Think again before complaining......

Colleges and Universities A-Z Service Academy Parents
1

<p>Wish I could take credit for this, but the author remains unknown....but reading it this morning, as I was about to complain about another long day at work, gave me pause for thought..... </p>

<p>will repost for all.........</p>

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<p>
[quote]

You stay up for 16 hours</p>

<p>He stays up for days on end.</p>

<hr>

<p>You take a warm shower to help you wake up.</p>

<p>He goes days or weeks without running water.</p>

<hr>

<p>You complain of a "headache", and call in sick.</p>

<p>He gets shot at as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.</p>

<hr>

<p>You put on your anti war/don't support the troops shirt, and go meet up with your friends.</p>

<p>He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.</p>

<hr>

<p>You make sure you're cell phone is in your pocket.</p>

<p>He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.</p>

<hr>

<p>You talk trash about your "buddies" that aren't with you.</p>

<p>He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.</p>

<hr>

<p>You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.</p>

<p>He patrols the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.</p>

<hr>

<p>You complain about how hot it is.</p>

<p>He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.</p>

<hr>

<p>You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.</p>

<p>He doesn't get to eat today.</p>

<hr>

<p>Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.</p>

<p>He wears the same things for weeks, but makes sure his weapons are clean.</p>

<hr>

<p>You go to the mall and get your hair redone.</p>

<p>He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.</p>

<hr>

<p>You're angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.</p>

<p>He's told he will be held over an extra 2 months.</p>

<hr>

<p>You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight.</p>

<p>He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.</p>

<hr>

<p>You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.</p>

<p>He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.</p>

<hr>

<p>You roll your eyes as a baby cries.</p>

<p>He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet</p>

<hr>

<p>You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.</p>

<p>He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own people and remembers why he is fighting.</p>

<hr>

<p>You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of men like him.</p>

<p>He hears the gunfire, bombs and screams of the wounded.</p>

<hr>

<p>You see only what the media wants you to see.</p>

<p>He sees the broken bodies lying around him.</p>

<hr>

<p>You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.</p>

<p>He does exactly what he is told.</p>

<hr>

<p>You stay at home and watch TV.</p>

<p>He takes whatever time he is given to call, write home, sleep, and eat.</p>

<hr>

<p>You crawl into your soft bed, with down pillows, and get comfortable.</p>

<hr>

<p>He tries to sleep but gets woken by mortars and helicopters all night long.</p>

<hr>

<hr>

<p>You sit there and judge him, saying the world is probably a worse place because of men like him.</p>

<p>If only there were more men like him</p>

<p>

[/quote]
</p>

2

<p>Good way to start the day Navy2010. Puts things in perspective, doesn't it? Thanks for posting.</p>

<p>Made me think of a poem I saw about the time some "unfortunate remarks" were made about "being stuck in Iraq" (see below). Now I'm not posting this to be "political", but rather because it addresses the sacrifices that are being made every day by our folks in uniform while many people don't even give it a thought. Much like the focus of your post.</p>

<p>We Fight For You</p>

<p>We fight for you, Mr. Kerry, Mr. Dean,
And we fight for things that you’ve never seen.
We fight for honor and courage and pride,
We fight for those on democracy’s side.</p>

<p>We fight for all who pursue liberty;
We fight so Martin can march on D.C.
We fight so Rosa can ride on the bus;
And we’ll still be fighting when you forget about us.</p>

<p>We fight so ALL can hear freedom ring,
Even if it means you’ll say stupid things!
So you go ahead and party & play –
We’ll guard the door, that’s just our way.</p>

<p>We know we’re not welcome at fetes and soirees,
Might spoil the mood with our guns and rough ways.
We fight so you can have peace here at home;
While you’re mixing drinks, we’ll stand duty alone.</p>

<p>In the morning, as you sip from your cup,
You needn’t be worried that you’ll be blown up.
At night when you tuck your babies in bed,
Don’t think of the madmen who’d chop off their heads.</p>

<p>You can relax, because we’ve got your back.
We’ll keep bad guys busy here in Iraq.
Go ahead and insult us, say what you please,
We’re too busy sweeping for those da** IEDs.</p>

<p>Someone must answer the trumpeter’s call,
And we know you need us up on that wall.
Sit back and get comfy in your easy chair,
‘Cause we’ve got the enemy runnin’ wa-a-a-y over there!</p>

3

<p>what is this? a republic pep rally? jesus christ.</p>

4

<p>Davygravy, I think you missed the point by a long shot. Even though there may be some Republican sounding sentiments in both of those posts, but it's more about the sacrifices that are made by service men and women. These aren't just for you but for citizens in other countries as well. Iraq doesn't necessarily mean Iraq, but it's any conflict where there is oppression. It's also about the call of duty that some people follow to fight for the ideals of freedom, something this country is founded upon, whether here or abroad. Next time instead of taking the literal meaning of something you should look deeper.</p>

