"America is not at War...."

Amen. Until this changes, we will not win.

Also the Army, etc....and a few thousand contractors...

That statement is frightenly true. Let's also add:

"And the Democrats are on the campaign trail."

The democrats, (and some republicans), still don't get it. I am not saying that our president is infallable, but attempting to pull out before the job is done is only inviting disaster on our shores.

Wake up America. This is the world we created. We must finish the job. Let soldiers be soldiers, not police men.
Semper Fi!

The democrats (and some republicans) still don't get it. If the U.S. doesn't take care of business over there, we shall surely have to take care of business over here.

We're all tired of war. We just want to finish our job so we can get the hell out of here. Im an Army soldier, my best-friend is a Marine. Get this right " All Infantry is at war" not only Marines. America does not appreciate what soldiers do... They dont care... America when you see us give us at least a hi....

AMen to thhat all infantry is at war. My Marine friends and I a soldier. Are all doin out part and you guys are too dont let it get to ya just Drive On as my DS always tld me

Let us not jump the gun on the marines I think the point was that the American people don't give a damn unless it is one of their own .
When I returned from Nam I did not get a welcome home from anybody that was not my own or had someone over there . I too do not like war but if you could see how people live where we go you'd understand that we the soldiers have presurved the life in the USA as we know it .If you want to protest war do it on your damn computer to congress not in public .. it hurts the families of soldiers

I for one along with many here in the states praise the job our military is doing. It seems to me the news media is turning this into another Vietnam. Though we never lost a battle in Vietnam we didn't win the war. As with Vietnam it seems they are reporting any thing and everything they can to undermine your efforts and our Commander-In-Chief but nothing is ever reported that would have a postive effect on the war on terror. It is a shame that the news media will cover the trial of Anna Nicole Smith live and not give an accurate account of the accomplishments that our service men and women make for the safety and freedom of this nation. Hopefully someday one of the networks will wake up and let the people of this nation know what a wonderful job our military is doing. Hang in there be proud of who you are. Don't let the news media drag you down. I for one know in the area I live in that you have their support and are in their thoughts and prayers everyday. We thank you for you service and keeping us free of the evil and terror that going on in this world today. I know you have the knowledge, ability and drive to win in Iraq just as we did in Vietnam. But (I feel along with many others) CBS News in 1968 when good ole Walter Cronkite reported on the Tet was the turning point of us winning that war. Just hold your head high. You can and will win without politics and the news media gets in your way which they are trying to do now.
Again thanks for protecting our freedom and way of life.

Sincerely
An Airman during the Nam Era.

I totally get the pix. Seems like if you are not in the military, have not been in the military, or not friend/family or military personnel then you dont get the sacrifice needed just to train and prepare for combat let only enter into it, and the importance of civies gettin behind your a**. Seems like most people are more concerned about gettin another HDTV or watchin Britney/Hwood than realizing the imporatance of this WOT. The US is at the mall.

Well anyway, here's to continued success over ther.

Americans, for the most part only recieve thier news from the long time established media which for some reason hates America and her institutions. Being a former Marine most of my friends are either active duty or veterans and are very proud of our military. yes, I have family members serving but consider all military personnel family. My wife, kids and myself thank God for you and your families each day. Through a friend whom I served with I hear that his son is currently in the Corps over there and the news he shares with us is completely different the what ABC, NBC, CBS or CNN reports. Thank you for taking the fight to the enemy so that we are safe. I am eternally greatful.

The news want to report // spelling // sensationlism not the truth . all I hear about is the troops that got 100 years for a rape and murder NOT that we may be helping this country
any one that would like to go to this country
and be shot at // back up // be shot at in your very own country would not want to shoot back . Stand up and let me do it for you would die . Please use your computer to protest war
not in public it very much hurts the families and friends
Vietnam 196th and firebird gunships 1969

The US Armed Forces is at war. Not just the Marine Corps. Get it right! But, as always, Marines will be Marines...conceited, prideful, full of themselves. Always stealing the limelight!

The comment is true, but the problem isn't that America isn't behind the war morally -- the problem is the war itself. We need to get out. Iraq is not worth dying for.

Omar is right. I am a former Marine who has been there and I was once full of the Corps, not willing to share with the Army. However, I met a friend who is a Ranger and they do their job too, but lets be honest overall. If you're not on the front line, you're in the rear with the gear. The bias news media shows the worst images of Iraq, but they don't show how most of the support kicks back and helps repair every part of that country's infrastructure. I don't care for the news anymore. It shouldn't even be called news. It's the opinion of the rich and influential people who run the major networks. They've obscured the line between fact and opinion so much that the average person can't tell the difference. There is so much to say that will never be said.

