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By all means, lets continue a murdurous and unjust war so that our "boys" don't feel disapointed! Poor dears...they might have to come home before they kill everybody....so sad for our boys.

I can not believe any presidential candidate would stoop this low. This day is NOT about him or his politics. There is plenty of time for that. This day is special, set aside to remember our fallen heroes. John Edwards has just made darned sure he will never have my vote. Not for president, not for dog catcher. This man has no idea of the meaning of this day for those of us from military families. A day that should have the same meaning to everyone in this great country, even politicians.

The war that we are currently involved in is neither murderous, nor unjust.

The United States of America is fighting a just war AGAINST murderous, treacherous men who would burn the world and everyone in it for their god.

Your immature display of sarcasm and disdain for those who fight for your right to exercise free speech shows your obvious hatred for anyone who is in the military, and a complete lack of understanding of the current geopolitical situation.

We are fighting the terrorists over THERE so there will be less of an opportunity for them to come HERE and attack the city in which you live.

You should be eternally grateful for these men and women who are not afraid to fight for the rights of those of us living contentedly here at home, continuing about our daily lives; and fighting for your being able to bash the military and your own government without the fear of being killed for your dissent.

My previous comment was in reply to Steven Sanders, btw.

What better day than Memorial Day to end this worthless war led by an incompetent White House.

Indeed, let your voice be heard each and every day until our warriors are safe at home.

Supporting our troops means supporting the responsible use of our military. By all means, Americans should feel free to speak out about the Iraq war on Memorial Day. Getting involved in policy is the best way to pay respect.

The American Legion should be ashamed for its reactionary response and for telling Americans that they shouldn't voice their opinions on Memorial Day.

To everyone here so far all I can say is STOP IT!!!! You are both ignoring what this day is supposed to be about. Please stop the politics, for on this day we should just honor people. Please save the debates for another day.

I agree with you Mr. Morin should be ashamed of himself. I don't ever seem to hear him criticize Bush on this issue, who constantly uses the troops as props to support his war. But I guess that's why sometimes I disagree with so many veterans, on one hand they say they fought for your freedoms as long as you agree with them on the issue, otherwise shut up.

They died because they took an oath to defend this nation and its Constitution. The sacrifice is the same whether it’s for a “popular war” or an unpopular one.

Are they going to come hear on a boat, or when we leave Iraq are they going to the Baghdad airport and purchase tickets on American Airlines. Your Republican talking points are so lame(fight them there or over here) give me a break. Again I guess it's we fought for your freedoms as long as you agree with us or just shut up. You guys should be ashamed of yourselfs.

There was nothing overtly political in what John Edwards said. The American Legion Made it political by using his comments as an excuse to attack him.

Remember what they did to Pat Tillman, it will make you proud. I wonder how many veterans spoke out about this?
http://movies.crooksandliars.com/Countdown-MaryTillman.wmv

As a Veteran, this sort of thing makes me sick. Trying to use memorial day as some sort of political agenda aimed to destabilize the war effort is sickening. Even if somebody doesn't agree with the Iraq war, memorial day is a day to honor and remember those who have served and died in the service of this country.

Gini has said it perfectly. I agree 100 %. Mike M. says, "Supporting our troops means supporting the responsible use of our military," and I agree: Use our military responsibly: Give them every ounce of support in materiel, every dollar of financial support, and our most complete and vocal moral support, so that THEY CAN DO THEIR JOB, which is to KEEP US SAFE and FREE, in the most effective and efficient way possible. What's IRRESPONSIBLE is telling the troops we love 'em madly, and now they should break off their foolish and evil endeavor and come on home with their tails between their legs.

A question for Ryan Evans. How do you destabilize something that is already destabilized?

I bet the veterans loved Pat Tillman when he was Bushies poster boy but I bet they changed their minds about him now. Did anyone know that Pat agreed with the war in Afghanistan but thought the war in Iraq was wrong? I guess his brother Kevin and mother should just shut up. Sounds like alot of Fox News viewers here.
http://movies.crooksandliars.com/Tillman-hearing-Kevin-04-23-07.wmv

The only thing "revolting" is blindly following an unwise leader into an unjust war for profits sake against a country that never did or could harm the mightiest nation on the face of the earth.

Fred Phelps and his Westborons would heartily agree with John Edwards' plan.

In his rebuke of Mr. Edwards, Mr. Morin said memorial day was "consecrated with the blood of American heroes." Those words almost have religious overtones, especially in this nominally Christian nation. Is Mr. Morin a religious leader? If so, his religion is a cult of death. All those who support our troops - anyone on the planet who has a relative or countryman at war - wants them to return home safely. I think the American Legion, and everyone in the world, needs to think about cultivating a perspective that values life, not just death - that consecrates peace, not blood. War should not be a religion. Peace should be our goal.

Memorial Day isn't about politics. It isn't a Democrat Day, Republican Day, Right or Left Day. It is a day set aside to pay honor to all those who have fallen in battle keeping all of us free.

It isn't a day for speeches about supporting the current war or protesting the current war. In fact, the day isn't about this war at all; it is about all those who died so we could be free to take the positions we do.

It is perhaps the one day of the year that all this nonsense should be put aside and everyone just be thankful and appreciative for those who went off to wars and gave their lives, presumably some of whom disagreed with whatever particular war they were in, but went just the same out of a sense of duty.

If you cannot find it in yourself to be thankful and appreciative that others were willing to face dangers and gave their lives so you could be free to take whatever position you do, I can only feel sorry for you as you are wrapped up in yourselves and have selfish attitudes, and no honor.

What Edwards is doing is beyond reprehensible, it is just a cheap political stunt!

I agree with American Legion National Commander Paul Morin. Memorial Day is not a day for politics. It's a day to remember those who served and those who died from North Africa to Normandy and from Midway to Guadicanal and from Viet Nam along with all wars this country has been involved. For those of you who disagree with Commander Morin, I challenge you to this year, forget about your three day weekend and attend a Memorial Day service at your local cemetery, shake the hand of a veteran, American Legion, VFW or DAV and just say, "Thank You for serving to protect my valuable freedoms".

Mr. Morin should be ashamed of his un-American assault on a fellow citizen. As a Viet Nam combat vet, I don't want anyone besmirching the honor of veterans, living or dead, with disgusting, shameful remarks like Mr. Morin's.

I am appalled at Mr. Morin's attack on Senator Edwards. Memorial Day is to remember our veterans and those who died in service. One way to honor them is not to have any more unnecessary deaths caused by the lies of this administration. Most Americans want this war over and want to bring our troops home. The president is not listening to congress nor the people. We need to speak out in visible ways. Memorial Day is such a day. Senator Edwards did not say to use the day to promote his candidacy. He is encouraging us to raise our voice about what we think is right and what should be done.

This appears to be much more of a political attack by Mr. Morin and his neocon viewpoint than it is by Senator Edwards who is rightly helping us speak out. I have know Marines and other military personnel. I have some who have died and some who are injured. When we see the willful disregard of the safety of our men and women in uniform by a rogue president we are obligated to speak out on their behalf. It is un-American to try to silence us as Mr. Morin is doing. I think it is disgusting for Mr. Morin to try to use guilt to silence our opposition to this fiasco and our desire to bring our troops home. I hope many will speak out or pray or in some way let others know that this war needs to end now. That is how we honor our troops.

Perhaps if you were speaking soberly or as a combat veteran you'd not be so outrageous Tom.

Bottom line is Memorial Day is not a day to engage in attacks on national leaders but to pay tribute to our honored dead who were not playing politics as you and Edwards are, but defending the country.

From 1775 to present in all Americas Wars, there were 1.2 million US casualities [KIA]. In just one year 1.3 million aborted babies suffered more. Who are the real killers.

