Archive for Thursday, November 9, 2006
Best, brightest
November 9, 2006
Advertisement
To the editor:
Tuesday, just after 3 p.m., I drove past a group of young people standing on the grass on the north side of 23rd Street just west of the intersection with Louisiana Street. The young people were holding up a sign that read "Recruiters lie, and so do politicians." There were a couple of other signs they held up as well but I didn't have time to read them as I drove by.
Their right to protest is being defended by our military service men and women. They dare to protest the very means by which they gained that right. Our armed forces are not made up of the ignorant, the duped and the poor as many of these protesters and their ilk would have us believe. No, our armed forces are our best and brightest, an all-volunteer force. Recruiting goals for all the armed forces were met for fiscal year 2006 without forcing people to join, without lying to people and without sacrificing any recruit's moral standards.
If I could have stopped to ask the protesters I would have said, "Would you willingly put yourself in a situation that carries with it the possibility of sacrificing your life for your country so that others of us may live in freedom?" I would wager that thought has never crossed their minds because the protesters are the ones who are the ignorant, the duped and lack moral standards.
Kris Nelson,
Lawrence
Top ads RSS
- Employment Opportunities Want to work 4 days per week? Want ...
- CSR’s Needed Work Local !!Excellent Opportunity!! Local company needs CSR’s ...
- KU School of Engineering
- WANTED General and Assistant Managers Jimmy John’s gourmet sub shop ...
- Apartment Maintenance Leading Regional Management Company Seeking full time hourly, ...
Marketplace
Arts & Entertainment · Bars · Theatres · Restaurants · Coffeehouses · Libraries · Antiques · Services
- Eudora retirement home residents' complaints prompt two-day inspection by state July 9, 2009 · 7 comments
- Secular freedom July 9, 2009 · 131 comments
- Police surround Jayhawk Motel, apprehend juvenile robbery suspect July 9, 2009 · 67 comments
- Blog: Songs With The Name Of A State Or City In Their Title Or Lyrics July 7, 2009 · 225 comments
- Round Corner Drug, Cheese Shoppe closes July 8, 2009 · 111 comments
- Tiahrt's plan to repeal federal stimulus would deepen state budget cuts July 9, 2009 · 26 comments
- Budget crisis felt deeply at KU July 9, 2009 · 55 comments
- Blog: Everybody Knows A Henry July 9, 2009 · 28 comments
- Nation of faith July 8, 2009 · 100 comments
- Donor ready to write Lawrence schools a check for new locker rooms at Free State — but there's a catch July 9, 2009 · 27 comments
- Donor ready to write Lawrence schools a check for new locker rooms at Free State — but there's a catch July 9, 2009
- Lawrence Arts Center director announces resignation July 8, 2009
- New cardiovascular director hired at KU July 9, 2009
- More than 2,750 turn out for community workout July 8, 2009
- Police surround Jayhawk Motel, apprehend juvenile robbery suspect July 9, 2009
- Stricter labeling urged for bottled water July 9, 2009
- Basehor-Linwood softball suffers upset loss May 19, 2009
- Owens to be inducted in Kansas Hall of Fame June 11, 2009
- Round Corner Drug, Cheese Shoppe closes July 8, 2009
- 1 in 3 breast cancer patients overtreated July 10, 2009
9 November 2006
at 6 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
BrianR (Anonymous) says…
Since you didn't stop and talk with them you really don't know what motivated this protest.
Could be that one of them lost a friend or loved one because that person had their tour extended?
It's possible that at least one of them was a vet.
You just don't know, do you?
Disagreeing with the government doesn't equal ignorance and low moral standards; that's an interesting conclusion to jump to, sure you're not projecting?
9 November 2006
at 6:49 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
rednekbuddha (Kelly Powell) says…
And alot of recruiters do have a used car salesman mentality….and they made their recruitment quota by drastically lowering their previous standards and giving out large cash bonuses.
I am not trying to insult the men and women in the armed forces, merely pointing out that absolute opinions like the writer of the article and the protestors are not very productive.