The public DOES care. You know how many groups are sending cookies and candy and crap like that? You know how many times I got stopped on the street by total strangers and thanked at home on leave in my uniform? Don't confuse some sensationalist, even defeatist news propaganda with the feelings of literally millions of Americans. I've been reading about how this was a losing effort since before the invasion. So what if a few thousand protestors wave some signs and chant some offensive slogans? You think there weren't any peace protests during WWII? The American people can have any opinion they want, we gaurantee them that, and they not only know it, they appreciate it. Screw the media, you know they're in it to make a buck with a headline.

I'd like to thank all Personel over in Iraq and Afganistan for a great job in kicking rag-head ass. An as I told George Jr. "It's better to fight in there back yard then in ours". Hope you all a safe return thanks for Killing that dirty bastard that killed my cousin (Johnson) over there its a shame you couldn't have cut his head off.

This is a stupid pic. I'm sorry but there are more than 5 times the amount of U.S. Army personnel in Iraq than Marines. So the jarheads can't say they're in Iraq and the soldiers in our Army aren't. Screw this propaganda with the Marine Corps. They act as if they are superior to other branches. However, I believe the Army is far more superior than the Marine Corps.

I agree with that statement. However, yes, the Marines ARE at war, but America is at the mall because they are protecting our rights to go to the mall. And don't forget the other troops there with them; the Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Coast Guardsman. They all have their lives on the line, right alongside the Marines. So, we must also NEVER forget them nor forget to pray for them ALL daily. They need the prayers as much as we do.

To reply to the comment previous to mine: I want to state a few facts about the USMC there are about 175,000 of them, total force. So, in a way, that does make them elite. The reason there are less of them deployed than Soldiers is due to their small numbers. Also, their "typical" deployment is around 7 months, and the "typical" Soldier's is one year. So, don't mock any of them, because the USMC may be a little elite and bit stuck up, but they are the cream of crop in America, and please, if your going to mock them, do it on a left wing blog site, not this one.

Ok James D,

"Only two types of people understand Marines, Marines and the enemy, the rest are second hand opinions" US Army General Thorston

All our armed services personnel are giving their all for us in Iraq, all of them whatever branch deserve our respect. I hope the American people don't have to have another wake up call to understand that we have been at war with fundamentalist terrorists for four decades.

Semper Fi!

You have got to be kidding me. Those of you who are put out because the picture only mentions the Marine Corps are completely missing the point of the entire thing. Put your trivial complaints aside for a minute and focus on what John is trying to point out.

BTW, John, I do have some oversized feet, but size 13s?

Just because it says Marines doesn't mean they are purposely excluding the army or any other branches for that matter, odds are the picture was taken at a USMC base and common sense is they write Marines just like if it was at a predominantly Army base, it would say the Army

Keep in mind, the Army has 99,000 some odd people in Iraq. The Marines, some 20,000. The Army still has 72,000 people in Germany, 62 years after a surrender.

And no, Marines say Marines because they are not just the Navy's police force, but also have a continuing propaganda effort that would embarass Joe Stalin. Keep in mind, the Marines are about the best 2 division force this side of Fort Hood, but still, they are a very small force, and feel insecure because of it. Hence the need to always and everywhere seek publicity.

You guys have it totally wrong! As a civilian, almost everyone I know respects and admires our military. We are grateful for your service to our country. We hold you in the highest regard and we DO support what you are doing. It's our political leaders that we have a problem with...they prioritize political correctness over winning the war! And, Americans aren't just going to the Mall. I have an anesthesiology colleague, a Canadian turned American citizen, that recently joined the Guard and is being sent to Iraq. I know another anesthesiologist doing the same. They did it because they wanted to contribute. We are trying to help out in other ways too. We are contributing money to military causes, trying to help military families, volunteering at military facilities, praying for your welfare, etc. It's the best we can do...remember, we are not all cut out to be soldiers. And yes, you are fighting the liberal media. They will always show the antiwar psychos on television...it's their mission since the days of Vietnam. But they don't represent the vast majority of us. What is really disturbing about this whole thread is that if you military guys really feel this way, then we are more divided than I thought...and that surely will hurt the cause.

Tom, this is how I feel. I have so many people coming up to me (or posting blogs) about how our homes are threatened by this Muslim horde that wants to take over. Whether it's true or not, whatever. My point is this... if you feel that way, join up and help fight.

Goodie boxes are fine. What we could really use are a few extra soldiers (and Marines) to help relieve the deployment schedule. They've authorized more troops to help undo the damage done by Rumsfeld. But they ain't showing up for awhile.

No other choice but victory?? Hey, here's an M-16... let's go.

We also have those sailors out there without the water... I have gone over twice already and I know that I have always been a minority and didn't concern myself on who but more about the "what".