Without wars, we never would have made this far. 1777 and we're out of here.

all the comments made, pro or con ,will never mend soldiers who are handicapped from war.or bring back dead sons or fathers.if we dont support their patriotism, and bravery what are they fighting for. God bless america,and our soldiers . they are the backbone of the american public

Memorial Day is one day; one. That leaves 364 for people who disagree with this President, this war, war in general, or who the President is that takes us to war, to do whatever outrageous antics you want to do. You want to stand up in the middle of a park and scream that the President is a liar? Go ahead; I and my brothers and sisters were glad we could be of service so you could do such a thing. You want to call National Commander Morin every name in the book? Feel free to do so, he appreciates that you have that right, protected by him and every other Veteran. I guess what I'm getting at is this: Whatever you want to do, to show that you are free, do it on another day. Let others know that you have respect, honor, decency, towards those that made the ultimate sacrifice when their Country called. By making a point of attacking those that think it is dishonorable, or a lack of decency and decorum, for asking you not to make political hay at Memorial Day activities, just shows that you have none at all and show that you truely don't believe your own statements about not attacking someone you don't agree with. Leave Memorial Day alone, pick on Earth Day or May Day.

If you've never been to the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetary in DC, you should go. If you're unfamiliar with it, let me educate you. It's a tribute to deceased soldiers - those who could not be identified. Soldiers don't forget their dead - they honor the sacrifices they have made in conflict.

So great is this respect for the fallen warrior that the Tomb of the Unknowns (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomb_of_the_Unknowns) in DC has been guarded every minute of every day since 1937, regardless of weather conditions.

The President, regardless of political alignment, has always been at the memorial on Memorial Day to pay tribute.

It should also be noted that there is a constant effort to identify the soldiers. The tomb is symbolic of all soldiers lost in combat who could not be identified, but the military has and always will be dedicated to finding every soldier.

Desire to defend the country is not a political statement. Let me state that again: the desire to defend one’s country is NOT A POLITICAL STATEMENT. It should never be regarded as such. It's an act of a person who believes that the country they live (whether America, Britain, Japan, whatever) is worth dying for. On Memorial Day, we honor those that died in the name of the United States, whether the Virginia Militiamen of the Revolutionary War, or the soldiers lost in the Iraq War.

Making a political issue out of a day meant for honoring those so full of honor is akin to remembering your grandmother or grandfather’s death by arguing over the inheritance.

It’s disgusting that people can be so petty as to try to use the deceased for their own means. I don’t care if you’re a Presidential Candidate or my next-door neighbor. These soldiers died defending what they believe in. That takes courage that many will never, ever understand.

Get off your political high horses, you arrogant jerks. Remember the honored soldiers. They died so you could live free.

So here our Commander writes a post about not making Memorial day about politics and the only people here that simply can't do that are who?? why the anti-war crowd. I specifically read Mr. Moran's piece and it said;

"Edwards is hardly the first politician from either political party to exploit this day,"

Remember, the people we are Memorializing really don't care about yours or my politics......just remember them for the sacrifice they made for what THEY believed in.....

an Old Tanker

Very well said, Godzilla. Thank you.

I second Jackie, very well said Godzilla. I got to see the changing of the Guard at the tomb when I was 15, absolutely incredible and tough not to be moved by it.

an Old Tanker

You're getting lazy Sanders. You already posted this drivel. It's not any better the second time.

Yes let's remember why the commander made this statement, to honor our dead and still serving members of the armed forces.

As an American Vet I am appalled that the Legion would take a stand to divide the nation we fought for. The right to protest is what demogracy is about.I will no longer support this organization.

Shame on the American Legion commander! Freedom to speak out is what America is all about. I've been an American Legion member since 1975 and never have I read such an outrageous comment from the Legion. It is unpatriotic not to speak out and what better day to do so than Memorial Day representing freedoms fought and died for.

Jerry Upshaw and William Underwood:

Do you not understand the words of Commander Morin? Are you daft and blind as to the point he's making? This isn't treading on the freedom of speech; this is requesting - nay, demanding that Memorial Day be used for what it was intended - a chance to honor the soldiers lost in combat.

This isn't some trampling of the freedom of speech. This isn't some attempt to "divide the nation." This is an expectation that a Presidential candidate - a man who, should he win, would be named the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces - not use the deaths of soldiers to push his political agenda. You're getting angry for the wrong reasons at the wrong person. As I stated in my previous post, would you want your family members squabbling over an inheritance during a memorial service for one of your loved ones?

Revolutionary war soldiers gave us the right to be free from taxation without representation. Civil war soldiers fought to keep this country together (North) or to maintain state's rights (South). World War I and II vets fought to protect the very ways of freedom and democracy - your very lives and chance to be free. Korean and Vietnam war soldiers fought to end repression and protect citizens. Even today, regardless of your political stance on the war, soldiers are fighting because they believe it's the best thing they can do for this nation. It's their contribution.

In all of these conflicts, soldiers have died protecting principles that they hold dear. Regardless of your political alignment, our men and women lost their lives out there doing what they think is right.

On Memorial day, we honor all of the soldiers above. Regardless of whether you believe they're doing right, wrong, or whether you think they should be there or not, HONOR THEM for believing so firmly in YOUR RIGHT to enjoy your freedom of speech that they put their lives between those who would crush your freedoms and you. They died that you could live, speak and be free.

You want freedom of speech? Morin has expressed his. Soldiers died protecting his as well as yours. Memorial Day is NOT about freedom of speech. It is not about going to the beach. It is not about enjoying a holiday.

Memorial Day is remembering that these soldiers loved YOU, this country and the freedoms of all within. They loved and believed so greatly that they engaged their enemy to protect it.

Honor the lost ones.

My sincere apologies for the double post. My internet fails me at times.

Good for National Commander Paul A. Morin. He is right...Memorial day is for rememberance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice...the ones who make it possible for people like Steven Sanders and the others on these postings to mouth off about war and politics, not realizing without war they would not have the life and freedom they enjoy now. Pampered, ignorant ugly Americans "How often we fail to realize our good fortune in living in a country where happiness is more than a lack of tragedy." You people who would politicize Memorial day are sad excuses for Americans.

If Memorial Day is the one day a year we honor our veterans, then what is Veterans Day in November for?

I stand with John Edwards....Support our Troops....Bring them home from Iraq....(all hateful replies will be laughed at, and posted to my blogs so that folks can see just how selfish people can be)

Signed a military Vet
8 years Active Duty Army

Continuum,
Veterans Day - formally Armistice Day in honor of the ending of World War I, is to honor all veterans - every single one who has honorably served in the U.S. Military. Memorial Day is even more sacred - honoring those who were killed in service to their country. That is what makes Edwards antics so outrageous. Those who died fall across the political spectrum. Some may have supported Edwards, many did not. That is why Memorial Day should remain free of politics.

The legion and espeicaly this political hack, Paul Morin does not speak for me or for my brothers. I feel pitty for the legion, they were once a noble organization looking out for us, now all they care about is political favors to and from the GOP leadership. They allow us to have substandard care back home and seem not have our interst in mind abroad. If you want to do something for Memorial Day Please support the Veterans Organization that really speaks for us. Support VoteVets at http://www.votevets.org/

It

Isn't

About

Politics.

Read the article. Morin wrote: "Edwards is hardly the first politician from either political party to exploit this day, a holiday that was consecrated with the blood of American heroes. ...As national commander of The American Legion, I implore ALL CANDIDATES to refrain from politicking on Memorial Day."

Emphasis mine.

This isn't about the Iraq war. This is about soldiers dying in service to the country. From the Revolutionary war to the present - this is ENTIRELY ABOUT THE SOLDIERS.

You will not see campaign slogans at the Tomb of the Unknowns, nor bumper stickers, nor lobbying. You will see a grave honoring the ultimate sacrifice to protect life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This grave will be guarded, always.

Iraq War Vet, thank you for serving. But the topic here is Memorial Day, not the quality or service of the American Legion.

Members of the military swear an oath to the constitution of the US. The Bill of Rights and the 1st amendment are are part of that. If our military dead gave their lives for nothing else, surely they made the greatest sacrifice for that. The constitution and its Bill of rights granting the freedom of speech don't take one day a year off for anything, not even Memorial day. Unfortunately, we have in our great country those who wish to make a political statement (commander Morin) by criticising a candidate for president (calling his urging others to protest a war)a political statement. Freedom to speak and freedom to protest are things guaranteed in the US constitution and it is patriotic to do so. ESPECIALLY on Memorial day. Even if you do not agree with John Edwards, be patriotic enough to agree with his right to speak out and to protest even if you prefer he do so on another day.

As the spouse of a former military member and the daughter and grand-daughter and niece of multiple military members, it just breaks my heart to hear and see people politicizing Memorial Day. Whether it is this Iraq War or Viet Nam or Korea, ALL of our families have, at one time or another, been touched by war. Shame on ANYONE who tries to politicize their deaths!

