"It is the Soldier..."

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   manlypoetrymanposted 14 years ago

   "It is the Soldier" by Father Dennis O'Brien, USMC chaplain
   Published Feb 28, 2008
   
   
   This is quoted from "What is a Vet?" written by Father Dennis O'Brien:
   
   It is the soldier,
   
   not the President,
   
   who gives us democracy.
   
   It is the soldier,
   
   not the Congress,
   
   who takes care of us.
   
   It is the soldier,
   
   not the Reporter,
   
   who has given us Freedom of Press.
   
   It is the soldier,
   
   not the Poet,
   
   who has given us Freedom of Speech.
   
   It is the soldier,
   
   not the campus Organizer, who has given us the
   
   Freedom to Demonstrate.
   
   It is the soldier,
   
   who salutes the flag;
   
   who serves beneath the flag,
   
   and whose coffin is draped by the flag,
   
   that allows the protester to burn the flag.
   
   _______________________________________________
   
   
   Any thoughts on this?

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      Jaspalposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      How very true ..... and how few can realize this!
      
      I read this article by Thomas Friedman just an hour or two ago, much in the same vein .... that the Nobel Peace Prize should be accepted by the US President on behalf of the soldiers, sailors and airmen who, over the years, have ensured peace all over the world:
      
      http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/11/opini … edman.html

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   tantrumposted 14 years ago

   And at what cost !!!

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      A Texanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      ????

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         tantrumposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         All those things can be achieved without the aid of soldiers.  If soldiers need to act for people to get them....

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            A Texanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            These things were not possible any other way in America, we had to fight for our freedom. Modern day, do you think Saddam Hussein would have given the Iraqi people the real right to vote?

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               egivposted 14 years agoin reply to this

               You are confusing the message of the original post. The message is that soldiers sacrifice an unbelievable amount so that life is good in America, and it is so true. I have infinite respect for the Americans who chose to wear the uniform. You are making it political, but it is not a political message.
               
               Soldiers did not decide to go to Iraq; they were the ones who were getting shot at and blown up in their cars, whether they were republican, democrat, female, gay, black, or hispanic (including several of my friends). I do not support the political decision to invade Iraq, which was made by those who had historical legacies and oil deals in mind, not by those who carried it out, who are the real heroes. There is a big difference.

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                  wesleycoxposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                  Yeah!

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                     tantrumposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                     soldiers,sailors and airmen who go to the war, even thinking it's not good, or only following orders, didn't add anything to the world's peace. I know it's not their fault, and I'm sorry so many have to die. That's my objective point of view.

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                        A Texanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                        Strange statement, Soldiers are the ones who fought WW1 WW2, peace was achieved only through their efforts, acknowledging any other thought is ridiculous!

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                           tantrumposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                           Why did the wars began in the first place? If human beings had more common sense,nothing would have happened.And don't you know that wars are all made up for economic purposses ? Really ? didn't you know ?

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                              A Texanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                              You said they didn't add anything, you are wrong, it makes no difference why wars are started we are not talking about that.

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                                 tantrumposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                                 No ? you don't care why your friends died for ?

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                                    A Texanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                                    Not worthy of a response

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                                       tantrumposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                                       Thank you!

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                                          A Texanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                                          Sorry Tantrum, you got so far away from what this topic is about that I couldn't continue!

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                  A Texanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                  I don't think I'm confusing anything, our soldiers sacrifice a lot so that those in other countries can live free. Of course they don't decide where or when to go but they do go!

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                     Uninvited Writerposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                     A small thing but many soldiers in the western world have sacrificed so others can live free, not just American soldiers.

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                        A Texanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                        Yes thats true,I never said it was only American troops, but those are the troops that come to my mind first!

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                     egivposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                     Our soldiers sacrifice a lot so that WE DON'T HAVE TO. That's what is honorable. We are not doing the Iraqi people any favors, I'm not sure where you are getting this rosy image of Iraq from. But that doesn't make their decision to join any less honorable.

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                        A Texanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                        I am a combat veteran so don't tell me about what they do. They (Iraqi people) are much better off than they were in 2002!

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                           egivposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                           I disagree that they are better off. Their country is completely destroyed. Even if they were, we are not the world police. It's not America's job to right the wrongs of the world. If it were, our list of places to invade would be a lot longer.

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                              A Texanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                              How does this have anything to do with soldiers ensuring freedoms?

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                                 egivposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                                 Because they ensure America's freedoms. You are the one who got off topic on the political issue of whether Iraq is justified or not.

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                                    A Texanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                                    I wasn't interested in justifying the war in Iraq. I was pointing out that soldiers gave them their freedom, soldiers are the ones who fought because diplomacy and sanctions did not do the trick. Whether its justified is another topic altogether!

