Say Anything Blog

I wonder how many of Edwards’ legal brethren have served in the military… or how many $500,000 per year part time hedge fund “advisors” have served in the military as well.  We know John Edwards never served.

It’s a valid point to bring up Edwards total lack of any soprt of military service to the country.  Edwards himself defended the “inquiry” into President Bush’s military service record.  (Bush DID serve… honorably)  And using the Left’s own “chickenhawk” argument, John Edwards has no business suggesting anything where military service is concerned until he has actually donned the nation’s uniform and served to defend our country.

“Capitalism is optimism monetized.”

I wonder how many of Edwards’ legal brethren have served in the military… or how many $500,000 per year part time hedge fund “advisors” have served in the military as well.  We know John Edwards never served.

I wonder how many of the people supporting this war on this board have served.

Hawkeye: I don’t know the exact number, but Chief R.Z., myself and several others have identified themselves as having served and Chief and I at least, in combat. Now please shut up about the Chickenhawk crap.

It isn’t a big deal that Edwards didn’t serve, it is a big deal that he’s a hypocrite vis a vis Bush’honorable service in the Air National Guard and his own lack of any military service or even Peace Corps experience; plus his ignorance about the military being an all voluntary force, with the majority of Iraq and Afghanistan combat veterans reenlisting, many of them serving several tours; and many of those wounded and being treated that are begging to get back into battle with their band of brothers in the field.

We have the best military in the history of the world being handcuffed by cowardly, power hungry, defeatist, politically correct Democrats.

In keeping silent about evil, in burying it deep within us, so that it appears nowhere on the surface, we are implanting it, and it will rise up a thousandfold in the future.
Alexander Solzhenitsyn. The Gulag Archipelago

Edwards was misleading the public again by claiming that poor kids serve more than kids from affluent backgrounds.

Has that guy ever said the truth.

By the way the study concerning who served in Vietnam proved much the same thing.  In fact the death rate for middle class white kids was disproportionately high because white kids happened to be more likely members of air crews or platoon leaders.

But then facts don’t matter anymore when the lefties have an agenda.

1% of Americans pay 40% of the income tax.
5% of Americans pay 60% of the income tax.
10% of Americans pay 70% of the income tax.

The last thing our military needs are non-professional slackers!

No Free Lunch

Hawk,

What standing do YOU have to ask that of those of us who have served?

Out Here
Rodney Graves
(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Out Here
Rodney G. Graves
(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Ceterum censeo Parthia esse delendam
Latin: “Furthermore, Parthia (Persia aka modern day Iran) should be destroyed.”

Hawk, the only reason Bat employed the “chickenhawk” argument is because Edwards himself has used it in the past.

Obviously, in order to remain consistent in his arguments, I’m sure Edwards will refrain from having an opinion about Iraq since he’s a staunch supporter of the chickenhawk meme.

The purpose of government shouldn’t be to do good, but simply to refrain from doing evil.

Hawk,

I believe you’ll find that the majority of those here at SA who support the war on Islamist terrorism, and the conflict in Iraq as an integral part of that war, have already served our country in the military.  We have earned the right to criticize those, like Edwards, who have not served.

“Capitalism is optimism monetized.”

Hawk,

As Rob notes, both John Edwards and his supporters on the Left have employed the “chickenhawk” argument, vehemently suggesting that those who have not served in uniform have no business advocating the use of military force in defense of our country when we have been attacked by Islamist terrorists.

Edwards is an attorney, so he is presumed, rightly or wrongly, to have some modest amount of intelligence.  A bar exam after all, is certainly tedious, requiring a considerable amount of memorization, but it is hardly the most cognitively challenging exercise around.

Even Edwards should be able to recognize, on his own, that having made the argument, he is in no position to voice his suggestions on military policy without being instantly labeled a hypocrite.  After all, it was his choice not to serve his country in uniform, just as it was his choice to make the stupid “chickenhawk” argument in the first place.

“Capitalism is optimism monetized.”

I fail to see how that chickenhawk argument would carry any weight.  While I have not served in the military my opinion agrees with the majority who have. 

I suppose that if there was a consensus among people that have served we should listen, but when there’s military folks on both sides it doesn’t seem like you can have a position without agreeing with someone who served.

Its the weakest argument you can have and that’s saying something about the left.

1% of Americans pay 40% of the income tax.
5% of Americans pay 60% of the income tax.
10% of Americans pay 70% of the income tax.

Yes, hawkie, what does your DD 214 say about your service?

As for a draft, it is a political machination and nothing more. Want more troops for combat duty? Pull our Divisions out of Germany. Time for that open ended occupation to end.

Una Salus Victus Nullam Sperare Salutem

If John Edwards wants to bring poor folks out of poverty, he should teach them to make speeches on poverty…like the one he gave to college students last year for only $55,000.

The candidate charged a whopping $55,000 to speak at to a crowd of 1,787 the taxpayer-funded University of California at Davis on Jan. 9, 2006 last year, Joe Martin, the public relations officer for the campus’ Mondavi Center confirmed Monday.That amount—which comes to about $31 a person in the audience

Edwards charges $55,000 to speak to UC Davis students about poverty

Shrugging off the mindless, baseless attacks of Liberal hyenas and jackals since 2007

”(Proof) You’re, as we say in Hawaii, No Ka Oi!”

