Best Left Unsaid
| May 2nd, 2008 by Robert | Word Count: 1108 | Reading Time 4:29 | 2,610 views |
Today, in a public forum I read, I came across a statement that to me was offensive. As the article title suggests, it was most definitely a comment best left unsaid. The sad thing about it is I’ve heard this statement before, in various formats and configurations. It makes me wonder if the average person is capable of forming their own opinion or just takes what the media giants push out the door as the currently politically correct/in-correct version. So, what was the statement? It went a little something like this: “I never asked the men and women in the military to join so you’re not fighting for my freedom. You’re not fighting for our freedom in Iraq. You’re fighting for Iraq’s freedom.” I’m pretty sure I’ve heard this argument over the last 5 years in television, in print, in liberal talk shows, and even in comedic routines.
Yes, we are a nation that prides ourselves on freedom of speech. Good thing. The above statement, even if truly believed, is best left unsaid. Not for fear of retribution or belittling or any other form of public disdain, but for the simple fact that you are disrespecting those people who have willingly chosen to lay their lives on the line for our country. If you haven’t noticed, our entire military force is composed of 100% volunteer men and women. Think about that for a moment. They have made a choice that in the end may cost them their life. That’s a very high price to pay and one they are willing to pay if so asked. If that doesn’t earn the respect of your countrymen, then what possibly could? What do you have to do? Write a book disparaging the government? Have a talk show that does nothing but lambaste those in power with no useful plan to follow instead? Get on television protesting whatever controversial subject of the day is?
Now, I’m not saying that you HAVE to respect the person in uniform (they of course are people too and have their own faults), but I am saying that you MUST respect their position and choice. When they signed their name to join our military ranks, they agreed to fight for our country, do whatever it takes to defend our nation’s interests, and follow the orders of their commanding officers. The military is not a democracy. The Congress and our President usually work together on establishing the use of our war machine. However, the President is our Commander In Chief. If they believe there are circumstances abroad that endanger our country’s security, they have the power to mobilize our forces to protect us from dangers abroad. Iraq has been a sticky subject since the initial Desert Storm operation. Iraq, since the end of the Kuwaiti invasion, had been consistently disregarding all United Nation resolutions. The penalty for continued violation was military action. Then things changed. On that disastrous day of 9.11, the world changed, forever. Terrorism wasn’t just a word or a video from abroad. It was real and in our face. It changed our lives, our mentality, and our country.
Our country now had to think about potential conflicts in a different manner. It wasn’t about protecting our borders from an invasion of a conventional war machine, it was about fighting small cells possibly within our own borders and also worldwide. Afghanistan was the Taliban stronghold which supports the terror group Al Qaeda. They were naturally the first target for our new war on terror. Iraq, since Desert Storm, was slowly falling into an Afghanistan like state with their provinces being a hotbed for training and facilitating terror cells. There are of course many other nations involved with similar terrorist activities, Iran, Syria, North Korea, etc. What do we do? Do we take the fight to each and every one of them? It can’t be done. We have to start somewhere, start by bringing a new idealism to a key arena in the area. Iraq, while not responsible for 9.11, was for a very long time in defiance of the United Nations. Given their terrorist activity support, Iraq was the easiest “first” target for the new war on terror we now face.
Bringing the fight to the enemy on their territory serves two purposes. One, it keeps the fight outside of our homeland and keeps peace within our borders. Two, it forces the enemy to move and become unorganized. Keeping their communication lines broken and location variable, it keeps their ability to organize a well constructed attack to a minimum. No longer will they be able to train militants for years, gain expertise, and devise plans years in advance. The threat still exists for the simple reason that they are willing to die and kill anyone to achieve their goal. That is where the new ideology comes into play. Spread freedom, not necessarily democracy, through the region and the evil ideology of terrorism will keep from spreading among poor countries. Let’s go back to the statement that our military isn’t fighting for our freedom. OF COURSE they are fighting for our freedom, maybe not fighting in the sense that you see in the history books of past wars and conflicts, but in a new sense. You HAVE to remember that terrorists and terrorism leaders are embedded within countries. We aren’t necessarily fighting the entire country. We are fighting small fragments within them. In past wars, our goal was to eliminate the enemy, destroy them, and make them lose their will to fight. Civilian casualties were terrible, but they were a part of the end solution as crass as that may sound.
