Love those military emails

Midnyte_Ragebringer · Post by **Midnyte_Ragebringer** » June 14, 2004, 1:13 pm

Great Answer from John Glenn

Some people still don't understand why military personnel do what they do for a living.

This exchange Between Senators John Glenn and Sen. Howard Metzenbaum is worth reading.

Not only is it a pretty impressive and impromptu speech, but it's also a good example of one man's explanation of why men and women in the Armed Services do what they do for a living.

This is a typical, though sad, example of what some who have never served think of the Military.

Senator Metzenbaum to Senator Glenn: "How can you run for Senate when you've never held a "real job?"

Senator Glenn: "I served 23 years in the United States Marine Corps. I served through two wars. I flew 149 missions. My plane was hit by antiaircraft fire on 12 different occasions.

I was in the Space Program. It wasn't my checkbook, Howard; it was my Life on the line. It was not a nine to five job, where I took time off to take the daily cash receipts to the bank.

I ask you to go with me ... as I went the other day... to a Veterans Hospital and at look those men - with their mangled bodies - in the eye, and tell THEM they didn't hold a job!

You go with me to the Space Program at NASA and go, as I have gone, to the widows and orphans of Ed White, Gus Grissom and Roger Chaffee...and you look those kids in the eye and tell them that their DADS didn't hold a job.

You go with me on Memorial Day and you stand in Arlington National Cemetery, where I have more friends buried than I'd like to remember, and you watch those waving flags. You stand there, and you think about this
Nation, and you tell ME that those people didn't have a job?

I'll tell you, Howard Metzenbaum, you should be on your knees every day of your life thanking God that there were some men - SOME MEN - who held a REAL job. And they required a dedication to a purpose - and a love of country
and a dedication to duty - that was more important than life itself. And their self-sacrifice is what made this country possible.

I HAVE held a job, Howard! ---What about you?"

For those who don't remember - During WWII, Howard Metzenbaum was an attorney representing the Communist Party in the USA. Now he is a Senator!

If you can read this, thank a teacher....

If you are reading it in English, thank a Veteran.......

Damn I love these things. I'm glad my buddy sends them to me.

Kelshara · Post by **Kelshara** » June 14, 2004, 1:28 pm

eh I still don't understand how being in the military gives you a good foundation for running a country. Makes no sense whatsoever. And the jabs at the end were lame as hell.

Midnyte_Ragebringer · Post by **Midnyte_Ragebringer** » June 14, 2004, 1:37 pm

Kelshara wrote:eh I still don't understand how being in the military gives you a good foundation for running a country.

No less a foundation than being an attorney.

Sionistic · Post by **Sionistic** » June 14, 2004, 1:38 pm

This is a typical, though sad, example of what some who have never served think of the Military.

Yea, because the whole country thinks the military is a day care

Xyphir · Post by **Xyphir** » June 14, 2004, 1:40 pm

This exchange took place thirty years ago.

Current Event indeed.

Midnyte_Ragebringer · Post by **Midnyte_Ragebringer** » June 14, 2004, 1:43 pm

Xyphir wrote:This exchange took place thirty years ago.

Current Event indeed.

It relates to what's going on now.

Kelshara · Post by **Kelshara** » June 14, 2004, 2:01 pm

Actually I would say a person who has been working regular jobs his entire life has a better foundation to run a country than someone who has spent it in the military. You are way more in touch with the people around the country, you have experienced actually working (*gasp* not a slant towards military personel but the experience has nothing to do with regular jobs) and unless you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth you may actually have experienced having to deal with financial situations.

If I had two equal options and one had worked all his life and one had been in the military, I would pick the first one.

Kylere · Post by **Kylere** » June 14, 2004, 2:35 pm

Kelshara perhaps in your homogenous by comparison society that would be true.

But in the US military you have a great grounding to be a politician, it is the mosted balanced in racial terms employment in the United States, it has mandatory equal rights for all races and sexes. The Military teaches you to make tough decisions well, and to plan for all possible events. It teaches you discipline, loyalty, teamwork.

Unless of course you are an abusive reservist, then you deny all your learning in an effort to excuse the fact that you are not human. But someone who is worth a damn at all is IMPROVED greatly by military experience.

