsup:

Excellent reply to the ninny!!

[aintitfunny]

109. Sometimes you cannot protect

even the youngest from the truth. Thank you for voicing the truth and thank you for not stifling yourself.

[mattclearing]

110. Rock the fuck on.

Did their heads actually explode?

[comsymp]

111. You feel bad about dropping the F bomb? Puh-leez

Like other posters have said, the kids have probably heard it before, and there are times when it's the only word which will suffice - and besides, if it's good enough for Cheney....

[Dorian Gray]

112. If the young siblings were not yet teens,

I might feel a little bad about going off on them. But, if they confronted YOU first, then you had every right to respond to what they said. :) I just hope if the kids with them were under 10, you held in the "F-bombs" a little bit! ;) Otherwise, I would think twice about it!

[skypilot]

113. Step over the line?

You didn't even come NEAR the line. Bravo! What you told him is exactly what these little pricks need to hear.

[Ganja Ninja]

114. I think you would have been justified in ...

running them down with your car. But maybe I'm stepping over the line here.:shrug: :yourock:

[Hugin]

115. That's why I always carry a set of enlistment papers with me...

Hand 'em out like candy.

No need for an exchange of words.

Try it.

[cmd]

116. Thank you

"Strong" language was invented for occasions such as this. You did well 11 Bravo! :thumbsup:

[Evergreen Emerald]

117. Awesome!

I read it to my 15 year-old daughter who cheered along with me.

[SheepyMcSheepster]

118. not at all

thank you for your service and please keep up the good work.

thanks.

[raccoon]

120. Way to go, Bravo! nt

[movie_girl99]

121. not at all

those kids need to hear more from people who have served and were treated so shitty back then. Way to go!!!!!!!

[progressoid]

122. Great!!! Do it again if you have the chance.

[lectrobyte]

123. No. Let me rephrase that: Hell No. I am so sick of having this

"you hate your country" shit shoved in my face, I'd probably gone off on them worse.

[earth mom]

124. Bravo!!!

:yourock:

[NoSheep]

125. The truth shall set them free!!!!

[tinanator]

126. you held the line

good job.

[MADem]

127. No, I think you held the damn line

What a superb retort. There is no reply to a "put your money where your chickenshit mouth is" statement like that. I salute you!

[lastliberalintexas]

128. The *only* thing you did wrong

was not have enlistment forms to hand to the cowards.

[HughBeaumont]

129. For those that served and fought - WE SALUTE YOU!

How dare those unknown motherfuckers question your loyalty to your country. I don't think you were hard enough on them.

I have a friend over there now and with each casualty report that comes out, I have to worry and it's all thanks to Bushbot bastards like that.

[tx_dem41]

130. You did fine to me.

As long as the shouting wasn't too out of control and you didn't cuss (given the kids being present). Then again, I haven't experienced what you have, so take that slight condition for what its worth.

And, hey, thanks for the service you provided for our country (in 1970-1972 and last night!) :thumbsup:

[Stinky The Clown]

131. Good on YOU .... Fuck THEM

Tell it like it is, my brother!

[Roland99]

132. Fuck them and their fake patriotism!

[Discord]

133. Bravo! Bravo.

You did the right thing. You we're called out and called them on it. They are probably used to getting away with using bully tactics. (hence they did this in a group), and trying to use their younger siblings to difuse they responses they might get in return. And yes, I did intend the word USE.

You did fine, and I'm sure they didn't hear anything they haven't heard thousands of times before.

[VOX]

134. You were superb, 11 Bravo -- thank you!

Your speaking up against this kind of lunacy is much appreciated. Thank you, too, for serving our country.

Cheers -- :thumbsup:

[guinivere]

135. It's their fault

for taking younger kids to something like this.


Taking kids to protests or rallies can be a good learning experience for them. OTOH, if they are too young, they just end up scared.

[ArkDem]

136. You are the epitome of classiness, restraint and maturity!

Keep up the good work!

[BiggJawn]

137. Hell no you didn't

Spoke from your heart. NEVER doubt doing that!

Thanks for your Service, too.

[SeekerofTruth]

138. BTW, thank you for your service to your country...

it's really appreciated!!

[prodigal_green]

139. as for obscenity

what they were doing was far more obscene than any word that could have come out of your mouth.

Try to carry enlistment brochures with you from now on. When they start going on, just hand it to them and tell them you'll be happy to wait while they fill it out so you can run it right over to the post-office. If they give some lame-ass excuse why they can't (won't) serve, tell them times have changed, they'll take any warm body at this point.