9 November 2006
at 7:15 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
jonas (Anonymous) says…
Yark yark yark. There's a right to protest, some people dislike the military, end of story. Quit yer b@#$%n and accept it.
Since we've never been without a military in our modern times, we don't have an accurate measure of exactly how much difference it makes for us in protecting our abilities to live and speak freely anyway. You can't make predictions without a control group.
9 November 2006
at 7:16 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (Anonymous) says…
“Their right to protest is being defended by our military service men and women.”
If you believe this, it is you who is duped.
There was never any sane or moral purpose for this invasion, and hundreds of thousands of people have died in vain, including many thousands of American service members.
9 November 2006
at 7:28 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Ragingbear (Anonymous) says…
Every time I pass a protest group, whether it be PETA, Fred Phelps, or the Honk for Hemp guy, I feel grateful to live in a country and era that we are allowed to speak our minds in such a way. The very fact that there was protesters there is a good sign. No “Free Speech Zones” here, eh?
Yeah, we may not always agree with what they are protesting, but I would not like it where only authorized protest were allowed.
9 November 2006
at 8:04 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
craigers (Anonymous) says…
bozo, not everything is about the war in Iraq. The point is that the service men do their jobs so that if ever our freedoms are threatened they are there to defend them no matter who you are.
Kris, thanks for the letter. Our service men and women do a great job and accept the risks of their jobs. They are great people.
9 November 2006
at 8:28 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
ranger73 (Anonymous) says…
There was a great speech in The American President by Michael Douglas that is very relevant to all this-too long to type up-
It's too bad it had to come out of Hollywood, and not an actual politican.
9 November 2006
at 8:37 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (Anonymous) says…
craigers:
I'm sure that the intentions of the vast majority of those who join the military are honorable, and they do indeed believe that their job is to protect the freedom and and security of the US, even if a large percentage of them are there primarily because they have few career or educational opportunities available to them otherwise.
They are, in fact, dying for no good purpose. But that is not because they are insincere in the oaths they took and commitments they made when they joined up.
It's because of the crime committed by BushCo in betraying them.
9 November 2006
at 8:38 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Defender (Anonymous) says…
“Recruiters lie, and so do politicians”
What the hell does that have to do with our service people? Nothing, this letter is idiotic. Not one damned thing presented in this letter indicated a slight against our troops. Sorry, but Kris Nelson is a complete idiot. Where did you write this letter from Kris, your home in Lawrence?
Checkmate.
9 November 2006
at 9:16 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
merrill (Anonymous) says…
Kris Nelson,
Our government hires mercenaries as well who answer to no one except their company bottom line. Our government pays these mercenaries far more than the true volunteers you speak of.
http://edition.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/mea…
May I suggest you enlist and tell the recruiter what you want to do. Let's see what ultimately materializes. Please don't tell them you are trying to prove a group of protestors wrong in an effort to allow normal proceedings.
The protestors may not be wrong about recruiters or about politicians(Think pres. Bush).
Let the LJW readers know when you are shipping out to boot camp.
9 November 2006
at 9:38 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
aeroscout17 (Anonymous) says…
If you don't think recruiters are deceptive, check out this hidden cam “investigation.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZntDH…
9 November 2006
at 10:18 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
ksmoderate (Anonymous) says…
Politicians lie!!??!!?? You're kidding!!
9 November 2006
at 10:41 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Porter (Anonymous) says…
“Calling recruiters liars is calling our soldiers liars.”
Did you get that from Rush or O'Reilly?? Same spin, different day.
9 November 2006
at 10:51 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
BigAl (Anonymous) says…
I am a Vietnam Veteran. I may not agree with these protesters but I have defended their right to protest. I continue to support that right.
9 November 2006
at 11:05 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
juliopac (Anonymous) says…
Uh Kris, Obviously the recent news about recruiters telling kids the Iraq war is over has escaped your attention.
Clearly you've never served in the military because everyone who has KNOWS that recruiters lie. It's a fact.
