Anyone else disgusted?

Kathy - posted on 02/19/2010

It did offend me - as I said, I get the message that if you don't agree with me you deserve to die, and I find this offensive. It's the "if you're not with us you're against us" way of looking at things. If this bumper sticker meant to say "stop complaining and do something" why didn't it say so?



I do not support the war. Although Australia is playing only a small part, I protested about our troops going, and yes, I know people who are fighting as well. I hope for their safety and for their return, the sooner the better. We live in a democracy, and should be able to have our own opinions, so don't downgrade those freedoms with these bumper stickers that might be cute but are quite violent and undemocratic.

Jessica - posted on 02/15/2010

No, thats not at all what it was saying, and it really was just a bumper sticker. Its just more so directed I think to the people who will nay say against anything and everything and condemn the war and the soliders in it, but would never be willing to ever do anything to help themselves but willing to complain. It's one of those things thats definatly not directed at everyone. I don't nessesarily support the war, but I have alot of loved ones who are there fighting it and I support them, their lives and hope for there safe return. Sorry if it offended it you, it's definatly not meant to say agree with me or die, it was just a bumper sticker.

Kathy - posted on 02/15/2010

I've seen this on facebook, and I'm disgusted by the bit that says " If your (sic) not willing to stand behind our troops, feel free to stand in front of them."

I find this violent and insulting. The message I get from this is, if you don't agree with me, you deserve to die.

Jessica - posted on 02/14/2010

I have seen the exact same status posted up here in Canada on alot of peoples facebooks status, with America being replaced with Canada. It is very sad.

I saw a bumpersticked the other day that I thought was good though, it said:

" If your not willing to stand behind our troops, feel free to stand in front of them."

Alot of people are willing to be all talk and no action but they are damn willing to sit and condemn those who are trying to make this world at least a little better.

Sara - posted on 01/28/2010

Just to play devil's advocate, teachers and firefighters and policemen also don't participate in an occupation that makes millions and millions of dollars a year. Not that it's right, but movies and sporting events make hundreds of millions of dollars, so the stars are paid according to that. I agree society is screwed up, but because it's screwed up, people like their entertainment and escapism!

JL - posted on 01/28/2010

I agree Laura. I have never understood why someone pretending to be someone else for a living gets paid millions to do so. Teachers and soldiers get paid crap believe me I know ...haha.

Isobel - posted on 01/27/2010

This is a little off topic...but I also think that the way you/we value jobs is WAY off kilter... The idea that sports figures and actors make more money than soldiers and teachers REALLY says something about what we value as a society (and therefore, how messed up our society is)

Kelley - posted on 01/27/2010

I only wish our lesgislature truly knew what it meant to serve as our soldiers serve. In and among all there differences, (color, creed, gender, culture, politcal...and so on) they always have each others back, they become family, and they press on until their mission is accomplished. Can you imagine if sodiers went into battles like our representatives show up in the house and congress???
I think we need to start drafting our politicians, and drop the elections... (Kidding)
Really our Mitlitary is an amazing unified force!

JL - posted on 01/27/2010

I personally know a few soldiers..one of whom is my daughters godfather....who are not US citizens but they are members of the United States Army and they proudly wear the uniform at fight for freedom for everyone.



They joined the US Army because they come from places like Kenya, Haiti, Colombia ..places that are in turmoil and they hope by joining the US military that the fight for a better world will extend to the countries they come from. So when we go into places like Haiti when they are facing dire times we are giving back not only to that nation but to the citizens of Haiti who are right now serving in the US Army, wearing the US uniform, risking their lives. We have one US Army soldier here on Fort Gordon that I know who is a citizen of Haiti and 8 of his family members died in the Earthquake and he is proud that he has joined a militay force in a nation that is sending people in to help out his fellow countrymen.

Kelley - posted on 01/26/2010

Mary, very disappointed to hear that, as you could probably guess I have alot of f-bk friends that are cosv/Christ and I do not know a one of them that wouldn't be offended by the americans not helping our own statment.



But as for the dieing for freedoms... I really like it, It makes very thankful for all in uniform, and I too have alot of family that has served our country, as a matter of fact some have given their lives. I think, I just like the honor it tries to show our military.

I never really gave a whole lot of thought to the 'ONLY' part of the statement, because there truly are more than just American soldiers that have died for their country and Other soldiers -citizens, in different times/ countries/ cultures,have died for their freedoms and way of life too.

BUT if my son (he's been planning military almost as soon as he could speak) were a soldier (or daughter) then I would take that statement as a high honor for him.