[understandinglife]

140. No. You spoke the truth. Thank you for your continued service. (nt)

www.missionnotaccomplished.us

[wryter2000]

141. Good for you

Kids are going to hear swear words. What's important is that those assholes may think a minute before accusing people of not loving their country or supporting the troops.

[DirtyDawg]

142. My wife prays that I never find myself....

...in a similar situation. While I didn't carry a rifle in a rice paddy back then (and thank you for doing so), I did serve four years in the AF, I can tell you I wouldn't have put up with some smart-ass, piss ant 'bracing' me for five seconds, much less 5 minutes. One of us would have had their ass's whipped right then and there. And as for what the kids would have heard, it would have been something along the lines of, 'if you don't get your lame-ass out of my face and out of my way that sign is gonna be stickin' out your ass'.

So, were you over the line? Not by my standards.

...Yeah, my wife just can't stand it when I 'go off' about this stuff.

[mmonk]

143. nope,

seems perfect to me.:shrug:

[datasuspect]

144. roger roger 11 bravo

your story made my day!

[Toucano]

145. You have nothing to feel bad about.

You did the right thing. Those young siblings won't be wounded by your words. In fact, maybe your words will prevent their needless death.

I'm very proud of you! :applause:

[Mich Otter]

146. The kids need to hear the truth from someone..

They aren't likely to hear the truth at home. Besides if the parents are being asses in public, with their children as witnesses, it is good for the kids to hear their idiot parents get the chewing out they deserve.

[progressivejazz]

147. On the contrary

It was the most beautiful thing you could have said.

[sbj405]

148. You rock!!

Perfect response. Wouldn't worry about the kids. Their fault for bringing them when they intended to confront you.

[seeker4ever]

149. You made my week!

Thank you.

[MissMarple]

150. Quite well said. Pithy. No beating about the bush on that one.

:bounce: What a great twist on "put up or shut up".

It was a wonderful learning experience for all of them. And what they were saying to you was far more offensive and damaging to young minds than ...

"The only kind of support we were interested in was fire-support, boy; so either put down your sign and pick up an M-16, or just shut the fuck up."


Did Young Republicans actually do that in the 70's?

[HawkerHurricane]

151. You didn't.

Kudos from a fellow vet. Well said, soldier.

SM1(SW) USN, Ret.
1984-2004

[The Doctor.]

152. If you ever see a group like that again...

Sic some recruiters on them!

Well done.

They don't know 'support our troops' from 'righteous grandstanding'.

[AnneD]

153. It's about time someone set them straight.

And I'll go you one further. When those candy asses get drafted.....the first time they are in combat they'll throw up and crap/pee their pants. I think you were right to educate them. Isn't it kinda funny, they are doing the reverse of what the antiwar protesters did in the 60's, but they are getting a negative reaction. Supporting the troops is ok so long as I don't have to go and my taxes aren't increased to pay for AR and Guard benefits.
I never went into combat but served in the Reserve with Vet's. I opposed the war with the best of them but Dad was in the military so I respected their service. In fact, Dad supported my activities (and was SHOCKED when I joined-hey I love my country what can I say).
For pennance, Say three Hail Mary's and give a donation to operation truth.

[CanOfWhoopAss]

154. Thanks for your service and errr...

In these times I think you didn't take it far enough. Kids these days come out of the womb with sailor mouths so I'm sure they had no virgin ears in their crowd. If you did shake some of them up may be it will be a more memorable experience and they will give it thought over time. Otherwise it wouldn't have left an imprint and they'd have forgotten what you said before you finished saying it.

[LdyGuique]

156. Naww . . .you were fine

I'm more than willing to ignore just about anyone who is milling around in protest of some issue or other -- but, if accosted, they can expect a reaction. I'm tired of all the chickenhawks who are pro-war or "support our troops" and won't put their asses on the line. They want to drag their kids or siblings out for the "show"? Then, all I can say, "It's SHOWTIME!" Political debate is a two-way street at the very least and frequently a 20-way set of streets than all rush madly into a traffic circle of confusion and noise as horns honk and people curse.

Everyone has the right to their opinion -- you've more than earned your own on this issue.

[Skip Intro]

157. If you crossed a line, it should be crossed constantly. Way to go!

I'm itching for a little face time with the drones myself now. Well, I have been for a while now, actually.

You did the right thing, and they instigaed the whole confrontation.

And I'll bet you inspired some people around you.

Thanks!

:thumbsup:

[liberal43110]

158. You most certainly did NOT step over the line

The right wing has confused "supporting the troops" with "supporting the war," and each time people like you show them how wrong they are, it helps just a little bit.

As with so many things, the right wing truly does not have FACTS and REALITY on their side. They make things up, stir up emotions (often hateful ones), and fly in the face of the truth. Showing them truth is the only way to argue.

