A Memorial Day Post
Due to numerous requests, well one from Bone who has an exceptionally beautiful post up, I made this into its own post as it was supposed to be.
This post was written for Shayna, and Patriotic Cowgirl
This Memorial Day please think of the troops. The post that I lost talked about how the government and some media outlets made many people believe that every Viet Nam protester was anti-troop. Yeah we all walked around with rocks and eggs in our pockets to throw at troops. And you try walking around with a raw egg in a pocket. It was hard but we had to punish the troops for serving.
Almost every guy I knew who came home from Viet Nam was an addict or suffering from post traumatic stress. The term was coined for them. The VA wasn’t set up to help them.
In the early 90’s, fifteen years after the end of the war, I worked closely with The Bronx VA which had become great. The hospitals are going down fast. Like so many institutions they have been faced with massive cuts.
Hate the entire Bush Admin. Hate Newt for the stupid stupid Contract with America which closed or curtailed so many wonderful programs. Please hate Karl Rove separately. He personifies immorality and evil to me. Plamegate, that was to be expected from a man who dared utter the liberal thing in New York. Our lives will never ever be the same
I wasn’t downtown. Nobody knew what was going to happen next. Everybody knew many people who worked downtown and/or were on the subways. I have explained why I don’t support this war many times. Not important for this.
Don’t support the war but support the troops. I spent way too much time last year explaining why people who protested against Viet Nam didn’t usually hate the troops. Many good people believed that we had.
The troops in Iraq deserve your support. Think of them on Monday. Think of the walking wounded who still have flashbacks from Viet Nam. Vets from the war in Viet Nam deserve everything. We have failed them. All of us.
Now we have a new opportunity, out of another totally bogus war to make right so many wrongs. I, obviously, wasn’t blogging during Viet Nam, and was too young to be able to say to an audience that being critical of a government doesn’t mean we can’t love our country with all of our heart.
Though when my sister and I went to see a revival of one of the greatest movies of all time Yankee Doodle Dandy and the audience booed it, my sister and I did boo the audience.
It was a different world then. Most people viewed things in black and white. The shades of gray that we see now weren’t available as there wasn’t instant communication or CNN even.
During Katrina I was blogging. People deblogrolled me because they said it was impossible to both cast blame and to help. As somebody who had been here during 9/11 I knew that it was the only responsible thing to do. Did they tell the people who said that the people who remained in New Orleans were idiots not to say that? Or did they secretly feel that same way? Barbara Bush said something horrible, yet I don’t remember those bloggers castigating her
Something else happened to me then. I finally began to feel some closure with9/11 and my mom’s death, a month later. And I met some of the bloggers who would become very important to me. G-d knows, they don’t usually think the way I do, well nobody does, but…they respected me for thinking, and taking every persons feelings into account, but this governments.
A country shouldn’t be held hostage to its government. Shortly after 9/11, Ari Fleischer the then press secretary told people to be circumspect in their speech. I couldn’t and can’t understand how somebody who is the son of Holocaust survivors could say something like that.
This is the United States of America. Don’t stand outside the funeral of a service person and say that the person deserved to die. That’s sick. Channel your anger. Do something productive.
We have a unique opportunity to let the Vet’s know that no matter how much we hate the war and the government, we don’t hate them. This can’t and won’t be another Viet Nam where so much blame was passed around, it became almost impossible to remember who were supposed to love or hate that day
It’s a different world now. We can and have to communicate with each other, and when we place blame, let’s blame the right people. Not the troops.
This all said, the blogoshpere was a very different place when I began to blog. The radical right watched my every move. I began to feel less and less free to blog about things like sex. I like it, for the record. I couldn’t even write about a glitter sock emergency without hearing from one of them.
Some questions that I’m tired of hearing:
Why do you hate Bush so much?
Why do you hate America?
You lost, why don’t you get over it?
Why don’t you move to France? haven’t heard that one in a long time
my personal favorite questions have to be:
next you’ll want to kill all small children and people with disabilities Okay, that’s a statement not a question, but really
Don’t you know this is a Christian country? The First Amendment says so
Why do you hate Christmas?
Why do you lack a moral center or higher purpose in life?
And this was after BIO was formed. I can’t write about politics much anymore. If I’m not fighting the right somebody from the left has to debate baby boomers, as if baby boomers were in positions of authority during Viet Nam. As if baby boomers caused Bush to be elected. And as if I personally am responsible to save the reps of baby boomers
I’m just not that important.
Individually, none of us are.
Together we all are important. Together we can get the country back on track.
Just don’t come to Courting expecting a debate. There are more than enough bloggers who enjoy answering the above questions and more. I don’t. Took me over a year to say that this is a private blog, The First Amendment, which clearly establishes separation of church and state in public places doesn’t apply. Think of Courting as a private house in the midst of a public golf course.
On Monday think about the troops. They didn’t ask to go to Iraq. Some National Guard People were forced to reenlist.