5

<p>i think it is davygravy. that first poem would have been good without all that political crap.</p>

6

<p>I don't blame you davygray3 and homer09, I am also embarrassed by the politics of the democratic party.</p>

7

<p>Would it have made any difference if the names "Kerry" & "Dean" had not been included?</p>

<p>Tried to put a disclaimer in - I believe I said I was NOT trying to be political. I posted it because it mainly addresses SACRIFICES being made EVERY DAY.</p>

<p>("Rosa" & "Martin" were also mentioned in quite a positive light however)</p>

<p>Some people are so touchy!</p>

8

<p>Last time I looked, John Kerry was a decorated combat veteran.</p>

<p>Also don't forget that there are more than a few "she's" over there as well protecting everyone's right to engage in partisan psycho-babble or to criticize or praise their government.</p>

<p>And please, what ever you do, vote for the most competent candidate next year for President--regardless of their political party. If there is one thing that matters LESS right now is whether they are labeled by someone as liberal or conservative. If there is one thing that matters MOST right now is that they be competent.</p>

9

<p>^^^^ Hillary!!! :)</p>

<p>
[quote]
that first poem would have been good without all that political crap.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>that would be door #2....</p>

<p>
[quote]
I am also embarrassed by the politics of the democratic party.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>well I'm a republican and there are days I fell pretty embarrassed as well!!!</p>

10

<p>Staying out of this one, so don't ask.</p>

11

<p>zaph, you're being very good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(and still very respected!)</p>

12

<p>I am not quite sure what to say about this post. But with this topic in general I would highly recommend people watch two movies. Fahernheit 9/11 (hope i spelled that right...) and "Loose Change" They are both highly controversial and a bit over the top. I am not saying I agree with them, but I do say watch them with an open mind. Just keep an open mind, and form your own thoughts. Don't hate it because it goes against everything you believe in, think neutral... You'll wonder about some things to say the least.</p>

13

<p>"if you fail to plan.. plan to fail."
here's more interesting video...
<a href="http://www.west-point.org/users/usma1983/40768/docs/cushman/cushman.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.west-point.org/users/usma1983/40768/docs/cushman/cushman.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

14

<p>Fahrenheit.</p>

15

<p>Thanks for that nurseypoo, so glad to see I was only off by one...</p>

<p>Anyway, I must say, that what bothers me most about these academies (and I go) are how stubborn the right wing conservatives are. Duh...conservative. That's not what I mean, what I mean is that half the time they won't listen to you. They won't go, "well yea that's true." It is always I'm right and your wrong with them, and they never once have an open mind about any political issue. So then I wonder if they're just friggin morons. It's obvious these are views they'be been raised on and grown up with, but why can't you look at some things objectively, with an open mind, with some common sense, and see their could be other possibilities? Ahhh, whatever, they'll never change.</p>

16

<p>davy,</p>

<p>I know people on both sides - conservative and liberal - who are stubborn and have apparently never developed any listening skills. In addition they don't seem to analyze information, but merely repeat their mantras. On the other hand, I have met and know that there are reasonable people on both sides also. Unfortunately, there is too much focus on the hysteria.</p>

<p>I can only suggest that for anyone who wants to engage in meaningful discourse on serious subjects you read material from many sources and come to conclusions that work for you. Then you'll be able to lead those discussions and maybe get somebody to change. Maybe not change their position, but change enough to listen and understand your points. Perhaps they'll even change how you look at them.</p>

17

<p>Eheh... This is a service academy forum, not a "let's argue politics" forum.</p>

<p>And while you're arguing about petty politics and mainly discussing, in my opinion, stereotypes of certain parties, there are troops dying to protect your right to voice that opinion -- and THAT is what this thread is about. So lose the politics, and support the troops. </p>

<p>I think it's quite sad that a 17 year old has to say this to service academy parents. When I read those two first posts, it reminded me even more why I want to go into the service. As parents of those who may already or one day be fighting overseas, I can't believe that some of you can't get over political differences and discuss support for our troops. </p>

<p>I'm sorry if this sounds a bit blunt, but frankly I don't really care. It's the truth and you should hear it.</p>

18

<p>but...but...but... Nutts, its kinda hard to take politics out of all the conversations about service academies. No matter what your beliefs here, they are federal academies run by government. And our troops are run by government. I feel we should be tolerant of views in this instance. Your strong views should be welcome as well.</p>

19

<p>gonecokanutts - a lot of the people arguing in here are attending service academies, myself included, so you don't know what you are saying. so you think because people argue politics they don't support the troops. that makes no sense. as people who will be most affected by political decisions in the near future, why shouldn't we be able to argue politics. yeah, i can tell your only 17 by the bs you just spit out. next time think about what you are saying.</p>

20

<p>don't get me started about troops dying to allow me to voice my opinion. Trust me, if anyone agrees with that it's me, but in this war, is that really what's happening? I don't know. I won't elaborate, but ...child...like homer09 said think about what you are saying.</p>