The point to the message to me is the fact that we forget the sacrifice of war and focus on our ability here in the states to do our business without the worry. This is in part from the support from the dedication from all services!

I understand the picture's point. If you look back at World War II, the US citizens helped with by buying war bonds, growing their own food and rationing supplies. The US citizens of our war think it's enough to merely speak or type their support for soldiers. A military cannot win a war when the entire citizen sector has a negative attitude to the war. And our citizens do. The often quoted line, "I support the troops but not the war" is a way for people to say they are against the war without getting negative feedback. So, quit trying to play both sides of the fence and find a better way to either support you country's war or foil it.

P.S. The people bitching about the reference to the Marines the pictures need to quit complaining. It's not about which branch is stated, it's about the point.

I'm a big fat civilian who is at the mall and all that other business. The truth is I can't stop thinking about our Soldiers and Marines along with everybody else. I get so mad when I get the same TV news reports about how the sky is falling and it's all the President's fault. I can't comprehend what they're thinking. I see our military people getting hurt and it hurts me that's the truth. When I hear about how Congress wants to micromanage the war in Iraq they must not realize how casualties are going to rise. If they do realize this then what they want to do is an outrage. Keep on being Brave and doing your job. Know that my heart and Prayers are with you.

Im an infantry assaultman (0351)in the Corps. Our deployment just got bumped up from july to april due to the increase in troop numbers. This will be my first pump.

Am I proud to be a Marine? Hell yes. Ive read all the posts to date. And it bothers me to see how some say that being the smallest of the branches that we "feel the need" to see publicity anywhere possible. I submit the old quote that "America doesnt need a Marine Corps, she wants one!".

Being 29, yeah, ive seen a lot. done the college thing, done the working job thing. Am i scared, yeah, a little. But its my choice and its my job. what else is there? I have a significant other, a family, friends, etc. to think about. But doing my part is a higher calling.

Do I hate the army? no. not really. i have family in that too. do they do things differently? yes. is it bad? not always. dont hate on the Corps because we're a proud few. its no different between us and the army than two rival college teams. we all serve the same purpose. albeit, none of us like doing the "policing" thing that is the typically the army's job whereas we are a first strike, get in get out unit.

Whatever side you're on, just be thankful that someone's doing it. Ive had seats given up for me on airlines, beers bought, handshakes, kids hugging my legs, and more. It makes me all mushy inside but i keep my professionalism and just say "no problem and thank you". Try saying hi sometime. It means the world to us. We're outsiders to most of the world as it is. Dont make us feel any more alienated than we already are.

3/7 Lima Co. Wpns Plt.
29 Palms, CA
LCpl. John Stewart

David, David, David: what up with this? [i]"If you're not on the front line, you're in the rear with the gear."[/i]

How many times have you been taught: [i]Every Marine a Rifleman First."[/i] Any Marine that's had boots on the ground knows that everyone pulls duty, patrols, etc. If it's your turn, it's your turn. If not, regardless of MOS, you support those in the field.

Semper Fi

heh, Anonymous...proper tags for italics are with these guys >, not brackets. Just for next time ya know?

And Lightning....hell, you know what they say about guys with big feet.

They uh...make fine Marines or some shit.

Please explain what you mean by "stay until we finish the job." To many Americans, the idea of having many of our finest citizens caught in the middle of a complicated shootout between the Shia and Sunni is tragic.

Do you believe there is progress? Does Iraq leadership have any hope of bringing peace to their country?

I am a Vietnam Veteran; civilians were at the mall while i was over there and still at the mall when i came back. Today; I am at the mall; however I do think of our good soldiers; allow our soldiers to finish this thing; and come home; so they can join us all at the mall.

Chuck, while I don't think there is much progress being made (for a variety of reasons), I don't think we can pull out either. I also think the al-Maliki government will eventually fall. It's far too weak. You can try and placate everyone at home and get away with it at the polls. Try that shit in the Middle East and you'll be lucky not to end up at the business end of a hangman's rope.

I had a light colonel sit down with me and we had a lengthy talk about all this the other day. He just got back from a trip to the 'Stan.

Even though we went in for WMD, flag, freedom, and apple pie, at the end of the day it boils down to oil, our economy, and regional stability. For that, I'm willing to give my life (not that it's really up to me either way... I signed my life away to Nat'l Command Authority over twelve years ago). Ultimately, these are what really matter. Hell, if you want to get around to it, WW2 ultimately was about resources (oil and rubber). Had our country held onto any moral aires, we would have entered in 1939 to liberate Europe or long before to help the Chinese.

Long live the Empire... :)

Joel,
Thanks for your insightful thoughts. In your experience are any of the Iraqi army units training up to the task of keeping peace or is that hopeless?

