tagged w/ Veterans
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By Andrew Jones
Monday, December 12, 2011
GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney had an interesting exchange with a gay veteran at a New Hampshire diner Monday morning.
According to The Boston Globe, 63-year-old Vietnam vet Bob Garon asked the former Massachusetts if he would support a repeal of the state allowing same sex marriage.
“I believe marriage is between a man and a woman,” Romney replied. “That’s my view.”
Garon was upset by Romney’s answer, explaining to the GOP candidate the troubles married gay veterans face.
“If two men get married, apparently a veteran’s spouse would not be entitled to any burial benefits or medical benefits or anything that the serviceman has devoted his time and effort to his country,” he told Romney. “And you just don’t support equality in terms of same-sex marriage?”
After Romney said “we apparently disagree,” Garon further showed his displeasure.
“It’s good to know how you feel,” he said. “That you do not believe that everyone is entitled to their constitutional rights.”
Romney instantly replied back to Garon’s opinion.
“No, actually, I think at the time the Constitution was written it was pretty clear that marriage is between a man and a woman,” he said. “And I don’t believe the Supreme Court has changed that.”
What has changed however is Romney’s position on another issue. While running for the Senate in 1994, he told a gay newspaper that same sex marriage was a “state issue as you know – the authorization of marriage on a same-sex basis falls under state jurisdiction.”
Garon told The Boston Globe afterwards that Romney’s chances at winning were doomed.
“The guy ain’t going to make it,” he said of Romney. “He is not going to make it. You can’t trust him. I just saw it in his eyes. I judge a man by his eyes.”
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/12/12/romney-tells-gay-veteran-hell-repeal-same-sex-marriage/
WATCH: Video from Politico, which was published on December 12, 2011.
"I thought these folks were all about Patriotism and Flag lapel pins??? WTF???"
"I guess serving your country ain't all it used to be???"By Andrew Jones
Monday, December 12, 2011
GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney... more
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KB723
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Rick Santorum loves to wrap himself in the flag, and was one of the first to protest the end of the Republican war for oil and conquest in Iraq. He also went ballistic in blaming Obama for Defense cuts recommended by the Joint Chiefs, claiming that Democrats do not support our troops. One of the best measures of who supports our troops, and who doesn’t, is the way in which they treat veterans, who deserve the best we can give them. Santorum’s record is completely Republican.Rick Santorum loves to wrap himself in the flag, and was one of the first to protest... more
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A group of veterans and active duty soldiers are set to march to the White House in February to show their support for Ron Paul and to turn their backs on the current puppet in chief, Barack Obama.
The group, Veterans for Ron Paul 2012, was co founded by longtime Libertarian activist Adam Kokesh. A press release by Kokesh explains the groups plans:
On President’s Day, February 20th, 2012, the founders of Veterans for Ron Paul 2012, Nathan Cox and Adam Kokesh, will lead a formation of veterans and active duty troops who support Ron Paul’s candidacy for President of the United States from the Washington Monument to the White House. Upon arrival at the White House, they will do an about face to turn their backs on the President, and render a hand salute to a folded American flag surrounded by family members of military personnel and veterans. They will hold the salute for as many seconds as troops have died under the Presidency of Barrack Obama.
The purpose of this event is to make it clear to the American people that Ron Paul is the choice of the troops and the candidate who will have the greatest support from those he would lead as commander-in-chief. This is already evidence by the fact that Ron Paul has recieved more campaign contributions from active duty service members than all other presidential candidates combined, INCLUDING Barrack Obama.
Kokesh has long been an advocate for freedom and liberty and in a speech given last Saturday he outlined the fact that the military supports Ron Paul over all the other GOP candidates and Barack Obama.
http://theintelhub.com/2012/01/09/veterans-and-active-duty-soldiers-to-march-on-white-house-in-support-of-ron-paul/A group of veterans and active duty soldiers are set to march to the White House in... more
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PHOENIX (AP) — A man found unresponsive in a jail cell after fighting with deputies at a Phoenix jail died this week after being taken off life support. The Maricopa County sheriff's office released surveillance video Friday that captured Ernest Atencio's scuffle with officers.
Atencio's family was exploring a possible lawsuit against the embattled Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, said Michael Manning, a Phoenix attorney who has won five wrongful death lawsuits against the department.
Manning said Atencio's family took him off life support Tuesday. He said the 44-year-old man had no brain activity from the moment he arrived at the hospital Friday, did not have alcohol or drugs in his system and had marks from a stun gun on his body.
