# Hey all you right-wing “patriots”, where are you now that the Guard needs you to help **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [December 19, 2004, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-all-you-right-wing-patriots-where-are-you-now-that-the-guard-needs-you-to-help/280601 "2004-12-19T04:06:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![leroy\_the\_mule](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/6a8cbe/32.png) [@leroy\_the\_mule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leroy_the_mule)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2004, 5:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-all-you-right-wing-patriots-where-are-you-now-that-the-guard-needs-you-to-help/280601/21 "2004-12-19T05:35:59Z")
> [@BabaBooey](#): > > I am registered as an independent, and I think we went to war prematurely with a country that ended up not being a threat. But I certainly won’t condemn it as I feel some good can come from it. You still haven’t answered my question: Did you vote for Kerry? Ya, I voted for the medal-throwing veteran who protested the Vietnam war when it was not such a popular thing to do. I think he understands that war is usually a bad idea. You still haven’t answered my question–if you think “some good” will come of it, why aren’t you joining the Guard? THEY NEED MORE PEOPLE. ---
**Author:** ![Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e36b37/32.png) [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airman_Doors_USAF)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2004, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-all-you-right-wing-patriots-where-are-you-now-that-the-guard-needs-you-to-help/280601/22 "2004-12-19T05:36:05Z")
Nope, I’m not having reading comprehension problems. “Hey, right-wing patriots” is right in the title. I am a “right-wing patriot”. I was also a war supporter (note the use of the word “was”), even as I knew that I would go. Did you ever hear the saying “All generalizations are wrong, including this one”? Well, counselor, I submit this as Exhibit A. ---
**Author:** ![BabaBooey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/dfb087/32.png) [@BabaBooey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BabaBooey)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2004, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-all-you-right-wing-patriots-where-are-you-now-that-the-guard-needs-you-to-help/280601/23 "2004-12-19T05:37:39Z")
> [@Airman Doors](#): > > Of course he did, unless he went Nader or Badnarik. I am also a registered independent and I voted Kerry. I’m not sure why that matters, though. Is it because Kerry said that he wouldn’t withdraw? That’s the point I’m trying to make, yes. I agree Kerry took the proper approach on the matter. But I feel it is hypocritical for someoene who voted for Kerry to attack someone who voted for Bush because they are letting others fight “their war” when in fact Kerry would have kept them in Iraq if he had taken office. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2004, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-all-you-right-wing-patriots-where-are-you-now-that-the-guard-needs-you-to-help/280601/24 "2004-12-19T05:41:01Z")
> [@BabaBooey](#): > > That’s the point I’m trying to make, yes. I agree Kerry took the proper approach on the matter. But I feel it is hypocritical for someone who voted for Kerry to attack someone who voted for Bush because they are letting others fight “their war” when in fact Kerry would have kept them in Iraq if he had taken office. If the OP was rephrased to apply not to all Bush voters, but only to those who support the invasion and occupation of Iraq, would you agree they have a moral obligation to to enlist if they are able? ---
**Author:** ![leroy\_the\_mule](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/6a8cbe/32.png) [@leroy\_the\_mule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leroy_the_mule)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2004, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-all-you-right-wing-patriots-where-are-you-now-that-the-guard-needs-you-to-help/280601/25 "2004-12-19T05:44:05Z")
What he said. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Carter\_of\_Mars](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/2bfe46/32.png) [@John\_Carter\_of\_Mars](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Carter_of_Mars)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2004, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-all-you-right-wing-patriots-where-are-you-now-that-the-guard-needs-you-to-help/280601/26 "2004-12-19T05:44:28Z")
> [@leroy\_the\_mule](#): > > After all the flag-waving we saw this summer, and millions of votes cast for our Fearless Misleader, I wonder why we don’t see millions of you war-lovers lining up to spill blood and kill in Iraq. > > Bunch of chicken hypocrites. :mad: I’ve served four years of active military duty. Plus the required inactive reserve time that followed. Have you? ---