-unsolicited testimonial

Pull our Divisions out of Germany. Time for that open ended occupation to end.

Sacrilige! Blasphemy! And I agree 100% Can somebody tell what the point is in maintaining expensive divisions in Germany when the Soviet Union is now extinct and Russia can’t get Chechnya in line, much less a nuclear armed Europe.

Oh, and as far as Edwards wanting mandatory military service, I’m sure he’ll pull out his old uniforms and….what? What? He doesn’t have any? Well, except for that French maid thing he wears in the privacy of his own metrosexual environment, but hey…don’t ask, don’t tell.

And, Hawk…..I served. So shut up.

The future ain’t what it used to be…..

(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

The Breck Girl should lead by example.

To begin with, I want to see him with his head shaved.

I wonder how many of the people supporting this war on this board have served.

Hawk,

I’m one. Why do you ask?

//jcrue

Hmmm, hawk (or is it chickenhawk or maybe just plain chicket) is strangely silent about his service record.

I never was a member of the military but worked as a civiian engineer on defense contracts including a 2 year stint helping train Navy Fire Control technicians.

One of the most important talents for success in politics is the ability to make utter nonsense sound not only plausible but inspiring. Barack Obama has that talent. We will be lucky if we escape the catastrophes into which other countries have been led by leaders with that same charismatic talent.
-Thomas Sowell

Yes, hawkie, what does your DD 214 say about your service?

Honarably discharged in 1999.

Hmmm, hawk (or is it chickenhawk or maybe just plain chicket) is strangely silent about his service record.

I haven’t been silent about my military service. 

I’m one. Why do you ask?

Because I believe that you are of the age to serve and you support the war you should be there.

Because I believe that you are of the age to serve and you support the war you should be there.

And how do you approximate age on this board and determine who should and who should not “be there”?

And how do you approximate age on this board and determine who should and who should not “be there”?

Some have given their age, some have myspace pages.  But basically if you are between the ages of 18 and 35 and support the war, now is the time to back it up.

But basically if you are between the ages of 18 and 35 and support the war, now is the time to back it up.

And if you don’t support the war you get an exemption?  Boy, that is muddled thinking!!  People go into the military for a lot of reasons; many perhaps most never having to be under enemy fire.  Also there are many ways to support the war effort which do not include service in the military.

One of the most important talents for success in politics is the ability to make utter nonsense sound not only plausible but inspiring. Barack Obama has that talent. We will be lucky if we escape the catastrophes into which other countries have been led by leaders with that same charismatic talent.
-Thomas Sowell

And if you don’t support the war you get an exemption?

I’m not saying they are required to enlist, just that they are hypocrites for not.  So unless you support a draft, how do you expect those who don’t support the war being required.  Though, I’m not sure a draft is always a bad idea.

I’m not saying they are required to enlist, just that they are hypocrites for not.

Do you apply the same standard to those who support the police and fire departments, but don’t join?

Probably not.

Do you apply the same standard to those who support the police and fire departments, but don’t join?

Thats a stupid analogy.  When we go to war more recruits are required or the people currently in have to serve more and longer tours.  It hurts the effectiveness of the military.  So we ask people to join.

Thats a stupid analogy.

No, it’s an apt analogy. I knew you wouldn’t like it. It highlights the ridiculousness.

dove,

How is it you served and yet fail to understand that the all volunteer force has resulted in the most effective armed forces of the modern era?  You most assuredly do not understand that to be the case, as only a vile traitor would get behind a proposal which they knew would reduce the efficacy of the forces which defend our Republic.

So how did you manage to serve and yet fail to twig to the extraordinary professionalism and competence of those you served with?

Well?

Out Here
Rodney Graves
(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Out Here
Rodney G. Graves
(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Ceterum censeo Parthia esse delendam
Latin: “Furthermore, Parthia (Persia aka modern day Iran) should be destroyed.”

Support of “Just Cause” doesn’t require one to also participate directly in the event.

Saying: “I’m not saying they are required to enlist, just that they are hypocrites for not.” is a weak argument at best and validates nothing.

You still have a mentality that a service member somehow has no free will and a non service member has no freedom of speech. But worst of all, you assume that you personal military experience is representative all members of the military, past and present.

So does this mean that only tax payers are allowed to vote?

1% of Americans pay 40% of the income tax.
5% of Americans pay 60% of the income tax.
10% of Americans pay 70% of the income tax.

OK Hawk,

So lemme get this straight, those who oppose the war should then go sign up to be human shields, right?

If one’s seriousness is equal to the personal risk they are willing to accept to support their position, what are all the anti-war/Bush going to do? Join the jihad? the Peace Corps? What?

Is the street theater and costume choice enough personal risk to take to have their point of view taken seriously? If so, then I have yet to see how anyone I have ever seen opposed to our return to Iraq as someone I need to take seriously. Seriously.

And honestly, is one’s position on our return to Iraq really such a defining issue that it will determine which direction a person’s life is suppose to take?

