Michael Jackson dies and it
Yeah the media and hollywood tend to exploit all the things that will sensationalize and most times get things wrong just to sell ads whatever the form. Seems everyone forgot what America stands for and folks that have less than honorable fiber are more important
One thing you do have to admit is, we as a people, and as a country, have made dramatic strides in how we view and treat our returning veterans compared to Viet Nam.
Whether folks actually feel as much gratitude and compassion toward our troops as they show these days, it would be impossible to say.
I'd sure hate to think the only reason our returning troops are treated so well by people in this country today is due to guilt for the way returning Viet Nam troops were treated.
Whatever the reason, as a veteran (Viet Nam era, BTW) I am very thankful for the way our returning heroes are treated.
They deserve all that and so much more.
I suspect much of the news media still views anyone in uniform as a baby killer - and to them, Ed McMahon wasn't worth mentioning - especially when coverage of Michael Jackson's death was far better for ratings.
Pathetic.
Whether folks actually feel as much gratitude and compassion toward our troops as they show these days, it would be impossible to say.
I'd sure hate to think the only reason our returning troops are treated so well by people in this country today is due to guilt for the way returning Viet Nam troops were treated.
Whatever the reason, as a veteran (Viet Nam era, BTW) I am very thankful for the way our returning heroes are treated.
They deserve all that and so much more.
I suspect much of the news media still views anyone in uniform as a baby killer - and to them, Ed McMahon wasn't worth mentioning - especially when coverage of Michael Jackson's death was far better for ratings.
Pathetic.
First things first: http://www.snopes.com/politics/military/freeman.asp While Freeman was a MOH recipient, this e-mail is mixed truth and fiction. He actually died in August 2008. Please check your facts before passing on "information."
Now, as for Ed. He was a true American hero at a time when many Americans were heros (just not recognized.) I was a child during Vietnam but I respect those who served (by choice or not.) Thank you for what you did and accept our apologies for the way you were treated upon your return. Thankfully, we, as a nation, have learned and most of the problems have not been repeated with our most recent veterans (thank you as well!)
For those interested, here is Ed Freeman's MOH text:
"Captain Ed W. Freeman, United States Army, of Boise, Idaho, who distinguished himself by numerous acts of conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary intrepidity on 14 November 1965 while serving with Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). As a flight leader and second in command of a 16-helicopter lift unit, he supported a heavily engaged American infantry battalion at Landing Zone X-Ray in the Ia Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam. The unit was almost out of ammunition after taking some of the heaviest casualties of the war, fighting off a relentless attack from a highly motivated, heavily armed enemy force. When the infantry commander closed the helicopter landing zone because of intense direct enemy fire, Captain Freeman risked his life by flying his unarmed helicopter through a gauntlet of enemy fire time after time, delivering critically needed ammunition, water, and medical supplies to the besieged battalion. His flights, by providing the engaged units with supplies of ammunition critical to their survival, directly affected the battle's outcome. Without them the units would almost surely have gone down, with much greater loss of life. After medical evacuation helicopters refused to fly into the area because of intense enemy fire, Captain Freeman flew 14 separate rescue missions, providing lifesaving evacuation of an estimated 30 seriously wounded soldiers-some of whom would not have survived had he not acted. All flights were made into a small emergency landing zone within 100 to 200 meters of the defensive perimeter, where heavily committed units were perilously holding off the attacking elements. Captain Freeman's selfless acts of great valor and extraordinary perseverance were far above and beyond the call of duty or mission and set a superb example of leadership and courage for all of his peers. Captain Freeman's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army."
Now, as for Ed. He was a true American hero at a time when many Americans were heros (just not recognized.) I was a child during Vietnam but I respect those who served (by choice or not.) Thank you for what you did and accept our apologies for the way you were treated upon your return. Thankfully, we, as a nation, have learned and most of the problems have not been repeated with our most recent veterans (thank you as well!)
