Non Sequitur presents an interesting cartoon the sentiment of which says that a woman should jump at the chance to marry an unemployed man because of her opportunity to show her support for equal rights.
I've recently noticed what seems like an increased number of radio stories talking about women and their challenges going to Iraq, trying to be mother and soldier, etc. Granted, this has been mostly on NPR but also from other outlets. Frankly, I'm tired of hearing it.
We have an all volunteer military. Every woman going to Iraq signed up of her own accord, be it National Guard duty or regular military. They should have thought about the ramifications on their civilian life before they signed the contracts.
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm sure the challenges are immense and the pressure unbearable. I'm also sure the women featured in the stories I've heard are serving honorably. But, the challenges and sacrifices required of the military are no secret. One may join the military for the benefits, college programs or the opportunity to travel the world. In the end though the military has but one purpose; to travel where required and fight. That's the job.
Women have been fighting for equal rights for at least a century. This is what it looks like. Get over it.
Showing posts with label Iraq. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Iraq. Show all posts
Monday, February 25, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Friday, February 01, 2008
Here we go...
Headline Berkley, CA (Yes, that Berkley).
Berkeley Finds a New Way to Make War Politics Local
The Berkley City Council has passed a resolution allowing a group called "Code Pink" to use the parking spot outside the Marine Recruiter's office four hours, one afternoon a week, for the next six months. They've also instructed their city attorney to find a way to run the Marines out of town.
So, to the women of code pink. Protest the war, try to change the electorate, use all the peaceful methods at your disposal to protest. DO NOT BLAME THE MARINES, SOLDIERS, SAILORS AND AIRMEN! "Make Out, Not War." Not even original but much more politically correct than "Make Love, Not War." And to the Berkley City Council, shame on you. That's about all I can say, shame on you.
The last thing we need today are a bunch of aging hippies fondly remembering their Viet Nam War protests, spitting on veterans when they return. You know who you are.
This article embodies everything wrong with the supposed Intellectual Elites running our universities. Why have an informed debate and talk about the issues when you can get your city council to pass a meaningless ordinance and blame the soldier. Let's be honest, intellectual honesty in our institutions of higher learning has been dead for some time (see my earlier post about the University of Deleware). This just confirms my worst suspicions.
Oh, by the way, electing Hillary will change nothing. We're in Iraq and we're going to be there for decades. I don't like her but she's smart enough to know pulling out at this point will be counterproductive. Are you?
Berkeley Finds a New Way to Make War Politics Local
The Berkley City Council has passed a resolution allowing a group called "Code Pink" to use the parking spot outside the Marine Recruiter's office four hours, one afternoon a week, for the next six months. They've also instructed their city attorney to find a way to run the Marines out of town.
So, to the women of code pink. Protest the war, try to change the electorate, use all the peaceful methods at your disposal to protest. DO NOT BLAME THE MARINES, SOLDIERS, SAILORS AND AIRMEN! "Make Out, Not War." Not even original but much more politically correct than "Make Love, Not War." And to the Berkley City Council, shame on you. That's about all I can say, shame on you.
The last thing we need today are a bunch of aging hippies fondly remembering their Viet Nam War protests, spitting on veterans when they return. You know who you are.
This article embodies everything wrong with the supposed Intellectual Elites running our universities. Why have an informed debate and talk about the issues when you can get your city council to pass a meaningless ordinance and blame the soldier. Let's be honest, intellectual honesty in our institutions of higher learning has been dead for some time (see my earlier post about the University of Deleware). This just confirms my worst suspicions.
Oh, by the way, electing Hillary will change nothing. We're in Iraq and we're going to be there for decades. I don't like her but she's smart enough to know pulling out at this point will be counterproductive. Are you?
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Bumper Stickers
I've been reading some interesting bumper stickers lately I thought I'd share. The first bumper sticker I saw a few weeks ago went something like this:
"My kid fought in Iraq so your kid could go to college"
Anybody feel like we're back in the draft era? During the Viet Nam War there were clearly young adults of privilege who didn't have to serve (e.g. President Clinton and Vice President Cheney) and those who "served" by getting rare National Guard positions (e.g. President W and Vice President Dan Quayle). That said, the draft ended decades ago. We have an all volunteer armed force. The bumper sticker seems disingenuous at best. Now, if we want to have a debate about the socio-economic makeup of the armed forces that's another question. This bumper sticker however is trying to lay a guilt trip on one group of people because this person's kid volunteered for service. I'm a vet and I volunteered in the 80s. So those of you reading this who think I don't understand can bug off.