**Author:** ![BabaBooey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/dfb087/32.png) [@BabaBooey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BabaBooey)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2004, 5:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-all-you-right-wing-patriots-where-are-you-now-that-the-guard-needs-you-to-help/280601/27 "2004-12-19T05:46:20Z")
> [@leroy\_the\_mule](#): > > Ya, I voted for the medal-throwing veteran who protested the Vietnam war when it was not such a popular thing to do. I think he understands that war is usually a bad idea. > > You still haven’t answered my question–if you think “some good” will come of it, why aren’t you joining the Guard? THEY NEED MORE PEOPLE. You voted for a man that wanted to keep the troops in Iraq. I still fail to see how I am obliged to head to Iraq yet you are not. I personally am not joining the guard because I’ve spent the last 3 years working my ass off to become an electrical engineer and have no interest in going to war unless the country is directly threatened. My feelings on the war had no affect on whom my vote went to. ---
**Author:** ![BabaBooey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/dfb087/32.png) [@BabaBooey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BabaBooey)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2004, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-all-you-right-wing-patriots-where-are-you-now-that-the-guard-needs-you-to-help/280601/28 "2004-12-19T05:51:55Z")
> [@Fear Itself](#): > > If the OP was rephrased to apply not to all Bush voters, but only to those who support the invasion and occupation of Iraq, would you agree they have a moral obligation to to enlist if they are able? I’m not sure right now. It’s a good question. If you want me to say I’m a pussy, I’ll say it. I have no desire to put my life on the line unless absolutely necessary. That is why I never joined the Army etc even though it could have helped me pay my way through college. I still think the OP is idiotic. ---
**Author:** ![leroy\_the\_mule](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/6a8cbe/32.png) [@leroy\_the\_mule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leroy_the_mule)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2004, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-all-you-right-wing-patriots-where-are-you-now-that-the-guard-needs-you-to-help/280601/29 "2004-12-19T06:01:57Z")
> [@John Carter of Mars](#): > > I’ve served four years of active military duty. Plus the required inactive reserve time that followed. Have you? No, I have not. To repeat: you, Airman Doors, and anyone else now serving in the military who believes in the war is NOT a hypocrite. Millions of Americans publicly support the war and associate peace activism with treason. Meanwhile, the Guard experiences a shortfall of 7,000 for their current 350,000 troop target. Therefore, this country has a bunch of hypocrite chickenhawks. From my neighborhood this week they are shipping into real combat a tubby middle-aged dairy farmer with four children who joined a few years ago to make some extra money until milk prices came around. Now they have to sell the herd. It’s sad and ridiculous. I am angry about the whole thing. ---
**Author:** ![leroy\_the\_mule](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/6a8cbe/32.png) [@leroy\_the\_mule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leroy_the_mule)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2004, 6:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-all-you-right-wing-patriots-where-are-you-now-that-the-guard-needs-you-to-help/280601/30 "2004-12-19T06:04:35Z")
> [@BabaBooey](#): > > If you want me to say I’m a pussy, I’ll say it. I want you to say that you will honestly work hard to prevent the next bullshit war from starting. ---
**Author:** ![BabaBooey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/dfb087/32.png) [@BabaBooey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BabaBooey)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2004, 6:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-all-you-right-wing-patriots-where-are-you-now-that-the-guard-needs-you-to-help/280601/31 "2004-12-19T06:04:50Z")
Another question for leroy and Fear: Are you against AIDS? What do you do about it? Follow up: Are you against homelessness? What do you do about it? Follow up: Are you against spousal abuse? What do you do about it? ---
