You’re seriously lacking in understanding of the English language, then, THespos, and your eyesight might be a bit off in addition. I distinctly see the words (still there in her post) “I know it’s a little exciting to FINALLY get to put all your training into effect” and, once again for you illeterati, I made a comment about that statement and that statement alone.
I’ve tried several times to respond to this, but have ended up laughing too hard each time. I see your Rick Moranis and raise you a John Candy and Mel Brooks as Yogurt going at it “moggie style”
Maybe you should be a bit less pedantic and learn how to take in the whole sense, perspective, and meaning of a paragraph rather than homing in on a single sentence.
Well, what about all the independent contractors working on board?
Like my attitude towards you has changed from the past for exactly what reason, chique? Anyway, I clearly indicated that I was only talking about one bit and addressing that one bit. The rest of the posting I didn’t have problem with. What I have a problem with is the oft-repeated attitude that military folks aren’t really doing anything unless there’s a shooting war going on.
What?
I think SR was quite clear in stating her complaint - she’d rather not her friends go off to possibly die. If I’m wrong, SR, please do say so. I’d rather my friends not put themselves in harm’s way, either, and I don’t know why anyone would take any offense to that sentiment.
chique: I’d rather my friends (most of whom, for obvious reasons, are on Active Duty) not go off to die either.
AND I FUCKING DID NOT TAKE OFFENSE AT THAT STATEMENT YOU FUCKING JACKASS!
I took offense at the statement that I addressed.
Fucking moron.
Didn’t take offense?
shrug
Someone did.
Chill, Monty. Pretend that you’re sniping at Osama bin Laden, or some such.
Yes, I’ll agree that Swiddles could have expressed this thought better:
There are people who express the thought that troops (as distinct from techs) are thuggish parasites in peace and conscienceless murderers too excited to use their training to think about what they’re doing in war. That’s stupid, to put it mildly. You’ve undoubtedly heard too much of that, and to say that would be to flick you on a raw spot undeservedly.
I don’t think that what Swiddles was trying to say, though. I think that what she meant was: “I can understand your (the generic ‘your’) feelings, but also understand mine, that I’m still scared for my loved ones”.
My eyesight’s 20/15, friend. And I think I get the language just fine, thank you, considering that tens of thousands of people read my column every week and they seem to get my drift without too much difficulty.
Yah… As I mentioned before, I don’t think SwimmingRiddles was trying to say this. So please chill out a bit.
Then the only explanation for your current apparent illiteracy is that at the moment you don’t have a clue as to what you’re talking about. That’s assuming that your column is any good and that you know what you’re talking about in it, which you apparently do given the numbers of readers you say you have. Perhaps you’d be better off sticking with the column.
And Monty, not to engage in a pile-on here, but do consider this. If the purpose of the military was not to engage in war and war-like activities, it wouldn’t exist in nearly the same form it does now. So, while members of the armed forces may be working incrediably hard during times of non-combat, it is the combat that justifies its existance.
It seems to me that this one sentence of SwimmingRiddles’ post that’s getting your dander up was meant in no way to be insulting, and in fact in a lot of ways is true.
What???
Gotta disagree with you on “the whole purpose” thing, Eonwe. That is, unless you include “deterrence” as “warlike activity.”
Hey, Monty. Were you trained to fight war? When actively fighting war are you using the skills learned in training? THAT’S WHAT I MEANT. Chill. I am well aware that when not getting shot at, everyone in uniform is doing exactly what they are paid for. However, I don’t have to worry about those I love on a daily basis when they’re NOT getting shot at. And at no point in my OP did I EVER state any opinion on whether or not I believe this war is justified, for a good reason. It doesn’t MATTER what I think. I don’t hate THIS war, I hate ALL war. I understand the need for it. I am grateful for the job yall are doing, now and three years ago. Doesn’t change the fact that I hate the fact that I am entirely helpless when my best friend is in peril. I assume from your posts that you’re a service person. If you STILL have no idea what I’m talking about, call someone who loves you and ask them how they’d feel if you got deployed tomorrow.
And silly Trip, the last human being in the world who I would accuse of waking up in the morning looking forward to a nice day of nuking is YOU. I just know that the opportunity to kick ass is always a high. It’s just that the ass you guys get to kick is a bit more life threatening then the ass I kick on a daily basis. (“NO. You CAN’T substitute a small salad for the potato salad! HAH!”) And besides, I need you around to figure out what’s wrong with my applicances and tell me what NOT to say to boys. (Which I’ll probably ignore…you know me…)
Once again, to a certain extent, because my dad is so open to talking about his combat experiance, I’ve had a very clear and very ugly picture of what war is since I was very young. Anyone who would like to paint a picture of a kinder, happier war is welcome to try.
Oh, and I haven’t heard back from my friend. Probably because she’s working 16 hour days again before she goes over. But you’re right, Monty. I don’t understand what military service is about at ALL. :rolleyes:
I still don’t think you get how the comment, the sole comment I was addressing, comes across as, SwimmingRiddles. In that sense, I really don’t think you understand what military service is all about. Granted, it could be my perception after hearing for so many years and from so many people using that or similar expressions to belittle the military that makes me see the comment that way.
Monty, Mr Strand had been in the Marine Corps for 17 years, and not only did I hear Marines say almost the exact same thing SwimmingRiddles has said before the Gulf war, but now I hear them saying it again.
Usually it’s some Private or Corporal who wants to throw his weight around. But I’ve heard the troops say it. There seems to be a couple of war mongers in every unit. Some punk who shoots his mouth off about “killing a Camel” and “Finally Getting to earn (his) pay”. Unfortunately these nimrods seem to get the most time on TV.
It’s my belief that this is what SwimmingRiddles was trying to say.
To address the OP. I’ve been living in fear for the last week. Gunny Strand hasn’t been called up yet, but I know he’s on the list. His unit just moved from third on the list to second. This sucks more than most people can believe.
Oh, please. You are not allowed to take something out of context, over-react and expect me to try to understand how it’s logical for you to do both of these things. If everyone else who has read this thread understands what I’m trying to say, and you’re the only one who has his feathers ruffled, maybe you’re just a tad bit too sensitive.
But at any rate, I’m definately finished defending myself. Get over it.
I’m illiterate? Excuse me.
I’m not the one who misquoted something he misunderstood in the first place, was corrected by the OPer, and still insists he’s correct.
And you’re telling me I’ve got problems with the English language?
Here’s a nice, tall glass of shut the fuck up. Drink it down before it gets warm.
Number one: I didn’t take it out of context.
Number two: I didn’t overreact.
Number three: I clearly said that I was addressing one bit and one bit only.
Number four: Both the OP and THespos can go to hell. Good riddance.