The next bumper sticker is nothing new, but fun none the less. This was on the back of a Ford Explorer:
"Made by, driven by, and paid for by an American."
According to the U.S. Stuff Product web site (http://www.usstuff.com/cars205c.htm). The 2005 Ford Explorer is only 75% U.S. and/or Canadian parts (which could be all Canadian). It has a German Engine and a French Transmission. Granted, it is assembled in St. Louis but the major components have nothing to do with being "made by an American." I found a couple of references suggesting the Kentucky-assembled Toyota Camry has 55% American parts. So, what is an American car anyway?
"My kid fought in Iraq so your kid could go to college"
Anybody feel like we're back in the draft era? During the Viet Nam War there were clearly young adults of privilege who didn't have to serve (e.g. President Clinton and Vice President Cheney) and those who "served" by getting rare National Guard positions (e.g. President W and Vice President Dan Quayle). That said, the draft ended decades ago. We have an all volunteer armed force. The bumper sticker seems disingenuous at best. Now, if we want to have a debate about the socio-economic makeup of the armed forces that's another question. This bumper sticker however is trying to lay a guilt trip on one group of people because this person's kid volunteered for service. I'm a vet and I volunteered in the 80s. So those of you reading this who think I don't understand can bug off.
The next bumper sticker is nothing new, but fun none the less. This was on the back of a Ford Explorer:
"Made by, driven by, and paid for by an American."
According to the U.S. Stuff Product web site (http://www.usstuff.com/cars205c.htm). The 2005 Ford Explorer is only 75% U.S. and/or Canadian parts (which could be all Canadian). It has a German Engine and a French Transmission. Granted, it is assembled in St. Louis but the major components have nothing to do with being "made by an American." I found a couple of references suggesting the Kentucky-assembled Toyota Camry has 55% American parts. So, what is an American car anyway?
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Vietnam Marks 30 Years Since War's End - Yahoo! News
Vietnam Marks 30 Years Since War's End - Yahoo! News
I was only 12 when Saigon fell. Although I was in no real danger of being drafted into the war, I do have odd memories of the time.
I was in 5th grade during the election cycle of 1972. I remember the kids running around on the playground at school yelling about who they were for in the election. The area I grew up in was distinctly republican. My father was one of the few democrats in town. All the kids were saying Nixon was their man. I couldn't understand why they were "rooting" for Nixon when McGovern was the obvious choice. I remember asking my dad why and the expression on his face as he tried to explain politics to a 10 year old.
Vietnam put my father in a number of difficult positions. Again, the memories I have are odd. I remember watching the evening news with my family. When the anchorman would talk about Vietnam there was always a multi-colored map of southeast Asia with the day's body count. I asked my dad why we always saw a higher body count for the enemy but it seemed like we were losing the war. My poor father had to try and explain that one to me as well.
I'm not sure what to take away from this ramble. Looking back it's clear that America had already started to view elections for the presidency as a sporting event. How can we root for a candidate when the candidates for both parties talk in sound bites instead of discussing the issues in a detailed and rational manner.
I hope I don't have to explain these things to my son.
I was only 12 when Saigon fell. Although I was in no real danger of being drafted into the war, I do have odd memories of the time.
I was in 5th grade during the election cycle of 1972. I remember the kids running around on the playground at school yelling about who they were for in the election. The area I grew up in was distinctly republican. My father was one of the few democrats in town. All the kids were saying Nixon was their man. I couldn't understand why they were "rooting" for Nixon when McGovern was the obvious choice. I remember asking my dad why and the expression on his face as he tried to explain politics to a 10 year old.
Vietnam put my father in a number of difficult positions. Again, the memories I have are odd. I remember watching the evening news with my family. When the anchorman would talk about Vietnam there was always a multi-colored map of southeast Asia with the day's body count. I asked my dad why we always saw a higher body count for the enemy but it seemed like we were losing the war. My poor father had to try and explain that one to me as well.
I'm not sure what to take away from this ramble. Looking back it's clear that America had already started to view elections for the presidency as a sporting event. How can we root for a candidate when the candidates for both parties talk in sound bites instead of discussing the issues in a detailed and rational manner.
I hope I don't have to explain these things to my son.
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