Posted on 07/28/2004 8:36:19 PM PDT by Two-Bits
I can't talk to my brothers, my parents or my coworkers about politics. My dad was a conservative his whole life, but now when I make comments that would have pleased him years ago, he just goes silent.
After our last FReep of the A.N.S.W.E.R. group in Hollywood, I wrote him and email about what they stand for, and how our group had gone down to counter their actions. I never heard back from him on the topic.
This really saddens me, but there isn't anything I can do about it. My brother works for the LAUSD and is a member of their union. As far as politics goes, he's a total write-off.
This information is seemingly off topic, but I want you to think about it. There are times in life when it's best to just keep your lips closed and go about your business. Transfers come and transfers go. He won't always have to put up with this.
You really have to feel people out before you empty your soul on them. You just can't expect everyone to agree with your views. At work I listen to the staff and most of them love the democrats. It would be pointless for me to start a situation there.
Your son is going to have to bite his upper lip until he is in a position where those around him have a clue.
I wish him well. I am so sorry he's having to go through this. I would like to think every sailor was a conservative, but sadly they all aren't.
Where do we drop the line? On this thread, or in private FReepmail to you?
There's always going to be a$$holes no matter where he works. You just need to learn how to avoid them and ignore them. None of them are worth giving up a career over.
I also recommend that he not have any personal items that they can get their hands on. If he has any way of locking these items away when he can't be in direct control of the stuff, he should do it.
Should've joined the Corps.
Tell him to switch services. It's possible and having served 6 months on a Med Cruise and seeing the Navy up close, I'd strongly encourage it.
If his is a technical MOS that the Corps does not have...see if he can make a lat move to the Air Force.
Anything but the Navy.
God Bless all of you and I will be sure that he receives this thread plus all of the private replies.
I know that is what my other son-n-law keeps saying. Of course, he served formerly in the Marines. As he tells me, there are no liberals in the Marines, just Marines!
get it right... Submariners =they like going down on things long, hard and full of seamen....or "150 dive and 75 couples surface"...heard them all ;)
If your son doesn't feel comfortable talking to his LPO he should set up a private meeting with his Chief and invite the LPO along so he's not left out of the loop.
And keep us posted on any developments.
Dear Priceless Son of Two-Bits,
PLEASE KNOW YOUR EFFORTS ARE NOT IN VAIN.
God is very clear about good deeds and good motives and reaping what we sow.
This era is full of evil and getting fuller. The dark is getting darker and the light getting lighter. It's great that you stand on the side of sanity, reason, integrity, relationships, honor, responsibility, true freedoms, family and the like.
The Navy can be a crazy place in the best of times. In crazy times, it can be a zoo. But, there are usually some healthy people around somewhere. Perhaps a chief or 1st class or LT or LCDR or Chaplain or simply a trusted peer buddy whom you can confide in.
The idiots abound in our current era and reality. And they are idiots. They are the sorts of people who would bite their noses to spite their faces. They'd rant and rave and riot and destroy for the sheer emotional expressiveness of it--even if they knew it would mean their deaths in 24 hours. They are not particularly rational.
For some, the sins of selfishness, rebellion, idolatry etc. have soooo blinded them for so long--they have little to no accurate perspective on reality left. And they refuse to be taught or to change. Before long, their CAPACITY to change will be sucked into a black hole of evil and they will be swept into eternity with no hope. One can justifiably pity such hideous creatures. But one best steer clear of them quite often.
AS my dissertation Chairman often said--don't fight with a skunk. And, it's usually not greatly wise to try and teach pigs to sing, either.
If nothing else works and even it does, I hope you have some quiet times each day when you pour your heart out to God and then listen quietly for His responses in His still small voice in your heart, your spirit. He alone has the wisdom to navigate all the craziness of modern life--especially in the military.
In extreme cases, you would be wise to keep a bound blank book journal/log wherein you wrote at least a 1-5 sentence summary of the significant events that happened. For example, tossing your coffee mug with your children on it. Probably in and of itself, depending on circumstances, you might not want to make waves about it. But if it turns out to be the first or an early example of a long string of abusive craziness, then a log of such events would be priceless in a court martial or Captain's Mast situation. If your rack mates nearby are not trustworthy, I'd be very careful about filling the journal out and certainly keep it under lock and key. And, be sure to date and initial each date's entry.