I think not. Just look at the effort the country as a whole has made to support our troops. It is the minority who are demonstrating their support for our troops with action and not words.

After all, to paraphrase something written on a whiteboard in Iraq, “American is not at war, the Marine Corps is at war, America is at the mall”.

Semper Fi.

Tell me, hawkie, what was your primary MOS?

Una Salus Victus Nullam Sperare Salutem

So since most military folks vote Republican does this mean the Democraps should just sit down and shut up over the war?

1% of Americans pay 40% of the income tax.
5% of Americans pay 60% of the income tax.
10% of Americans pay 70% of the income tax.

So since most military folks vote Republican does this mean the Democraps should just sit down and shut up over the war?

If only it was so.  Since I didn’t serve, I’d gladly relinquish my pro-war voice if the Democrats and leftists that didn’t serve did the same with their anti-war screed.

One of the most important talents for success in politics is the ability to make utter nonsense sound not only plausible but inspiring. Barack Obama has that talent. We will be lucky if we escape the catastrophes into which other countries have been led by leaders with that same charismatic talent.
-Thomas Sowell

those who oppose the war should then go sign up to be human shields, right?

jcrue: Perfectly logical! Therefore, perfectly incomprehensible to most modern libs!

Shrugging off the mindless, baseless attacks of Liberal hyenas and jackals since 2007

”(Proof) You’re, as we say in Hawaii, No Ka Oi!”

-unsolicited testimonial

Is it just me, or does the chickenhawk argument after a while start to sound like the school yard taunt, “If you like it so much, why don’t youmarry it?”

And before the questions begin, I am of age, but have not volunteer for service.  However, I try to support the military by working hard and paying taxes, praying for their safety, and thanking every one of them I get a chance to.

Is it just me, or does the chickenhawk argument after a while start to sound like the school yard taunt, “If you like it so much, why don’t youmarry it?”

Perfect, TeacherDave

I do not believe John Edwards nor Charles Rangel.  Both are putting out a straw man and have no intentions of backing it up.  Charlie’s proposal was not even supported by him as I remember a few years ago.  We do not need draftees in today’s DoD.

Communism is evil

Tell me, hawkie, what was your primary MOS?

35d, what are you trying to do?  Catch me is some sort of lie showing I don’t know what I am talking about.

So lemme get this straight, those who oppose the war should then go sign up to be human shields, right?

Huh?  That makes no sense.  If you don’t support the war you should protest, write your congressman and vote for people who will stop it.

And honestly, is one’s position on our return to Iraq really such a defining issue that it will determine which direction a person’s life is suppose to take?

If it isn’t than we shouldn’t of gotten involved in the first place.

After all, to paraphrase something written on a whiteboard in Iraq, “American is not at war, the Marine Corps is at war, America is at the mall”.

Is that a good thing?

Hawk,

If writing your Congress critter is enough for the anti-war type, than posting on a blog in support of it is the same. Neither has risked a thing and they both get to feel like they contributed.

As a matter of fact I would say writing on a blog in support of our troops and the mission they have signed on for will have more of an effect than any letter sent to D.C.

hawk, I am attempting to unravel the tangle that is a veteran who does not want to engage and destroy our enemies. They have declared themselves as such, and it is insane to not take them at their word. They merrily murder and cripple their own children and women in the name of their God.

So, what did you do for your bread&water?

Una Salus Victus Nullam Sperare Salutem

Hawk, the fact that you can’t recognize apt and logical analogies doesn’t make them not applicable to your position.  It does make you sound like another Jesse Macbeth, though.

My bona fides:  Army, 34FV4, volunteered for first Gulf War, attached to 2d Marines into Kuwait City.  I wear a 2d AD “Hell on Wheels” “battle patch.”

THe majority of the people joining the military don’t serve for their nation. They sign up for the school benefits. I’m so sick of hearing, “I didn’t sign up for this shit. I signed up for school.”

Anyone who has enlisted since 2001 and says that is yanking your chain.

Una Salus Victus Nullam Sperare Salutem

jasthmpsn opines:

THe majority of the people joining the military don’t serve for their nation. They sign up for the school benefits. I’m so sick of hearing, “I didn’t sign up for this shit. I signed up for school.”

So tell us, what is this opinion based on?  Your in depth reading of the New York Slimes?

Out Here
Rodney G. Graves
(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Ceterum censeo Parthia esse delendam
Latin: “Furthermore, Parthia (Persia aka modern day Iran) should be destroyed.”

There are some points that I can agree with you, on your topic but others I wouldn’t. For one I really think your chart is a little off. Have you noticed that the Guards have been advertising for the middle class to join the army. A lot of the precentage of the the US is made up of a Middle Class population. So the hook that the guards came up with targeting the Middle class.‘If you join the Guards to serve your country you can have your college paid for.’ so you see that the ‘rich’ people don’t really need their college paid for, because their daddys pay for it. So I really don’t see a celbs child joining the army on a whim. To serve their country when they’ll get everything handed to them.

Hey, we tried pulling divisions out of germany once, after ww1.  look what happened.  that would be so much worse than the Gulf War