We now try to fight a surgical war. We are fighting terrorism like we fight cancer. We go to the source, destroy the cancer cell, and do our best to keep civilian casualties to the absolute minimum. That’s an extremely hard operation. If we chose to destroy the enemy like we did in past wars, we would eliminate far more peaceful civilians that combatants. That’s not fair and not the right way to reach a solution. So, we have entered a very long war on terror that revolves around surgical strikes and ideology change. Fight them on their territory, bring them hope of freedom, and give their own political processes back the power to determine their rightful futures. So when I hear or read the statements I saw today, it offends me. Our military deserves our respect and they are fighting for our freedom every day. You may not agree with it, this is America, but some things are best left unsaid.
on May 3rd, 2008 at 9:35 am:
Very well said! As for that statement from the individual:
How would he have liked to have the draft instead of volunteers and he being one that got drafted to go fight this war or just have to live under strict guidelines every day of their lives? Do you think he would have took it well with idiotic statements like he made? Wouldn’t he have thought he was earning the respect of his fellow Americans? This all stems from our current state of thinking from more people than not.. What’s in it for me…what does this have to currently do with me…me, me, me!!! Obviously this narrow-minded man thought that 9.11 had no immediate impact on his little world that so many Americans engross themselves in. Where has the compassion for others gone? Why is it so hard anymore to put yourself in someone else’s shoes?
As hard as it can sometimes be, self-centered individuals like this need our prayers, because something is obviously broken in their lives.
on May 3rd, 2008 at 10:49 am:
I agree, as long as everything appears fine in their immediate life, everything is right with the world. People complain about America being the police of the world. Well, when we are the last bastion of hope because no other entity will step up to the plate, it is our responsibility to help those who are oppressed. Our nation was founded on morals and ethics that are fairly non-existent in today’s world. That’s why it’s so easy to become self-centered and think everything is about you.
People want the easy way out. Fighting for something you believe in is hard and sometimes, doesn’t work out. That’s the chance you have to take, but it’s a chance you MUST take. Life was never promised to be easy.
on May 3rd, 2008 at 5:06 pm:
Oh My!!! What a heart rending subject. Because anyway you look at it, the men and women who join any one of our defenses in the military whether it be a desk job or out in the field,not only leave family behind but step into an unknown world themselves. A world that could take their life instantly, or drag it out over many years serving under dreadful conditions. We sit home safe in our own country, or so we falsely believe, thinking they chose that life and it means nothing to us. Wow, what a terible, selfish person some have become. I could ask myself why did I not join some force to do my share to help save or protect others from harm. I would like to think I am helping by praying for guidance and safety for each and everyone who volunteered or felt it necessary to go out of their way to make a difference in our world. I know in each person’s makeup God has a place for all, some are strong in body while others are strong in mind. Missionaries face the same odds as our service men and women,differently by taking their families with them on the battle field. But never the less, knowing they may never all make it back to their homeland in safety. So I think it all boils down to, each and every one should do their part, led by God, to make the best of all decisions and opportunities that surround them whether at home or abroad. Military or not. If some people choose to believe what they do does not affect others around them either near or far way, need to have their head examined. I guess what I really meant to say, after all this rambling, is that my heart hurts for all the people that so willing try to protect us at home, sometimes losing their life, leaving babies and families behind alone. For them not to be given their justly dues in respect to their decision to protect us is so very wrong. We need these brave people so very much!! May God send his protection and wisdom to each and every one, enabling all to choose their actions and words wisely.
on May 4th, 2008 at 12:57 pm:
People have become so self centered that they fail to realize the impact others have in their lives. The younger generation is a prime example. Every parent wants to give their children things they could not have. They want their lives to be easier than what they knew. That’s all well and good, but in the end, I think we have removed too much from the children. They believe everything is provided for them with no personal investment required. They think everything that makes them happy should be accepted, otherwise it’s racist or you’re just too conservative.
The younger generation needs to experience the true costs of investment to belong to a society. They need to experience hard labor, they need to experience the word no, they need to experience the pain of punishment, and they need to learn what lack of respect brings. Young adults have little to no respect for anyone, let alone themselves. Without respect, how can you expect anyone to think about what others do for you. You EXPECT it. You DEMAND it. It should be GIVEN to you just because you are you. That is all so blatantly wrong. We need to bring normalcy back to our society. Respect is a start.
on May 7th, 2008 at 8:54 am:
Offensive is a touchy word for me. I will attempt to tackle this article in the order in which it was written.
The average person, while seemingly intelligent, can’t help but be drawn in by what the media tells them. What is or isn’t politically correct is a whole different story as what’s right for some is not for others.
As for the statement, it sounds a little…well, retarded. Hope that didn’t offend anyone. Anytime America is in a war, it’s always somewhat for our freedom. Whether your for the war or against it, I don’t see how anyone in this country can be against the men and women risking their lives.
“Yes, we are a nation that prides ourselves on freedom of speech.” HA. No we are not, sir. Freedom of Speech is a nice thought, but it doesn’t happen. Why was Don Imus fired after he called a basketball team “nappy headed hoes?” Why were Opie and Anthony suspended for comments a homeless man said about raping (a few political figures)? Why? Because freedom of speech does not exist! We have the freedom to say what we want, so long as it doesn’t “offend” anyone else.
