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Dudley, the protests do occur. They have been televised locally. (We are fairly close to Fort Campbell, home of the 101st Air Mobile Division)
Ohiotuber, locally you could not be assured of such a dance as the protesters "Dance Cards" seem to get liberally punched...
I honor the tradition of "Paying last RESPECTS". I would step out of my vehicle, but in Nashville I'd probably get run over. In small towns it is safe to do so. They have not been "sophisticated" out of their good manners...
Ed
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I am one who has (and will again) protest the war. I think the best way to respect those who are willing to put their lives at risk to keep us safe is by not putting their lives at risk without good cause. I know others disagree with my definition of good cause, but I will not argue that on this site. I say that as preface for the following.
I also find it distasteful that protesters choose a venue of a funeral to protest. Common courtesy should tell you that it is not an appropriate place for such things. There is a time and place for everything and it is totally disrespectful to those who have fallen to protect us (regardless of weather you agree about the war or not). Nobody who goes to war does so with the belief that they are "wrong". They go because they believe that their duty is to protect their country and I respect that at the same time I disagree with their reasoning. If I were to find those protesters outside a funeral I was attending I would be tied for first one (with you) to go there and let them know where to go and how to get there.
On the other hand. Do not paint all protesters with the same brush. There are idiot protesters and supporters on all sides of every issue. For every story like this one there are stories of pro-war people attacking those who do protest, which also shows a profound disrespect for what America is about, that being the right to speak out for what you believe in without having to fear physical attack for your beliefs.
I always say, that when the KKK wants to protest I will be the first to defend their rights to speak out... then I will work to organize a demonstration ten fold the size of theirs. Thats how you respond!
jed
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Just as Jed indicated, not all people who are opposed to the current Iraqi war are opposed to a strong military service. It troubles me to see out troops sent off to a conflict that is under-funded, under-staffed, and has no clearly defined victory.
I served in a war that was micro-managed by LBJ. I have tremendous sympathy and compassion for those troops currently serving in a war under civilian leaders who fail to face reality.
"Bring it on!" is not a sound military strategy when greatly outnumbered and unable to distinguish nominal allies from frank enemies. Nor is it acceptable language from a head of state.
It angers me and saddens me that anyone would choose to protest a military funeral. But it saddens me that anyone would argue against the freedom to speak out against a war or any other governmental action.
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I hereby tip my hat to the "Greatest Generation". Those people across the world who sacrificed their lives, freedom, and livelihoods to emerge victorious in the Second World War.
I truly believe that if today's generation were in charge then; we'd be speaking German or Japanese.
I reserve the right to treat any protester who disrupts any military funeral I attend; the same treatment I intend to inflict on any PETA member who interferes with my fishing.
Please, oh please; bring it on!
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Here in small town Southern Illinois we pull over when a procession comes by. The infamouse "Westboro Baptist Church"
protested a local fallen Marines Funeral. Ordinances were passed to prevent this in all the local towns in the future.
Kahuna
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We still pull over and remove hats in Upstate South Carolina. I don't know if it's on the law books but to me it's the right thing to do. As our population has grown and more people have come in from other areas, I've noticed an increase in the number of people who refuse to pull over, fail to yield or cut into funeral processions.
I find it hard to believe that anyone would interupt the funeral of someone who gave the full measure of service to our country. Absolutely despicable behavior---right there along side the child molesters. 8T
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Well Gary, I apoligize for not believing you.
It's just so hard to believe that anyone would stoop so low to get their point across.
A "fundamentalist religious group" from Kansas too. You would think they would have more respect.
Please don't think that all war protesters would behave that same way. The price of war is high, and we have too much respect for those that have to pay that price.
Here's the story for those that missed it. [url=http://www.wpsdtv.com/articles/stories/public/200601/19/0ggS_local_news.html:98669]http://www.wpsdtv.com/articles/stories/public/200601/19/0ggS_local_news.html[/url:98669]
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Dudley,
Apology accepted; I wasn't that steamed about your comments. I know how difficult it is to believe people would do that to a fallen soldier. Whether or not I support the current war is irrelevant to this discussion; but that someone in this country would NOT support our troops or have respect for a dead soldier, his family, and friends, is abominable. The soldiers who have been ordered into harm's way have no recourse but to go as ordered, whether they agree with the Administration or not. That so many are willing to be away from family for months on end; stand up, fight, and die, to ensure freedom continues to awe me. I have nothing but profound gratitude and respect for these men and women in uniform. I'm proud to say my son-in-law is one of those brave soldiers. He went into Afghanistan with the U.S. invasion force, into Iraq with the U.S. force that invaded and captured Saddam, and is currently serving yet another tour of duty in a combat zone, again in Iraq. Those of you who have a son or daughter (or -in-laws as I do) in Iraq or Afghanistan know the daily worry for their safety that nags you constantly. If they would have me, I would gladly go take his place. But I'm certain the Army doesn't want a fat, old, bald man to slow them down. Zimrx17, I apologize for changing the tune of your thread with my posting.
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The protest that was on that WPSD-TV website happened just a few miles from me. That is the second one in this area here in Southern Illinois. It really PO's me. No soldier or family deserves that. My dad is a Korean War Vet...my 19 year old Nephew is also a Marine.
Kahuna
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Folks, regardless of what our detractors say about us, we are not against folks who have opinions different from ours. What has happened in this country however, is a general disrespect for manners and civility not to mention the value of our current education system.
There is a time and a place for everything, and no, it's not 'alright' to protest at a funeral. It never was. Some of us are old enough to know that without having to be told.
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LadyFisher, Publisher of
FAOL