For those interested, here is Ed Freeman's MOH text:
"Captain Ed W. Freeman, United States Army, of Boise, Idaho, who distinguished himself by numerous acts of conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary intrepidity on 14 November 1965 while serving with Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). As a flight leader and second in command of a 16-helicopter lift unit, he supported a heavily engaged American infantry battalion at Landing Zone X-Ray in the Ia Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam. The unit was almost out of ammunition after taking some of the heaviest casualties of the war, fighting off a relentless attack from a highly motivated, heavily armed enemy force. When the infantry commander closed the helicopter landing zone because of intense direct enemy fire, Captain Freeman risked his life by flying his unarmed helicopter through a gauntlet of enemy fire time after time, delivering critically needed ammunition, water, and medical supplies to the besieged battalion. His flights, by providing the engaged units with supplies of ammunition critical to their survival, directly affected the battle's outcome. Without them the units would almost surely have gone down, with much greater loss of life. After medical evacuation helicopters refused to fly into the area because of intense enemy fire, Captain Freeman flew 14 separate rescue missions, providing lifesaving evacuation of an estimated 30 seriously wounded soldiers-some of whom would not have survived had he not acted. All flights were made into a small emergency landing zone within 100 to 200 meters of the defensive perimeter, where heavily committed units were perilously holding off the attacking elements. Captain Freeman's selfless acts of great valor and extraordinary perseverance were far above and beyond the call of duty or mission and set a superb example of leadership and courage for all of his peers. Captain Freeman's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army."
Mavenx - I notated the source. In this day of misinformation, disinformation and general bullshit, there is little credibility to quote. So "Please check your facts before passing on "information."" is a remark I don't particularly appreciate.
I thought the email I received was a very good commentary. I passed it on because I thought it deserved to be and that it might spark additional interesting commentary - which it did! (Daniel, you never disappoint!
)
Your comments are appreciated - the personal slur is not.
I thought the email I received was a very good commentary. I passed it on because I thought it deserved to be and that it might spark additional interesting commentary - which it did! (Daniel, you never disappoint!
)Your comments are appreciated - the personal slur is not.
Hey Chrke2, what personal slur? Did I call you a name? No. Did I attack you personally? No. I simply said, "Please check your facts before passing on "information." Nope, no slur in that; just a simple message.
I don't see a source noted in your e-mail. All it says is that you received in an e-mail and the author was unknown. I offered the source for you: snopes.com Snopes is considered the authority on myths and scams online.
Sorry you thought that was a slur. Sheesh. Dude, if you think that is a slur, wow, we need to talk!
Mav
I don't see a source noted in your e-mail. All it says is that you received in an e-mail and the author was unknown. I offered the source for you: snopes.com Snopes is considered the authority on myths and scams online.
Sorry you thought that was a slur. Sheesh. Dude, if you think that is a slur, wow, we need to talk!
Mav
We need to remain vigilant in this pop-culture era, to seek out and recognize the great sacrifices of our countrymen. The media isn't going to do it for us. Thanks for the reminder!
Please remember tonight one of our heroes from Idaho who is now in the hands of "people" who want to kill all of us. This good man was doing our bidding for us while we did back flips reviewing the life of an entertainer. This 23 year old American is facing death while I sit in my easy chair and enjoy the freedom he and so many others have guaranteed for me. thank you, Pfc Bergdahl!
Please remember tonight one of our heroes from Idaho who is now in the hands of "people" who want to kill all of us. This good man was doing our bidding for us while we did back flips reviewing the life of an entertainer. This 23 year old American is facing death while I sit in my easy chair and enjoy the freedom he and so many others have guaranteed for me. thank you, Pfc Bergdahl!
Hey Mavenx, no need to compound it! I didn't use the word 'information' and I didn't say anything about facts in the original post. I took the remark "please check your facts....", personally. End of story. Before we talk, howsabout you look up slur, Dude?
Dude, why you taking it personally? I doubt anyone else on here is taking it personally? Read the rules of the forums, don't take things personally. Sheesh.
DUDE - what we have here is failure to communicate - have a good evening!
I'm the Dude. So that's what you call me. You know, that or, uh, His Dudeness, or uh, Duder, or El Duderino if you're not into the whole brevity thing.
I wondered how long it would take for someone to turn this into a personal soapbox for their own partisan political leanings.
I wonder no more.
I wonder no more.
I posted the topic because I thought it, in fact, did offer a 'sad commentary' on our society (and because I had become absolutely disgusted with the media deluge). It has evoked many thoughtful comments.
I particularly agree that "The media responds to the intellect and interest level of the masses" (INDEP). That alone is a rather poor reflection of our primary collective values.