[Autobot77]

159. The only way you would've stepped over the line is if...

You had shot the guy, anything else up to that is okay.Don't worry about the 'younger siblings", remember repukes would think nothing of molesting children if it lined thier pockets or furthered thier agenda.

[Just Me]

160. They chose to bring their younger siblings who benefitted from your,...

,...personal experience.

Moreover, damn,...thank you for being bluntly impactful with few words!!!

:yourock:

[imenja]

161. well said

It's not the first time those kids have heard profanity in their lives and it won't be the last. I'm glad you spoke up. They needed to hear it!

[Fovea]

162. Your reaction was measured, responsible, and therapeutic.

You might want to watch Apocalypse Now, and realize that when Kurtz says that they can kill, but can't say 'fuck' was an admission of the essential insanity he had first embraced, then was destroyed by.

Say fuck, when some random proto-fascist fucks with you. You were there and earned the life long right to say it. Say it, and don't let your blood pressure spike worrying about having said it.

[DemoVet]

163. You did what needed to be done....

and btw, I'm also an ex 11-bushbeater and was wounded in 1970 (lost my left leg) and if that had been me I'd have needed a new pair of crutches because my present pair would be jammed in his ass right up to the handles. Why don't the whole bunch of them march down to the recruiter's office and volunteer for the infantry if they're really interested in supporting the troops? And if they didn't want the young ones to hear the kind of thing you said they shouldn't have brought them in the first place and chicken-shit should have kept his mouth shut. You told them exactly what they needed to hear.

[number6]

164. I salute you

:yourock:

[SalmonChantedEvening]

165. Not one toe over the line 11 Bravo

You were scoped out by GOPkinder looking for an argument at best, or a scene they could use at worse. They got both and could handle neither, and imho they deserved every word you said.

They didn't think about what they were saying about you not loving your country in front of their siblings, and that in itself is an obcenity. Who knows, maybe the youngsters with them learned something.

I have always had 4 words, and 4 words only for the men and women who served in Vietnam:


Thank You. Welcome Home.

:applause:

[AuntiBush]

166. Warms My Heart to Hear the Truth Spoken. Bravo to 11Bravo!

Are you kidding. Imagine what they'd hear if they were in our army these days. Not your fault one bit. I blame the parents that place their kids on the front lines pitting American's against Americans.

I'd said the same thing w/respects to them picking-up a M-16 and signing-up. Know enough in my area that hate us Dem's, but they won't send their kids over there.

:hi: :thumbsup:

[electricray]

167. If they did have young siblings with them...

I'm sure they will look back on the episode someday and the profanity they remember will not be yours. Your use of one word isn't nearly as profane as the presumption that the punk with the sign made. Those young kids will remember that their older brother called a real American hero unpatriotic and they will be ashamed of him. I think that you may have changed a few minds in spite of your slight curse.

[Maru Kitteh]

168. The young sibs had heard that before, don't feel bad

These days kids don't make it into potty training before they hear language like that.

You had every right, and you were perfectly in bounds. You were telling THE TRUTH.

And btw, thank you...... for your service.

[liberal_patriot_md]

169. Did you step over the line? HELL NO!

I'm a vet of Iraq and I had the misfortune of rooming with a couple of young repukes. These guys were so bad they would practically mess themselves every time * was on TV.

Anyhow, as a liberal and a vet I had my own opinions on the war and the administration. Needless to say it conflicted with their "world-view" and they pretty much accused me of being unpatriotic and a traitor. It took all of my willpower, not to bash their heads against the wall, but I fought back in another way.

I went down to the local recruiting station and picked up as many recruiting pamphlets as I could from all the branches. Then I put a picture of myself in full battle-gear next to an Abrams in Baghdad With the words "I already fought against evil and repression, how about you?" underneath on the door of my bedroom. Then I posted the recruiting pamphlets with the text "Here's your chance to support freedom and liberty where it is in danger. Pick one." next to it on the same door. Where they had to walk by everyday and be reminded what candy-ass, chickenshit, warmongering hypocrites they are. They never said a word to me again about the war.

[DemBeans]

170. well done

You didn't go over the line. The snotnosed young Republican did, by confronting you and making ridiculous accusations to a total stranger. It's amazing how bold they've become, isn't it? He deserved to be verbally slapped down. He's lucky you didn't knock his punk ass to the pavement.

[LoZoccolo]

171. What's worse, cursing in front of kids or mass murder?

You did the kids a favor by teaching them a lesson in right and wrong.