Zaelath · Post by **Zaelath** » June 14, 2004, 2:40 pm

It also gives you a great foundation in bastardisation and old boys networks.

A good militarily trained president would have turned Cuba into a nice glow on the horizon.

That said, it was a pansy move to tell Glenn he never had a real job, so much so you wonder if it wasn't a put up job..

Sendarie · Post by **Sendarie** » June 14, 2004, 2:40 pm

I dont get what is not "real" about being in the military?

I goto work everyday. Pay rent, electricity, taxes, phone/cable. Next year I will have a mortgage.
I have a car payment, I shop where you shop, I pay insurance.

I'm just missing something here. I'm military what do you do that I dont?
Not in any way a flame, just clarify some please so I can understand your point.

Atokal · Post by **Atokal** » June 14, 2004, 2:51 pm

Kelshara wrote:Actually I would say a person who has been working regular jobs his entire life has a better foundation to run a country than someone who has spent it in the military. You are way more in touch with the people around the country, you have experienced actually working (*gasp* not a slant towards military personel but the experience has nothing to do with regular jobs) and unless you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth you may actually have experienced having to deal with financial situations.

If I had two equal options and one had worked all his life and one had been in the military, I would pick the first one.

ROFLMAO... two equal options one military and one who had worked all his life. HAHA I suppose you mean that someone in the military doesnt work? If not perhaps a course in writing would be advised.

Both careers have merit when it comes to running a country, it matters more what the individual stands for then what they did in their previous job. But if that is the criteria I would rather have someone who has been trained to make tough decisions under potentially life threatening circumstances than the guy whose most difficult decision was made over breakfast and concerned the cutting of 10,000 jobs so the share holders would see more profit.

Midnyte_Ragebringer · Post by **Midnyte_Ragebringer** » June 14, 2004, 3:03 pm

Zaelath wrote:It also gives you a great foundation in bastardisation and old boys networks.

A good militarily trained president would have turned Cuba into a nice glow on the horizon.

I think you watch too many movies.

Zaelath · Post by **Zaelath** » June 14, 2004, 3:55 pm

Midnyte_Ragebringer wrote:
Zaelath wrote:It also gives you a great foundation in bastardisation and old boys networks.

A good militarily trained president would have turned Cuba into a nice glow on the horizon.
I think you watch too many movies.

In regards to what? The military? Ummm no, that would be straight from the horse's mouth, lass. Ask one sometime what was the "worst" but "acceptable" thing they saw done to their own men while in the service.

Midnyte_Ragebringer · Post by **Midnyte_Ragebringer** » June 14, 2004, 4:04 pm

Zaelath wrote:
Midnyte_Ragebringer wrote:
Zaelath wrote:It also gives you a great foundation in bastardisation and old boys networks.

A good militarily trained president would have turned Cuba into a nice glow on the horizon.
I think you watch too many movies.
In regards to what? The military? Ummm no, that would be straight from the horse's mouth, lass. Ask one sometime what was the "worst" but "acceptable" thing they saw done to their own men while in the service.

It's a rough world, lass. Don't paint with a broad brush, it makes you look like an ass. Asking one person will give me the entire military's take on a situation? Come on kid, use your noggin.

Pahreyia · Post by **Pahreyia** » June 14, 2004, 4:26 pm

My father runs a bakery for a large grocery chain in southern California. I've talked with him on many occasions about his job and he's never been as excited about hiring people as when he get ex-military personnel applying as supervisors or managers. They're always prompt, willing to get their hands dirty to get the job done, willing to work late, willing to learn other parts of the operation instead of pigeon-holing themselves into their one job and only concerning themselves with that and most of all, respectful. In general, career military people have some of the best work ethics. I'd much rather see someone with a career military background than joe-blow corporate savant.

Denadeb · Post by **Denadeb** » June 14, 2004, 4:41 pm

Thats pretty acurate Pahreyia.

kyoukan · Post by **kyoukan** » June 14, 2004, 5:13 pm

what he means is, the military is what americans join when even mcdonalds won't hire them. you can be the most fucking brain dead lost cause of a semi-human being and still get in the army and draw a paycheck on the backs of real tax paying americans that have an IQ above five. in fact people like kylere are scientific proof of this. any fucking twat can join the military because all you need to know is how to do a push-up.

when john glenn got out of the military he probably wasn't qualified to do anything else other than become a politician, because all he knows how to do is waste taxpayer money on fucking bullshit, which is what the US armed forces seems to specialize in.

