FallenHeroes.Com Are they heroes or victims? Tough Question.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

Yes, they were thrust into circumstances that forced them to be wounded or killed.

Yes, many did heroic things.

Yes, I'm sure that the vast majority are wonderful people.

BUT...

One must question the idea that people who put themselves into service to follow the orders of a Commander in Chief that is deluded at best are heroes or victims of a terrible decision.

Thoughts?

[Texasgal]

1. Not neccesarily...

There are many who have BEEN serving long before the Iraqi invasion. There are also young folk who have been spoon-fed the propaganda, only to realize later the truth.

I don't think it's as black and white as your question. :hi:

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

3. Definitely not black and white. That's why I phrased it "tough question."

It's hard to discern the line between blindly following and duty in this case.

[Texasgal]

6. Being young and spoon-fed propaganda

dosen't make one "blindly follow".

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

10. It makes them victims.

[KitchenWitch]

2. Not to evade your question, but I think it is a bit of both!

[Norwood]

5. You beat me to it, I agree completely n/t

[Virginian]

4. Sorry, I can't agree with your cynicism.

I do have a problem with fallenheros.org in that I feel that a lot of the things they are doing should be covered by the veterans benefits. Maybe they should help with Make-a-wish type things, but physical therapy and prosthetics should be benefits, not charities.

These people were wounded in service to their country -- not to their president. Their patriotism transcends political parties. Many of them are National Guardsmen who signed up to defend their state or help out during disasters like Hurricane Katrina. They need our support because they certainly aren't getting it from the Pentagon and White House.

It irritates me to see Bush* use the troops as a backdrop and then go back to the White House and cut funding for some Veterans' program. Our troops are beginning to see what is going on. That is why so many of them are running for office this year -- AS DEMOCRATS!

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

9. During Nam, those who protested and avoided "service" helped bring

an end to the war. I know, I was there and there are times when I think it would have been easier to have "served."

We all serve in our own way. BUT, IMHO, those who are brought to service in a clandestine and obfuscated way might be described with more accuracy as a victim.

Kind of like waving a car into oncoming traffic.

The idea that all soldiers are heroes is simplistic and an age old con by Kings and politicians to glorify war. Especially needless wars.

Heroes are a rare and valuable breed and should not be cheapened by wholesale assignment to all who join the Army, Navy, Marines or other branch of defense. Lyndie England was/is a soldier. So was William Calley.

This is not to belittle those who choose to make a living in the Services. It's a question of assignation of titles.

I weep for every soul who has lost their life in war during my lifetime because I feel it is my duty to try to help aim the society of which I am a part toward a resolution of problems without war.

[Virginian]

19. Ok, I agree

I was reading your OP incorrectly. I think we are on the same page. I will always support our troops, not with car magnets made in China, but with what ever I can to do something nice for a few. The Fisher Houses and the FallenHero.org groups are good ones through which to donate since I don't personally know anyone serving.
But, as I tried to say above, I hope that Fallenheros.org is not enabling the government in its efforts to abandon the veterans it has been responsible for maiming. I will make comfort blankets or other items to try to make homecoming a little nicer, but my tax dollars and the tax dollars of that upper 1% super wealthy should be buying the latest and greatest of prosthetics for these who have given up so much. Even the William Calley's of this war should NEVER have to resort to charities for the medical attention to restore their bodies to the best that science can provide.

[rodeodance]

7. they are people trying to make a life for themselves and familier--no need

to apply a lable to them.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

13. No labels at all would be a good thing. Some people are trying to brand

them.

[Woman_Warrior1]

8. Tough Question

Victims or Heroes, Lets not have to decide what Jill Carroll is look at this link and sign this petition,
On January 7th of this year, 28 year-old freelance reporter Jill Carroll was abducted in Baghdad, Iraq. Since this time Carroll has appeared twice on video pleading for the America government to fulfill the demands of her captures, to release all female Iraqi prisoners. The American government’s strict no-negotiation policy leaves Ms. Carroll fate in a precarious situation. On February 10th Ms Carroll’s holders set a deadline of February 26th to have their demands met or they will take Ms Carroll’s life. The people of the world must band together and petition for the safe release of Jill Carroll. Please sign this petition, respectfully asking for the safe release of Jill Carroll, in hopes that her holders will feel they have accomplished enough by gaining the attention and concern of the world.

Petition Link : http://new.petitiononline.com/12181981/petition.html

Any help in circulating this petition would be most appreciated.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

11. Welcome to DU, WW!

I would hazard to guess that we are very much on the same page here. Thanks for the link.



On edit, only 78 Signatures so far.

[Woman_Warrior1]

12. Thanks for the welcome, I just check the petition they have 79 on

their way to the first 10,000 hopefully.

[mdmc]

14. heros

:kick:

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

15. They are all potential heroes horribly misused

I want them here defending our shores and borders, not someone elses. That would make them instant heroes in my eyes.

[TahitiNut]

16. Nothing keeps them from being both.

It's an individual thing, and all depends on motives and behavior.

[DefenseLawyer]

17. I must be a Commie

but I think the whole idea of a glorified bake sale to pay for rehab for soldiers injured in battle is the most asinine thing I have ever heard. It is unconscionable that this government, after sending these young people into a war of choice to get blown up, doesn't have the decency to provide them with the best care they could possibly get for the rest of their lives. This is particularly true since we have found the means to spend $100,000.00 a minute in Iraq. Certainly raising money for this cause is a noble gesture, but rather than getting donations, these people need to be knocking down the doors of congress to get something done. This is the governments responsibility and they should be held to account.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

18. Nicely said, Comrad!

:evilgrin: