Update on my Marine son's reaction to F9/11

[Longhorn]

Yesterday, I posted here about how upset my son was after he saw the movie and DUers were wonderfully caring and supportive in their responses. Here's the link: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x1925799

This morning, I awoke to an email from my son stating that he had been doing some research and came across the Slate article: "Unfairenheit 9/11: The lies of Michael Moore," by Christopher Hitchens. I thought, "Oh, no, in order to cope, he has decided that the movie is a pack of lies!" In my reply, I told him that I knew he was smart enough to separate opinion from fact and as he was researching, be sure to check out www.michaelmoore.com to see what he has to say. I also told him that the movie had been out for two weeks and there had not been one successful attack on the facts in the movie and no lawsuits filed.

He just called and I asked him what he thought about it all. He said, "Well, I checked out Michael Moore's site and read everything and when I was finished, I signed the pledge to do the things he suggests after you see the movie." He said that he's been talking to other Marines about the movie and they admit to him that they don't want to see it because they know it will probably change their minds and they don't want to do that right now; either they don't care or they don't want the hassle. He said he can see why people just refuse to find out the facts because his life was certainly simpler before he saw the movie! But he's also not the type of guy who can bury his head in the sand like that.

I am so proud of him! That's my boy! :toast: I'm going to send him the link to yesterday's post so he can read about all of the love and support that were sent his way. Thanks again!

[swag]

1. You raised a good 'un there

Thanks to your son for serving our country!

[Kinkistyle]

2. Your son is a good person.

He is intelligent, and is open-minded. The fact is the military needs people like him - people like Wesley Clark and John Kerry etc.. smart guys who, when crunch time comes, will do the right thing. Whatever he does, I am sure he will do the right thing. ;)

[Nevernose]

3. I hope when he gets out of the Marines he goes to a REAL school

A good university. You know, like A&M or something. I'd hate to see him waste his time at some kind of half-assed education like he would get at UT... ;)

[Swamp Rat]

9. LOL!!!

[Longhorn]

18. Uh, yeah, that's really funny . . .

:thumbsup: Gig 'em, Aggies! ;)

[HesterPrynne]

4. Your Son

First of all, tell him and ask him to tell his buddies that we thank them for doing their best. This administration betrayed a critical trust: Our military should never be placed in harm's way unless all alternatives have been exhausted and the threat to us and the world is imminent and absolute. They deserved better from us as a nation.

That said, congratulations on the fact that you raised a child who thinks. Regardless of his conclusions, he investigated both sides of the issue, before coming to an informed conclusion.

My kids (both grown) called me the first night Farenheit 9/11 came out, to tell me their reactions. I was proud that they chose to be informed.

[Robbien]

5. Your son will be fine. He has such a good mind and is willing

to keep it open and rational.

You done good!

[seabeyond]

6. but the blessing

they are not powerless. they dont need to fear seeing it and being bothered cause they are empowered. they have the opportunity soon to re elect another president, and hopefully their will be more of a chance for success, and more chance for leaving that country and the military getting back to what it has been in the past.

they thru ignorance will lose their power, yet thru being informed, they empower themselves

[cliss]

7. I hope everything turns out well for your son

in Iraq. I can't imagine how frightening it must be, to have a loved one in harm's way right now.

[Mari333]

8. ((((hugs)))) to your son and you

god, these are hard times for mothers.
http://www.motherspeak.org

[Unperson 309]

10. Message For Your Son:

I've read your parent's comments about your reaction to F9/11.

I am very honored to be an American protected by a Marine such as yourself. We are an old military family with ancestors who have fought in every American conflict since the Revolutionary war, so I deeply understand the sacredness of the contract between this land and the Armed Services.

As a young person, I loved my country. As my politics changed, I loved America not one whit less and yet I was accused of hating her at every turn. Be prepared for just such a reaction from those who are, as yet, unwilling to shift their perspectives.

As I grow older, my view shifts with the parallax of years, but one thing never changes: The sense that this land, this soil and clay, drenched with the blood of her defenders and suffused with the light of those who love her, will endure this turmoil as she has so many others. Time lends a burnishment to love and centuries of love add a glory to a land.

If this is so, with a land which has endured for 228 years, consider what love must dwell within the hearts of people who know they have held their homeland for millennia! While there will be many who will denegrate the Iraqi people as "dune coons" and worse epithets, know that even they are children of their land. All who love their country are willing to go to great lengths to preserve it.

God bless you and bless your unit, commanders, men... Bless you and keep you safe from harm. The military (of which my son is part, he is over in Iraq, now) is a sacred trust, not to be squandered for mere political or monetary gain! Part of this sacredness, this tie to America resides within the fact that the Armed Forces are sworn NOT to the President or to any particular administration, but to the Constitution! In short: you are sworn to the idea, concept and impetus of our core value... Freedom. As I write this, I glance at the triangle-folded flag on my wall in its frame. I hear the taps and the rifle-volley again, fired over the ashes of my father-in-law, a USAF Colonel, and I pray that we, as American citizens, can be worthy of the hard work and sacrifices of you, the men in arms. We will work and fight here at home, to see to it that your service is NOT wasted to line filthy pockets! God bless you ALL, Sir, and God bring you all safely home!

