SD Jarhead Posted November 14, 2008 Share Posted November 14, 2008 So I'm returning from a day of work at 29 Palms and my training partner Lee decides to take a detour on the way home to show me The Mission Inn in Riverside, CA. It's an historic hotel he's recommended for my wife and I to stay at and wanted to give me a brief tour. We walk through the hotel and on the way toward the freeway home we detour through a beautiful neighborhood of early 1900's homes. I notice a house that has the flag hung upside down and do a double take. I show Lee, who is a retired Marine LtCol and he stops the truck and says let's go talk to them and fix it. So we knock on the door of the house and a lady comes to the door and acknowledges that the flag is that way on purpose. She goes on to state that the flag can be hung upside down in times of distress and she feels our nation is in great danger. Lee, my partner is visibly upset and argues that we're both retired Marines who fought for her fight to do that and feel its unacceptable. She responds that we just elected a President who feels the Constitution of the US is deeply flawed and that she feels our country is heading rapidly toward socialism. She was kind, but firm in her expression. After some bantering between them I basically moved Lee of off the porch and toward the vehicle. Anyway, I did some quick research and this is becoming a more common expression of distress for many Americans. At this moment I'm not exactly sure how I feel about it. As someone who has fought and had brothers die defending the flag and what it stands for, I'm a bit offended, but I've got to respect her right to express where she see our nation going. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IDBillzFan Posted November 14, 2008 Share Posted November 14, 2008 She lost. Tell her to get over it. [/canned lefty reply] By the way, my company programmed the control system in Conf. Room 105 at 29 Palms. Magnificent 7th Marines, no? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blzrul Posted November 14, 2008 Share Posted November 14, 2008 So why bother to be in the military to fight to protect Americans' rights if you get upset when someone exercises one of them? Particularly when her opinions seem to jibe with yours? If she is within the law, and if it gives her some solace (instead of spewing hatred and invective against "the other side"), who is it hurting? She meant no disrespect to the military. Perhaps it would help to remember that although the center of YOUR universe seems to be the military, many others go about their daily lives with different perspectives. Which is as it should e. This was a fairly common practice during the Vietnam war as well. When things settle down, the flag will go right-side up again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Big Cat Posted November 14, 2008 Share Posted November 14, 2008 You know, for a bunch of trained killers, our men in uniform sure do have some touchy feelings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SD Jarhead Posted November 14, 2008 Author Share Posted November 14, 2008 She lost. Tell her to get over it. [/canned lefty reply] By the way, my company programmed the control system in Conf. Room 105 at 29 Palms. Magnificent 7th Marines, no? I have a meeting out there with 7th Marines at the Regiment HQ bldg. on the 25th. I think it may be in that conference room, but not totally sure. I'll let you know how the AV system works if that's the room. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Fischer Posted November 14, 2008 Share Posted November 14, 2008 So I'm returning from a day of work at 29 Palms and my training partner Lee decides to take a detour on the way home to show me The Mission Inn in Riverside, CA. It's an historic hotel he's recommended for my wife and I to stay at and wanted to give me a brief tour. We walk through the hotel and on the way toward the freeway home we detour through a beautiful neighborhood of early 1900's homes. I notice a house that has the flag hung upside down and do a double take. I show Lee, who is a retired Marine LtCol and he stops the truck and says let's go talk to them and fix it. So we knock on the door of the house and a lady comes to the door and acknowledges that the flag is that way on purpose. She goes on to state that the flag can be hung upside down in times of distress and she feels our nation is in great danger. Lee, my partner is visibly upset and argues that we're both retired Marines who fought for her fight to do that and feel its unacceptable. She responds that we just elected a President who feels the Constitution of the US is deeply flawed and that she feels our country is heading rapidly toward socialism. She was kind, but firm in her expression. After some bantering between them I basically moved Lee of off the porch and toward the vehicle. Anyway, I did some quick research and this is becoming