Latino activists say that Atencio's death raises more questions about practices under Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
Read More.......
http://www.azfamily.com/news/inmate-atencio-sheriff-video-136185403.htmlPHOENIX (AP) — A man found unresponsive in a jail cell after fighting with... more
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So, you'd vote for Ron Paul if it weren't for his wacky foreign policy?
U.S. military veterans and active duty soldiers overwhelmingly support Ron Paul for President in 2012. Find out why.
This video explains why they support Ron Paul so overwhelmingly, including a discussion of "blowback" resulting from U.S. interventionist foreign policy.So, you'd vote for Ron Paul if it weren't for his wacky foreign policy?... more
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Powerful video. I'll let it speak for itself.
"Good luck. You're going to need it."
Please spread the video if you can!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRN9Y5NvdqkPowerful video. I'll let it speak for itself.
"Good luck. You're... more
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In the northern state of New Hampshire today, Mitt Romney sat down with a 63-year old man sporting a cap that read, “Vietnam Veteran” and things went south from there for the former Massachusetts Governor.
http://tinyurl.com/75lvay5In the northern state of New Hampshire today, Mitt Romney sat down with a 63-year... more
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LOrion
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This disturbing video clip shows Occupy Oakland protester and three-tour Iraq war veteran Kayvan Sabehgi in an altercation with riot police on October 2. The Guardian posted the clip late last week and reported that Sabehgi suffered a ruptured spleen as a result of the beat-down captured here, and that Oakland police say they are looking into the incident.
http://www.truthdig.com/avbooth/item/another_vet_struck_down_by_police_in_oakland_20111121This disturbing video clip shows Occupy Oakland protester and three-tour Iraq war... more
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Saving Private Ryan 1998 HD [FULL MOVIE]
"One of my all time Favorite and Moving movies of all time... Please grab up some popcorn and maybe some sodas, and Enjoy..." =)Saving Private Ryan 1998 HD [FULL MOVIE]
"One of my all time Favorite and... more
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KB723
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After our Veteran's Day festivities at Occupy Seattle, a bunch of us went down to stand in solidarity with Occupy Portland on the night of their big eviction (smirk) as ordered by Mayor Sam Adams. Full accounts of the night's events are found elsewhere, but before I get out of my Army dress blues and collapse into bed, I thought some acknowledgments were in order for the many characters on-scene in Portland...
To the frightened hippie on the front line who helped me face down the police, even though tears were streaming down his face: sorry for squeezing your hand so hard. I was scared too.
To the many police officers, male and female, who peered through their riot shields with near terror in their eyes: don't worry. We're far more likely to hug you than hurt you. Also, I was scared too...
AND MANY MANY more. All Americans should read.
http://tinyurl.com/6uh6n59After our Veteran's Day festivities at Occupy Seattle, a bunch of us went down to... more
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LOrion
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This was definitely worth reading :) I'm tearing up because he led an awesome life and I hope I can make a rage hologram at age 86 as well. That was not only one of the greatest Rage Comics ever made, but also one of the most inspiring stories I've read in my years on this Earth. Thank you sir! Whoever you may be... oh '1925gamer' on Reddit.
Life, Elderly, Veterans, War, Marriage, Family, Relationships, Military, Kids, Technology, Computers, Internet, Reddit, Comic, RageThis was definitely worth reading :) I'm tearing up because he led an awesome... more
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A heartwarming story about 25 Marine War Dogs who gave their lives liberating Guam in 1944. They served as sentries, messengers, scouts, they explored caves, detected mines and booby traps. Semper Fidelis.
In all seriousness, its extremely nice of them to make a statue for the dogs that died. Happy Veterans Day to the pups too.A heartwarming story about 25 Marine War Dogs who gave their lives liberating Guam in... more
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This year, Veterans Day should be a day for all of us — all 99 percent of us — to stand with the 1 percent. Not, as Jim Hightower writes, the "corporate CEOs and hedge fund billionaires," but the "extra-special 1 percent of our society" who are also part of the 99 percent: the veterans of our most recent, most misguided wars, as well as those before. As Hightower said, let it not be a day to merely salute our veterans, but to stand with them and rally with them, as they have already done for us.....
Our vets come home to the country they volunteered to serve to find an economy that has no place for them and no regard for their service
Our veterans come home to face an economic crisis while also bearing the physical and mental scars of war
Since 2010, conservatives have sought to cut legal services for veterans, eliminate 10,000 housing vouchers for homeless veterans, and slash disability benefits for veterans.
