Or failing that those same assholes would make for great moving targets to give our soldiers some practice.

		ronhartsell wrote:
		lol...you've got that right JJ...I've often thought the same thing myself, if you're not going to college, you're in the military for say 3-4 years...in the States, it's the official mantra to have an all volountary military (they don't want to be stuck raising someone elses kids or to be used as an alternative to the penal system)...but I agree with you, it would straighten a lot of these young kids of today up and make them realize that they ain't shit, there's always someone bigger and badder!!!      jimmyjames wrote: In a way I wish they'd make military service compulsory here. There's so many young dickheads running around over here that think they are are cool and tough, fucking losers, it would instill some discipline and respect into them. They think they are tough beating up people in the street. Try doing 100km pack march, thats tough. Try spending the night up a mountain in a tent in the middle of winter, thats tough.      ronhartsell wrote: Thanks JJ...the military isn't for everyone, but if a person has no plans after high school, it's not a bad option...      jimmyjames wrote: And you should be proud, didn't know you were a marine, thats awesome. Wish I'd joined the army or navy when I left school.      ronhartsell wrote: I couldn't agree with you more JJ...ppl tend to forget that soldiers follow orders, the decision to go to war is made by politicians...I'm a US Marine Vet myself (during the early-mid 80's) and 2 of my brothers served in the Army and we are all proud to have served our country!!!!      jimmyjames wrote: People that disrespect the military and the people in it make me sick.        Becks wrote: I understand what you mean, Strat. And I understand why you are offended too. Does sound very bizarre to me, rather an oxymoron really.      _strat_ wrote: I agree, actualy. I mean, it looks like your troops are doing something worthile, at least. IDK, I dont want to be the judge here, but it beats the hell of our troops, that are there just to patrol, and fulfill NATOs desires. Thats what I find the most offensive, really. Our army is based on generations of guerrila fighters, who resisted foreign occupation, and now they are helping in an invasion? Perverse.      Becks wrote: Strat, I too oppose the war in Afghanistan, what I found offensive was this girls view which was entirely wrong - she has no idea what our troops actually do there, and saying that my husband, in a round about way, is a murderer, was offensive to me. The fact of the matter is, New Zealand troops are not there in a combat role, they are there to help the local people. And by all accounts, the locals are grateful for this help. I will not go around denouncing the work that they are doing when it is so desperately needed and welcomed. You are entitled to your opinion, we just happen to have slightly differing views, LOL!      _strat_ wrote: First of all, let me say that I have absolutely no desire to offend Becks or her husband. I think of her as a friend, and I hope politics wont come between it. But I have to respond to this. I am not gratefull, not even a little bit. I oppose the war in Afghanistan, with this oh so precious freedom, that is brought up so often, and that is not the result of NATOs actions in Afghanistan.  Frankly, whats offensive is this "in your name" attitude, that the soldiers are there in our name, fighting for us... Even if we not only dont care for it, but we also dont want it. We have military there. Granted, not much, but theyre there... Doing pretty much what the New Zealanders seem to be doing. Patroling a relatively peacefull province, and not getting exposed. Fine. The problem is that they are there representing us. I cannot be gratefull for that. What I am is offended.      joedraper wrote: Becks, that girl is just ignorant! Nobody has the right to judge anyone and push their views onto anyone else. I know it's hard not to react but pay her no heed.  You and your husband sacrifice so much so that others may have peace of mind and a safe, free world to live in. I may not have any desire to have a military life but I'm thankful to God for those who do.  Those who put their lives on the line for strangers, the least those 'strangers' could be is grateful!      Becks wrote: A girl at hockey pissed me off tonight real bad, thinking she can comment on what our military does in Afghanistan when she has no fuckin clue I was talking to another girl on my hockey team (who is in the airforce) and mentioned that Craig had been in Afghanistan. This other girl heard and asked what he was doing there, I said 'Fixing the optical equipment and things like that' and she said 'Oh so they can go and kill people' me and the airforce girls were like um NO! And this stupid girl started going on about how murder is illegal here, but it's ok for soldiers to do it over there etc.  Me and airforce girl were like um no it's provincial reconstruction (although admittedly, they would kill someone if they were in immediate danger) and stupid girl was like 'well I have a differing view'. WTF kind of view is that?! When it is entirely WRONG and pretty offensive to those of us who have family who have served. Silly cow. In case any of you are wondering, New Zealands role over in Afghanistan is patrolling and helping the local people rebuild. Not so much out hunting for Taliban, although the patrolling that is done is to ensure security of the province - no front line conflict for our troops where they are. Although if the shit hit the fan where they are, they would become front line troops etc. Edited at: Sunday, May 24, 2009 2:37:05 AM