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               Uninvited Writerposted 14 years agoin reply to this

               Well if you go way back, it was America who put him there in the first place. They didn't think of that then did they?

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                  A Texanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                  What the hell are you talking about? Yes we fought for our freedom because that was the only way to achieve it. Where do you people come up with these statements?

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                     Uninvited Writerposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                     I was talking about the fact that Saddam Hussein was propped up in the beginning by the US, they did not care about how he treated his people then. There were not given the vote then either. But, whatever, that really has nothing to do with this thread.

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                        A Texanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                        He was propped up because our greater enemy was Iran and we wanted them defeated, we all know the History. We are talking about the role the soldier plays in bringing democracy or freedom! Iraq citizens do have the vote!

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      manlypoetrymanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      It can cost you everything...!!!

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      tantrumposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      this was my first answer. I don't think I'm off topic

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         A Texanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Asking me if I care about my friends dying is certainly off topic, asking me if I know why wars start is off topic. The cost to the soldier is immeasurable!

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      C.J. Wrightposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Everything I have, up to and including my life.  I made that promise on 29 December 1989.  I kept that promise until I left the service on 28 March 2000.
      Basically, my life for your freedom.  It was a gift, it doesn't even require a thank you, just don't second guess it please.
      
      Patriotism is the only social program Americans really support.  Its the only cause for which so many freely give up a portion of their civil rights.

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   wesleycoxposted 14 years ago

   This made me eyes feel weird.
   
   I like this piece, even if I am a little partial.

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      manlypoetrymanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for what you do, Soldier...!

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   tantrumposted 14 years ago

   . 'that the Nobel Peace Prize should be accepted by the US President on behalf of the soldiers, sailors and airmen who, over the years, have ensured peace all over the world'
   
   How ? making up wars like Irak ??
   Or you don't remember that the mass destruction armament Irak supposedly had, was a farse ?

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   Scott.Lifeposted 14 years ago

   I never asked to go to Iraq or Afghanistan, I sure as hell never asked to watch my friends die. But freedom is not free and whatever nation you reside in I assure you your rights and liberties did not come without bloodshed at one time or another. the myth that some nations have achieved peace without war is foolish and naive, and ignoring the realities of life. Freedom that is given is not appreciated or lasting.

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   Uninvited Writerposted 14 years ago

   Um...the US also propped up the Shah of Iran at the same time Hussein was in power. So your argument doesn't wash...
   
   You brought him up in the first place. But I won't say anymore about it, it's for another thread.

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      A Texanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Yes it washes, we funded Saddam Hussein during his war with Iran, that was after the Shah! Anything before was done to destabilize the region, and that is not what this thread is about, is it?

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         Uninvited Writerposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Then why did you mention Saddam at all then?

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            A Texanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            Why? To point out that soldiers freed the Iraqi people not diplomats! How on earth did you miss that?

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               Uninvited Writerposted 14 years agoin reply to this

               And my point was that we didn't always seems to care about freeing the Iraqi people. Only when it suited the west did we decide we had to liberate them.

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                  A Texanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                  And your point has nothing to do with the thread! Soldiers are the ones who ensure freedoms, not Presidents or Prime Ministers or Kings!

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   Uninvited Writerposted 14 years ago

   Oh, I'm sorry. Only you are allowed to hijack threads. I should know my place...

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      A Texanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Feel free to hijack the thread but I am staying on this topic.

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   tantrumposted 14 years ago

   http://www.thewe.cc/weplanet/news/deple … lkans.html
   
   sorry ! but is this better off ?

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   Dame Scribeposted 14 years ago

   It is our Soldiers who are deserving of our admiration and respect to accept a job that protects us and others from harm.

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    Madame Xposted 14 years ago

    "If you live in a free country, thank a vet"

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    manlypoetrymanposted 14 years ago

    If you can read...Thank a Teacher.
    
    If you are able to read in your native language....Thank a Soldier! (And if you can read in English...Thank a Marine!)
    
    ...or so the saying goes...Thank you, Madame X...for stating
    what you said.

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    manlypoetrymanposted 14 years ago

    The Cost of Freedom > Freedom is not Free > Someone(s) will pay the Cost Everytime

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    Crazdwriterposted 14 years ago

    I do appreciate the men and women for their sacrifces with my whole heart but I appreicate the sacrafices of the silent backbone of those men and women, their families, their friends, and most importantly their spouses and children!

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       manlypoetrymanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Well Said...Howdy, Crazed...!

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          Crazdwriterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          Hey MPM long time no chat dude!

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             manlypoetrymanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

             Still here on Hub Pages-Cyber World's Other Dimension and lovin' it...How's your writings here going?