We can reclaim America, and we can begin by thinking about troops. Then electing Republicans out of office in November. One step at a time, and we will get rid of a regime that believes itself to be above the law.
We just can’t hate each other. Then the Bush regime does win.
I do delete. I don’t debate. If you’re looking for a fair fight go to BIO where I probably won’t be much
I’m not that important
I have my own goals, and I’m a baby boomer so all sides have assigned me roles. I’m sick of defending my generation, and explaining what we did after Viet Nam. At least the baby boomers I know.
Yes being a baby boomer has driven me out of political blogging.
Like the people who were at theater the day my sister and I saw Yankee Doodle Dandy you’re all too busy assigning blame to listen. So why should I?
…you’re all too busy assigning blame to listen. That’s the problem with this world. Well, one of them.
This is the United States of America. Don’t stand outside the funeral of a service person and say that the person deserved to die. That’s sick. Channel your anger. Do something productive. Exactly. Holding signs that say things like “God Hates Your Tears” while I am carrying the daughter of a fallen soldier makes my blood boil. She could read those signs, and that will stay with her the rest of her life. Her daddy died serving the country where everyone has the right to free speech…and condemning him and others for their service at a FUNERAL is not worth a single drop of blood ever spilt since the beginning of this nation.
Thanks pia.
You’re invited too. Please read my post from Thursday. Don’t miss the comments.
Blessings,
Shirley
I really, really like you Pia. Thanks Shayna for directing me here.
We are all blessed with freedom and the opportunity to be anyone we can be.
These blessings did not come without cost.God Bless all the girls and boys,all the men and women who have sacrificed everything to keep us free.
We can debate who did what to whom and the brutality and immorality of war but the sad fact is that sometimes you have to stand up for your beliefs.We were born out of conflict and unfortuanately have had to defend ourselves from those who wish we did not exist.It is a sad fact of the human existance but no less the truth.
Those who defend us do so in the name of freedom and the right to exist.
God Bless our brave men and women.They are heroes no matter what your beliefs.They serve in the belief that they are defending us and their country.Unfortunately,no tragically that is not always the case.They deserve our support and admiration as they are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for all of us.Shame on those who shun and hate these brave souls.Vietnam was wrong but the men and women who fought there were and are heroes.
Peter
heh… I was called “unpatriotic” this morning on BIO because I disagreed with a post. (To pia’s readers: My disagreements are nothing new on BIO, trust me)
But… Unpatriotic? I sat befuddled. You’d be proud of me. I only wrote a disclaimer.
Blaming Baby Boomers is an unending farce and anyone who does that is an idiot. The more and more I think about it as a member of Generation X, the more I think Baby Boomers are getting the shaft unless they protected themselves for retirement. Who’s fault is that by the way? Their parents!! The Baby Boomer’s parent wrote all the rules. And now we sit and follow them…
Ok pia… 2 times in a row on BE, within 3 clicks!!
This is hard of course… this Memorial day on so many. I don’t support the war nor do I think it was necessary to keep us free but I support people who went over believing what their goverment told them but which turned out to be a lie.
I can’t pretend otherwise.
The guy running for congress on the district I am registered to vote in in Maryland is an Iraqi vet (well running if he gets the vote anyway), he has a better chance than the rest. Running against along time repub who has had the seat for ever and it would be a huge upset should he win…….I’m gonna help him win.
Say whatever you want it makes you uber cool.
My dad didn’t serve in Vietname, but rather during – and he still speaks of the reception he and others soldiers received upon their return home with bitterness and pain. Have felt the same way as you from the beginning of this enormous cluster fuck the Shrub admin – the Shrub admin ALONE – has created: I don’t support this war, the people perpetuating, nor the policies authorizing it – but I support EVERY SINGLE soldier risking their lives in hostile territory.
*Vietnam
*other
Sorry for the mistakes…am tired.
For me? I thank you…
“Don’t stand outside the funeral of a service person and say that the person deserved to die.” These typw people are the most heartless, evil people… and when they are standing outside the gates of hell holding their signs… maybe they will see the light then… a little to late.
“Think of the walking wounded” not only Viet Nam… but WWII, Korean, the Gulf War, and current.
Light a candle for everyone of them.
And comfort the bereaved ones.
Happy Memorial Day and God bless.
Great post Pia.
Keep fighting the good fight and keep writing.
To remember everything will teach us something.
Happy Memorial Day
Stay strong, girlfriend. Like you, I totally support the troops and have given money and time toward that end. And also like you, I DO NOT support this war or this administration.
It’s so sad to see this country divided as it is. We face one of the greatest challenges in our time – how to take back the country we love from those who choose to USE it for their own per$onal gain.
(Don’t even get me started! Check my blog for fun rants about all that).
If you’ve never heard of the Daily Kos, you will find like minds, intelligent analysis and discussion and excellent snarkage there.
We must find a way to stand together.
Like your blog and will read on.
