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February 26, 2005
Daily Collegian, Redux
On Thursday, I posted an editorial originally published in The Daily Collegian, by Thomas Naughton who presumably is a student at the University of Massachussetts. Mr. Naughton left this comment on the post:
To Whom it may Concern- |
and the perspicacious JHD replied:
Thomas, you simply do not get it. And you never will. Why? Because you haven't earned the understanding. Intellectual interpretations can only go so far. You cannot separate the man/woman from the mission. You cannot understand that there troops ARE protecting your freedom to receive your offers from "venerable magazines". You will never, ever understand the concept that our men and women in uniform BELIEVE IN THE MISSION! They are not forced or drafted, just simply volunteers. They are not ignorant or lacking in opinion. Truthfully they are mainstream Americans with something more than you will understand! What you believe is just fake patriotism is something so real the blood of our Country flows through it. |
I received a note of explanation from Mr. Naughton - not an apology, as he was careful to point out - that he was misunderstood, as those who say unpopular things often are. Deja vu. Michael Moore all over again. To me, there is nothing especially praiseworthy about stealing yellow ribbon magnets from other people's cars. It's just petty theft and shows a callous disregard toward the feelings of those who placed them there. But hey! His guilt must be assuaged. So, it's okay and the hell with everyone else.
I've lost a number of yellow ribbons from my car in the past year. Some were personalized with my son's name and rank, others just as they came from the package. And, thank God Wal-Mart is offering them for $1.50 - any profit margin on this item must be minimal. But my reasons for showing my support of our troops in a tangible way have nothing to do with "blindness or ignorance". For the past year, this site and other milblog sites have posted story after story about the incredible rebirth happening in Iraq and Afghanistan. Two brutal regimes overthrown. 50 million people freed from despotic rule. I wonder how much effort Mr. Naughton has put into understanding the other side? And I wonder, where is the blindness and ignorance?
Connie related a recent lunch conversation where the viewpoint was expressed that the U.S. shouldn't be in Iraq and that our troops should come home now. The conversation ended when one woman observed, "Most of my family is Jewish. I can tell you that we are very grateful to the United States for intervening in WWII when they did." The historical parallels are similar. And it may be that a generation from now, the liberation of Iraq and Afghanistan will be thought of the same way by future descendents. In the meantime, I - and countless other Marine parents, spouses, grandparents, children - will continue to support not only our troops but their mission . . . and their Commander in Chief.
Mr. Naughton, why do you think my son, Connie's son, JHD's son and countless others like them chose to join the Corps. It's not because they didn't have choices. There are many parents just like me who would have happily paid tuition at any college. But they looked beyond "what's in it for me" to "what can I give back". My son didn't suffer from "blind belief" as you charge - he shipped to boot camp on 9/13/02, knowing full well that he would almost certainly see action. But his love for his family, country, and Corps was prioritized before his own comfort and self-actualization. As JHD said, you have no idea what real patriotism is. The difference between patriotism and jingoism is like the distance between the deep and lasting love of a family and a cheap porn flick watched by yourself.
Mr. Naughton, have you ever talked with Gold Star parents? I have. I've attended funerals for fallen heroes and prayed that they would never have to do the same for me. I've cried with them, laughed with them, and shared the memories of their precious sons - sons whose lives were cut far too short but who lived with honor and dignity and were the absolute best this country had to offer. They still support the troops and they still support the mission. And, they are still filled with pride and awe, knowing that their sons will never be forgotten by the extended Marine Corps Family. Will anyone be able to say that about you, stealer of yellow-ribbons?
Posted by Deb at February 26, 2005 02:04 PM
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» Hey! Let's go help Deb at Marine Corps Moms. from Argghhh! The Home Of Two Of Jonah's Military Guys..
JarheadDad points us to this editorial from The Massachusetts Daily Collegian, a college online newpaper. I sent a response. Since their comments are moderated, I have no idea if it will post or not, so I'll post it here. The... [Read More]
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» Thomas Naughton: Great American Patriot from Villainous Company
Via JHD, we are privileged to hear the words of a patriotic American, one Thomas Naughton of the Daily Collegian: Guilt can only weigh on a person's mind for so long before they crave the act of purgation; to get... [Read More]
Tracked on February 27, 2005 05:38 AM
» Don't Make A Marine Mom Mad from Chapomatic
First this child spouts off some pure foolishness:
...perhaps some readers will understand why my friends and I rip yellow ribbon "support the troops" magnets off of cars or wherever people have affixed them. By ripping off these ribbons, we find a ... [Read More]
Tracked on February 27, 2005 04:12 PM
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Comments
Speaking as someone at a distance, both literally in the UK & because I know no one out in Iraq, I would like to say the following.