Last week Michael Scheuer, the former head of the C.I.A. bin Laden unit, said the Taliban and Al Qaeda, having regrouped in Afghanistan and Pakistan, are going to detonate a nuclear device inside the United States.

This is happening while every news channel is dominated by "who will win the fight for Anna Nicole Smith's (dead) body?." Necrophilia and Al Qaeda are both on the comeback apparently.

This may be the year when cellolosic ethanol makes it out of the label and into production. We probbably won't have to fight wars over switchgrass crops.

It makes me sick, that America and our media care more about listening, reading, and reporting about 1 dead celebrity than to give our Marines, Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and our Commander-in-Chief some credit for what we HAVE accomplished instead of what we haven't.

Let me shed some light on the "progress" question.
Just yesterday afternoon, my company received a lecture on the "progress" that the ISF and IP's are making in different towns. Lima Co. is going to be the main effort in Ramadi when we deploy later on. This guy is an Iraqi and works as a translater for us and the MIT teams that are there training the ISF and IP forces. The actual numbers from the last two battallions there, including mine last time, is that 60% of the "presence" patrols are being done by Iraqis and of that 60%, only 2% of that is supervised with Marines. (sorry, dont know about the army stats.) Many of the Imams are coming to the commanders and asking for advice (tactical) on how their IP's should handle different situations. This means that the religious leaders are taking back control of their neighborhoods and rooting out the bad elements. Ramadi's actual AO had dwindled down to 30% of what it was this time last year when my battallion was there. Thats a very significant reduction in insurgents!
Furthermore, daily needs (ie schools, water, phones, electricity) are being turned on and left on more steadily now than have ever been. No more broken promises. The boots on the ground are making good on the beaurocrats empty promises. This leads to people telling us the info we need to get the job done and get home! HumInt is the most powerful tool we have. Not bullets.

Unfortunately, the enemy is winning the media war. At least at my level, there is no plan ahead on how to combat this on a broad scale. Inside our ops, we're working with our intel cells to drop pamphlets, etc. citing the good and bad things that are going on with the responsible people for each action. Furthermore, we're spot lighting the work that the Iraqis do for themselves. It helps us help them while "working" them for info.

Hope this sheds some light on the situation.

The news media are not showing the true story of what is happening in Iraq. True?

Then why the hell do you think they are showing the true story of what is happening in America?

If this were gonna be a fucking cake walk, do you think they would call the fucking Marines?

"Only two types of people understand Marines, Marines and the enemy, the rest are second hand opinions" US Army General Thorston

The General got it half right. Navy men understand the Marines. Close proximity.

Semper Fi

Simon - Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club '66

BTW Army and AF guys - don't take it so hard. I love you too!!

Keep up the good work in Iraq!!! Kill jihadis. Thomas Jefferson would be proud.

I, like most Americans,support our troops. But the media and a very small but very vocal group is doing all it can to undermine our armed services. Isn't there some way for the armed services to become more vocal? Americans need to hear from you, the troops, that you want to stay and finish the job in Iraq. If all the armed services would sign some type of petition in support of the war, these trough feeding politicians would definitely take notice. SPEAK OUT LOUD AND PROUD TROOPS!

Joel,
Where did you learn your history about WWII?
I suggest you read 1942: The Year That Tried Men's Souls by Winston Groom. Your statement that the war was about oil and rubber would apply more readily to the Germans and Japanese. The majority opinion of the US at that time was to stay out of the affairs of Europe.

Good point anonymous. Thanks for reminding me. Every Marine is a rifleman.

Hasn't our president told us time and time again that it's our duty to keep going to the mall?

Keep on shoppin...

I am a republican but I see different than most people I believe and support the right to bears arms. But I also believe we are ALL created equal. Black, White, Islamic, Jew, Gay, Lesbian we are all red blooded people but we fall short of that in our country. The man next to you is your brother period. Like it or not he/she may save your/my life. Our constitution and Bill of rights are not just pieces of paper. I voted for Bush the first election. The second election I voted for Kerry because Bush messed up and it took him a long time to say he did and apologize and when he did he did not seem like he thought he was wrong. I will be going into the army in 3 months not for the money or benefits but because I love my country and my family and anyone that stands for freedom. Do me a favor look up dragonskin body armor and look up otv interceptor body armor I won't tell you which is better. That is for you to decide but reading for a hour I bet if you went over all the info you will come to the same conclusion as me. We have failed to supply our troops with the best equipment available because of money.(When I say we I mean me too.)We need change. America is Not loved by or admired by other countries. Housing here is almost unattainable here. Insurance has gone up 50% yes 50% here. I have to spend thousands of
dollars of my money because it cost too much to save my life.1 vest $2247.00. One life $400,000.00 you do the math. But to my wife there is no amount of money that my life is worth. Sorry for the long post I had to say my piece.

Brian Anderson

P.S. My father is a disabled vet and they are not getting the best care either in Orlando we had a navy base they tore it down and now even our mayor lives in the 500000.00 houses in winter park there. While the disabled vets have to be on a wait list for sometimes years for affordable housing that is run down. I swear on my life all I have said is true to the best of my knowledge.

Daniel asked..."Hasn't our president told us time and time again that it's our duty to keep going to the mall?"

Answer: Uh, No. Next question

Shop 'til you drop, America. Keep the consumer economy rolling. If you don't eat at the Food Court, the terrorists win.

Hey, Marines and Army, Thanks. From the bottom of our hearts. More of America is involved in this than the media is writing about. I have two sons who are serving stateside with the local sherrif and police departments. The older one has been through all the biological and chemical warfare training which we hope he will never need. They miss family gatherings all the time due to 11 and 12 hour days. What they are doing does not compare to what you are doing, and the reason they get to come home after a long day is because of your sacrifice. Don't let your congressmen get you down.

This quote declaring that only the Marines are at war is very small minded and ignorant. The person saying it obviously has their head up their ass and I would gladly tell them that to their face. Many other service members and civilians alike have sacrificed in this war. Army, Navy, Airmen, and civilian contractors alike. Last time I checked (10 minutes ago) the number of deceased Army soldiers more than doubled that of the Marine Corps. We stand together and we fight together, no one branch is effective without the other.

To make a statement like this is very inconsiderate of the families and loved ones of the soldiers and civilians lost and undermines their ultimate sacrfice. You should be ashamed of your comment, it was a very shallow, cowardly, and false statement.

"This quote declaring that only the Marines are at war is very small minded and ignorant"

Oh lighten up. The only reason it says "Marines" is b/c its in a USMC area. Its one Marine speaking to his brothers, not dissing the rest of the military.

If you really want to understand the Marine mentality today, watch "Tears of the Sun" on a cable channel with commercials. Its the commercials that bring it into focus, because of their contrast - we [all military] are risking our lives to protect a brutalized people, while America is more interested in the Macy's Cosmetic Sales Event.

I would not reenlist to defend these parasites. They take their Liberty for granted, and deny it to the less fortunate, for their own selfish reasons. Let the wolves come for them.

"We have failed to supply our troops with the best equipment available because of money"

You really don't understand the procurement process. It takes years to get "next generation" equipment from drawing board -> prototypes -> congress -> manufacturing -> FEBA. More often than not, by the time you get the "new" stuff, its tech is already a decade old.

I was an 0313 in USMC - we used LAV-25s that were handed down to us from Army. We made them work for us in Iraq and Somolia, even though the tech was more than 20 years old. Thats common.

Quote: "No other choice but victory?? Hey, here's an M-16... let's go."
Let's go with a poodle-shooter? Might as well take a sling-shot.
Now, if the military still issued 30-06 M2 Ball ammunition (and M2 AP), I'd feel a little more confident. "Hey, here's an M1 Garand... let's go."

Lets not forget the Air Force doing Army ILO missions. Hoah!!

Yes, our soldiers are at war. They are laying down their lives for the people of Iraq and Afghanistan in order to prevent the expansion of terrorism. They are following the orders given by the generals and other military leaders that take their orders from civilian politicians. These polititians represent their constituents throughout the U.S. The majority of ordinary citizens are against this war because it seems like we might never be able to "win" and have our brave soldiers come back. Ever.

How many soldiers (and civilians) must die before we say enough with this war? Surge or no surge, is this war "winnable"? How do you hold down the violence within the Islamic sects that have been in this fight among themselves for so long?

It doesn't seem possible and that is why so many ordinary citizens of this country are torn between supporting our courageous fighting forces and expressing frustration at our political leaders that have gotten us into this mess.

There are two wars going on in Iraq, the sectarian was between the muslim groups and the war against the insurgents. Were is the combat leadership in Bagdad? Someone should be held accountable for failure to adapt tactics to fit the situation for the past two years. Dusk to dawn curfews, aggressive night patrols to deny the enemy the opportunity to plant IEDs on roads at night and not in HUMVEEs. Snipers on rooftops to take out anyone with a rocket propelled grenade or a machine gun. It would seem the brass hasn't got a clue on how to even do the basics in fighting an insurgent urban war.

"How many soldiers (and civilians) must die before we say enough with this war?"

How many soldiers (and civilians) must die because you lost faith and pulled us out before we could accomplish the mission?

If we don't win in Iraq, we'll be back in the Middle East all over again in another 10 years... after a Cambodia-like massacre has ravaged millions. This is Austria, prior to the blitz of Poland and France. Imagine if we had stopped Hitler before he took the Sudetenland? How many millions of lives would we have saved? How much devastation would we have prevented? Think carefully - it will be your children in the trenches, and your grandchildren being beheaded for blasphemy of Islam if they fail.