Kylere · Post by **Kylere** » June 14, 2004, 5:26 pm

Kyoukan is a piece of shit.

Bubba Grizz · Post by **Bubba Grizz** » June 14, 2004, 6:01 pm

kyoukan wrote:what he means is, the military is what americans join when even mcdonalds won't hire them. you can be the most fucking brain dead lost cause of a semi-human being and still get in the army and draw a paycheck on the backs of real tax paying americans that have an IQ above five. in fact people like kylere are scientific proof of this. any fucking twat can join the military because all you need to know is how to do a push-up.

when john glenn got out of the military he probably wasn't qualified to do anything else other than become a politician, because all he knows how to do is waste taxpayer money on fucking bullshit, which is what the US armed forces seems to specialize in.

I'd say that may be partially true but that is also true of the so called "real world". You get people who are complete dipshits in positions they should never have been. Hell, I'm sure you have a job so that means the statement is true.

I'd find your statement offensive but you aren't even American.

Niffoni · Post by **Niffoni** » June 14, 2004, 6:15 pm

kyoukan wrote:what he means is, the military is what americans join when even mcdonalds won't hire them. you can be the most fucking brain dead lost cause of a semi-human being and still get in the army and draw a paycheck on the backs of real tax paying americans that have an IQ above five. in fact people like kylere are scientific proof of this. any fucking twat can join the military because all you need to know is how to do a push-up.

While you may be right in many, many cases, I don't think it's fair to generalize quite so harshly. The fact that there are pricks and nimrods rampant in the military is no more proof that everyone involved is, than, say, I am proof that all Canadians are jerks

Midnyte_Ragebringer · Post by **Midnyte_Ragebringer** » June 14, 2004, 8:56 pm

Niffoni wrote:
kyoukan wrote:what he means is, the military is what americans join when even mcdonalds won't hire them. you can be the most fucking brain dead lost cause of a semi-human being and still get in the army and draw a paycheck on the backs of real tax paying americans that have an IQ above five. in fact people like kylere are scientific proof of this. any fucking twat can join the military because all you need to know is how to do a push-up.
While you may be right in many, many cases, I don't think it's fair to generalize quite so harshly. The fact that there are pricks and nimrods rampant in the military is no more proof that everyone involved is, than, say, I am proof that all Canadians are jerks

She is what she is. A bitter, bitter woman. /shrug

I actually feel bad for her. It must suck seeing life through such bitter, negative eyes.

archeiron · Post by **archeiron** » June 14, 2004, 9:48 pm

Midnyte_Ragebringer wrote:
Kelshara wrote:eh I still don't understand how being in the military gives you a good foundation for running a country.
No less a foundation than being an attorney.

I can't imagine how a degree in law could be of help to the highest office in a government serving the people through The Constitution. Yes, lets go with the person who doesn't have a university education and is more accustomed to manual labour; he will obviously be better equipped to make informed decisions about matter that will impact millions of peoples lives.

Naturally, lawyers can be idiots and there are bright people who serve in the military, but the laws of averages can be applied in discussions such as this.

Acies · Post by **Acies** » June 14, 2004, 10:04 pm

kyoukan wrote:what he means is, the military is what americans join when even mcdonalds won't hire them. you can be the most fucking brain dead lost cause of a semi-human being and still get in the army and draw a paycheck on the backs of real tax paying americans that have an IQ above five. in fact people like kylere are scientific proof of this. any fucking twat can join the military because all you need to know is how to do a push-up.

when john glenn got out of the military he probably wasn't qualified to do anything else other than become a politician, because all he knows how to do is waste taxpayer money on fucking bullshit, which is what the US armed forces seems to specialize in.

Actually Kooky, while intelligence is very important, I can admire more than man who charges into a hail of gunfire and death to fight for something he believes in rather than some bitchy Alanis wannabe who takes pot-shots from behind a computer screen.