Godzilla - bless you. You said, far clearer and more passionately than I could why this is wrong. Memorial Day should be ALL ABOUT THE SOLDIERS who gave their lives for us. Whether you agree with the policy to go to war or not, the soldiers who gave their lives DESERVE BETTER than they are getting from Senator Edwards AND these commentors who insist on politicizing Memorial Day.

There is no question that Edwards is exercising his right to free speech. There is no doubt that Commander Morin is expressing his right to free speech.

You're still completely missing the point, so let me put this into clearer perspective.

Let's say you believe in and love someone so much that you take a bullet for them. Someone that you wanted to protect so completely that you would gladly die that he/she may be spared.

What if that person then turned around and said to the world, "World, how stupid this person was. How they died in vain. It was a waste of a life!"

How disrespected would you feel?

Similiarly, there's another major point which is larger than a bus and yet you're ignoring it: Memorial Day isn't some new event regarding the Iraq war.

On Memorial Day, I'm lowering my flag as much for the soldiers who have recently died as I am the soldiers who fought against the British to secure the 13 colonies. The same soldiers who fought to uphold the constitution even as the ink was drying on the signatures.

Edwards is using the lives of over a million dead soldiers to push his political agenda for a current event. Morin finds that reprehensible and I can't blame him.

Get your head out of the Iraq War for a minute and look at the whole picture of Memorial Day. Consider the American Revolution. Consider the World Wars. Considering who and WHAT you're honoring before you continue on this mindless free speech drivel. Honor the dead for preserving your rights that you toss around so arrogantly.

I've been a member of the Legion and VFW for a long time. I will be placing flags on veteran graves this Memorial Day to honor their service and sacrifice as I have for many years now. I expect to do the same next year but not as a Legion member. Mr. Morin's comments have soured me and I quit.

Mr. Morin is the one attempting to make a political statement. I can honor and remember all of those who served this country while embracing Mr. Edwards' effort. For me, it is a moral imperative, not a political statement. I can't think of a more appropriate time to act on my own conscience as to what truly is an expression of support for our troops.

I don't mean to demean or offend anyone with my actions. Mr. Morin, however, demeans and degrades my own service by pretending to some right to speak for me. God bless our troops and let their sacrifices, now and in the future, not be in vain.

I can guarantee that Steven Sanders (the guy who wrote that crap above) has never served this country. What an A*&^%. Godzilla you nailed it.

I see a lot of comments about the Legion being an arm of the Administration and how we left Walter Reid victims behind, but may I point to an article on this site.

http://www.legion.org/vision/currentevents/2007/03/the_legion_assists_walter_reed.html

I didn't see anyone from votevets or the Edwards camp doing this much, but I may have missed it in a press cycle. The point is this, if you want to protest the war then express yourself by contacting your Senator (heck it might even be John Edwards - you know he is a Senator right?) but give it a rest on this day that is meant to honor. I don't see how protesting honors the dead, the wounded or the serving. To be quite honest it sounds more like an act of lunacy. You have 363 other days in the year to create your awareness.

Not to mention I don't see how waving a sign around is going to bring our brothers home safe. If you believe in this philosophy then why not just buy a bumper sticker and save your self the trip of driving to the rally.

Undear Underwood,
You seem to be all about "rights." Before you get all self-righteous, all of us veterans fought for your right to be an ass. Nobody said it should be illegal for Edwards and his ilk to pull their stunt. He does have the "right" to do it. And Cmdr. Morin has the 1st Amendment right to call it "revolting."
Get a clue!

Dear jack and Godzilla. I am a Vet and have been an American legion member since 1975. The problem is, Commander Morin has made this a political thing. As we sometimes say here in the South, Morin's statement is like the pot calling the kettle black. The soldier on the ground usually doesn't enjoy the luxury of a politcal agenda. So, it's up to us now to speak up. Unfortunately, Commander Morin has used his bully pulpit to make a political statement and has politicalized and now made a stink over something he should have kept private in my opinion. But he exercised his right to free speech (even though he does not speak for me). Now for those who agree with him and walk in lock step and condemn Senator Edwards, (using your right of free speech) to condem his right to speak out and urge protest, is inconsistent and hypocritical. Comeon Jack and Godzilla, just admit it,you're conservative Republicans who drank the koolaid and disapprove of those whose opinions are different than yours and anyone who doesn't approve of the Iraq war.

Once again William you are referring to this as an Iraq War issue, but you are missing the point. The point is the Sen. Edwards chose to make this about Iraq and Commander Morin chose to make this about Memorial Day. Please stop and make the distinction and realize this is an opportunistic event for Sen. Edwards and nothing more because if it were I think we would have seen more action from Sen. Edwards than we have seen up to this point.

Commander Morin did his best to say keep politics out of this. He repudiated John Edwards and in now way shape or form tried to keep him from exorcising his right to free speech. Too many people throw this around to dismiss what others have to say rather than rebuke them directly. It is anyones right to protest the war on Memorial Day. It is also anyones right to call said protest "revolting" How dare anyone defend John Edwards right to free speech and then excoriate Commander Morin for exorcising his, that is the pot calling the kettle black William Underwood. If you believe John Edwards has every right to protest the war on Memorial Day then SHUT UP about Commander Morin using his right to keep politics out of Memorial Day!!

Memorial Day is just that, a memorial day. Whether you agree with the reason or cause for which they fought and continue to fight Memorial Day is not the time to voice it. By doing so you take away from the honored dead and belittle their sacrifice.

For those of you that think John Edwards is not makeing a political statement. Please answer this question.
Why Memorial Day? Why not Christmas, Super bowl Sunday or Thanksgiving? These are days that millions can be reached. I just dont understand why he chose the one day set aside to honor those who have paid this price.

Mr. William Underwood,

“Cyberlegion” nailed it right on the head. I’m going to quote him, because he put it wonderfully:

So, William, read this carefully:
“…you are referring to this as an Iraq War issue, but you are missing the point. The point is the Sen. Edwards chose to make this about Iraq and Commander Morin chose to make this about Memorial Day. Please stop and make the distinction and realize this is an opportunistic event for Sen. Edwards and nothing more…” Brilliant post, Cyber.

Let’s look at your comment, William.
“Unfortunately, Commander Morin has used his bully pulpit to make a political statement and has politicalized and now made a stink over something he should have kept private in my opinion.” You’re right, it’s your opinion. But the bully pulpit was abused first, in this case, by Edwards, who is using a day dedicated to remembrance to float his political ideology. Edwards pulled that first, Morin responded appropriately (in my less-than-humble opinion).

If you want to cling so steadfastly to your rhetoric-filled “free speech” argument, then I re-iterate Adam’s brilliant comment, “If you believe John Edwards has every right to protest the war on Memorial Day then SHUT UP about Commander Morin using his right to keep politics out of Memorial Day!!”

There isn’t a soul on this board who is attempting to squelch free speech. Not a SINGLE PERSON. Not you, not me, not anyone. We’re all agreeing or disagreeing with Edwards or Morin, and we’re all exercising our free speech. Yay for us.

That right means NOTHING except for the soldiers who died to protect it.

Incidentally, your assumptions are completely wrong about me. I’m a young guy trying to make sense of how a world can be so full of hate and disgust and yet everyone seems to be trying their best to make it worse. My personal politics have no bearing in this whatsoever, because Memorial Day isn’t about politics.

Memorial Day is about soldiers. It’s about Americans. Deceased Americans, who loved this country and who felt their country was more important than their own lives. Memorial Day is about remembering that. From the American Revolution to the current Iraq conflict, we're honoring ALL soldiers who died in service to their nation.

Remember the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Remember the Battle of Trenton. Yorktown. How about Shiloh? Or Antietam? Gettysburg? 1812? Spanish-American War? WWI? II? Korea? Vietnam? Persian Gulf? Remember the Alamo?

Edwards is politicizing Memorial Day. He’s not honoring anyone, he is using the lives of dead soldiers for his own personal agenda. I can think of nothing more sick and disgraceful. On Memorial Day, he should only honor them. Save the political crap for another day. The soldiers are more important than political agendas.

Whose koolaid do you drink, sir?

For all those that think that Commander Morin is talking about supressing free speech, or that the right to free speech is most definitely needed on Memorial day; fine, but just remember that you are also giving me permission to show up at one of your family member's funerals, if I want to, and protest them. Is that not what you want to do now? You want to take the one day set aside for honoring our fallen and turn it into a political campaign by showing that yes, you have free speech and are going to also prove you have no honor, class, decency, morals, etc. Please, go ahead and make a mockery of a day set aside for my fallen brothers and sisters, it's your right, bought and paid for by them. To the Veterans on this thread, you of all people should be sensitive to this and realize that it has absolutely nothing to do with Iraq, the policies of this administration, or whether you agree or disagree with these policies, but about honoring the fallen. Would you want someone acting like a complete moron while you try to honor someone you served with that had paid the ultimate price? Do you think that I guess a statement I made a year ago still holds true, when I was in Iowa for a Patriot Guard mission in which the WBC was going to protest at the funeral of a man killed in Iraq: An Iowa State Trooper asked me why they do this, to which I replied "The 1st Amendment protects everyones right to be stupid and they're just excercising their right".

Well put Godzilla!!

Did you actually read anything on the http://www.supportthetroopsendthewar.com/ website, or just the war-mongering drivel of Mr. Morin?

I encourage you to actually read what you are condemning Mr. Edwards for. He is acting like a true leader, in the absence of the same in the White House.

Senator Edwards asks us to:

"As citizens, we honor and support our troops for their service and sacrifice.

As Americans, we are blessed by that sacrifice and support, which keeps us safe and keeps us strong.

As patriots, we call on our government to support our troops in the most important way it can - by ending this war and bringing them home.

This Memorial Day weekend, we will all take responsibility for the country we love and the men and women who protect it. We will volunteer, we will pray, and we will speak out. In the days leading up to Memorial Day, we will take action to support our troops, end the war, and bring them home to the heroes' welcome they deserve. And on Memorial Day, we will honor and remember all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom."

I copied and pasted it here, so there is a record of what Mr. Morin is referring to. For us to pray for our troops. For us to want to bring them home.

Iraq is a sovereign nation which we have no business having hundreds of thousands of troops and support in.

Hi Guys! Looks like I got a lot of you steamed up. Some intelligent person actually posted John Edwards' comments. Kinda tame and reasonable huh? The point of criticism for Commander Morin is that he made a political statement as though he speaks for the entire American legion. Of course he doesn't and especially not me. I don't criticise he own personal opinion but when he makes a statement as representing this organization of which I am a member, that is the distinction. Some of you have so unkind as to tell me to SHUT UP. I shall not. You (my critics) need to do some deep thinking on this. Commander Morin has every right to express his own personal opinion any way he wishes but not in this way bringing shame on the American Legion, particularly as we head toward Memorial day.

Paul:

You linked EXACTLY what the problem is. Two quotes, exactly as you have linked them:

"As patriots, we call on our government to support our troops in the most important way it can - by ending this war and bringing them home."

"...we will take action to support our troops, end the war, and bring them home to the heroes' welcome they deserve."

THESE are the statements politicizing the issue. If you cannot see the slanting going on here, then you are blind.

There is NOTHING REASONABLE about making politics out of this. The fact that you can't get that through your brain tells me more and more how completely insane this country has become about its figurehead political leadership. "Let's honor our soldiers by pressing a political point! Let's do them a service by arguing politics and stances!" Yeah, fantastic job.

You fail, time and time again, to stay on topic. You cannot see that Edwards (and Morin, honestly) are irrelevant factors here. Where I commend Morin for speaking out about this, his statements, Edwards' statements and all of the comments to this thread are like dust in the wind. They don't matter.

Focus on the soldiers. Forget the politics. THAT is my point. THAT is Morin's point. Last paragraph by Morin:

"We Americans need to remember why Memorial Day is special. It’s not about picnics or trips to the beach. It’s not about making pro- or anti-war statements. It’s not about supporting political candidates. It’s about honor, duty and the ultimate sacrifice. IT'S ABOUT PEOPLE WHO HAVE DECIDED THAT THE UNITED STATES IS WORTH DYING FOR." (emphasis mine).

Also, William:

Thank you for dropping the "free speech" rhetoric. I mean it. Thank you.

I understand if you feel he's not speaking for you, and that is something that you obviously have taken steps to resolve yourself. Action is and always will be louder than words, after all.

"Did you actually read anything on the http://www.supportthetroopsendthewar.com/ website, or just the war-mongering drivel of Mr. Morin?

Paul, did you actually read Mr. Morin's statement? Where on earth is the warmongering??

Sorry, last comment was a response to Paul.....

So, John Edwards, the Breck Girl, the guy who hypocritically claims he learned about poverty while making a half-mil salary for a part-time job with a hedgefund, now hypocritically claims to have the moral authority to define Memorial Day for the rest of us poor stupid schlups.

Edwards is pretty pony who would screech with horror the first time he found dirt under his fingernails. He wouldn't last the first hour of basic training yet he thinks, along with some these supposed "vets" on this thread, that he has something important to contribute to veterans and our issues.

The only bigger morons are those half-wits that think he's worth defending.

Ok I’m going to take one more last stab at this here to see if I can be just a wee-bit more clear. Since relating to the topic seems to be failing let’s try some metaphors.

It’s your birthday and all the relatives have come over to celebrate with you. There have preparations for weeks leading up to this day and you know it’s going to be special. Then all of a sudden the neighbors show up with a giant sign in your living room that reads, “Help stop birthdays and support abortion.” Or try this one; you go to visit the grave of your deceased Grandfather. This is something you do every year and it is very important to your entire family and out of the corner of your eye you see a group of people with signs that read, “Stop death and support Pfizer we can live longer.”

Now both are loosely related to the situation in which they were displayed and both have an important topic that should be voiced and discussed. Both have important ramifications on our society and passionate points of view, but would you not agree that both are in poor taste and inappropriate for the situation?

To Commander Paul A. Morin: Well said!

All I have to say is God Bless our Troops. May we always have men and women brave enough to place their lives in danger to defend this wonderful country. On Memorial Day, My family will remember those who have fallen and those who continue to serve this great nation. With my husband deployed this has special meaning for us. Thank you to all those who have served and understand what is going on - THANK YOU for standing behind our soldiers. We need your support more then ever. GOD BLESS YA!

And God speed to you and your family Deb.

I second cyberlegion's comment. Godspeed to you and yours. My prayers are with you.

For God and Country...we should not allow our own self motivating issues out shine the importance of "Memorial Day". As the great southern ladies decoracted the graves of fallen Civil War soldiers and singing hymns, I don't believe they were thinking of tomorrow - they were immersed in the day -remembering their dead loved ones.

We, too, should be immersed in the day. Honor our fallen comrades with flowers, flags, 21 gun salutes, and taps.

"Memorial Day" is a day of rememberance.

As a Post Commander I would like to say "Thank You" to Deb & Yvonne! Also, Thank You Commander Morin for calling this issue straight down the middle! I have NO respect for John Edwards whatsover and No!Commander Morin did right by this article! I say That even after being notified of a friends death in Iraq Thursday. He was with the 82nd Airborne and beleived in what he was doing. Commander,Keep up the good work!

As an active duty Navy Master Chief Petty Officer, with 3 deployments to Iraq, I resent you using this forum to indicate your absolute disdain for the military and everything we stand for. The Commander is absolutely correct in stating that Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for our fallen shipmates and comrades. It is a day for me, personally, to remember the sacrifices that so many have made for this wonderful country.
It is a day to reflect on the pain and suffering of those not killed in action but who have fought a war because their country needed them and made the call to action. It is also a day to remember the POWs and MIAs left behind in the jungles of VietNam and elsewhere. There are 1800 of our fine personnel who have not returned from SE Asia.
Politics has no place on Memorial Day. Please drop your head sometime during that day, visit a cemetary, or simply close your eyes and reflect on your fortunes, including free speech and the freedom to voice your opinions in a forum such as this one.

Master Chief Wickboldt! Bravo, Master Chief,Well Said! Thank you for your service Master Chief! I am Honored to read your reply and Proud there are folks like you on duty!

Well put.