**Author:** ![leroy\_the\_mule](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/6a8cbe/32.png) [@leroy\_the\_mule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leroy_the_mule)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2004, 6:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-all-you-right-wing-patriots-where-are-you-now-that-the-guard-needs-you-to-help/280601/32 "2004-12-19T06:15:00Z")
Yes, I am against AIDS, and talk about it to sexually active teenagers. I am against homelessness. I have built several houses in my time. I am against spousal abuse. I used to be a childcare volunteer in a battered women’s shelter. Maybe I ought to volunteer to help with the conflict resolution program at school. Good questions–sort of remind me of my OP. How would you answer them? ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2004, 6:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-all-you-right-wing-patriots-where-are-you-now-that-the-guard-needs-you-to-help/280601/33 "2004-12-19T06:18:59Z")
> [@BabaBooey](#): > > Another question for leroy and Fear: Are you against AIDS? What do you do about it? > Follow up: Are you against homelessness? What do you do about it? > Follow up: Are you against spousal abuse? What do you do about it? I vote Democrat. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![BabaBooey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/dfb087/32.png) [@BabaBooey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BabaBooey)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2004, 6:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-all-you-right-wing-patriots-where-are-you-now-that-the-guard-needs-you-to-help/280601/34 "2004-12-19T06:22:58Z")
“Yes, I am against AIDS, and talk about it to sexually active teenagers.” How does that help people that have AIDS now? We’re talking about the war in Iraq, yet it’s doing nothing to help the soldiers their now. “I am against homelessness. I have built several houses in my time.” Houses for the homeless? “I am against spousal abuse. I used to be a childcare volunteer in a battered women’s shelter.” Good for you, really. "Good questions–sort of remind me of my OP. How would you answer them? I certainly hope that my question reminds you of your own, as I never said you were required to directly do anything about it. Please refer to a particular word you used re: battered women’s sheler: “volunteer”. As for myself, I’ve done little aside from donating to the United Way. Being that I, as mentioned, work full time so as to pay for my college tuition, I would rather spend my time drinking, playing video games, on the Estee-embeezie etc rather than volunteering to do anything. ---
**Author:** ![BabaBooey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/dfb087/32.png) [@BabaBooey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BabaBooey)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2004, 6:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-all-you-right-wing-patriots-where-are-you-now-that-the-guard-needs-you-to-help/280601/35 "2004-12-19T06:24:49Z")
Shit: "I certainly hope that my **doesn’t** question reminds you of your own ---
**Author:** ![leroy\_the\_mule](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/6a8cbe/32.png) [@leroy\_the\_mule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leroy_the_mule)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2004, 6:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-all-you-right-wing-patriots-where-are-you-now-that-the-guard-needs-you-to-help/280601/36 "2004-12-19T06:32:32Z")
> [@BabaBooey](#): > > Shit: "I certainly hope that my **doesn’t** question reminds you of your own 😕 Drinking much tonight? ---
**Author:** ![BabaBooey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/dfb087/32.png) [@BabaBooey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BabaBooey)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2004, 6:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-all-you-right-wing-patriots-where-are-you-now-that-the-guard-needs-you-to-help/280601/37 "2004-12-19T06:41:58Z")
> [@leroy\_the\_mule](#): > > 😕 Drinking much tonight? :smack: 4 beers thus far, but that’s been over the past 3 hours. No excuse for the second fuck up. My opinion as expressed thus far is still genuine, though. ---
**Author:** ![rjung](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/45deac/32.png) [@rjung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rjung)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2004, 6:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-all-you-right-wing-patriots-where-are-you-now-that-the-guard-needs-you-to-help/280601/38 "2004-12-19T06:48:27Z")
“Hey all you right-wing “patriots”, where are you now that the Guard needs you to help” Making up excuses, it seems. ---
