I'm tired of arguing.

[Airman Doors, USAF]

This whole war thing has me in knots.

I believe we are doing the right thing, I try not to be insulting, and for my troubles I get shouted down and called all kinds of things that nobody would ever think of calling me otherwise. I lose my temper sometimes, but on the whole I think I've been at least reasonable.

Further, I know that I'll be going over there sometime, so debating the war is an exercise in futility since it won't make any difference with regard to the eventual outcome or my future disposition.

Therefore, I will no longer make any effort to argue the merits of this war. It is exhausting to see the same arguments put forth over and over again on both sides with no end in sight and no purpose behind the arguing.

In fact, I think it might be time for a break from posting for me. I'm clearly taking this to heart a bit too much since it will soon be directly affecting my life. I'm gonna have to think about this for a while.

Part of my problem, I think, is that I tend to see things as black and white, and they are usually gray. It's very frustrating to me when I see people saying stuff like "You're either with us or against us". I've never said that, or if I did I can't imagine why I did, because we're all Americans and our opinions should matter, as should the opinions of foreigners. This whole thing is polarized so incredibly that there really isn't any middle ground, when there really should be.

So, should we go to war? My opinion is yes. Others say no. Do I wish this war could be averted with a satisfactory result? Yes. Others, again, say no. Those are my opinions, and they're here for all to see and criticize and mock and support or whatever. But I will no longer get involved in a contest to see who can shout the loudest. They solve nothing.

I think I'm gonna go spend some quality time with my family while I can, rather than see if I can shout really loud, because right now I'm just plain hoarse.

[gobear]

Hey, some of us love you, Dave, and are grateful for your defense of our nation.

[that_darn_cat]

Airman Doors I love peace and hate war. I think this current war is ill advised and possibly unjust. Yet, I am there with you. Do your duty and hold your head high, there is no higher honor than fighting for your country.

I wish you the best and hope for your safe return should you be sent over there.

Strangely, I have found myself to be anti-war and pro-military. After all, it's the polticaians that decide to go to war.

[Davebear]

Originally posted by Airman Doors, USAF
Therefore, I will no longer make any effort to argue the merits of this war. It is exhausting to see the same arguments put forth over and over again on both sides with no end in sight and no purpose behind the arguing. That, my friend, is true wisdom. Go enjoy your family, but remember to come back when you're ready.

[Arden Ranger]

Originally posted by gobear
Hey, some of us love you, Dave, and are grateful for your defense of our nation.

Amen.

[Forbin]

Originally posted by Airman Doors, USAF
I'm tired of arguing.

No you're not.

;)

(Just kidding.)

[3trew]

Love your family, do your duty, come back safely, and if we need to argue about whether it was a good idea or not your voice will be one I'll be looking for.

[Creaky]

I support you, Airman Doors, and your fellow members of our armed forces. You men and women are willing to do stuff many of us would be unwilling or unable to do. You have my greatest respect.

[Forbin]

I hope it's clear I was making a Monty Python joke.
:)

[rowrrbazzle]

The very best of luck to you. And what everybody else said. Except Forbin. ;)

[chula]

Arguing is a lot less harmful than fighting with weapons. Too bad you're not tired of the latter.

[Siege]

that_darn_cat said it better than I could, but Airman Doors, I have tremendous respect for you and all those who choose to defend this country. I would love to see this war averted, but I don't think that's going to happen. As a result, young men and young women will die, and I hate that idea. I hope you do come home safely and that you and Ms. Robynn have a long and happy life together and watch that son of yours grow into the neat human being he's bound to become with parents like you. Remember true courage is being scared out of your gourd and doing what needs to be done anyway. I've no doubt you're capable of doing whatever you have to do, although I'd prefer you not be scared out of your gourd while you're doing it! I realize you may not see this, but my thoughts are with you.

CJ

[Coldfire]

While I am disagreeing with you re. a war on Iraq at this stage, I do not think lightly of the sacrifices military personnel make to make this world a better place. Whether now is the time to strike is up for debate: not your credentials as an Airman, mr. Doors. I respect your job and the stability it can potentially bring. The rest is politics, and debate. Rock on.

[jjimm]

Airman Doors, though I don't think you know me, but I am aware of you. I read your contributions to the Pit threads, and I do feel for you. I also have an untold level of respect for someone who is willing to put their lives at risk, motivated by a sense of right.

Furthermore, if you are privy to intelligence that we're not, then it must be immensely frustrating for you. But can you see it from our perspective? We don't trust the evidence presented to us, the wider global public. Most of it has been discredited or ambiguous. And something else seems to stink: in order to prevent or resolve the current NATO crisis, why haven't the highest channels of US and UK intelligence provided smoking-gun evidence to the highest channels French, Belgian, and German intelligence, in order to get them onside? Until such time as I see something more convincing, my opinions are formed by the evidence I have before me. Your word, for all that I respect it, isn't enough.

But if you should have to go, my thoughts will be with you and your family.

[RTFirefly]

cj and Coldie have said the important things better than I could, Doors, so I'll just second them. You know I think highly of you and our other military Dopers, regardless of whether the US should pursue this particular military action at this particular time.

As far as arguing is concerned, my solution is to simply stay out of GD and political Pit threads when I don't feel like arguing. I started off here in GD, but that didn't mean I had to always be a debater. There's no need to stay away from the board as a whole, just to avoid debate.

chula, that was most uncalled for. It may take two to fight, but it only takes one to conquer. In this world at least, resisting evil sometimes requires strength, and because that is so, it always requires some degree of preparation to use that strength if evil should come knocking at the door.

In the military Dopers I know - and Doors is one of those - I don't see anyone who desires fighting for the sake of fighting. But they love their country, they believe in freedom, and are willing to put their lives on the line for both if necessary. This is to be respected, not sneered at.

[jacksen9]

I think most people appreciate the work done by our military. Don't let the snide remarks made by one or three posters give you the impression that your dedication and service to the U.S. is not important.

I believe you are held in high regard here.

Your service and sacrifice is what makes it possible for us to express our disapproval and dissent.
Take care of yourself.

[MsRobyn]

So if you wanna spend more time with your family, why are you upstairs sleeping? ;) :D

::MsRobyn runs as fast as she can into the next county::

Seriously, I know that you are making a lot of sacrifices for your job, and by extension, for your country (which includes me and Aaron). I know that you want to go NOW, because going means you're coming home soon, and you're sick and tired of this holding pattern. And I don't blame you.

So, remember that I love you, and Aaron loves you, and don't think for a minute that I could transfer my politics into a disrespect for what you do.

Robin

Note: For those who may not know, I am Mrs. Doors.

[Coldfire]

So, are you saying you guys actually disagree on this?
Wow, that ought to make for some spirited dinner table conversation. :)

[LolaCocaCola]

I certainly support our troops.

I think people have a right to protest the war, but if the decision is made that we do go to war, the nation should stick together and support our government and military.

It is important for the morale of our fighting men and women.

[tmwster]

I'm sure you don't know me either, but I'll miss seeing you around here, so please come back when you are ready.

Thank you for being willing to put your life on the line for the good of our country and for my safety and freedom. You are making a sacrifice that I and others would probably only make under compulsion or only when we personally felt threatened. I am grateful for you and all military personnel. I hope that our government will not spend your lives needlessly.

If or when you must go, I pray that you will return safely to your family.

[Airman Doors, USAF]

Originally posted by Coldfire
So, are you saying you guys actually disagree on this?
Wow, that ought to make for some spirited dinner table conversation. :)

She and I agree on very little, and anything we do agree on usually requires about three days of on and off debate. It's how we find our middle ground.

And yet, for all that, We treat each other with the utmost respect, and part of our relationship (one of the best parts) is that we ARE so different.

So yes, we simply don't agree on this. Funny, I know.

I think what this is about is saying what a lot of people wanted to say. I'm not trying to stifle debate, I'm not trying to make myself seem big, I'm just trying to get a break from the escalating antagonism as a result of this war stuff. I'm going one way or another, and being enraged at people isn't going to help me one bit when I'm doing my job.

Incidentally, I've said this before, but if anything, I am responsible for saving lives than anything else. Now, before you jump on this and call it crap, read this (http://www.spectrumwd.com/c130/articles/193rdsog.htm). I think that, more than anything else, explains why I am so disgusted with the "murderer" rhetoric being hurled at me. It simply isn't true. And even without that, the inflammatory remarks being hurled are even making Coldfire sick. I've simply chosen not to participate anymore.

Thank you everyone for your support, although in the long term, Robin and Aaron need it more than I do. I hope you think of them in the future, because they're the ones having to endure a possible long separation without even knowing when it'll start. She's a wonderful, loving wife and mother, and she needs all the help she can get coming up here.

[GingerOfTheNorth]

We're close enough that we'll be there if she needs us. Now, go do your job. I like you, Dave, even if you are a Steeler Fan.

[Tuckerfan]

Doors, don't give up the fight. Too damn many people think that the military's made up of a bunch of ignorant, drooling baby-killers. You've always been a rational, intelligent poster, in contrast to some.

The problem is that this is an emotional issue for folks. They don't think before they open their mouth to spew hatred on those who disagree with them (this occurs on both the pro- and anti-war sides). If people could just leave their emotions out of it, and discuss the issues rationally, then we'd all be better off.

I, along with many other Dopers, are glad that you're not only serving our country, but that you're here posting as well.

[Rysdad]

Be at peace with your choices and beliefs, Airman. Good luck, and godspeed.

[Coldfire]

Originally posted by Airman Doors, USAF
And even without that, the inflammatory remarks being hurled are even making Coldfire sick.Whaddaya mean, "even"? :)

It's somewhat funny that you and your wife disagree about the war, but it must make it harder on her as well to see you go. Good luck to her, and you.

[elbows]

Howdy Airman

Just wanted to say, while we rarely see eye to eye I ALWAYS respect what you have to say and how you carry yourself.

I am a peacenik from way back.

In my heart somewhere I know that ultimately the decision to go to war or not, simply must lie with those willing to go.

Those not in the fray are certainly entitled to their opinions, but when push comes to shove I gotta believe we must defer to those willing not only to do the job but burden the weight of the decision.

I respect the choice you have made.

Peace.

[Witch]

I'll keep it short and sweet.

Thanks Airman. I am thankful for you and all the men and women like you everyday.

[koeeoaddi]

Just wanted to add my thanks and best wishes, Airman. I will be thinking of you, MsRobyn and BabyDoors in the days to come. God speed!

[danceswithcats]

Thank you, Airman Doors and I wish you safe passage throughout your deployment.

One of the ironies of your position is that you fight to defend a system of government that allows others to criticize. While I grit my teeth at some things that are said, as I'm sure you do also, we wouldn't have it otherwise, and cannot maintain it without the dedicated service of persons like yourself.

Be well, Sir, and return safely. ::Salute Smiley::

[hansel]

Having served in the military myself, I'm familiar with the military mindset, and I have nothing but respect, in general, for people who serve. Reasons, attitude, and perceptions may vary among them, but they all pretty much stand up to do what they thing is right by their nation, and regardless of the faults some may perceive, military personnel should be treated well.

Hope you come back safe, Airman, should you have to go.

[AskNott]

It's pointless and unfair to argue pro/anti war with a person serving in the military. The folks making the decisions are far away from the argument, and they don't care what I think. The actual soldiers, sailors, flyers, and their families have my respect, my support, and my prayers. That has nothing to do with my feelings about the politicians.

[Avalonian]

Frankly, I'm tired of arguing about it too. Mostly because, like you Airman Doors, I see the futility in doing so. Those in leadership positions in this country are making the decisions. I disagree with some of those decisions, and I agree with others, but in the end it doesn't matter either way. Though it's frustrating to think this way, as an American, I'm realistic enough to know that my individual opinion means next to nothing at the decision-making level. So, I'm done arguing about it. It's a tiresome exercise, and a waste of energy.