Additionally, I think it shows the absolute worst of a capitalist society. Everyone sees this as an opportunity to market a "piece" of Michael Jackson. It is very reminiscent of vultures circling over and feeding from the corpse (not the fans, the shameless businesses). I know, give the people what they want - as long as there is a buck to made in the process. Can a black velvet wall-hanging of MJ playing poker with a bunch of dogs be far away?
Although I'm not a 'Vet', I remember all too well the way our Service folks were generally treated after their return from Viet Nam, it was absolutely disgraceful. I agree, Carrier, that we have come a long way from that sorry chapter. There is no doubt in my mind that the national mindset regarding THE PEOPLE in our armed services has improved dramatically. The general public is now able to separate the 'message from the messengers'.
The Viet Nam war came to be viewed as terribly wrong and those who conducted the mission were widely viewed as willing accomplices. Guilt by association.
I truly believe that the country learned from that shameful experience and, for the most part, we now realize that service people are not to be viewed as complicit with the morality/cause/justifiability of a given conflict.
I also agree with INDEP where pseudo-patriots are concerned. A windshield sticker, a waving flag in the front yard and blowing some patriotic-sounding hot air does not exactly qualify one as patriotic, in my humble opinion. Nor does affiliation with a political party that deems itself more patriotic. I loathe those who like to wrap themselves in the flag - hollow pomposity.
T4 suggests taking this to the political page - maybe it should be. But it's really a social commentary that extends well beyond politics. This thread resides in the "Just Talk" category, which I assume indicates there is room for more than just lifestyle talk in this community's daily life. If that's not the case, perhaps that category should be removed?
I particularly agree that "The media responds to the intellect and interest level of the masses" (INDEP). That alone is a rather poor reflection of our primary collective values.
Additionally, I think it shows the absolute worst of a capitalist society. Everyone sees this as an opportunity to market a "piece" of Michael Jackson. It is very reminiscent of vultures circling over and feeding from the corpse (not the fans, the shameless businesses). I know, give the people what they want - as long as there is a buck to made in the process. Can a black velvet wall-hanging of MJ playing poker with a bunch of dogs be far away?
Although I'm not a 'Vet', I remember all too well the way our Service folks were generally treated after their return from Viet Nam, it was absolutely disgraceful. I agree, Carrier, that we have come a long way from that sorry chapter. There is no doubt in my mind that the national mindset regarding THE PEOPLE in our armed services has improved dramatically. The general public is now able to separate the 'message from the messengers'.
The Viet Nam war came to be viewed as terribly wrong and those who conducted the mission were widely viewed as willing accomplices. Guilt by association.
I truly believe that the country learned from that shameful experience and, for the most part, we now realize that service people are not to be viewed as complicit with the morality/cause/justifiability of a given conflict.
I also agree with INDEP where pseudo-patriots are concerned. A windshield sticker, a waving flag in the front yard and blowing some patriotic-sounding hot air does not exactly qualify one as patriotic, in my humble opinion. Nor does affiliation with a political party that deems itself more patriotic. I loathe those who like to wrap themselves in the flag - hollow pomposity.
T4 suggests taking this to the political page - maybe it should be. But it's really a social commentary that extends well beyond politics. This thread resides in the "Just Talk" category, which I assume indicates there is room for more than just lifestyle talk in this community's daily life. If that's not the case, perhaps that category should be removed?
Guilty of being a patriot
The Idea of being a patriot has become all but a sin. The very idea has become hurtful to Americans. God forbid you should get teary eyed when a group of strangers get together for a ball game and in unison sing god bless America or the national anthem, Or get all choked up when we see a soldier coming off a plane from Iraq. Or a picture of a soldier on one knee praying for a fallen comrade. We no longer accept our god as the director of freedom. Our freedom has come from him, and is mocked at every turn.
When talking to foreigners who have come to America to flee oppression in their own country they say we don
The Idea of being a patriot has become all but a sin. The very idea has become hurtful to Americans. God forbid you should get teary eyed when a group of strangers get together for a ball game and in unison sing god bless America or the national anthem, Or get all choked up when we see a soldier coming off a plane from Iraq. Or a picture of a soldier on one knee praying for a fallen comrade. We no longer accept our god as the director of freedom. Our freedom has come from him, and is mocked at every turn.
When talking to foreigners who have come to America to flee oppression in their own country they say we don