To Thomas Naughton; I haven't read your full column, just the piece here, but, from your reply & since your stealing of the yellow ribbon magnets appears to be true, it's clear to me that you haven't really thought about this. I think it's fair to say that you want the right of free speech about this. That's fine. However, in that case what right do you have to stifle the right of free speech of those who wish to place yellow ribbon magnets on their cars? You can't have it both ways. For all your words, your view is too superficial, you admit that "By ripping off these ribbons, we find a way to deal with our guilt", but you don't seem to understand the effect your self-centred actions have on other people. Along that road lies tragedy.
To anyone who has made threats or insults towards TN; Does this really serve the memory or the sacrifices that are being made? Anger does make us do things without thinking, but the troops are fighting against threat & intimidation, both by state & individuals. Whatever you think of someone like TN, surely it's not right. Those who fought & their families will have the knowledge that they risked their lives & did something very real to help, while TN will just a have a pile of fridge magnets.
To Deb; I would have like to have quoted the whole of Rudyard Kipling's poem 'Tommy', but I'll make do with just the final verse;
"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;
But Tommy ain't a bloomin' fool - you bet that Tommy sees!"
Posted by: Cynic at February 26, 2005 04:17 PM
Oops! Put this in wrong place, below.... Now it's right:
Deb: Very, very well said. In too late to say anything you haven't, nor do I think I could say t better. Good, good job!
-SangerM
Posted by SangerM at February 26, 2005 05:08 PM
Posted by: SangerM at February 26, 2005 05:10 PM
I think you`ve done an outstanding rebuttal, you, John and JHD have put things in perspective for Mr. Naughton in such a way that I`ve noticed his replies to you, while not apologetic, are toned down a bit.
I hate hearing people say they support the troops but not the war.
The truth is that they don`t support either but they learned a bitter lesson from the days protesting the Vietnam War.
They mocked, insulted, spat on and even assaulted returning troops in the name of "freedom" not realising that such an insulting blow to the psyche of American society would take a while before the consequences came into play.
The consequences of such a foolish ideology was a decided shift to the right for America as was first made apparent by Ronald Reagan.
Those same aging hippies who were at the forefront of the Vietnam era protest are running the show for the recent protests and they learned that if they wanted to be taken seriously, they had better not insult the troops.
That`s why I get infuriated when I hear them spew their "we support the troops but not the war" hypocracy.
It`s a lie. They DON`T support the troops.
If they said what they REALLY thought the public would be outraged.
Posted by: Joatmoaf at February 26, 2005 05:36 PM
Deb - I left a comment for the author and was as polite as possible. Weird how when someone insults our troops as ignorants who don't 'know' any better - and get called on it - they scream that they were 'misunderstood.' Too bad. So sad. Go visit Baghdad.
Posted by: Kathleen A at February 26, 2005 06:06 PM
I(and my Mom with her husband Carl, himself a retired Marine) live in San Diego.
In order to avoid personal attacks [I bet he can see my house from up there on that cross!... OOPS!]
sorry.. sorry.. :-{
Anyway, I will let my Mom do the talking, thru an e-mail she sent me day before yesterday. I think it will stand as pretty solid refutation of Mister Naughton's opinions:
[she says]
I had a great experience today, that I just had to share with everyone and to tell you that prayers are answered. This morning, as I watched the news on TV, they were covering the homecoming, from Iraq, of a plane load of Marines at Miramar Marine Corps Air Station. There were almost 200 Marines lined up as the General gave his speech of welcome to them. Across the tarmac, behind the yellow rope, were dozens of parents, spouses and children of these Marines just aching to run to their loved one to welcome him home. When the time came, the rope was let down and it was loving chaos...everyone hugging, kissing and crying...to happy to be together again. I couldn't help crying over this scene and for their happiness. But I also couldn't help but notice that there were more than a few young Marines that didn't have anyone there to welcome them....their families were obviously not able to be there....and how I wished I could be there just to give those young men a hug to welcome them home and to thank them for all they had done.