[FighttheFuture]

172. Fuck 'em!! Don't let these deluded supporters of murderers...

and thieves hide behind children. Time for the kids to start learning how screwed up their parents really are! Good for you!

[The_Nick]

173. Just do what I do.

Put 45+ "Support Our Troops" and American flag magnets on your car, and passionately agree with them about everything. In fact, you should one-up them any chance you get. For example, if someone says "social security is in danger", you say "I know, and we absolutely need to get money out of the hands of the stupid masses and into the stock market". If someone refers to a political opponent in any ad hominem negative way, like "Radical Screamin' Dean", you say "Yeah, I hate that traitor. He should be tortured and murdered in a public arena."

Nine times out of ten they will quickly leave you alone, and hopefully it will at least make them think about what they are doing.

[Selteri]

174. Nope

He was out of line, you might not have needed to drop the F-Bomb, but he was way out of line with his jingoist logic.

[Historic NY]

175. Obviously they had no respect for their elders...you did the right thing.

Snot nosed kids who obviously haven't lived long enough to know the meaning of respect. I would have added "Supporting our troops means getting them home alive". :hi: :hug:

My niece just came home late tonight after 16 months overseas, her mission patching up the injured. Tomorrow I will give her a hug.

[marinemom2004]

176. I agree you did the right thing.

Right below "My son is a United States Marine" sticker on my car, I have my yellow ribbon and my Kerry sticker. My son has been to Iraq and back twice. I do not support the war, but I support the troops. I try to let everyone know how I feel. I am alway amazed that the ones who support the war and Bush are the ones who have no one in harm's way.

[pedestrian]

177. This is good, Bravo

Really, how could a civil, measured lecture convey any of the seriousness involved? Quite likely only a spontaneous, uncontrolled outburst like yours could drive the point home. It's GREAT that you lost it.

I don't swear: I reserve words like 'hell' and 'damn' for cases when I mean them literally. This is a case where the worst words apply, though, and I am glad your fuse was no longer. These kids can't have any sense of the pain and danger of war, and your reaction may have taught them something all citizens need a clue about. We might all be better off if the hurt and terror of war were more real to all voters, and if we saw more anger. You must compare the damage of hearing a curse word from an adult to the harm of not understanding that supporting the troops doesn't always mean supporting the war. Thank you for educating these young ones.

The Pedestrian

[ngGale]

178. Had to stop lurking and sign in just to say...

BRAVO - These little wimps are soft, they have no idea. If and when the draft comes, they will hear worse from a Drill Sargent in boot camp. I'd love to see their faces - they need discipline along with their weapon. Good for you, they needed your experience to think about. Keep dishing it out, maybe one will start to see the reality of war.

[fleabert]

179. You were perfection.

Everyone needed to hear that. Everyone needs to keep hearing it too.

(I'd rather kids hear the occasional 'fuck' or see a bare breast than be exposed to violence any day of the week)

You did fine. and thank you for serving.

edited for grammar.

[apple_ridge]

180. Outstanding! We need more people like you!!

[davidwhite0570]

181. Great Job.....I always bring the "if you want to support your

presidents war drop the signs and get your butt to the enlistment center" remark up, shuts most of them up right away. Thank you for your service, brother.

[DrShrinker]

182. GO MAN GO!

I congratulate you for standing up for your rights and military record. I've been shouting the same thing for a while. If you've got time to stand there with a sign calling others unAmerican, then why in the hell aren't you in Iraq fighting?

I never seem to get a reply, or if I do, they come up with some lame-assed excuse why they couldn't join.

You deserve a serious pat on the back!

[smaug]

183. You were nicer than I've been

I am also a veteran, and still have "Veteran for Kerry" stickers on both of my vehicles. I ended up with spare stickers, so my cars are going to display MY attitude towards the Gutless Wonderin' Deserter in Thief until at least 2008.

I've had the same experience, and I get physical and EXTREMELY loud. To quote my last rant at these cunts who think Schwartzenegger and Marion MOrrison are 'real' heroes, "Get your f**king a** in uniform if you're gonna have THAT attitude, you fa**ot muthaf***rs!" Since they all tend to be homophobic, I use gaybashing language against 'em; they tend to freak.

I've actually had a couple try to challenge me :D physically, with their 'black belt' kara-ti <evil grin>. Gym fightin' and bullying gays ain't the same as real experience, is it, folks? Heh Heh Heh. Too back they back off to their true name calling selves.

Don't apologize or feel bad. I damn sure do not. I sleep like a goddamned baby.

[WoodrowFan]

184. you did fine.

I think (IMHO) that you did fine/

What Mall was this? Tysons??

[CTyankee]

185. "A teachable moment"

for the youngsters, I would say.