And, when you are logging misbehavior--focus primarily on the behaviors that can be described as body movements, actions--that can be measured. Describe them specifically as clearly as you can. If something happened multiple times--estimate how many time--perhaps as a range--say like 2-5.
You can also comment on facial expressions and what you felt the facial expression was communicating and how it left you feeling. Same on voice tones. But try to do so in very calm, objective wording and tones yourself.
The log can serve two important purposes. It can help you get events out of you in a way that you can look at them more objectively.
And, it can be a priceless legal document worth significant weight and respect in any legal proceedings.
God teaches us not to envy the evil doers. We also don't have to let them run over the top of us relentlessly, needlessly--even in the Navy. Of course, we have to pick our battles and weigh the costs--especially if we are aboard a ship.
But usually, there is someone around with some rank that can be trusted. Ask God for wisdom in how to handle such tricky situations as sometimes arise and He will give it to you if you seek Him earnestly.
And, personally, in our complex, increasingly crazy world, WISDOM IS PRICELESS.
I hope you have some useful books to read. If not, let me know what you prefer and I'll see what I can do. I'd suggest at least one for fun and at least one for personal/spiritual growth, maturity, edification.
Please avoid allowing the turkeys to define your mood or control your mood. THEY ARE THE IDIOTS. WHY ALLOW THEIR IDIOCY TO DETERMINE YOUR MOOD FOR A DAY, WEEK OR EVEN AN HOUR! Let them stew in their juice. Don't allow them the satisfaction of troubling your spirit, mood, day.
Like the donkey that fell down the big middle Eastern well--and the farmer decided he was too much trouble to rescue and that he'd have to be buried in place. Each shovel full of dirt the donkey just shook off. After many shovel fulls of shaking the DIRT off and STEPING ON TOP OF IT, the donkey stepped out of the well in great form. We too can shake the crap off and step up over it in greater maturity and wisdom regardless of what other evil sorts around us intended.
I'd also suggest doing only what you feel fitting for you, to do. We can't single handedly change even one person. Only God can change hearts--and our prayers can influence that. We can sometimes influence a bit by our example, most.
But I'd encourage you to avoid allowing idiots to coerce you into things that don't fit for you. Get your marching orders from God each day in terms of His priorities for you. Then you have His full support and more peace and direction regardless of whatever anyone else and life throws at you.
And . . . . regardless of what happens, this/that too, like gas, shall pass.
It's OK to laugh at idiots. And to laugh at yourself. We are all flawed human critters greatly in need of humility, compassion and wisdom. Those bring a good harvest from faithful sowing.
In any case, God's best to you.
Prayers for a safe and growthful tour.
Sincerely,
QX BX
Thanks for the nice note, but I think you wanted to send it to the original poster. I was just responding to her. Take care, and thanks for your years of service.
Good advice.
No Darling, One thing my son is not....Try again
Your son has 7 in but his decision to stay or leave should never be based on frustrations over arguments with a couple of libs. You have given him values much more admirable than those who are harassing him. That he holds these values does you proud. Perhaps your son should state his position and not argue them. Don't argue with idiots! Life is a journey and a struggle: it has a beginning and an end. His choice for life succeeding is not unwise. His considering to end a career over arguments with two sailors does not lead to a sound decision.
Best advice I've seen so far on this thread.
Maybe I'm just a little grumpy after seeing all the Navy bashing on this thread, but I'm thinking if the kid is looking of geting out just because he can't handle a couple of a$$holes (whether they be liberals or any other kind of a$$holes), then maybe he should get out.
All you guys who think there's no liberals in the Army need to read the letters section in Stars and Stripes lately.
These guys took my new softball!
Make them give it back!
How many pregnant women were fatally injured in 'back alley abortions' in the year prior to Roe v. Wade? How many were fatally injured in abortions last year? I have a sneaking suspicion that the latter number is probably larger than the former. Does anyone have any data?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.