The military has not brought about our rights and freedoms. Remember Kent State (just one example)? How about giving proper credit to the people of the Civil Rights Movement….you know, the ones the military/police beat down at every corner.
How about the women who sacrified for the right to vote?
How about the laborers who protested and fought against unfair labor practices?
These are the people you should be thanking. THe military was used by the government to try to stifle their voices, but they fought anyway.
I agree with Merrill. Go to an Army/Marine recruiter and tell them you want you want to do in the military. Guarantee you'll end up in Iraq.
9 November 2006
at 11:10 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (Anonymous) says…
Recruiters are primarily sales people. As such, it's their job to put the best spin on their product that they can. Even among honest salespeople, that often means glossing over the more negative aspects, even if they don't actually lie.
But as we all know, sometimes salespeople actually do lie in order to make the sale. It has been shown that the military's salespeople are no exception.
9 November 2006
at 11:16 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
werekoala (Anonymous) says…
“Recruiters are soldiers. Recruiters serve a 3 year tour of duty as a recruiter. A few will extend to make it a career as a recruiter, they are still soldiers. Calling recruiters liars is calling our soldiers liars. Certainly some soldiers lie, but that doesn't make all soldiers liars.”
==================
?
Let's try that with something else, and see if it still sounds retarded.
“Wolves are mammals. Wolves are wolves for at least three years. A few will be wolves longer than three years, but they are still mammals. Calling wolves carnivores is calling all mammals carnivores. Certainly some mammals are carnivores, but that doesn't make all mammals carnivores.”
Nope, sorry, still is ridiculous. You're arguing against something no one is arguing for, and the third sentence is redundant, and the fourth sentence just sounds like you failed both logic and reading comprehension.
9 November 2006
at 11:28 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
juliopac (Anonymous) says…
OMG Werekoala, that's frickin' funny.
9 November 2006
at 11:35 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Kodiac (Anonymous) says…
“Recruiters are soldiers. Recruiters serve a 3 year tour of duty as a recruiter. A few will extend to make it a career as a recruiter, they are still soldiers. Calling recruiters liars is calling our soldiers liars. Certainly some soldiers lie, but that doesn't make all soldiers liars.”—Patriotman
I think this has to be nominated for the best incomprehensible post of the year. I was reading this post and found myself way out in left field somewhere. Then I read werekoala'a post and fell out of my chair laughing.
9 November 2006
at 11:48 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
werekoala (Anonymous) says…
thanks, holygrailale!
as for my breakfast tastes, I pretty much eat the same thing for every meal, eucalyptus. It's more about what I washed it down with this morning.
An ice-cold glass of Republican tears! MmmMmmMmm!
9 November 2006
at 12:42 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Defender (Anonymous) says…
“Calling recruiters liars is calling our soldiers liars. Certainly some soldiers lie, but that doesn't make all soldiers liars.”
Did you just contradict yourself, Patriotman?
Most moronic statement on the board today.
9 November 2006
at 3:40 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…
If I could have stopped to ask the protesters I would have said, “Would you willingly put yourself in a situation that carries with it the possibility of
sacrificing your life for your country so that others of us may live in freedom?” I would wager that thought has never crossed their minds because the
protesters are the ones who are the ignorant, the duped and lack moral standards.
***
well said Kris. and, some commenters now have amplified and made it clear what the libs really think of service personnel! kerry's quote was right, sincere, and accurate for him and these libs.
I am proud of our service personnel. thank you for serving. just ignore the others, they're like “bugs on the windshield!”
9 November 2006
at 8:43 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
ryanjasondesch (Anonymous) says…
Are bearded gnomes anything like underpants gnomes? I mean, underpants gnomes do have beards but, and I'm assuming here, not all gnomes with beards are in the business of stealing underpants for profit. Just wandering if they're related.
As for Mr. Nelson and his silly little letter:
I bet you were pretty angry weren't you Mr. Nelson, what with those darn kids who don't listen you their hippidy-hoppen music at a reasonable loudity and then come walkin through yer yard and spittin bubbly-gums into your yard. What is this, 1865? And the part that gets me the most is:
'”Would you willingly put yourself in a situation that carries with it the possibility of sacrificing your life for your country so that others of us may live in freedom?” I would wager that thought has never crossed their minds because the protesters are the ones who are the ignorant, the duped and lack moral standards.'
