*Stand Up For America Rally*

[Soledad]

Why is it that people slander Susan Sarandon, Jeanene Garofolo and company for expressing their freedom of speech, but then extoll the virtues of conservative actors and entertainers?

I find the practice of boycotting and slandering entertainers with liberal views disgusting and unpatriotic as it is seeking to silence those with differing opinions especially when everyone's claiming that we're fighting for freedom!

Why don't all those conservative hawks and entertainers enlist if they want to war so badly. At least the liberals care about the lives of the soldiers by demanding more thought and consideration for their lives than the cavalier cowboy-esque actions of our government officials, most of whom have NEVER served themselves.

I know that things aren't being specifically directed at people here on PetTalk, but think a little bit before you go posting generalisations about those who are pro-peace. There are many on here who are, and I don't think anyone needs to feel attacked these days.

[Cincy'sMom]

Originally posted by cheetahgirl
I hate when people call any country the greatest country on the face of the earth. We are not God that we can decide. God knows which country is the best, not us humans. The whole world belongs to God. The whole world is equal. No land is better than another.

I'm not sure God "knows" any country is best. It is like saying one religion isthe only one that is right. I think God judges us as individuals, not as countries, political divisions, or religions.

[mugsy]

Soledad,

I dislike the Susan Sarandans because they are so blatantly anti-American, when they live in America. Like was said earlier, the actors (both conservative and liberal) seem to think they are much more important than they really are. I consider and discount WHAT people say not WHO says it and it just seems that a lot of people in Hollywood are of the opinion that their opinion is worth more because of who they are.

Also, I defend their right to say what they say to the end, but I defend my right to say how I don't like what they have to say. You're totally right, we, in America and in many other countries around the world, have the right to speak as we choose (as long as it doesn't cause civil unrest).

I just wish that people all over the world would rally together now to support Britain and the U.S. so that this war could be over quicker and things can get back to some sense of normalcy. I understand the anti-war sentiments, and I'm not asking that they go out and do the rally for America thing, just keep the protesting quiet until things are settled, because, let's face it, their protests are not going to stop this war now.

Have you ever wondered what this world would be like if it were run by dogs and cats and other pets?? Somehow I think it would be a lot more civilized.

At this point, I hope all people around the world will rally for their country. And I hope all believe that they live in the greatest nation in the world for them!

[ChrisH]

Originally posted by mugsy
...........I just wish that people all over the world would rally together now to support Britain and the U.S. so that this war could be over quicker and things can get back to some sense of normalcy. I understand the anti-war sentiments, and I'm not asking that they go out and do the rally for America thing, just keep the protesting quiet until things are settled, because, let's face it, their protests are not going to stop this war now...............

Thanks Molly, you said what I feel.

Chris

[babolaypo65]

ANN:
I am sorry you are leaving for a while. I have always benefited from your posts. Its my personal opinion that hearing different perspectives is good. And, hearing perspectives from outside the US is also good.

I am posting my opinion here. I normally do not post my political opinions on pet talk. I apologize for posting it in the "wrong" thread.


I had not read the thread folks are referring to. I now have. I wish I hadn't. I dont find it patriotic at all. I find it demeaning, insulting, and depressing. It did not make me feel patriotic at all. As you intelligently pointed outl etters that insult liberals, that make fun of people, do not bring our country together. Letters that stereotype and lump people together, are not patriotic. Nor do they make pet talk a friendly place for people from other countries, or with other beliefs.
Now, before the flames begin:
Many, many members of my family are in the US military. My ex boyfriend, who i love dearly, is IN IRAQ IN THIS WAR. Front line. We are in a war. I support the troops. It is their job. I am NOT unamerican because I didn't think attacking Iraq was a good idea. I am not unAmerican because I chose to speak against the war prior to its start. I am AMERICAN. I support my troups for doing their job.
My country was founded with freedom of speech as one of its tenets. It is my right. It is my responsibility. Susan Sarandon is not "unAmerican" for stating her opinion and using her fame to state her opinion. Just as Oliver North isn't UnAmerican for using HIS fame to get HIS opinion out. Being American does not mean agreeing with everything your leaders say and do. If that is someone's definition of America, then, wow, their high school civics book had their countries confused.

I am a patriotic person. I love my country. I am also liberal. Liberals are not unpatriotic. Liberals are not a homogeneous group.
The wearing of birkenstocks, and one's opinions about abortion have absolutely nothing to do with one's opinions about this particular military effort.

Now, that said, I do believe that I should stop speaking out against the war now that it has begun (for the time being). I also believe that Susan Sarandon and others should. MOST have. I also believe that the writer of that letter should stop criticizing those who were against the war. and belittling them. We all should.

supporting our troups is a positive thing, insulting and belittling others is not. telling others they can not have their own opions is not. Support the troups.

[Cataholic]

I get soo confused about this issue of war. Does someone really wake up one day and say, "I WANT to go to war, and have my countrymen and women die for no cause at all"? While peace is nice, and a way better idea, it just isn't possible, is it? It has been 12 years now....how much time to you give someone? I don't think someone really wants war/supports war, but, instead, supports the rationale for war/the necessity of war.