That said, though I disagree with our leaders, I recognize that most of the people serving in the armed forces are in the same position I am, with the important difference that the decisions that are made affect them more directly. They're the ones to put their lives on the line, and they're the ones whose families have to be apart for months at a time. They have as little say in the decisions as I do, and yet their lives can be forever changed as a result of those decisions... and this to protect the fact that my life will most likely continue with little change. It is, as I said, an important difference.

That difference means that I have a great deal of respect for you and those you serve with, Airman. When I have criticized the war effort in the past on this board, please be aware that I am in no way criticizing you or anyone you serve with. Quite the opposite; I appreciate very much what you have chosen to do, and I respect that sort of choice more than you know.

Spend time with your family, Airman, and enjoy it... you have more than earned it. As for myself, I plan to do the same.

And thank you. Truly.

[White Lightning]

I'd also like to add my gratitude and my best wishes for you and yours, Airman. I respect you for standing up for what you believe in, and for putting more on the line for those beliefs than most of us ever will.

[CrankyAsAnOldMan]

It doesn't have to be your job to convince other people. You've got your opinion, and they've got theirs. You've got a job that requires you to be a lot more personally involved in the final outcome than they do, that's for sure. I think it's probably a good thing that you see the arguments for war, because it's be stressful for you to be deployed against your beliefs.

As others have said, I do hope you and your colleagues realize that even those who do not support the war *do* support the troops. I'm not very happy about the prospect of war, but I've adopted a soldier who is deployed in Kuwait--guess that makes me exhibit A.

[The_Stranger]

Airman Doors,
I've read many of your posts with interest.

This might be one of your best.

I am the only prior-service U.S. Marine in my family- of those that served, most were former Airforce personnel.

I hope that qualifies me to give you a virtual "Hand Salute" and a hearfelt wish of goodluck and safe return.


Stranger OUT

[Adoptamom_II]

Thank you for standing strong for our country. Please rest your spirit for a bit and enjoy your time with MsRobyn and Aaron.



from a teary mom of an Airman 1st Class

[Flymaster]

Originally posted by gobear
Hey, some of us love you, Dave, and are grateful for your defense of our nation.

I do not support this war. I do not support the president's actions. When we finally do go to war, I will be just as against the war as I am now. Do NOT insinuate that this somehow means that i don't appreciate the sacrifice that our troops make for us, or their defense of our nation.

[gobear]

Do NOT insinuate that this somehow means that i don't appreciate the sacrifice that our troops make for us, or their defense of our nation.

Let's see, what did post about Flymaster? (checks post)

Why, absolutely nothing! Buh-bye now, thanks for playing.

[Pammipoo]

So long as you're doing what you believe in, thats all that matters.

Rock on babe.

[Flymaster]

Originally posted by gobear
Let's see, what did post about Flymaster? (checks post)

Why, absolutely nothing! Buh-bye now, thanks for playing. Ok then, I misinterpreted. I apologize.

[TVeblen]

You're a class act, Doors. You've made a deeply-felt commitment and are laying it all right there on the line. It's probably pretty damned hard to appreciate fine distinctions about now, but questioning the necessity or prudence of this war in no way blemishes your honor for serving.

FWIW, I'm opposed to this war, right now. (Legacy of my dad, btw, a rock-ribbed old Republican vet who fought his way through some of the worst WWII dished out--and who vehemently, vocally opposed the Vietnam "conflict" later. We're the government; temporary inhabitants of Washington are overhead.) But few things trump bravery or grace. You've shown both, in spades.

Folks on the SDMB can argue hammer-and-tongs about anything. And do. Consensus would be eerie. The stakes are higher on this one, collectively and most personally for you, Airman Doors, but that doesn't mean one whit less concern for you.

Wishing you well,
Veb