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    Crazdwriterposted 14 years ago

    I finally hit 61 hubs. You better watch out MPM or I'll pass your 80 lol and writing outside is going all right too...was writing a bit Friday and actually stopped, looked at my work and said "holy sh!t...I'm writing again! lmao I seriously thought that...said to find myself tihnking something like that...

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       manlypoetrymanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Alright..way to start writing again! I know...down times (when you can't write anything) can leave one bummed-out. I can surely relate to your renewed enthuisiasm...I think I'm about ready to tackle my third draft of my 51  chapter (two-part series) fictional book myself (which will not be on Hubs...so that is not "self-promotional : ) Good Fortune with that...Glad the writing overtook ya' once again!

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    Crazdwriterposted 14 years ago

    ooo ooo! wht's it about? what is the title? don't leave a girl hanging...even though we are goin off topic now lol

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       manlypoetrymanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I know...I think i just hi-jacked my own posting about the soldiers...maybe some folks will see that it is still coming up on Forums and join in!
       
       The book is: I can't say for giving the title away...but it has been my life's work for at least two years, plus (lately)...and I have had the idea for over ten years...with a lot of notes made on the topic prior to finally starting it!  This time...(though I haven't started back on it yet...I tell myself!) I've got to go all the way to the publisher with it...no more stopping short of the goal! You hear that, MPM!
       
       Any encouragement you want to shoot my way...could be appreciated...'cause by now a lot of things I wanted to happen in my crazy book are beginning to come to light alot in reality...so...it could surely use some new stuff!

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    Crazdwriterposted 14 years ago

    Sadly MPM a lot of publishers these days won't take any manuscripts for books without the author -to-be having a literary agent. Which of course makes it a pain in our arses to actually find an agent to represtn us then we have to work with them to get the book the way they think it will sell to publishers then once they find a publisher we have to work with an editor that the publisher I think provides and then rewrite revise rewrite revise until they think it's done AND THEN the publisher will publish it. *catches breath* it is a long hard road to become a published author but don't let any of that stop you from working on getting it just right and then work on getting it published. This is a challenge that anyone has to take and do to be a publshed author and I am going to kick my own arse to get published...well first to finish a story lol then proofread it, make changes, go out and find an agent and do everything I have to with them then then editor and the publisher. It's going to be tough but I'm ready for it and you have to be too MPM.

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       manlypoetrymanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks for the encouragement...??? (Reality Bites!)...I believe your right...about all that...I don't know much about that sort of thing...but I do have one word of encouragement as well = "E-Books!" They don't have quite the backing support of many paperback readers yet...but they are inevitably the future!

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          Crazdwriterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          Yuck Ebooks...no thanks if anything Self-publishing would be the way I would go. and yes sadly reality bytes and the only encouragment I could really give is to head first and kick reality's arse! lol

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    Jaspalposted 14 years ago

    As a veteran from the Indian Army, I am enjoying reading all the posts on this forum. The soldier does his duty, no matter what the cost to him. He is called upon to deliver for his country when all else has failed. And he does deliver. Remember Lord Tennyson's Charge of the Light Brigade:
    
    Half a league, half a league,
    Half a league onward,
    All in the valley of Death
    Rode the six hundred.
    "Forward, the Light Brigade!
    "Charge for the guns!" he said:
    Into the valley of Death
    Rode the six hundred.
    
    "Forward, the Light Brigade!"
    Was there a man dismay'd?
    Not tho' the soldier knew
    Someone had blunder'd:
    Their's not to make reply,
    Their's not to reason why,
    Their's but to do and die:
    Into the valley of Death
    Rode the six hundred.
    
    Cannon to right of them,
    Cannon to left of them,
    Cannon in front of them
    Volley'd and thunder'd;
    Storm'd at with shot and shell,
    Boldly they rode and well,
    Into the jaws of Death,
    Into the mouth of Hell
    Rode the six hundred.
    
    Flash'd all their sabres bare,
    Flash'd as they turn'd in air,
    Sabring the gunners there,
    Charging an army, while
    All the world wonder'd:
    Plunged in the battery-smoke
    Right thro' the line they broke;
    Cossack and Russian
    Reel'd from the sabre stroke
    Shatter'd and sunder'd.
    Then they rode back, but not
    Not the six hundred.
    
    Cannon to right of them,
    Cannon to left of them,
    Cannon behind them
    Volley'd and thunder'd;
    Storm'd at with shot and shell,
    While horse and hero fell,
    They that had fought so well
    Came thro' the jaws of Death
    Back from the mouth of Hell,
    All that was left of them,
    Left of six hundred.
    
    When can their glory fade?
    O the wild charge they made!
    All the world wondered.
    Honor the charge they made,
    Honor the Light Brigade,
    Noble six hundred.

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       manlypoetrymanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Yes! Well done...Thank you for bringing the Charge of the Light Brigade to this post...That is an incredible piece! (APPLAUSE)

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