**Author:** ![RedFury](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ec9cab/32.png) [@RedFury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedFury)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2004, 7:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-all-you-right-wing-patriots-where-are-you-now-that-the-guard-needs-you-to-help/280601/39 "2004-12-19T07:58:16Z")
> [@Airman Doors](#): > > I’m in the fucking Guard. In fact, I did some time in Iraq, I’ve been deployed to various places for at least six months of my three years, I volunteered to go back to Iraq and was shot down by my commander, I would go back in a heartbeat if I could Why? For some time now, you repeatedly said you don’t support the invasion – specifically, as marketed by this administration – and even went as far as voting _against_ it. Seeing that, as I am sure you know, informed voter that you were, there were _real_ policy differences between the two candidates why would you _still_ be asking to be allowed to re-join the enforcers of said misguided policies on the ground. Noble as the request might be on its face – Brothers In Arms and all that – fact is, you’d be laying your life on the line for, at best, misguided ideology, and at worst, backing a sinister enterprise for the ultimate benefit of the very few. Because as you should well know by now the agenda for war on Iraq was a serious and open imperative for many of the ‘neoconservatives’ in the Bush administration _well before_ 9/11 – which itself was nothing but code for keeping and augmenting the status of the elite. Understandable and even pragmatic if _you_ commune with such ideals and have _realistic_ hopes of joining the upper crust, but as a citizen of the world and one with no such compulsions nor desires, it is something I not only find repulsive but the very reason why I hope the Iraqi resistance will put an end to those dreams. For as much needless blood is being shed there, in the long run, a defeat and/or stagnation and ensuing reconsideration of your newly declared “pre-emptive” policies will prevent what is likely to be the catastrofic effects of same if ‘succesful.’ Because when you get right down to it, said policy gives anyone and everyone the ‘right’ to do as they wish. After that it won’t take long for nuclear weapons to become an intrinsic part of ‘legitimate defense’ – and for very good and legitimate reasons if only the current US Gov had some understanding of the term ‘empathy.’ That said, you’re fighting (and willing to die for) to create the exact opposite effect of what your political marketing strategy claims it is trying to accomplish. Think about it. I don’t mean to be condescending, but it is really not that difficult to sort through. Put yourself in the shoes of those that have been specifically targeted by the US. What would _you_ do? If one thing’s clear from all you’ve written here, you sure as hell wouldn’t go down without a fight. Hell, you’re willing to put your life on the line to _invade_ other countries for no real reason other than you’re told to do so, imagine how you’d react if someone else did the same to _yours_. > [@Airman](#): > > We have to see this thing through, one way or the other. Otherwise, all we would have done was light the powder keg over there. Keep your dream alive, but the fact of the matter’s keg is already lit. And you’ll only be fanning 1.4 billion flames while you remain there. Are you \*sure \* you want to render your life to such a blockheaded policy? For your family’s sake – and your own – I’d much rather have you posting from Canada or fighting from within your own country. Again, is something really worth dying for just because many of your brothers in arms think so? Not that I’ve ever considered joining the military for I am too much of a fan of my own rules to lockstep to anyone else’s but to me it takes a bigger pair to fight injustice and/or lies than it does locksptepping behind those that have the power to steer your nation down the wrong path. Kind of what your own professed favored candidate, Kerry, did in his time of calling: stand-up to the powers that be and call them on their own bullshit. Would that he had had enough cojones left to have done the same this time around…but that’s a whole 'nother topic. Sad that the only two politicians ready to _truly_ step up to the plate happened to be an ancient one with nothing to lose, and an ersatz politico turned truth-teller: Byrd and Gore, respectively. Surely America can do better than that. Because if it can’t blood – yours and ours – will keep flowing freely. That can’t possibly be what the majority of you want. Or is it? Talk about a let down… ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2004, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-all-you-right-wing-patriots-where-are-you-now-that-the-guard-needs-you-to-help/280601/40 "2004-12-19T17:22:08Z")
> [@leroy\_the\_mule](#): > > After all the flag-waving we saw this summer, and millions of votes cast for our Fearless Misleader, I wonder why we don’t see millions of you war-lovers lining up to spill blood and kill in Iraq. Granted I’m not American, but you don’t have to enlist to help. Some of us contribute in other ways. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-all-you-right-wing-patriots-where-are-you-now-that-the-guard-needs-you-to-help/280601.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-all-you-right-wing-patriots-where-are-you-now-that-the-guard-needs-you-to-help/280601.md?page=3)