I truly wish we could destroy the appeasement weasels that are handicapping our efforts. Its almost self-defense...

I don't know about the rest of America, but here in the midwest their in the malls because of all of Al Gore's Global Warming that's been dumped on us this winter.

As for the comment, "It's better to fight in their back yard then in our's." That comment would be more believable if "George, Jr." was concerned about border security here at home instead of letting them in to patiently wait for their time.

Semper Fi Marines

I wish that a parade was held in every major city every few months to honor troops, those returnings, and those going. I wish fears of bombs and drugs had not altered the policies for sending care gifts to servicemen not directly related to you. Granted, it is still doable. I wish that there was some official rallying of the public to support troops through some level of personal sacrifice. I wish congress would allocate more funds to veteran care, instead of wasting their time and my money (taxes) on so many lesser things I oppose. I wish the procurement process was more streamlined to give troops the best equipment.

Some people oppose the war simply because a republican started it. Yet even some of them will state that they don't want one more soldier to die, as their first reason. It may not be a well thought out position, but in some sense it does reflect a caring for the troops. It is sad that such emotion is hijacked, but military personel need to take some comfort from the fact that people genuinely feel for them, even if that has lead them astray. And unfortunately, I don't know that any amount of reasoning can reach many of them due to their distrust and disgust in our highest leaders.

Sadly also, there is a level of isolationism that is hard to overcome. Many do not want ours dieing 'over there' for someone else. Some of those are old, and have seen 4 generations of theirs go. Some were once saved by ours (Europe), but don't yet see the same level of war as in the past. The weary and the wary may yet be roused, but it may take further bruises and an identifiable enemy to rouse them. America, as a giant, feels it has hurt itself more by slapping at mosquitoes than the mosquitoe bites initialy have.

The importance of "winning" the war in Iraq cannot be overstated. The goal of the group "Al-Qaeda" and its many sister sunni extremist organizations is to reinstate the islamic caliphate, or a single muslim superstate united under one man with the power to declare holy war. Wether traditional islam is or is not a religion of peace this demented ideology is certainly not. Handing over a country to the men who wish to establish this state would be giving them a powerful tool and base of operations as well as adding one more piece to their puzzle. It is not the fault of our military or our leadership to those who wish to point fingers. A typical insurgency conflict typically goes on in some extent for an average of about 25 years. If needed I will continue to fight every single one of them because i would rather die with a milllion more marines than leave 3000 behind dead for no good.

Oohrah brother! Count me in. I'll bring my gat and we'll do our job regardless of what some people may say! See ya on the streets of ramadi!
Semper Fi!

The comments on why it just says Marines are missing the point. It says Marines because it is a Marine unit and when in combat your world revolves around you and your unit. The writer was merely expressing his view of the situation. There is no Marine conspiracy to garner all the publicity and never has been despite the views of the other services. (This all started in WW I when General Pershing told reporters that they could not mention Army units by name in their reports for fear of creating bad feelings among the different units not reported on. The General forgot he had Marine units and the press used the easy out and started to report on the Marines which really created bad feelings)

Americans are supporting the troops on a far greater scale than they did us in Vietnam. but here is an important difference about America today (keep in mind the difference in population size). On December 8, 1941 there were gigantic lines in front of recruiting stations all over America. On 12 September there were no long lines. The young men and women serving now are really the cream of the crop. When you see all of the youngsters of military age loafing at the mall ask “where have we failed”. Then look to the media and understand the terrible impact of the constant barrage of Government conspiracy and anti-war stories on our youth and their parents.

February 7, 2007, Anbar Province, Iraq. 1st LT Jared Landaker United States Marine Corps, Hero, from Big Bear California, gave his live in service to his country. Fatally wounded when his CH-46 helicopter was shot down by enemy fire, Jared and his crew all perished. His life was the ultimate sacrifice of a grateful military family and nation. His death occurred at the same time as Anna Nicole Smith, a drug using person with a 7th grade education of no pedigree who dominated our news for two weeks while Jared became a number on CNN. And most unfortunately, Jared's death underscores a fact that we are a military at war, not a nation at war. Until we become a nation committed to winning the fight, and elect leaders with the spine to ask Americans to sacrifice in order to win, we shall remain committed to being a nation with a military at war, and nothing more. (And possibly no funding if congress has their way!) (Quoted from "Last Flight")

Semper Fi

This was written by a marine. Had it been written by a soldier, it would have said "The Army is at war." Not that this will stop the Army from using it as their own at a later date. Ronald Reagan once said "Some people go through their whole lives wondering if they have made a difference. The marines don't have that problem." Years later the Army BCT companies at Fort Jackson have archways that read "Some people go through their whole lives wondering if they have made a difference. Soldiers don't have that problem."