I don't want anyone to die, ever, and certainly not for the wrong reason. But, we are at war, the decision has been made, and the troops deserve our support, and prayers.

There seems something ironic about complaining of the freedoms we, as Americans, enjoy so much, but, not wanting to step up to the plate to ensure its continuation, or to see it happen for others.

God bless the troops, all sides/colors/nationalities, and thier families.

[mugsy]

Well said Jo. Freedom's never free.

[jackiesdaisy1935]

Since this is supposed to be a "Stand Up For America Rally" that's what I'm going to do. Of course we Americans are proud of our country, American means that we are English, Arab, Jewish, Indian, Swedish, German, Swiss, African, Mexican and many, many more nationalities all living together to form this great Nation. The soldiers are not just American, their families come from many different lands and they are proud to fight in this war to free the Iraqi people, just as we were freed many years ago.
Would you rather not have a war and let the people of Iraq live many more years in poverty and under this brutal dictatorship?

From what I hear it seems the British and American soldiers are doing everything possible to keep the city in tact, keep bombing away from the cililian population, at their own risk they are trying to help the people of Iraq to be able to have a decent life. Is there anyone on here who thinks the people of Iraq are happy in the life they are living now in fear of their life or their family's lives perhaps if they said the wrong thing they would be tortured or executed.
Why not give our men and women a break, realize their unselfishness in being in a country far away from home to help the Iraqi people realize a dream of a free nation.

I am very proud of our Country along with the British who have taken on this monumental task of ridding that country of a barbaric dictator. God Bless England and God Bless America
Jackie, Perry and Miss Daisy

[gini]

Has anyone else heard of the grassroots movement to put yellow ribbons on your car, home, trees, to show support for our troops?

[RockyRoad]

Originally posted by gini
Has anyone else heard of the grassroots movement to put yellow ribbons on your car, home, trees, to show support for our troops?

We have a yellow ribbon on our car to support them. Our long-time neighbor and friend Christine's son Bill is overseas. She doesn't know where he is exactly though. Today my mom & I are putting up yellow ribbons on some of our trees to support the troops.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Thanks Lynne! That said a lot of what I feel.

One thing I've always wondered about. Why do Peace rallies often end in violence? Sounds countradictory to me.

What are they fighting for? They are trying to give people the right to make a phone call, ask a simple question and not have your husband murdered, chopped up, and delivered to you in a box just because you asked when he would be home for dinner. True story.

I'm very pro-America. We may not always be right but we are trying. Two of my great great plus grandfathers fought in the American Revolution and every male in my family has been in the service. My Dad in WWII, my brother in Vietnam and all my cousins and uncles and grandfathers. I now have a cousin in Kuwait. Don't tell me how senseless war is.. I know it is but sometimes it's needed.

[Chinadoll]

Originally posted by babolaypo65


Many, many members of my family are in the US military. My ex boyfriend, who i love dearly, is IN IRAQ IN THIS WAR. Front line. We are in a war. I support the troops. It is their job. I am NOT unamerican because I didn't think attacking Iraq was a good idea. I am not unAmerican because I chose to speak against the war prior to its start. I am AMERICAN. I support my troups for doing their job.
My country was founded with freedom of speech as one of its tenets. It is my right. It is my responsibility.

I agree with you. Right or wrong, oil or no, whether we should be in Iraq at all really isn't my concern. My one and only concern is supporting our troops. Bless them for having the courage to do a job so many would not.

[Soledad]

I don't see how people continuing to voice their preference for peace has anything to do with if they respect the armed forces. There is just no correlation.

People are continuing to gather for peace to make their voices heard across the world. They are saying "we did not support this from the beginning, and now that it has started we still oppose it." No one thinks it will end the war. Many people have gathered here in NZ at peace gatherings. It is a place for everyone to gather and reflect on the reality of war. It is a somber occasion, where no one discusses politics, but gathers to find strength with other people. Why is that so threatening to people?

I don't think there is any excuse for the way liberal celebrities are being treated. It's a rude and immature way of trying to silence them and making them fall into line. No one is doing this to conservative celebrities. It is wrong to use your power to silence others, even if you want to call it freedom of speech or expression.

I like how suddenly everyone is compelled to "respect the position and authority of the Presidential office" nowadays, but in the Clinton years everyone was free to call the president a rapist, a sex addict, a murderer and God knows what else.

It's just hypocrisy.

[Soledad]

I just love how people can have signs saying that protesting and using your freedom of expression/speech is equivalent to terrorism.

[mugsy]

Mike and I were planning on going to the rally, but, he had to work Friday night and couldn't get up in time for us to go. However, we listened to the report on the local radio station. I guess that there were over 20,000 people there (Geez that's just about the population of Auburn, the town where the rally was) and that at 11:00 am the highway going to the Kruse Auction Center was bumper to bumper traffic. No violence, just speeches and singing. Glenn Beck (who I hate to admit, I am not familiar with) spoke and Sandy Patti sang.