I am leaning away from the war, because you have started me on something I feel passionate about.
Why did Cosmo Kramer, as we all know him, apologize after dropping the “N” bomb on a few folks at a comedy show? No one cared that they were being douche bags to him for most of the show. Yet, everyone cared when he spoked out. Was his comments needed? Probably not. Were the disrespectful? Most likely. But his apology was a wall of lies. He apologized because he was pressured, not because he wanted to.
People like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton want equality, but only for one race. Seem fair? So, to use the phrase “freedom of speech,” it’s just absurd.
On to being offended. At this moment, I can’t think of one thing that ahs ever offended me. And, if you do the same, you probably can’t either. I think of being offended as beyond pissed off. Sure, some things make you mad: being kicked in the shin, cancelling Family Guy or even a burnt meat loaf, but what really offends you? When Imus called those girls what he did, they didn’t even hear it. No one listens to that show, especially them. They were told after the fact. They weren’t “truly offended.”
Ok, to wrap this up and return to work. Freedom of speech is a good idea, yet will never happen so long as people have short fuses. Thus, freedom of speech and being offended go hand in hand. So long as you get “offended,” my speech will never be free.
on May 7th, 2008 at 9:14 am:
Let me try and qualify my offended stance. While I am not moved to an extreme state of madness, I was mildly angered that someone would have the lack of tact to actually say something without consideration to others. It’s a fine line, I’m not trying to be a censor in any way, but I think there are lines in your brain that you should not cross for the simple well being of society.
I whole heartedly agree about “Free Speech.” Slowly, but picking up speed, this so called “right” has become a faded portrait of its prior existence. We do not have free speech. We have speech that is accepted. I know some of you might think I am being hypocritical here by this article. No, I am not. You can say whatever you want, offend anyone you want, it’s your right. However, there are some things better left unsaid. This leaves it up to YOU to decide what is better to actually speak and say aloud. YOU are the censor.
Free Speech is a very fine line because it implies two answers. There is either 100% free or not. There is no 50% free speech. There is no 75% free speech. It can either be free or not. Our government has been tightening the noose on free speech and we are no longer a country where one of our most basic rights has been trampled upon.
on May 7th, 2008 at 9:18 am:
You probably just offended someone by saying “noose.” Anyway, you’re right, it’s either 100 percent free or it’s not free. I think people confuse offended with displeasure. It is definitely ones own problem to determine what can and what should be said. I’m sure your mom has always told you, if you don’t have anything nice to say… That sort of applies for Freedom of Speech. You are free to say what you want, unless it is about someone, directed towards a race, sex, national origin or whatever other term may be deemd offensive in the morning.
P.S. I love this topic. Thanks for helping me avoid working.
on May 7th, 2008 at 9:27 am:
I’m sure there are a lot of hot topic words out there that certain “organizations” are searching for and that’s where some of the issues you spoke of above come into play. There are people out there looking to forward their own agenda based on social ignorance and fear. These people are predators and only contribute to the minimizing of free speech in our country. They may “think” they are helping their cause, but in the end, they are only promoting what is wrong with everything.
I am always skeptical of organizations who are founded upon agendas. Their true agenda is to make multi-millions of dollars, publish books, get on television, and further spread their perverted doctrine of what they believe. And that is usually some bastardized version of free speech.
I’m glad to help!
on May 7th, 2008 at 9:33 am:
“Still another explanation is that freedom of speech is integral to tolerance, which some people feel should be a basic value in society.”
That’s from Wikipedia.
Seems like they summed it up for us.
on May 7th, 2008 at 9:45 am:
Wikipedia, the NEW encyclopedia. It throws in another big “IT” word, tolerance. That could be a whole other article. I’m thinking so.
on May 7th, 2008 at 10:04 am:
Your post counts are blowing up. Sorry to offend those with family members who suffed in the Oklahoma City bombings. None of these thoughts seem retarded. Sorry to those with handicapped children, those who road the short bus and others just not quiete up to par. Sorry to offend people in wheel chairs, bus riders and golfers. These chips I’m eating have way too much salt on them. Sorry to offend the Mexicans who work to add the salt to the chips. Sorry to offend Mexicans.
on May 7th, 2008 at 10:21 am:
Very good, kind of sounds like the logic of some of the organizational leaders we have been subjected too. Anything said can be construed into an argumentative statement because it tickled an issue in their life they feel needs airing out. Of course, it must be done on the air, on television, or in a public demonstration. It can’t be done in a simple phone call to find the truth of the matter. Quick, dial up NBC, we have GOT to get this on the Today Show!
on May 7th, 2008 at 10:28 am:
I was tickled as a child by a argumentative man from an old television program. You have offended me.