It's funny, all you lefties want to live like the dictatorships around the world, look to the government to solve every problem in your lives, yet you still live here ENJOYING the right to run your mouths. I say this, on Memorial Day, after your mommy wakes you up in the basement and feeds you your pop tarts while watching your cartoons, go find a veteran, any veteran, go to the local Legion, VFW, the local military cemetary, hold out your hand to shake, and say two simple words that so many on the left have a hard time getting off their tongue when it comes to the military.

THANK YOU

then on Tuesday, let your mouth foam up again at both sides and start your hate mongering all over again. Just remember when you go to that next protest, that there are men and women willing to die to protect that freedom you have.

Mr. Sanders... You seem to be enjoying the freedom that was earned by more thoughtful and dedicated people than yourself. Before you spew propaganda regarding our actions, try imagining defedning your right to think and speak freely.. I shutter to think what our country would look like with people such as yourself in charge. Remember people like you are the first to go in countries like Iraq. So, enjoy your reckless use of your freedom and hope and pray that your not called on to defend it some day.

It's funny, all you lefties want to live like the dictatorships around the world, look to the government to solve every problem in your lives, yet you still live here ENJOYING the right to run your mouths. I say this, on Memorial Day, after your mommy wakes you up in the basement and feeds you your pop tarts while watching your cartoons, go find a veteran, any veteran, go to the local Legion, VFW, the local military cemetary, hold out your hand to shake, and say two simple words that so many on the left have a hard time getting off their tongue when it comes to the military.

THANK YOU

then on Tuesday, let your mouth foam up again at both sides and start your hate mongering all over again. Just remember when you go to that next protest, that there are men and women willing to die to protect that freedom you have.

I can't help it but to offer my two cents. Thank You to the finest troops in the whole world. You see I can see how very many Americans can't see past their white fence beautiful lawns, and eating hot dogs, I don't blame them. I grew up under a dictator ship, I could not go out with my friends, I could not think, nor express my views like many do. I can now Thank You God Bless America, your fallen will never be taken for granted. And for ever I will be greatful God Bless America, and its people.

For STEVE SANDERS: You are an idiot. Read the piece again.

I agree, ltes support the troops.

Lets make sure they never run out of Napalm.

The military is NOT a diplomatic tool.

When diplomacy breaks down and the military is called upon, the only negotiations left is the terms of unconditional surrender..

I even expect all you surrender first fanatics to commit suicide when the terrorists start here because of your cowardly whining.

Well I'm right here in the thick of things and those of you on the left make us puke. The left has seldom EVER been for the military, other than its strangulation by Clinton's budget cuts, and now you act like your a soldier's best friend by wanting to bring us home. What a bunch of Bravo Sierra!

Edwards should focus more on his hair than politics, that way he actually would know what he's talking about.

Memorial Day has been around a lot longer than the war in Iraq. It is celebrated and commemorated for those veterans who died in past and present wars. So, what's the problem? I could'nt care less about John Edward's cheap shot or any of you who are of his ilk. I served my country. I'm a vet. I'm a Legion member. I give homage to my fellow vets with or without your support.

I guess it comes down to whether you want more graves or fewer on Memorial Days to come.

I agree with you. Let's bring them home tommorrow so that peace, love and understanding breaks out all over the world! Then we can have bin Laden sit with us around a camp fire and sing songs, roast marshmellows and have a good ole time.
You haven't a clue ... get some common sense and come back later.

End a war against a guy who bombed 11 other countries, killed hundereds of thousands and tried to have Pres. Bush killed (not Jr. but Sr.). A man who maimed and killed with chemicals thousands of children and women. This is an unjust war because we Americans want more people like that around. (sarcastic remarks)

You, like many other empty headed anti's, just don't get it! I suppose when buildings start blowing up around you and islamic lunies are shooting at you in your own back yard, perhaps you'll get it. Naw, you're too damn stupid!

Real classy a-hole.

In the end... there are those who serve and those who support that service...
... and the rest of you who just leech off the sacrifices of your betters.

On Memorial Day I will pray again for my comrades who lie under simple GI headstones ...

and curse leeches.

Edwards = Idiot.

If I see one commie lib with an anti-war sign in my hometown parade it will be implanted where they will need a proctologist to get it back out.

For those people that oppose this war or any we have been involved with in the past. Memorial Day is a day to recognize those brave men and woman who have made the ultimate sacrafice in order to protect the very words you want to print/speak.

While you are sitting around pondering how your life is and wondering if you are going to buy that hybrid vehicle tomorrow. Or sitting around talking about our troops and how they should be ashamed of themselves....Try for a second to think of the people that died for you. Better yet, join the military and see first hand what we are doing in Iraq and Afganistan (I know I did) and then you might have something to say.
Until then, sit and talk to a veteran or someone that lost a family member in war and learn.

how do you thank some one who don't even know you yet you laid down your life for us? I can't begin to find the words my heart aches to find a way to express the love I have for each and everyone of you.My thoughts and prayer go out to your families and to our beloved troops who are still fighting. Everytime I look at my flag I am humbled by what it stands for and the price that was paid.Thank You from the bottom of my heart You are in my prayers daily. God bless our brave troops and God Bless america.

I believe Steven Sander is probably a penn name for John Edwards, Mrs. Bill Clinton, Barack Osamabama, Teddy "now where did I leave that lady" Kennedy..etc. Take your pick they're all truely the bottom of the barrel on the humanity scale.

Please you Democratic Liberal Cowards need to get a clue, until you have signed your name on your enlistment papers and taken the oath to protect the “United States of America” you don’t have the right to talk about the Military or what should be done to protect this nation! Do this for me when you Democratic Liberal Cowards give this country up to our enemy’s. Please put that sign on your front door saying my house hold did not support the “War On Terror” or it’s policies to keep us safe because I haven’t a clue of what this WAR is really about. You Democrat Liberal Cowards need to understand they don’t want to understand you, they don’t want to be your friend they want to kill each and every American because of we stand for “Freedom” “Freedom of Speech” and “Freedom Religion”, remember if your not muslim you’re an “Infidel”. And when after you Democratic Liberal Cowards get what you want and the troops come home and stand down and kill military budget for ill conceived social programs that don’t work, and all hell breaks loose. And when finely the Islamic Fascists find a way to get to the United States and start kill on American soil I will tell you this don’t look to me for help I’m taking care of the real Americans, the ones who understand the threat and what we have to loose if we fail. But your always welcome to look to the dumb assess like “John Edwards” for help, I’m sure he will offer them 400 hair cuts not to kill any more see far that get’s you Democratic Liberal Cowards.

how do you thank some one who don't even know you yet you laid down your life for us? I can't begin to find the words my heart aches to find a way to express the love I have for each and everyone of you.My thoughts and prayer go out to your families and to our beloved troops who are still fighting. Everytime I look at my flag I am humbled by what it stands for and the price that was paid.Thank You from the bottom of my heart You are in my prayers daily. God bless our brave troops and God Bless america.

How dare someone imply that wanting to prevent the deaths of more of our fighting men and women is in some perverted way "supporting the troops"! These soldiers have a singular purpose - to shoot stuff - sometimes they get shot while trying to shoot things, but that's what they signed up for! Who is John Edwards to tell them that they can't do what they signed up for!

Memorial day is about WAR & fighting! NEVER forget that!

For this memorial day, I think we should all individually go kick someone's ass. It doesn't matter who - just walk up to someone and deck 'em!

As a country, we should commerate this day by invading Canada! That would be a great way to celebrate. They're close, and we could kick their ass pretty quickly. It would be a nice fight, though....probably wouldn't last longer than a few days, but it would be a perfect way of celebrating Memorial day.

Go kick some ass this memorial day! Don't forget what it is all about!

Steven Sanders, you are anti-American and foolish. You are precisely the ungrateful, pitiful individual that does not deserve to benefit from the sacrifices of our young men and women. I suggest that you move to Canada!

From my family to all of our soldiers and support teams: Thank you, thank you, thank you, God bless you, Thank you.

drunk 80 year old warmongers wearing stupid hats.nobody cares about your opinions. as bush said of carter, you are irrelevant.