Later in the day, Carl and I had to go to Miramar to go shopping at the base exchange. As we were leaving the exchange, I stepped aside at the door to let the person behind me pass....as he did, I looked up and realized it was a young Marine in his fatigues. He just had a look about him that made me stop him and ask, "Are you one of the Marines that came in on the plane this morning?" He said, "Yes ma'am, I am." I immediately got tears in my eyes and asked if I could give him a welcome home hug. He broke into a big grin and said, "You bet ma'am". I hugged him, and in turn was almost picked off the floor with a bear hug. I told him how proud I was of him and how thankful I am for all he and his buddies have done....and how I had watched the homecoming on TV and wished I could personally welcome one of them home....and my prayers were answered. If you can imagine it, he thanked me, for welcoming him home. So typical of these wonderul young men. Carl shook his hand and welcomed him home and thanked him, as one Marine to another. Semper Fi.... I just wanted to share my story with you....
Now mind you, I'm 49, so my Mom is old enough to be this kid's grandmother.
Do I have a cool Mom, or what? :-)
Lastly, to Cynic: The likes of Mr. Naughton can never understand the motivations of those able and willing "To stand and be still to the Birkenhead Drill"
Posted by: Lucius Severus Pertinax at February 26, 2005 06:08 PM
Deb - that was a wonderful post/rebuttal. You said it to a tee. And Lucius - your Mother is awesome.
Posted by: Toni at February 26, 2005 07:51 PM
Those ribbons you stole were ribbons that I sold to send care packages to soldiers over there. I started by sending care packages to local service men and women. Then I received names of soldiers that were not getting letters, cards and care packages from home so the soldiers I sent packages to sent me those names. I was then sending care packages to Marines, Army Reserve and National Guard from around the country. I sent 130 packages in 5 months to these guys and the only way I was able to do that is to sell magnets and having people put change into cash jars I had around. Now Mister you may not think that was much but let me tell you for a one person project it was a lot of work trying to get donations of items and cash to send the packages. By you stealing and probably destroying the car magnets may have prevented a few people from buying them because people like you decided to trash them. I know I made a difference in many of these soldiers because I received many thank you's from them. It was a simple little card or letter and a care package from a total stranger but it was just for them. It made a difference for them on the day they received it. It put a smile on their face and it told them we are thinking about them. We are people who worry about all of them and care about them, not just our own family members there. We are supporting them because they are doing their job. Many may have joined for the rewards they receive in the reserves, such as education, medical insurance, a second job occasionally, but they stood their positions and they were counted. They put their lives on hold for us and others around the world. You don't have to just care about your family, one kind deed goes a long way. One kind deed can tell them "Hey someone did this just for me". One kind deed can re-energize them in a land of nothing. Doing one kind deed to them is what you should have done instead of destroying or trying to break down the good things other people were trying to do. You need to grow up! Smell the roses but your going to feel the pricks along the way. That's life, now think about the consequences the next time you do something stupid! So what do your parents think about your shananigans? I'm sure they told you as all other parents do, there are pros and cons, your choice is to think about the consequences you'll have to pay later if you make the wrong choice. You were totally in the wrong and I can tell you, people like you did alot of damage to the things I was trying to do for our troops. I didn't want my son to carry a gun on his shoulder for even a moment. I didn't raise him to kill people, my son is there so you can go to college. My son is paying for your freedom with his life. Would I give your life up for him, ABSOLUTELY if I could. Am I selfish, you bet! Do you know how many times I wake up and other parents or spouses because we have nightmares of our loved one returning home in a body bag? Many!!!! But just as the others, he chose this, he volunteered, he was in school also but had to leave so your sorry ass could write this crap about how disgusted you were with the world. Well baby, you have no idea what heartaches and pain are in store for you in life. Life can be a bitch and you better be able to handle it or I suggest you find a cave and live it for the rest of your life because your vision is made up for you only.....there is a real world out there and no one is going to hand it to you on a pretty platter. You made the wrong choice! I hope you learned a lesson....
Posted by: Sandy A at February 26, 2005 09:40 PM
To Lucius Severus Pertinax;
I tend to agree with you in thinking that the likes of TN will never understand the motivations of those able & willing "To stand and be still to the Birkenhead Drill". What I ask him to do is to understand his own motivations. In his piece he says "By ripping off these ribbons, we find a way to deal with our guilt..." IMO, the feelings that TN has are not guilt. Feelings of impotence or jealousy perhaps, feelings of superiority, quite likely from the tone of his piece & the response. But not guilt. If it were guilt then he wouldn't be able to steal the ribbon magnets, because guilt means that the person realises & accepts the effect that their actions have on other people, & it's clear that TN does not realise & accept for the direct action of stealing the magnets, so it's ridiculous to ask us to accept that he feels guilt over an indirect action. Whether he realises that is another matter.
If I could, I'd hug every last one of the Marines - since I'm a man they might not like that - so a hearty handshake.
Posted by: Cynic at February 27, 2005 01:19 AM
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