It's about time our elected officials did more for veterans, but these modest proposals fall far short of the kind of help that over 850,000 unemployed veterans need.
Our veterans deserve better. This Veterans Day, let's stand up with and for veterans — our worthy 1 percent — and demand better.
http://tinyurl.com/89cjnqvThis year, Veterans Day should be a day for all of us — all 99 percent of us... more
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LOrion
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An American War Veteran
Tommy
By Rudyard Kipling
I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer,
The publican 'e up an' sez, "We serve no red-coats here."
The girls be'ind the bar they laughed an' giggled fit to die,
I outs into the street again an' to myself sez I:
O it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, go away";
But it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play,
The band begins to play, my boys, the band begins to play,
O it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play.
I went into a theatre as sober as could be,
They gave a drunk civilian room, but 'adn't none for me;
They sent me to the gallery or round the music-'alls,
But when it comes to fightin', Lord! they'll shove me in the stalls!
For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, wait outside";
But it's "Special train for Atkins" when the trooper's on the tide,
The troopship's on the tide, my boys, the troopship's on the tide,
O it's "Special train for Atkins" when the trooper's on the tide.
Yes, makin' mock o' uniforms that guard you while you sleep
Is cheaper than them uniforms, an' they're starvation cheap;
An' hustlin' drunken soldiers when they're goin' large a bit
Is five times better business than paradin' in full kit.
Then it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, 'ow's yer soul?"
But it's "Thin red line of 'eroes" when the drums begin to roll,
The drums begin to roll, my boys, the drums begin to roll,
O it's "Thin red line of 'eroes" when the drums begin to roll.
We aren't no thin red 'eroes, nor we aren't no blackguards too,
But single men in barricks, most remarkable like you;
An' if sometimes our conduck isn't all your fancy paints,
Why, single men in barricks don't grow into plaster saints;
While it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, fall be'ind",
But it's "Please to walk in front, sir", when there's trouble in the wind,
There's trouble in the wind, my boys, there's trouble in the wind,
O it's "Please to walk in front, sir", when there's trouble in the wind.
You talk o' better food for us, an' schools, an' fires, an' all:
We'll wait for extry rations if you treat us rational.
Don't mess about the cook-room slops, but prove it to our face
The Widow's Uniform is not the soldier-man's disgrace.
For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Chuck him out, the brute!"
But it's "Saviour of 'is country" when the guns begin to shoot;
An' it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' anything you please;
An' Tommy ain't a bloomin' fool -- you bet that Tommy sees!
~~~
This is a picture from a facebook member on Veterans' Day 11.11.11
It says a lot about our country, don't you think? thinkingblue
Dan Kenney - Facebook
Based on various estimates, 500,000 to 840,000 veterans are homeless at some time during the year. It is also estimated by the VA that a veteran dies by suicide every 80 minutes. And nearly 20% of the returning forces from Afghanistan and Iraq suffer from either PTSD or major depression. This Veterans' Day four or five veterans will commit suicide. The price of war continues throughout the life of a veteran. Today reach out a hand to a vet.
OCCUPY WALL STREET - WE SHALL OVERCOME!An American War Veteran
Tommy
By Rudyard Kipling
I went into a... more
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Veterans Day is a time to celebrate the men and women who have worn this nation's uniform and to honor their service. When the nation called and asked, "Who among you will step forward and defend the Constitution? Who will leave your families, your home in order to protect what we hold most dear?" it was our servicemen and women who answered that call and said, "I will. I will leave all that I hold most dear in order to protect liberty for others, for those who I will never meet. And if I must, I will lay down my life to protect this nation that is a beacon of Democracy all."
Today, less than one percent of our nation serves in uniform. These men and women, along with their families, have sacrificed so much for us. That's why today should also be a time for all of us, as a nation, to think about what we can do in return. Even as we are bombarded with Veterans Day sales and shopping discounts, our Veterans struggle with trauma born of their service. They are looking for jobs so they can support their families. For those currently standing their watch in hostile fronts around the world, they look homeward and wonder if the nation will be there for them upon their return.
Read more here:
http://emilyslist.org/blog/The_Sacrifice_of_our_Veterans/Veterans Day is a time to celebrate the men and women who have worn this nation's... more
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Right now on MSNBC Morning Joe, Joe Scarborough is trying to claim that there is no economic disparity with those that are in the military. He is stating that they are well paid and that they do not have to join the military, there are plenty of college graduates serving. So how many of those that are serving are part of the 1%? How many of those families had had loved ones killed, deformed or mentally scarred because they served in any of our wars?