Please you Democratic Liberal Cowards need to get a clue, until you have signed your name on your enlistment papers and taken the oath to protect the “United States of America” you don’t have the right to talk about the Military or what should be done to protect this nation! Do this for me when you Democratic Liberal Cowards give this country up to our enemy’s. Please put that sign on your front door saying my house hold did not support the “War On Terror” or it’s policies to keep us safe because I haven’t a clue of what this WAR is really about. You Democrat Liberal Cowards need to understand they don’t want to understand you, they don’t want to be your friend they want to kill each and every American because of we stand for “Freedom” “Freedom of Speech” and “Freedom Religion”, remember if your not muslim you’re an “Infidel”. And when after you Democratic Liberal Cowards get what you want and the troops come home and stand down and kill military budget for ill conceived social programs that don’t work, and all hell breaks loose. And when finely the Islamic Fascists find a way to get to the United States and start kill on American soil I will tell you this don’t look to me for help I’m taking care of the real Americans, the ones who understand the threat and what we have to loose if we fail. But your always welcome to look to the dumb assess like “John Edwards” for help, I’m sure he will offer them 400 hair cuts not to kill any more see far that get’s you Democratic Liberal Cowards.

I think the point here is that it is a MEMORIAL Day. i.e. some mother lost a child, some wife lost a husband. As a vet, disabled after an attack in Iraq, I am rejoiceful that i am even alive. However I am saddened to think that when I lay a wreath at my friends grave, you will all still be bickering.

Is this what all of the sacrifices over the years amounts to? If it is then maybe this country just isn't worth fighting for anymore. Or rather maybe YOU just are not worth fighting for. Maybe anarchy should rule your lives. Maybe the silence when you no longer have freedom of speech will be the tribute to the fallen. I don't politicize your family members' deaths. Please don't do it to mine.

As an active duty member of the military, I serve because I believe in what this country stands for. I believe that the freedoms that we all enjoy are well worth the sacrifices that I make in being away from my family in peacetime and in war. I would die to defend the Constition that gives you the right to dishonor veterans on THEIR day. I'm not ignorant or stupid, and you are not doing me a favor by offering your "support in bringing me home". I don't care about political agendas and being unpopular, because I know that what I do in protecting our nation is a reward of itself. If I met some of you on this board, I would exercise my right to free speech, and tell you where to go. So, enjoy your day off of work, and think nothing of the veterans that have sacrificed for your security and freedom. You can't please everyone, and you'll always have your ingrates.

Mr Morin, you seem to not believe what you preach! You complain about political statements with a political statement! I'm sure you are a better American than the rest of us, but the reason we serve in the military and some of us died, was to protect the Constitution and our way of life. If you would take the time to read the Constitution , you would have noticed the Bill of Rights, and most importantly the First Amendment! The time and place to speak to power is ANYTIME and ANYPLACE!

Thank you to all of the soldiers and their families serving in the US Military. You are respected and appreciated. Thank you to all of the departed soldiers and their families for your ultimate sacrifice. On Memorial Day as we gather with our family and friends we will do our best to think of you and appreciate your love of country that allows us to live free in the United States of America.

Mr Morin, you seem to not believe what you preach! You complain about political statements with a political statement! I'm sure you are a better American than the rest of us, but the reason we serve in the military and some of us died, was to protect the Constitution and our way of life. If you would take the time to read the Constitution , you would have noticed the Bill of Rights, and most importantly the First Amendment! The time and place to speak to power is ANYTIME and ANYPLACE!

Thank you all servicemen past and present, for making it possible for my kids to go to school and return home safely and not not have to walk thru mineladden fields, instead play thru fields and flowers. Not to be awoken in the middle of the night and hauled off for questioning the establishment as in other nations, or mutilated for my religious beliefs because im a baptist or catholic, democrat or republican or libertarian. Thank you for every effort you gave, every tear and drop of blood you gave for us, every abuse you took at home and on the battlefield,thank you for the lives you saved over there as well as here so someone else could come home and say hi mama, hi papa how was your day..

Thank you seems so little or enough to repay that debt..and seems too much or unbearable for others to say..thats because the latter never knew you..they know of you..but don't know you..but I do..
Thank you and God keep and favor you now and forever..

Just one of many thankful Americans who stretch from Sea to Shining sea..

Mr. Edwards is just another sleezt shiester ambulance chaser. He has zero convictions. If we were winning the war he would be all for it. The wife gets cancer he turns it into a campaign gimmick. Why can't people see him for the cheap opportunist he is. He doesn't care about the men in women who defend this country. All he wants is to get elected. His big ego is driving his agenda. The proof is in the haircut.

Commander? Daddy's AWOL boy?The guy with the DUI? Who bought his nomination? Stole his "election"? EVERY DAY American blood is wasted. The worst blunder in history, and you want to sit back, polish your medals and wait 'til someone decides to stop this orphan - creating death machine?
WAKE UP! Show the strength to admit error. Fight to do the right thing.

There are 364 other days of the year to protest but its typical of many human characters they want what they cant have if if they cant have it they will defile it

I risk my "ASS" so you can "SPEW" this TRIPE??????????

Judging by the responses to this article, it appears that there is two sides to the debate. One side is interested in defending our Nation and keeping Memorial Day sacred. The other side hates Bush. Pretty simple to figure out - isn't it??

This is what you would expect from a trial lawyer

...I would like to take the opportunity to say that it is my sincere hope and prayer the God above will guide the country in the coming several years, as it is hopeless to believe that we have more than a few honorable statesmen in the halls of congress. The American fighting man is one who fights and dies for his COUNTRY and its CONSTITUTION...Sadly it is not the fight they have been dragged into for the past many decades...Iraq is only the latest example of the use of this country's extraordinary power and might for the aims of multi-nationals and banking interests... John Edwards is COWARD, a liar, and complicit in much of what is wrong with the country insofar as he feeds at the same table as do most of the rest of these "caring" politicians that want so desperately to be President Like many others, he has no guts, just a willingness to prostitute himself for the win at the ballot box.

Mr. Sanders, You sicken me!!!!

Burn in Hell,
Dan

...I would like to take the opportunity to say that it is my sincere hope and prayer the God above will guide the country in the coming several years, as it is hopeless to believe that we have more than a few honorable statesmen in the halls of congress. The American fighting man is one who fights and dies for his COUNTRY and its CONSTITUTION...Sadly it is not the fight they have been dragged into for the past many decades...Iraq is only the latest example of the use of this country's extraordinary power and might for the aims of multi-nationals and banking interests... John Edwards is COWARD, a liar, and complicit in much of what is wrong with the country insofar as he feeds at the same table as do most of the rest of these "caring" politicians that want so desperately to be President Like many others, he has no guts, just a willingness to prostitute himself for the win at the ballot box.

Someday someone will do a census of idiots in this country...I'm sure your name will be there

These anti-war leftists claim to be so smart and enlightened, but they have one thing going against them, history! Time will tell about this war and again history will prove them wrong. I also suspect they were beat up a lot in school. I marvel at how weak they are. Thank God we still have real Americans willing to put their lives on the line for us and for the spineless jelly fish like Edwards and his supporters.

There has always been unpopular war and causes, but as the author said, this day is to set aside those politics, you can do it the following day.

I always enjoy when uneducated liberals use the word, "Republican talking points." Like the liberals lies and half-truths you spew from the moveon.orgs of the internet are so truth and pure...get over yourself.

Vichy Democrat drival>>> support the troops, bring them home defeated, All Vichy Democrat leaders are racing to see who can surrender the fastest.

John Edwards is RIGHT!!!

It is PAST time to bring ALL of the troops home, from Iraq, Afghanistan, and all overseas deployments!

It is time for someone else to be the World's cop and it is time for this Country to drastically downsize its Military in favor of vitally needed domestic programs!!!

Replace DoD with a Department of Peace!!!

how does one support our troops while threatening to end its finances and undermining our CoC? exactly!! you don't!! liberals are such hypocrites it makes me gutsick.