a more common expression of distress for many Americans. At this moment I'm not exactly sure how I feel about it. As someone who has fought and had brothers die defending the flag and what it stands for, I'm a bit offended, but I've got to respect her right to express where she see our nation going. How would you feel if she burned the flag? (or if McCain was elected and she supported Obama?) It's understandable why people get upset when a flag is disgraced, and while I don't condone flag burning, I do believe that one our Nation's greatest strengths is to allow it as a manner of free speech. If the KKK and the anarchists want to "peacefully" march, let them. If right wing radio wants to blather on, go right ahead. If Farrakahn wants to spew his nonsense then give him room. I hope every American will fight for their right to freely express their opinions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SD Jarhead Posted November 14, 2008 Author Share Posted November 14, 2008 You know, for a bunch of trained killers, our men in uniform sure do have some touchy feelings. You'd be best served by keeping your rooster holster closed there Little kitty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SD Jarhead Posted November 14, 2008 Author Share Posted November 14, 2008 How would you feel if she burned the flag? (or if McCain was elected and she supported Obama?) It's understandable why people get upset when a flag is disgraced, and while I don't condone flag burning, I do believe that one our Nation's greatest strengths is to allow it as a manner of free speech. If the KKK and the anarchists want to "peacefully" march, let them. If right wing radio wants to blather on, go right ahead. If Farrakahn wants to spew his nonsense then give him room. I hope every American will fight for their right to freely express their opinions. Again, and this is primarily for NozzleNUT, I respect every American's right to do the things you mentioned above, that doesn't mean I have to like it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
/dev/null Posted November 14, 2008 Share Posted November 14, 2008 Freedom of speech is a beautiful thing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erynthered Posted November 14, 2008 Share Posted November 14, 2008 You'd be best served by keeping your rooster holster closed there Little kitty. Thank you for responding to that idiot. I was going to after I read that, and thought, what a better person to respond to this moron than a Marine. Again, thank you for you service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SD Jarhead Posted November 14, 2008 Author Share Posted November 14, 2008 Thank you for responding to that idiot. I was going to after I read that, and thought, what a better person to respond to this moron than a Marine. Again, thank you for you service. No thanks necessary, but appreciated just the same. I don't mind feedback or discussion, but don't appreciate wisecracks from a snot nosed kid who's probably still living off of Mom and Dad's dime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Big Cat Posted November 14, 2008 Share Posted November 14, 2008 No thanks necessary, but appreciated just the same. I don't mind feedback or discussion, but don't appreciate wisecracks from a snot nosed kid who's probably still living off of Mom and Dad's dime. Haha, yeah. Us civies have to side step every criticism of our rampant Military Industrial Complex to avoid "dishonoring" the troops. And frankly, I'm tired of being told I owe you something when, in reality, you march dutifully into harms way at the whim of the Pentagon as if it's YOUR war, when it's not. Thanks for the threat, though. I guess you are the bigger person. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
/dev/null Posted November 14, 2008 Share Posted November 14, 2008 Haha, yeah. Us civies have to side step every criticism of our rampant Military Industrial Complex to avoid "dishonoring" the troops. And frankly, I'm tired of being told I owe you something when, in reality, you march dutifully into harms way at the whim of the Pentagon as if it's YOUR war, when it's not. Thanks for the threat, though. I guess you are the bigger person. I'm a civie too so don't confuse what I'm about to say with the evil MIC You do got a lot to learn kid. After you get out from the shelter of Mom and Dad and the tutelage of brilliant college professors who have spent years isolated in Academia, you will one day venture out into the real world Hopefully Mom, Dad, and the PhDs taught you how to think. Instead of what to think Cuz the grown up world, well you might be in for a rude awakening Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Big Cat Posted November 14, 2008 Share Posted November 14, 2008 I'm a civie too so don't confuse what I'm about to say with the evil MIC You do got a lot to learn kid. After you get out from the shelter of Mom and Dad and the tutelage of brilliant college professors who have spent years isolated in Academia, you will one day venture out into the real world Hopefully Mom, Dad, and the PhDs taught you how to think. Instead of what to think Cuz the grown up world, well you might be in for a rude awakening Right, because I'm young, I don't understand anything. I forgot. I have spent a great deal of time on the grounds of the Naval Academy for athletic reasons, and I was invited to attend the 2007 USNA commissioning, and listened to Robert Gates give the commencement speech. I get it. And I DON'T BUY ANY OF IT. IMO, our military is a big, expensive, lives ruining joke. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IDBillzFan Posted November 14, 2008 Share Posted November 14, 2008 Haha, yeah. Us civies have to side step every criticism of our rampant Military Industrial Complex to avoid "dishonoring" the troops. And frankly, I'm tired of being told I owe you something when, in reality, you march dutifully into harms way at the whim of the Pentagon as if it's YOUR war, when it's not. Thanks for the threat, though. I guess you are the bigger person. Someone once taught me two very valuable lessons years ago, and at the time I, like you today, didn't think I needed anyone's advice because I, like you today, was convinced I was so smart that everything that came out of my mouth had value. Over time I came to realize that I, like you today, was a !@#$ing imbecile, so please at least consider these two little pieces of advice that will serve you well if you let them. 1) Think first, then speak. 2) Just because you think you have something to say doesn't mean you should actually say it. And here's a free one: if you take any history classes in college, try showing up for them and you'll realize just how !@#$ing stupid your above comments really are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dante Posted November 14, 2008 Share Posted November 14, 2008 I'm a civie too so don't confuse what I'm about to say with the evil MIC You do got a lot to learn kid. After you get out from the shelter of Mom and Dad and the tutelage of brilliant college professors who have spent years isolated in Academia, you will one day venture out into the real world Hopefully Mom, Dad, and the PhDs taught you how to think. Instead of what to think Cuz the grown up world, well you might be in for a rude awakening Geeze what a great quote. Elegant in its simplicity but says so much. Well done! And I'm not jerking your chain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Big Cat Posted November 14, 2008 Share Posted November 14, 2008 Someone once taught me two very valuable lessons years ago, and at the time I, like you today, didn't think I needed anyone's advice because I, like you today, was convinced I was so smart that everything that came out of my mouth had value. Over time I came to realize that I, like you today, was a !@#$ing imbecile, so please at least consider these two little pieces of advice that will serve you well if you let them. 1) Think first, then speak. 2) Just because you think you have something to say doesn't mean you should actually say it. And here's a free one: if you take any history classes in college, try showing up for them and you'll realize just how !@#$ing stupid your above comments really are. What makes you think I haven't given long, thorough consideration to things I say here. Just because I don't think like you or don't entertain the same ideas as you, I'm an imbecile? I'm sorry, wasn't this a thread about free-speech? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
/dev/null Posted November 14, 2008 Share Posted November 14, 2008 Right, because I'm young, I don't understand anything. I forgot. I have spent a great deal of time on the grounds of the Naval Academy for athletic reasons, and I was invited to attend the 2007 USNA commissioning, and listened to Robert Gates give the commencement speech. I get it. And I DON'T BUY ANY OF IT. IMO, our military is a big, expensive, lives ruining joke. So you did some calisthenics and got to listen to a political speech? btw you didn't think you would actually get anything worthwhile out of a commencement speech did you? And I'm not ragging on you because you're young. You just haven't experienced the real world. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
/dev/null Posted November 14, 2008 Share Posted November 14, 2008 I'm sorry, wasn't this a thread about free-speech? That's the beautiful thing about America. You can say whatever you want, even if you don't know what you're talking about Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantelliotoffen Posted November 15, 2008 Share Posted November 15, 2008 Looks like all the men in uniform fanboys are out in full force in this thread! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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