I think the idea of making the world a better place for everyone is what (Many 'a' mind set) Americans associate as a better way to live out your life.



Again as a blanket statement it overlooks worlds of those who sacrificed (maybe that's what always what stuck with me, and I've never posted it) In no-way have I ever thought that Americans held a monoploy on 'sacrifice', but in the heart that it's meant, it's intent is quite an honor to want to show our soldiers...



(ok. just in the time I've written this mind has been overwehlmed by just the historical examples of groups that have given lives in this effort to preserve ideals....it's really really ALOT...just keep thinking about it sorry, for the randomness : )



?torn?

Amanda - posted on 01/26/2010

that one pisses me off also,i also served in the military and there were so many Soldiers with dual citizenship or were not citizens of the US so it is such a closed minded terrible attitude! i saw a bumper sticker that said "welcome to america now speak english!" it took everything in me not to walk up to the truck and rip it off!

JL - posted on 01/26/2010

My husband a US soldier gets disgusted with the nationalistic mentality. He always says that he fights to make the WORLD a better place for EVERYONE.

Sara - posted on 01/26/2010

I know, it's freakin' embarrassing. I hate that nationalistic "my country is better than yours" crap...ugh.

?? - posted on 01/26/2010

My guess is those soldiers would be ashamed to know that people think that is their purpose too.

?? - posted on 01/26/2010

Wow... I have relatives that are and were soldiers. Some of them have died fighting the same wars as American soldiers. And I'm pretty sure my relatives died for freedom for the entire human race... not just Americans... but it's nice to know that there are people that think ONLY American soldiers die for America's freedom.

ME - posted on 01/26/2010

loses it's effect indeed!

Sara - posted on 01/26/2010

Here's another gem that someone posted in their status...stuff like this pisses me off. I have no problem thanking American Soilders for their sacrifice, but mixed in with all the other BS, it kind of loses it's effect.



WELCOME TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Press 1 for English. Press 2 to disconnect until you learn to speak English. And remember only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, JESUS CHRIST, and the AMERICAN SOLDIER. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom. If you agree, copy and paste in your status.....Thank you to all our American Soldiers!

Amanda - posted on 01/26/2010

it's disgusting.... while I agree that we should be doing more for the poor, hungry, and homeless within the US i don't agree that we need to stop helping those nations that need help as well, such as haiti. i think it's beautiful when people help each other out whether they are literally neighbors or on different continents. a FB friend of mine posted a more appropriate status to the effect of:
" it is a shame that it takes a major catastrophe for the world to pay attention to the poor and those in need of our help. Yes, the people of Haiti need much more help now, and it's great to see the world respond with generosity. Where was Hollywood a month ago? Where will Hollywood be in few months after all the great photo opps associated with the Haiti Disaster expire? Who will be there for Haiti then?"

this is a status i can agree with!

Dana - posted on 01/26/2010

No kidding, Mary. You can't win, can you?

ME - posted on 01/26/2010

I've done my best Kelley...but, no, they don't get it...they insist that NO ONE is helping americans in need, and that the "spirit" of the statement is correct...Of course...when the government tries to "help", they get angry about that as well...

Kelley - posted on 01/25/2010

(reply to Dana) Honestly, The first part is just a 'given'. Every country has their poor and who ever singled out America, BUT big but- (the 'only' country- sorry - I missed that part) I'm not disgusted, I am isnulted, and this may sound arrogant, but I'd much rather be poor here than a whole bunch of other countries I can randomly name off hand.

I'm Glad I asked, because I then went back and re-read it. It's sooo offensive!
Considering I kind of just breezed throught that part myself, not really paying attention, Mary, maybe you could you could ask your f-book friends if they 'really' read that. I know you won't re-post it, but maybe just maybe A good challenge would be a nice little eye opener....I really just didn't catch the full implication of that statment....and there are just far too many people who have given a lifetime's work to try and establish these kind of helps for Americans, past/pres./future.
Let me know if you find a way to have them re-think that "ONLY" country that doesn't blah, blah, blah,

Isobel - posted on 01/25/2010

Yes, the first part is false...EVERY country in the world has poor people that go without. There are MANY groups and individuals attempting to help all of these people within the community.
The original post was incorrect...99% of people will not repost because they are smart enough to know that it is complete and utter bullshit (not because they don't have enought guts)!