Regarding Memorial Day, do you people commenting all have flags in your front yard? will you fly them half staff on memorial day for these brave men and women? Do you fly your American flag every day? Why not? Just curious? Nothing pleases a soldier more than seeing those colors flying when he returns home or before he deploys. There are 3 American flags in my neighborhood out of 15 houses. I'm the only guy with a flag pole. Regarding the war...or any war..it's not the President's job to listen to the people..or the congress(congress spends most of it's time trying to stay elected to congress) ...that's why he has military leaders and forces providing him the "ground truth" of what is happening in the theatre of operations. Should every administration interupt American Idol to give "the people" an Update on our success? A) people would flip over to CSI or Survivor or 24. B) they wouldn't believe it anyway.
Most Americans don't even vote. And regarding the comment the guy made about "our boys" killing everybody."
I hope that guy doesn't have kids. Because they're gonna grow up making stupid comments like daddy.
We have the best trained and the brightest military in the world. It's not perfect but it's damn close. It's kind of like America....People come here from all over the world to learn how to do
just about everything. Our military has the highest standards, and the most restrictions placed on it when it deploys ...ask a Marine or a Ranger about the rules of engagement and how they differ from our enemy's who get to blow up families at the mall or in schools and hospitals.
And as far as this being the most unpopular war in history... do the math...3,000+ dead, 20,000+ injured.That is tragic and we should be greatful for this sacrifice yet people are re-enlisting....why don't we see the 60,000 parents
on the news every night protesting?....43 people showed up in my town.And you can bet the media is trying to find somebody other than Cindy Sheehan
to get the ANTI-message out. There are 165,000+ troops in theatre...where are the protests?...besides on "The View?" Special Forces enlistment is at an all time high. What's with that?
If you are a veteran, My family and I thank you for your sacrifice. If you have lost a loved one who has served anywhere in the world, God Bless your family and thank you for your sacrifice. If you're a civilian who's just gonna have a few beers, watch the game, head over to the memorial day sale for big savings and bitch about the war on terror...
do some research and grow up.
GOD BLESS AMERICA AND THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO PROTECT HER

Both sides of the aisle make impressive points to support there beliefs, but as an Iraqi veteran with a Bronze Star Medal and a Combat Action Badge on my chest, I tend to support Mr. Morin's statement even though I don't think very highly of him.

Memorial Day is a day to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom, democracy and the American way.

I'm proud of my year in Baghdad, and even though many disagree with my views I'm happy to put my life on the line to make is safe for them to make these outrageous statements without fear of retribution or punishment.

My only question is: Would they do the same for me?

Happy Memorial Day my fellow Americans.

Hooah!!

Steven, you are exactly the type of person Commander Paul A. Morin is talking about in his letter. Memorial Day is not about an unjust or just war. Memorial Day is about the people who died in "any" war, good or bad, right or wrong. What part of that don't you understand? So can the sarcastic postings and give a small rememberance to those who died justly or unjustly.

In the words of George Patton:

It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.

For Edwards to seize the opportunity for political gain is tantamount to treason making him unfit to be CIC.

This is in response to previous comment from "Gini", well said, I can not say anything more to what you said.
As a retired Vet. to heard uninformed, unintelligent comments to all of the men and women that have and are serving to protect such lamebrains to say what they want without fear of lossing their lives is just disgusting.
May Steven Sanders live a short life if he thinks it would be better to live under "SHRIA LAW".

Iraq is not a worthy cause, it's a B.S war thats taken hundreds of thousands of lives for nothing! just more mess than was there before. Don't blame Edwards for it, blame Bush the one who wont understand that he cant take a bunch of troops to Iraq and make it a New America.

Maybe protesting war on Memorial day isnt right, i dont know, but i do believe those people care about troops and about their memory. I dont want them dying for a STUPID WAR! dont use troops as an excuse to keep it going.

I just would like to remind you all to go back and read the article again, because the point was obviously missed when you started your comments. And it looks like the blindness was led by Steven Sanders.
The point of this article was to bring us--you, me, all of this entire nation--back to the POINT of Memorial Day. Honor those who have fought for the innocent in other countries. Honor those that have made sure that you still have your right to say what you want, no matter how disrespectful or rude it is.
Honor. Show a little respect. It's just for one day. Do you think you can do that?
Do you think that you can put away your sense of self-rightesousness and put someone and their family before yourself for one day?
Think about what the word "Memorial" means. If you don't know for sure, look it up. It's a day for respect and gratitude. Show some respect. And then after that day, you can pick up your self-righteous arguments again and continue on as life was before.
It's one day.

Both sides of the aisle make impressive points to support there beliefs, but as an Iraqi veteran with a Bronze Star Medal and a Combat Action Badge on my chest, I tend to support Mr. Morin's statement even though I don't think very highly of him.

Memorial Day is a day to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom, democracy and the American way.

I'm proud of my year in Baghdad, and even though many disagree with my views I'm happy to put my life on the line to make is safe for them to make these outrageous statements without fear of retribution or punishment.

My only question is: Would they do the same for me?

Happy Memorial Day my fellow Americans.

Hooah!!

Yes lets fight them over there so they have a much easier time shooting at us.

Yes we should rember the fallen troops, but its not a good idea to have more of our sons and daughters to die. Wouldnt it be much better if no one else died in the war and instead of rembering them we could be living with them.

John Edwards is a LAWYER who became a multimillionaire by suing wherever the money was. He is a despicable human who's disgusting attitude toward Memorial Day is consistent with his entire being.

Sure, let's follow the democrat cut and run plan, or rather, take a 'Do Over' on their vote in favor of the War on Terror.

But when these scumbag muslims start blowing up our shopping malls, blowing themselves up in our crowded night clubs, or taking hostages inside our grade schools as they did in Russia - you remember who brought the fight back to our shores! The same spineless demonicrat cowards who voted to cut off funding for our troops while our soldiers were still on the battlefield.

And you can blame those among us who also would not have had the stomach to continue in the battle against Kaiser Wilhelm, Adolph Hitler, or Hiro Hito. They will be largely responsible, but being the cowards that they are, they will blame Bush for that too, saying he brought this on us for attcking the muslims - quickly forgetting that it was the muslims who killed thousands of our people on 9-11-01 inside our borders!

Well, it seems that the commander has hit a nerve.

All of you who are posting here claiming to be vets and pushing your rabid politico web sites are indeed a sorry lot. It is a shame that you lack the personal grace to honor and remember the people that have sacrificed to make sure you have the freedom to write what you do.

That's what Memorial Day is about.

Set aside politics for one day.

If you Read the post, that's what he's saying.

If you hate Bush fine, stew about it and murmer to yourselves all you want, you can try to relive the 60's or try to capture "the buzz" of what you missed or feel like you belong to "the movement" just do it where it's more appropriate.

I personally don't know any "murderous" service members or vets who didn't come out of the service with some respect for those in authority.

If you don't like the legion, don't join, its voluntary.

Plenty of people have risked everything for you, holding a sign at a parade or posting about how evil bush is dosen't count as risk in the same sence as those we honor with this day, it's just something to make you feel like YOUR doing something as equally important as they did....your not.

The sad thing is you'll never get it because you won't listen...you already know the answers right?

And I've one more comment for those who feel we shouldn't be fighting unless it's for American citizens...

America lost hundreds of thousands of our citizens fighting to free blacks in this country. They were not citizens either, but when good people see a wrong that's within their power to fix, they get involved - or they're not the good people they thought they were.

Wow. A lot of you have to seriously grow up. It is about sacrifice, courage, integrity, and honor. All these men and women that have chosen to serve our country and have died in battle left someone behind who cared about them. This is all about honoring that sacrifice and being appreciative of them for dying for what they deemed to be a worthy cause. This has zero to do with liberal-conservative or Republican-Democrat. They died fighting for all of us, in many wars. Just be appreciative for that and show them the respect they deserve.

Lets end this war now so that what is happening in Iraq --- and Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Algeria, Pakistan, Chechnya, Thailand, the Philipines, etc, etc, etc --- can happen at a mall by your house instead of a few thousand miles away.

Remembering Americans who paid the ultimate price to defend your ignorance with a day of reflection and honor by not using them to make a political statement is not a 'wasted' day. But to those who believe that the only good American soldier is one that can be exploited it would seem to be.

Shame Pelosi, etal agreed in the end with President Bush for you guys. Bullets are a lot more effective than spitballs to wipeout barbarians and reduce American casualties. Gonna cut back on those AP headlines of the daily bombing. Maybe two if the terrorists have a good day in Iraq.

Pelosi lied, libtards cried.

For your information, Steven, we have brave, courageous, honorable MEN and WOMEN that is over there protecting your pathetic wortless ass.
I suggest you go take care of your "boys" and leave our men and women alone.

Remembering the people that have protected us with their lives!
God Bless our Troops and our country.

"Even if you do not agree with John Edwards, be patriotic enough to agree with his right to speak out and to protest even if you prefer he do so on another day."