[Ramsey]

187. I would have added that John Kerry is a much decorated war

hero and that John Edwards was too young to go to war; what excuse do Cheney, Bush, etc. have?

[Jo March]

188. Former 31M/31D here - You done good

I get sick of the "Support the troops" stickers. What the hell good is a sticker??

If they support * so much, then they need to enlist.

Way to go!!

:thumbsup: to you!!

[9119495]

189. I paraphrase Bullworth: "Shit, fuck...[republicans] there is the real

obscenity!"

I think you're okay. They started in on you and should be prepared for anykind of non-violent response. Don't worry yourself.

I do think you should have requested an apology though.

[louis c]

190. F**K Them and

their siblings.

Pieces of shit.

In an all volunteer army, there shouldn't be one person here supporting the war, unless they just came back.

Any asshole of age that supports the war should be fighting in it.

[Bouncy Ball]

191. As your screen name says BRAVO!!!

I haven't read the rest of the responses, but my first thought was "HELL YEAH."

These support the troops snots do nothing more than slap a magnet on their bumper, maybe hold up a poster and that's it. They think THAT'S supporting the troops. My ASS.

Supporting the troops means WATCHING THE GOVERNMENT like a hawk to make sure they aren't used inappropriately or in an immoral manner, as they have been NOW.

THAT'S supporting the troops. Not just rah-fucking-rah-ing any damn thing the government wants to do with them. And I watch what the govt does with them during Dem AND repuke presidencies, not just slimey repukes.

Anyway, those guys use the support the troops stuff in a political manner, which is wrong, too.

I think you were right. So a few kids heard a blue word. You definitely got your point across.

Oh on edit, I am the wife of an 11 Bravo veteran of 12 years active duty, Desert Storm, two Purple Hearts.

[underpants]

192. Hell NO that was awesome

If they bring kids with them that is there own damned fault

[surrey405]

193. YC Dumb asses

You did right, the kids with them also need to know the other part of the argument, otherwise they will be taught the Republican idea of racism, corporate fraudism, delay idealism. We do not want another generation of such fools and ignorants.

[byronius]

194. Anything That Shakes The Shell

helps crack it in the end. I'm feeling a lot of pent-up rage, trying to avoid such confrontations. Language is just language, and they do what they do by demanding an on-the-spot cowed response. It's, like, standard historical fascist. Your reaction was appropriate.

The American Soldier, waved about like some political juju by the Stunteds, as if they own him. You're the only one to really set them straight.

And what is their idea of America anyway? Is it a free and brave nation that acts intelligently and seeks knowledge and balance? Is it even a 'good' thing? No. Power, money, money, power. Sickness. :yourock:

[Terran1212]

195. A Little Harsh..

But I think your point was well-made and you did good to hold out that long!

[chomskysright]

196. HEY; I said 'shut the fuck up' to the yng Repugs at the INNAUGURATION....

I was carrying my sign: "worst president ever" (not too obnoxious) balancing it against a light pole (no sticks allowed) and this short little woman, with her repug friends started to heckle me also: "What a bad sign...why doesn't she go stand somewhere else" to which I said" I have just as much right to stand here as you do" ...to which she said: "I can't see" to which I said: "well since you're so SHORT maybe some of your REPUG FRIENDS WILL LET YOU STAND IN FRONT SO YOU CAN SEE".

FUCK THESE BULLIES: name it for what it is: BULLYING, ARM TWISTING BEHAVIOR.

[chomskysright]

197. NAME IT: its bullying behavior: NAME IT AND SHAME THEM

[Greenbeard]

198. /Salute Bravo

Nice work man. This is exactly the type of calling out of the hyprocrites that has to be done. Make them think a little.

[SouthernDem2004]

199. All good except for the profanity.

[flying_monkeys]

201. Bravo - - They disrespected YOUR rights to display your bumper sticker

and you feel guilty for using some "bad" words in front of the siblings? Shoot, I think your bad words were not the worst part of that scenario they witnessed tonight...

I think you exercised marvelous restraint and I salute you! Thank you and sleep easy tonight - - there was a wrong done tonight but it wasn't caused by you :)

[V Lee]

202. EXCELLENT!!!

I can't blame you a bit. Those "holier-than-thou" hypocrites were making judgments about you based on a bumper sticker, and they claim to know something about appointing qualified judges??? What, do they want judges who make judgments based on bumper stickers, like they do?

Idiots. I applaud you for telling them off, they deserved it.

>> What’s on Bill’s mind? Political commentary with attitude and more at http://www.BillsBrain.com

[dhinojosa]

203. I'd say Bravo, but you already know that.

:)