Do us a favor, do not knock it til' you try it, mkay?

kyoukan · Post by **kyoukan** » June 14, 2004, 10:59 pm

if you want to charge into a hail of bullets in order to fight for your belief that dick cheney and his billionaire halliburton/energy corp friends aren't wealthy enough then by all means don't let me stop you. hell I'll even encourage it. jesus I may even buy the other guys some fucking ammunition to expedite your journey into that big short bus in the sky.

nobody · Post by **nobody** » June 15, 2004, 12:23 am

kyoukan wrote:what he means is, the military is what americans join when even mcdonalds won't hire them. you can be the most fucking brain dead lost cause of a semi-human being (kyoukan) and still get in the army and draw a paycheck on the backs of real tax paying americans that have an IQ above five. in fact people like kylere are scientific proof of this. any fucking twat can join the military because all you need to know is how to do a push-up.

when john glenn got out of the military he probably wasn't qualified to do anything else other than become a politician, because all he knows how to do is waste taxpayer money on fucking bullshit, which is what the US armed forces seems to specialize in.

hmmmm? is that why so many people i know are making 6 digits in the civilian sector applying what they learned in the military? what a sad world you live in kyo. i really do feel bad for you. at least you can sleep good at night knowing that there are soldiers willing to take those cluster bombs you mentioned. good people too. people a lot more deserving of a good nights sleep than you or me.

Cartalas · Post by **Cartalas** » June 15, 2004, 12:49 am

kyoukan wrote:if you want to charge into a hail of bullets in order to fight for your belief that dick cheney and his billionaire halliburton/energy corp friends aren't wealthy enough then by all means don't let me stop you. hell I'll even encourage it. jesus I may even buy the other guys some fucking ammunition to expedite your journey into that big short bus in the sky.

Hi Cunt!!

Karae · Post by **Karae** » June 15, 2004, 12:53 am

kyoukan wrote:if you want to charge into a hail of bullets in order to fight for your belief that dick cheney and his billionaire halliburton/energy corp friends aren't wealthy enough then by all means don't let me stop you. hell I'll even encourage it. jesus I may even buy the other guys some fucking ammunition to expedite your journey into that big short bus in the sky.

You did mention you have paid U.S. taxes before...so you probably already did buy the other guys their ammo.

(for those of you who are dense, this is a reference to the fact that nearly all of the weapons and munitions confiscated from Iraqi and Taliban soldiers had U.S. markings on them)

Zaelath · Post by **Zaelath** » June 15, 2004, 2:22 am

Midnyte_Ragebringer wrote:
Zaelath wrote:
In regards to what? The military? Ummm no, that would be straight from the horse's mouth, lass. Ask one sometime what was the "worst" but "acceptable" thing they saw done to their own men while in the service.
It's a rough world, lass. Don't paint with a broad brush, it makes you look like an ass. Asking one person will give me the entire military's take on a situation? Come on kid, use your noggin.

The implication is that you can pick any random person in any military and they will off-handedly tell you a story about treatment of their own personel that would be completely unacceptable in any other profession. I don't base my opinion on what one person tells me, that's your gig.

If I need any advice on lateral thinking you're the last person I'll seek out, if I want help being a narrow-minded bigot or a partisan sheep I'll let you know.

Mak · Post by **Mak** » June 15, 2004, 4:32 am

Karae wrote:(for those of you who are dense, this is a reference to the fact that nearly all of the weapons and munitions confiscated from Iraqi and Taliban soldiers had U.S. markings on them)

When did the Soviets start putting US markings on their weapons?

Denadeb · Post by **Denadeb** » June 15, 2004, 6:42 am

Military is for anyone who isn't smart enough for normal jobs huh. There are a certain amount of retards in the military I will say that but the percentage ratio is no larger than any other job. You would also be suprised at how many people in the Military have college degrees. I swear some of you dumbass fucks make the most retarded coments and then actually belive you know what the fuck your talking about.

Midnyte_Ragebringer · Post by **Midnyte_Ragebringer** » June 15, 2004, 7:30 am

Denadeb wrote:Military is for anyone who isn't smart enough for normal jobs huh. There are a certain amount of retards in the military I will say that but the percentage ratio is no larger than any other job. You would also be suprised at how many people in the Military have college degrees. I swear some of you dumbass fucks make the most retarded coments and then actually belive you know what the fuck your talking about.

Viking!

Dregor Thule · Post by **Dregor Thule** » June 15, 2004, 9:10 am

http://turningtables.blogspot.com/

You're right, these are great reads!