Even if you don't count the people who died in the earthquake, hundreds of thousands of people are dying of basic infections and dehydration, are being orphaned, and will suffer from emotional and psychological disorders for the rest of their lives...Shame on ANYONE who reposted that crap!

Dana - posted on 01/25/2010

What do you mean is the first part really false, now I'm curious?

Kelley - posted on 01/25/2010

Just Curious (is the first part really false?)
aaaand if people aren't helping in there own community or simply just looking around there neighborhoods then Shame on them.
Just today I was at the bank and they had a jar for support, for family's, in this city, to get relief for food needs. It's not hard if we just look around.
Anyway,
the situation in Haiti is so much different, they actually need infastructure help. These people have been so poor and hungry that they've resorted to making mud cakes just to relieve the pain of hunger in their body's.
A benefit is probably long overdue...

Sara - posted on 01/25/2010

My question to the people who feel so justified in posting shit like that is, what are you doing in your own communities to solve the problems that you're talking about? I bet 99% of those people don't do crap to help people, they just use them as pawns to make weak and ridiculous arguments or prove how "patriotic" they all are. Ugh.

Dana - posted on 01/25/2010

Yeah, the one person who said it on my FB page is a family friend. Ugh!! I would like to know what the point is!! Tell them to come over to PDM,lmao

ME - posted on 01/25/2010

Somone just had the audacity to say that I clearly don't understand the point of this statement...facebook and family should not go together...I don't feel like I can remove these people because they are family...but I don't think it gets much more offensive!

?? - posted on 01/25/2010

I removed a person from my facebook for this status and I tore into her, and the person who posted "I agree.We need to take care of our own first!" to her status.

I think it's foul and disgusting that people in this day and age have the audacity to be so inhuman. We've come so far as human beings, we're a species that has the ability to be better than our ancestors and yet we still find heathens roaming amongst the masses.

One thing that bugs me, is that if these people were ever stuck with a natural disaster - it would be the people who have nothing, giving to them, to help them through the natural disaster........ and people with nothing would be giving to people who are obviously unwilling to give, themselves, if the situation were reversed (like it is right now).

The woman who posted it, also claims to be a Christian.
I guess Jesus' lessons didn't quite sink in for her.

Rosie - posted on 01/25/2010

it bothers me as well, one of my friends has this posted on his page. i do understand the sentiment behind it, but do think it needs to be worded in a different way-or maybe put up at a different time with no mention of haiti in it at all. this country needs help as well, just not at the expense of the poor people of haiti. like somehow the fact that we have houses that are actually standing, we have water and food, and most of us know where our children are-in the same room-not buried under a pile of rubble that used to be a school- has not crossed the minds of some that support this statement.

Dana - posted on 01/25/2010

Who in the hell could hate Haitians or call themselves Haiti haters??? I would be crying and vomiting. I wish they were my FB friends, I'd be going to town on their status' all damn day long. That's just insane....

ME - posted on 01/25/2010

I wish I could say the same Dana...my friends are getting loads of support from self-professed "Haiti Haters"...it makes me want to vomit...or cry...or both...

Dana - posted on 01/25/2010

UGH, yes... I saw this from one of my FB friends and she was getting tore up for it! Thankfully and thankfully it was the only friend I saw post that crap. I really don't think people are actually paying attention to what the hell they're saying or how bad it is over there. I would be shocked to find out if any of those people posting that, had actually watched any coverage from Haiti. Or any news in their lifetime....

JL - posted on 01/25/2010

I have been sickened with how we are loosing our empathy in this nation. Greed and individualism seem to be the major theme. I just don't see how you can watch children dying from lack of basic needs and bitch about helping them. Our financial woes in this nation do not compare to what the people of Haiti are experiencing.



Yes, things are far from perfect in this nation and we need to reform things but we have the infrastructure, a sunstained government, and the programs to deal with our problems while Haiti does not. I have always felt that once you turn your back on others in need you stand against humanity and the light of hope, love and peace starts to flicker and darkness starts to seep in and eventually darkness will triumph over light.



Most of us in America enjoy much more than the basic neccessities it will not destroy us if we help others. It will hopefully make us thankful for how much we do have and help us realize how much we do need to reform parts of our system.



This is my status from Friday:

Watching Hope for Haiti Now, the tears are flowing. My heart aches and my soul cries out to all those suffering, for all those lives lost, for all those children in pain.

There is a natural law, a Divine law, that obliges you and me to relieve the suffering, the distressed and the destitute.... Conrad Hilton



As long as I breathe I will give back as much as I can to make this world better for EVERYONE!