Nobody in a combat unit is going to write on the wall "America is not at war. The marine corps and the coast guard and the army and the navy and the contractors and the air force and all their families back home worrying about them are at war. America is at the mall." While that might have been more accurate, it's not such a strong message. The poor marine would have ran out of ink making everybody happy. Great picture with a (sad, but) great message.

I just want to thank all of you guys/gals in the service for doing what you do. I agree with the sign completely. Most of the people here in the US are so blind to anything but National Enquirer type news stories, and what went wrong "over there" stories. I am not military, but very military minded. It pisses me off, when people think that you guys should just pack your shit, and come home. Well, anyways, thank you from Nebraska USA.

My goodness, a lot of Army guys do have some sand in their ass over a little whiteboard saying.

Don't be small minded. It was written on a Marine FOB, and naturally whoever wrote it was not meaning to exclude the Army. Get over yourselves. Don't be such babies.

/Marine
//has cousin in Army
///Even he saw that and said "I bet some soldiers will see that and whine"
////yep, he was write

For our guys & gals overseas, keep up the pressure and try to stay positive.

Whenever possible, show the Iraqi people America is a good nation full of strong, loving people. Enemies of good will exist for forever.

Omar, the point of the phrase is not to show who is and who is not at war, there's a bigger meaning behind it you retard.

If anyone in the Marines has the attitude "Marine Corps is fighting the war, America is at the mall", then I want that person OUT of the US military. Most Americans support our troops with tax dollars, with donations (usually better than what the military provides), with their open show of respect and thanks, and with their prayers. Many Americans who are supposedly "at the mall" also have family members who serve in the military and worry about them. I don't think it's asking too much of our servicemen and women, no matter what branch of the military they are in, to respond by saying "we also thank you for your support, prayers, donations and respect." That would be far better than having the "holier than thou", guilting attitude by saying we are all at the mall while you are fighting a war. Not everyone is able to serve in the military but we all contribute to the effort in some way. And, if it were true that we were all at the mall while the Marines are fighting the war, you can thank our esteemed Commander in Chief for that. He has asked no sacrifice from the American people to support the war, like buying war bonds or donating supplies (this had been volunteered), because this would erode support for his war agenda. Instead, he cut taxes! So, show a little respect for the American people who support our troops financially, with donations, with prayers, and with respect. Otherwise, I want you OUT of the military.

Every Marine might be a rifleman, but there were definitely some of those riflemen sitting on a pallet of Gatorade at Haditha Dam eating candy while the straight legs from 2/3 were getting their dicks shot off in in the city while I was there.

How would infantry function if they didn't think they were the most badass people in the world? If you don't think you are more badass than the Army (or the Marines if you are in the Army), how could you possibly go through a doorway into a room full of people trying to kill you without flinching?
I hope every infantryman feels vastly superior to humanity at large. It's called esprit de corps.
Are you telling me that the guys in the Rangers, ODAs, SEALs don't think they are better than the fatasses in cooking and cleaning MOS? Hell, I saw a freaking weatherman from the Air Force that had probably been in more gunfights than 90% of the Corps and we still made fun of him. Our Docs were right there with us and we still made fun of them for being in the Navy. If you are butthurt you are probably in supply.

No matter what you do, even if you eat Otis Spunkmeyer muffins in the airconditioned COC at AL Asad all day, you are entitled to a holier than thou attitude. In the military your job is to support the defense and policies of your nation, not make people happy or to pat them on the back for not breaking the law when they pay their taxes.

What if I think it is wrong to invade a country that has not attacked or provoked us? Do I still have to support the soldiers? Is the morality of the war not important? If you are honest, you have to support this war because you support either the American Empire or the idea of securing oil but the idea that Iraq posed a threat to the biggest military in the history of the world is naive. About as naive as saying Iran is a threat.
I saw a bumper sticker on a car recently which read, " kick their ass, steal their gas", there was also a Marine Corp emblem - there's your truth.

There are THREE kinds of people that understand Marines. The Marines - the enemy and MORAL MEN WHO ARE INTELLIGENT ENOUGH TO NOT HAVE TO BE SHARING A BRAIN! I was training combat troops INCLUDING Marines when most of the readers were still breast feeding. I have never in my life been so ashamed to be an American as I am today. We have become mothing more than mindless murderers of children and civilians and rapists. We 'defend' NOTHING - except perhaps that filthy stinking shitty little country of IsraHELL! If ANY soldier reading this DOESN'T understand that the filthy Jew is the enemy - NOT the Arab people - he needs to be WATERED instead of fed. Been there - seen that - done that. WAKE UP YOU FOOLS! You are nothing more than cannon fodder for the Jews! The TERRORISTS ARE IN THE WHITE HOUSE - YOU MORONS!