A vast portion of those that are serving do so because they know that it is a job, a pay check, something that they cannot get at home. As a former service member, both enlisted and as an officer, I am deeply proud of those that serve for whatever reasons that they join. Your reasons soon disappear when you realize how much you depend on the person to your right and left. That there is nothing more important than your unit.
Sometimes wars have to be fought. But regardless of the reason, it is the 99% that fight those wars. Those people deserve all of the benefits that we can give them, whether it is education, low interest loans for housing or starting a business, or to care for them after they have been wounded. We should never quibble over the cost.
November 11th was originally designated to remember the end of the Great War.
That was changed on June 1, 1954 to Veterans Day, in remembrance of all veterans. The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m. The purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. To that end, that you all for your past and current service.
A Society for Human Resource Management poll in 2010 found that 21 percent of employers planned to observe the holiday in 2011.[6]
Frank Woodruff Buckles (born Wood Buckles; February 1, 1901 – February 27, 2011) was the last surviving American veteran of World War I.
16,112,566 individuals were members of the United States armed forces during World War II. There were 291,557 battle deaths, 113,842 other deaths in service (non-theater), and 670,846 non-mortal woundings. In May 2011, the Department of Veterans Affairs estimated that approximately 2,079,000 American veterans are still living.
There are 1.2 million Korean War veterans still alive In 1993, the Defense Department listed 33,686 battle deaths, 2,830 non-battle deaths, and 17,730 deaths of Defense Department personnel outside the Korean theatre.[14] There were also 8,142 U.S. personnel listed as Missing In Action (MIA) during the war.
More than 3 million Americans served in the Vietnam War, some 1.5 million of whom actually saw combat in Vietnam.[281] James E. Westheider wrote that "At the height of American involvement in 1968, for example, there were 543,000 American military personnel in Vietnam, but only 80,000 were considered combat troops."[282] Conscription in the United States had been controlled by the President since World War II, but ended in 1973."
By war's end, 58,220 soldiers were killed, more than 150,000 were wounded, and at least 21,000 were permanently disabled. According to Dale Kueter, "Sixty-one percent of those killed were age 21 or younger. The youngest American KIA in the war was PFC Dan Bullock, who had falsified his birth certificate and enlisted in the US Marines at age 14 and who was killed in combat at age 15. Of those killed in combat, 86.3 percent were white, 12.5 percent were black and the remainder from other races." Approximately 830,000 Vietnam veterans suffered symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder.
Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. The DoD reports that U.S. forces suffered 148 battle-related deaths (35 to friendly fire), with one pilot listed as MIA (his remains were found and identified in August 2009). A further 145 Americans died in non-combat accidents. Approximately 250,000[4] of the 697,000 veterans who served in the 1991 Gulf War are afflicted with enduring chronic multi-symptom illness, a condition with serious consequences.
As of August 2, 4,683 Americans have died in Iraq and Afghanistan since the launch of Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) on October 7, 2001 and Operation Iraqi Freedom, which began with the invasion of Iraq on March 19, 2003. Of the total deaths, 3,708 were due to hostile fire, and the remainder due to non-hostile actions (such as accident, suicide, or illness). Enlisted personnel make up 83.4% of the total force, and experienced 89.9% (4,212) of the total casualties. Officers (including Warrant Officers) comprise 16.6% of the DOD force and had 10.1% (471) of the casualties.
2.4% (113) of the total fatalities were women, who make up 16% of the total DOD force. Men, who make up 84% of the total force experienced 97.6% (4,570) of the deaths in the two theaters of operation.
Among age groups:
Ages 18-21 -- 28.2% (1,325) of the deaths
Ages 22-24 -- 23.7% (1,108) of the deaths
Ages 25-30 -- 25.6% (1,198) of the deaths
Ages 31-35 -- 10.4% (486) of the deaths
Over 35 -- 12.1% (566) of the deaths
30,490 U.S. service members have been wounded due to combat actions in Iraq and 2,309 in Afghanistan (32,799 total).
Since the beginning of hostilities in Afghanistan in October 2001, more than 1.8 million US troops have served in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan; OEF) or Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq; OIF), with 37% having deployed at least twice (as of 2009). Studies to date suggest that 10-18% of combat troops serving in OEF/OIF have probable PTSD following deployment, and the ¡prevalence does not diminish over time. PTSD Research Quarterly Winter 2009
http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp
http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/Right now on MSNBC Morning Joe, Joe Scarborough is trying to claim that there is no... more
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