Semper Fi!

309

[Longhorn]

22. A very moving description

of what it means to be a member of the military!

. . . the Armed Forces are sworn NOT to the President or to any particular administration, but to the Constitution!

That's exactly why they serve and your reminder makes me even more proud!

Thank you for this wonderful essay that brought tears to my eyes. And thank you for the service of your son and your family. I wish your son a safe and swift journey home!

[skrunch]

11. Here's a good Hitchens (R-Sot) beatdown...

Defending Truth: Slate's Chris Hitchens does a hatchet job on Michael Moore
by Chris Parry

http://www.hollywoodbitchslap.com/feature.php?feature=1150

[Longhorn]

20. Great article! Thanks for posting the link!

I had read it before but didn't know where to find it. Also, Parry has updated it as new information has come in. He pretty much takes care of Hitchens, doesn't he? :D

[joanski01]

12. Thank you for the

update, Longhorn. And thank you for the PM. I was worried. Now that he's had a chance to think it through, he will do what is necessary for himself. Your son sounds very intelligent.

[Longhorns Marine]

13. Thanks to all for your support.

This is my first post on this message board (my mother doesn't know about it) and probably won't be my last. It's very comforting to see all the supportive and helpful replies my Mom got when she posted about my reaction to Michael Moore's film. The truth is, it did upset me for many reasons. In an emotional outburst I told my Mom that I would rather go to jail than go to Iraq. However, as many of you noted, after some time went by, I calmed down a bit and realized that there were other things to take away from this revealing documentary.

What's done is done. I didn't have a say in it but it happened. There's no way we can just leave now and expect the Iraqi people to rebound. It is our duty now to rebuild the damage we caused. I can have a role in that as well by going over there to do my job but spread my message at the same time. I joined the Marines because I grew up dreaming about being a part of a group of heroes that selflessly volunteer to defend our nation. Although that image still peeks through every now and then, I realize now the harsh reality of the world is that I fit a mold of essential bodies needed to show presence and kill on order. I honestly believe I can help to break that mold. An old poem goes along the lines of "...Ours is not to question why, Ours is but to do, or die..." This is proudly tattooed on the bodies and minds of many of my brothers in arms. In fact, I almost got that same phrase tattooed on my chest! I think now it is important for us to question. It is our right to question and criticize. It is our DUTY to research and decide. We must vote! I am convinced that the only time good things are created is after change, at least thats the way things have worked for me. Its so easy for people to sit back uninformed and undecided yet complain about the way things are.

Steve McQueen's character in "The Great Escape" says it is the right of a soldier to complain. I thinks its a privilege reserved for those who voice their opinion and vote. I've made a pledge to register 5 people to vote and to ensure that they do vote and I aim to follow through on that pledge.

Again thank you to all who've responded to my mother's posts. Your support of us and our families is very gracious.

[ronabop]

14. No, THANK YOU!!! n/t

[OKNancy]

15. How nice that you took the time

to post. I know your Mom is very proud of you.

[G_j]

16. a warm welcome Longhorns Marine!

:toast:

Thanks for your help! We are all in this together.

[Longhorn]

17. Cool name, Son, and welcome to the board!

But watch out, it can be very addicting! :headbang:

(Doesn't that smiley look like he's doing a "Hook 'em, Horns?" :D

[Misunderestimator]

25. Welcome to DU!

And thanks for that well-written and inspiring post.

:thumbsup:

[newyawker99]

27. Hi Longhorns Marine!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

29. Lots of Marines in Camp Pendleton here in Cali feel as you do

including officers.

If you get a chance, show your fellow Marines this:

http://www.takebackthemedia.com/onearmy.html

It details what the Bush admin and Repubs really think of our troops and how they are cutting your benefits while shipping you all off...it is backed up by facts.

[DinahMoeHum]

31. Methinks the ghosts of Smedley Butler and David Shoup

are smiling upon you, as well as the eyes of Texas.

You and your buddies have been very brave, and we are proud of you.

Keep faith, we are trying our best to get you all home safely. If that means we must act in the middle of a on-going war and sack our current "Commander-in-Chief" in favor of a REAL battle-scarred war veteran, so be it.

Semper Fidelis.

:kick:

[mainer]

19. I can understand the hesitancy of some Marines to see the film.

There are lots of people who refuse to go to the doctor, too, because they're afraid they'll find out they have cancer.

[dansolo]

28. Very apt analogy

The Bush administration *IS* a cancer.

[Misunderestimator]

21. Thanks for the update Longhorn!

You should be proud of him. :toast:

[kimchi]

23. Kudos to you and your smart offspring!

A little gloating is definitely in order, I'd say!

[MissMillie]

24. Way to go sonny boy!

If enough people on the fence see this movie, Bush* will be history.

[DaveSZ]

26. Thank him for his service to his country for us

My cousin is also over there.

:)

[qanda]

30. Good for him, Good for you

And good for our country!

[vetwife]

32. You know we are here for you both !

Thoughts and prayers are with your family ! Hey Longhorn..Sounds like he comes from good stock ! LOL