It's also on a sticker:

http://www.cafepress.com/snarkytruth

The American people trust that Barack Obama will conscientiously address issues related to Islam.

Barack Obama is a great leader!

LONG LIVE PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA!

Speaking of Barack Obama:

Barack Obama is a racial-minority individual and does not like racism:

CONSTRUCTIVE WORLDWIDE DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION RELATING TO SCANDALS:

(I) I do solemnly swear by Almighty God that George W. Bush committed atrocious, racist, hate crimes of epic proportions and with the stench of terrorism which I am not at liberty to mention. Many people know what Bush did. And many people will know what Bush did—even until the end of the world. Bush was absolute evil. Bush is now like a fugitive from justice. Bush is a psychological prisoner. Bush often worries. In any case, Bush will go down in history in infamy.

(II) It is opined that Bill Clinton committed terrifying, racist, hate crimes during his presidency, and I am not free to say anything further about it. ‘Be sure your sins will find you out’ (Numbers 32:23).

(III) What if basically all racial-minority people would subscribe to the interpretations that George Herbert Walker Bush committed monstrous, racist, hate crimes while he was the President of the United States? It will eventually come out: it is only a matter of time.

(IV) I know it may be hard to believe. However, Ronald Wilson Reagan committed horrible, racist, hate crimes during his presidency.

Respectfully Submitted by Andrew Yu-Jen Wang, J.D. Candidate
B.S., Summa Cum Laude, 1996
Messiah College, Grantham, PA
Lower Merion High School, Ardmore, PA, 1993

(I can type 90 words per minute, and there are thousands of copies on the Internet (by March 29, 2009) indicating the contents of (I), (II), (III), and (IV). And there are thousands of copies in very many countries around the world.)

“BAD NEWS FROM THE UNITED STATES: ON THE RACIST HATE CRIMES AND ETERNAL INFAMIES OF GEORGE W. BUSH, BILL CLINTON, GEORGE H.W. BUSH, AND RONALD REAGAN” BLOG OF ANDREW YU-JEN WANG

badnewsfromtheunitedstates.blogspot.com
_______________
‘If only there could be a ban against invention that bottled up memory like scent & it never faded & it never got stale.’ Off the top of my head, it came from my Lower Merion High School yearbook.

I am a medic in the Army who has already done one tour in Baghdad and will be back there in eight months to do a second year.

I'll tell you like I tell everyone else (although, honestly, it is mostly Marines) who plays the whole "my branch is better than your branch" game ...

While I was in Iraq the bullets didn't care if you were a Marine or a Soldier. The mortar rounds didn't ask if you were active, reserve or national guard. IEDs aren't prejudice. We cover our dead with the same American flag.

I submit the old quote that "America doesnt need a Marine Corps

It seems people everywhere do not care. It seems people everywhere want out. It seems people everywhere do not know war = death. Here are my thoughts:

I am not a fan of war and I hope no one is; however war is a part of society and most likely always will be. The strong will always try to overtake the weak and as a country we could always look the other way or help the weak. If we as a country always tried to look the other way what would our world be like today? That would be almost impossible to know. If we as a country commit to war or commit to war to help the weak shouldn't we be committed to its outcome? I know when the war in Iraq started it had a very high approval rate, and now the approval rate is very low. Didn't we know people would die? Didn't we know it would take time? I mean for a war or not, if we commit, we (people) as a country should also be committed. Vote for them or not, like them or not our government need us, they need our support. Our soldiers need us, they need our support. We as a people have changed and any war, conflict, or global police action will be very hard to deal with or win without the support of the people. I do not like the thought of American soldiers dying in some foreign land; however every death is for nothing if the military cannot do what it needs to win. If the military were able to fight the way they wanted and the way they should the war (or whatever people want to call it) now would probably already be over and every death would mean something. I am sure there are many in Kuwaiti who are thankful we helped them. I am sure there are many in Panama who are thankful we helped them. I am sure there are many in El Salvador who are grateful for our help. I am sure there are many in South Korea who feels they owe their lives to us. I am sure there are many in Vietnam who are grateful we came to help them. I am sure many French stop by a soldier’s grave every week to thank them. I am sure many Afghans are grateful to now be out from under terrorist control. I am sure many Britt’s are thankful they did not have to go the second Great War alone. I am sure many Jews feel they owe their very existence to the brave soldiers who died to save them. War is not fun and war has a price, but I am sure if everyone who had ever been helped by, or are grateful for our military could say THANK YOU, all at once we would all see the price was worth it!

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