The Joel Stein never met a wuss he didn't try to emulate

Canada Free Press ^ | Friday, January 27, 2006 | Judi McLeod

[Anne_Conn]

With scribes like regular Los Angeles Times columnist, Joel Stein, picking away at the backbone of American democracy, Osama Bin Laden has something to crow about.

One can easily imagine the cave echoes of the rousing cheer from Bin Laden when he catches wind of Stein’s Tuesday column Warriors and Wusses, which begins with the words, "I DON’T SUPPORT OUR TROOPS."

Wonder what they’re adding to the café lattes in funky L.A.?

The anti-troops piece hit its mark when read by Melanie Morgan of Move America Forward.

[lowbridge]

bump

[DK Zimmerman]

Maybe this just needs to die, because I'm not entirely sure I have anything new to add.

I do know that on the occasion of the celebratory dinner after having pinned my kid (1/2) brother's brand new 2nd LT bars on (mid-DEC), I had the opportunity to brace his mother, a rabid Democrat.

I told her in just about as many words that I was sick and tired of hearing Democrats rant and rave endlessly in what could have scripted in the late sixties by any anti-war activist, only to conclude, "But I support the troops."

She was quite taken aback as I explained that it is essentially impossible to claim "the reason we are there is fraudulent," "the commander in chief has screwed things up beyond redemption," or even that "it's a civil war and we need to bring the troops home," without striking at the mission, morale, and the very spirit of those serving. Those over there have to believe in the cause and follow their leaders. Period.

Any other situation will at the very least lead to the most miserable, terrifying tour imaginable and far more likely will probably end up in someone's death. The troop's, a buddy's, an innocent civilian's, or maybe a leader, non-com or commissioned.

To follow up such comments with a "but I support our troops" is the sheerest, most obvious, and shallow hypocrisy I can imagine.

Frankly, the lady was all set to flame me, only to hear her son (brand new butter bar) chime in to ditto everything I had said and lay into her even more.

I frankly found Joel's piece refreshingly honest. And even humorous. Maybe I've been in the sandbox too long, but probably not. Again, I know this is not really new or original, having reviewed previous posts, but those sharing my sentiments appeared to be both in the minority and fairly loudly disclaimed. I had no idea there had been anything like the outcry I've just read about over this piece and had to add my two cents.

Joel's at least admitted his feelings up front. We can have honest and open debate with him. How does one do that with a Kerry, Kennedy, or any other Democrat who rants for 30 minutes only to conclude, "but I support our troops?"