Peace,
Lisda
HA! Can’t even spell my own name right. (Sigh) It’s late.
This is to Lisa or Lsda as the case may be.
Why don’t you list the service records of all the democrats in congress so we can have a fair comparison?Why don’t any of your people who seem to be of one mind talk about all that led up to Afganistan and Iraq?Why doesn’t anyone on your website talk about the history behind this mess that occured under Bill Clinton?
There is plenty of blame to go around for all our politicians for what has happened to this country the last 30 or so years.To read a blog that only sees it one way is boring and an insult to anyone with any level of intelligence.It would be refreshing to see a blog which was truly objective about politics,events,anything really.It’s interesting that you have a store on your blog.Does anyone really buy anything there?What is your purpose?I know,stupid question.
I am neither left nor right but,I am honest enough with myself and those I choose to communicate with to try and see things as they really are,not as a tool of discrimination and hatred.There is plenty of blame for both parties.The system doesn’t work girlfriend.No one can get elected to public office without making promises to everyone as outrageous as that may be.Therfore,it is impossible to be an effective honest person in the world of politics.It is so naive and foolish to blame one party or the other.It’s all of them.Oh well,wasted breath but your blog pissed me off.
Memorial Day : Honoring the Fallen, and Those Who Risk their Lives
It’s people who were probably a lot like Navy mechanic Anthony Gonzales that we honor this weekend. The difference is that Gonzales is not present just in the memories of family and friends, and his life is not marked today with an American flag place…
interesting that you saw things as being more black and white in the Vietnam era. I think your perspective may have changed, but many people still see things black and white. Fox news makes it very clear, there is a right side (there’s) and a wrong side (generally the side I’m on).
As for hating Bush, Rove, Chaney, I’m not sure that helps. In a way, I feel sorry for them because I think that in many ways they believe their own lies and think they’re doing what is good for the country. I try not to hate them, but I sure don’t like ‘em much!
May you have a great Memorial Day and thanks for reminding us to support the troops even if we don’t agree with the war.
I always find myself agreeing with virtually everything you say.
Coming from outside America, I often find myself caught in the trap of wanting to tell Americans just how bad their image/reputation has become outside of the US, and not wanting to generalise them, or pigeon hole them.
The interesting story that seems to be getting reported in the blogosphere but not in the media yet is the US armed forces running out of money – and laying off thousands of troops at home…
Thank ytou for the fair comments.You are probably correct that most people see things as black and white but,that doesn’t make it right.I don’t know that anything can change for the better as long as we are governed by extremists on either side.That is why the country is so polarized today.
In so far as war is concerned,remember that I am a first generation American Jew.My father was a Russian immigrant whose family was forced to leave Russia due to the Bolshevic revolution.They successfully got out but not in one piece.I had relatives who died under Hitler and am very sensitive to what happened and didn’t happen then.Six million people died.I remember that and was constantly reminded in story and the Branded numbers on the arms of many.There is an expression amongst my generation of Jews “never again”.
All of this definitely shades my perception of what is happening today.How do you stop “people” whose stated objective is to eliminate you and all those you love?How do you protect yourself,your family,your friends,your way of life from people who hate to the extent that they would martyr themselves,kill wantonly,attack your country or say they would when able?How do you ignore what happened on 9/11? How do react to a country that tells you they have weopans of mass destruction and will use them?If the planes that attacked us on 9/11 were nuke enabled New York and Washington would not exist.This is not a game for idealogues to argue about,it is not fantasy,it is real.My thought process is derived from history past and present.I refuse to bury my head in the sand and wish things were different.I honestly believe that if we don’t stand up now,we will be forced to in the future and it may be too late.History and current events dictate this.I wish with all my heart that it was different but,it is not.
We can argue about methods and ideas but not about reality.
There was a progam(60 minutes) last night where they interviewed veterans who had lost limbs and suffered other horrible acts.Sixty Minutes is arguably a program on a liberal t.v. network.Most every one had enormous pride in this country and even having suffered so,felt honored by their service and the importance of their sacrifice.These are not talking heads,these are not politicians,these are young men and women who fought and suffered in service to their country.There were some who questioned their sacrifice but they were overwhelmingly supportive of our effort and every one is involved in some service to help people any way they can.I respect and admire these heroes not only for what they have sacrificed but how they live,how they think,what they are doing with their lives.It’s not about politicians,it’s about them.
God bless everyone who has and had the courage to stand up and give us the freedoms we now enjoy.They are my America,not the politicians and talking heads who make us weaker and less committed to our way of life and it’s survival.
Peter, my children are first generation (on my husband’s side)Jews. I grew up here. But I will never forget my daughter as a 3 year old trying to scrub the numbers from Auschwitz from her Grandmother’s arm and asking her “Grandma, why won’t that come off?”. I hear what you’re saying.
Thank You G,I needed that.
shoemoney
nice shoemoney site at shoemoney http://www.imyourhuckleberry.info/ 42