I share the basic views stated above of the protesters you disapprove of, give or take. And let me answer your question this way: You bet yer ass I would. Crosses my mind all time. I would inexorably kill any and all who would attempt an invasion of my Country, State, and City with extreme prejudice and a viciousness unseen since Vlad the Impaler. I would defend to the death, my rights in this country against a government transformed from democracy to tyranny (sidenote, it was going that way until Tuesday). I would defend to the very end, my right to stand on a sidewalk with a sign saying whatever I damn well please from all like you, whose hollow idea of freedom reflects their narrow political ideology. How do you like them apples Mr. Nelson?
9 November 2006
at 10:01 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
badger (Anonymous) says…
You know, soldiers guarantee that our freedom to speak can't be taken away by an outside force.
Protestors guarantee that it doesn't atrophy.
Without both camps, we'd soon be silent.
9 November 2006
at 11:59 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
TJ_in_Lawrence (Anonymous) says…
I don't share the protester's opinion of recruiters, but I do support their right to protest and have their own opinions. I get a lot of enjoyment out of reading these posts every day, even the ones I disagree with. It makes me think about my positions and opinions. Seldom do I change my position or opinion, but at least I have been challenged to look at them. I do have a problem with people who post on here, and simply cannot stop themselves from calling other people “idiots” and other names. To that I say, grow up! Third grade was a long time ago.
10 November 2006
at 6:19 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
bjohanning (Anonymous) says…
As a former recruiter most individuals join the service as a means to an end. Sure there are some who join to go get the bad guy, but most do not. However, it is the right given to those within our society to protest, to speak their mind, if we limited their ability to do so where will we be?
10 November 2006
at 6:39 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
75x55 (Anonymous) says…
Well, since we're all being supportive and all….
I support the protesters right to make fools of themselves.
I also support the right of anyone to make all kinds of fun of them.
:)
11 November 2006
at 4:25 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Tychoman (Anonymous) says…
Ranger73: Aaron Sorkin for Congress!!
Hear hear, badger. Good for these protesters to do what they believe in.
Unless you read every single sign and know what the protesters are actually protesting, don't judge. You don't know.
11 November 2006
at 10:32 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
75x55 (Anonymous) says…
anxiousatheist speaks of selling ones soul?
11 November 2006
at 11:03 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Mkh (Anonymous) says…
I'm not sure what the author of this letter is really complaining about. Kris seems proud in believing that the soilders are giving these people the right to free speech; yet, Kris is upset that they are using this right. Very contradictive.
And army recruiters do lie! There was just an investigative report on CNN the other night where they captured dozens of recuiters on hidden camera lying to kids. Telling them things like it was just as likely to be killed on the street outside as in Bagdad, and that most trrops were coming home and we were not going to send new ones over. Even the head of the Army's recruitment was stunned and ashamed when shown the footage.
12 November 2006
at 9:51 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…
don't believe everything you see on CNN, as they have a huge bias.
12 November 2006
at 2:32 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
75x55 (Anonymous) says…
b_g - don't assume it doesn't happen, and hasn't always been the case. One of the (darkly) funnier times in military training is hearing all the BS people were fed by recruiters.
If you are joining based on some promises given you that aren't written on the contract, then you'd better be joining from a spirit of service to country.
12 November 2006
at 8:12 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…
oh, of course you are correct.
. but even a report like this could be slanted in CNN's antiwar/demorat bias.
13 November 2006
at 10:25 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Mkh (Anonymous) says…
Believe me I do not blindly just believe things I see on the television or in the news. I have studied media propaganda in this country and others for years and have experience as documentary filmmaker (so I know a thing or two about the power of persuasion). However, when I see the recruiters on hidden camera making these outrageous statements to kids I have to give CNN the benefit of the doubt and believe that this was not staged.