It is not "Patriotic" to turn a blind eye to a cheap political stunt that devalues the one day set aside to pay homage to our fallen brothers.

It isn't about Edwards' rights, it is about keeping Memorial Day sacred.

Even if one has a right that doesn't make it the proper thing to do.

But, since you claim that he has the right, do we not also share the right to voice our disagreement? I am of the understanding that we all havea right to speak out when we feel a politician is wrong. After all, isn't that what you on the left have been for the past six years?

Judging by the responses to this article, it appears that there are two sides to the debate. One side is interested in defending our Nation and keeping Memorial Day sacred. The other side hates Bush. Pretty simple to figure out - isn't it??

The real issue here is not who says what or supports whom or receives what in return-it is the fact that we can now spend hundreds of billions of dollars and spill thousands of gallons of blood and it all means nothing to the public. Support or opposition to one party or another, one military undertaking or another are about as meaningful to most of us as "paper or plastic?" The commander is right, events whose original purpose was to honor our war dead should not be used for advancing any political agenda, pro or con. If Mr. Edwards wants to inspire Americans to speak out against what he views as an injustice, perhaps he could advise them to picket the congress not insult the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice or offend their heart-broken families.

For the hateful cowards who posted earlier I hope you are still reading and I mean you Tom Burns, Steven Sanders, George Doherty, and mwave. You are cowards whom I'm sure never served in the military. You are traitors & cowards and we are not "losing" in Iraq. If you think this then you have been willfully brainwashed by the leftwing press. Visit http://www.patdollard.com if you want to see real heros winning in Iraq.
Anbar Province is being turned from Al Qaeda and the Iraqis are standing with the Marines and soldiers there.
If you want to read some phenominal words of truth visit http://www.ejectejecteject.com/archives/000140.html
You won't be disappointed.
God Bless America!

The problem with John Edwards is the same with most of the politicians these days and that is they have NEVER served in the U.S. Military! They just don't care to understand what they are doing and saying!

I find it amazing that we have such low lifes condemming the sacrifice of our men and women in the military. Typical of the left wing liberals who think that being "nice" to those who want to eliminate America will work and they will become our "friends".

"cowards who never served in the military" ?, you must be referring to bush,cheney,rove,limbaugh,hanitty,elder,Gibson,hewitt,gallagher, and the rest of the corporate owned right wing, gutless war and draft dodgers.This is exactly why the VFW's, American Legions etc. are disappearing because they have been taken over by ignorant, losing, failing, hillbilly screwups, who use the tactics of the goose stepping retarded hillbillies in the White House, agree with us or we bad mouth or swiftboat you. Only a brain washed, hillbilly zombie still thinks the war is not lost,the question being how much longer will these low class yellow,war and draft evading cowards keep shedding American blood , and America's wealth for their confederate type arrogance and stupidity. Never elect retarded hillbillies to public office. No wonder honorable veterans avoid these places like the plague.After listening to the ignorant, but typical hillbilly, the AL representative, another uneducated,and probably non spelling gomer), and his typically ignorant right wing Nazi crap on the Allan Colmes show last night, I'm even more convinced that these are nothing but hangouts for redneck drunks and whiners.Stick a sock in it goober, Real American's are no longer willing to die for Exxon,Mobil,Halliburton,Rupert Murdoch, the Australian Nazi walking cadaver,or lying retarded hillbillies.After 6 years the average administration would have accomplished at least one positive thing, but the only thing I see you right wing loud mouths have accomplished is losing,failing,corruption,incompetence,deception,theft, and transfer of wealth to the republicon financiers.If they're going to engage in conservative politics let's tax them.

Mr. Kennedy (oh, the irony)...

Your character attack and factless assertions are so far-gone from any logic or reason that it's evident you're struggling to remain stapled to reality.

I seriously cannot even begin to forumlate a response to you because your comments are so disconnected from reason and fact that you're beyond, frankly, both my ability to help and my ability to care. Perhaps the most notable point you make is that people are "brainwashed," which seems akin to the exact political drivel that you're dripping from the corners of your frothing muzzle.

Your comment also goes completely afield of the primary topic, which is the purpose and "point" of Memorial Day.

It is my sincere hope that you're one day able to take sanity firmly in your hands and realize what's going on in the world around you doesn't require a tin foil hat. On a more childish note, the space bar is the wide plastic bar on your keyboard that resembles a large, off-color Kit Kat bar.

To all active and retired soldiers in this thread, thank you for your service to this fantastic nation. My prayers are for you as much as they are for your soldiers before you.

I support Mr. Morin's remarks as they echo the letter I wrote to the formerly Honorable John Edwards last week:

Dear Sir,

You have called on our nation to organize in protest of the Iraq war on Memorial Day.

As a Marine and a veteran of Afghanistan, who is preparing for a deployment to Iraq, I cannot comprehend the fact that you would even consider using the day that we remember the fallen as an opportunity for a political gamesmanship.

I ask you, would you ever consider protesting the war at the gravesite of a fallen service member?

I see your call to protest the war in Iraq on Memorial Day as a call to protest at the gravesite of every single fallen American soldier, sailor, airman, coast guardsman and marine.

I am appalled, disgusted and disheartened. Your actions disgrace the memories of the fallen and are a slap in the face to those of us who have volunteered to risk everything for this country. You might as well spit in the face of every American mother and father who has lost a son or daughter.

Memorial Day is the one day when we pause to remember every single American life lost, period. Memorial Day is supposed to be the day that all politics are set aside and we thank their families and remember their sacrifice.

Is it possible for you to be any more insensitive and offensive to those who you wish to lead as the Commander-in-Chief?

Semper Fidelis.

My son was killed in Iraq on 2/7/07/ He was on a helicopter transporting patients to the hospital This was successful The ch46 then went up to pick up blood and they were shot down,My son was in Iraq less than 2 weeks and he volunteered to go there. He was due to be discharged and voluntarily extended his tour for several monthe so he could deploy. His answere to our questions were "would you rather we fight over there or have them come here again. He firmly believed in the defense of American soil and we are very proud of him He would not listen to criticism of his commander in chief and neither will I. GOD BLESS AMERICA AN ALL HER GI'S

And you think I'm interested in a response from another ignorant hillbilly Why?, If I wanted to hear from a retarded goober, I would turn on the TV and listen to bush or cheney. Feel free however to sacrifice yourself, your children and your grandchildren for the likes of that greedy, selfish SOB at Exxon who I'm sure would never allow and of his offspring within 10,000 miles of a war, especially when there are so many ignorant hillbillies that can be duped into dying for their right to rape,rob, and plunder Americans, including the families of the soldiers you claim to support by sending them to die and be maimed for ????

You can also watch the bush and cheney yellow draft dodging hillbilly cowards desecrate the Tomb of the Unknowns and Arlington Cemetery with their presence on Memorial day. I won't, it would make me puke.

Keep it up gomers, you haven't turned the whole country against you yet, there is still about 25 % of the population that is still ignorant, but I'm sure they'll wise up too.

Incidentally, the military is still looking for help, but they appear to be aiming their recruiting ads at minorities and women, think they might have figured out that you can't win a war with a hillbilly led and infested military ?

Wow, this swiftboating stuff is fun, thank that faggot rove for me.

Let's keep try to keep the name calling to a minimum Mr. Kennedy. You have the right to express your opinion here, but please do so with a little more of a civil tone.

Behold, tolerance!

Mr. Kennedy, the military is a voluntary force. No one is required to go and many who are there have chosen to return, time and time again.

Did you read that carefully? VOLUNTEER.

I'm no fan of Bush, but he's the President. Clinton, who I was also no fan of, was the President. The soldiers honor, respect, love, appreciate and defend the OFFICE of the President, the American people and all of the rights we have. They do so of their own volition because they feel that this nation is worth fighting for. This is the purpose and meaning of Memorial Day.

You, Mr. Kennedy (more irony), are a name-calling coward. Your "big oil" rhetoric is tiresome and idiotic, doing little to validate you as being anything other than the tin foil-hatted charlatan that I previously suggested.

"Postings that contain abusive, profane, obscene, libelous, vulgar, threatening, offensive or racist material will be removed and the author(s) will be banned from future comments.
Personal attacks, name-calling, harassment, racist comments or use of profanity against other commenter(s) are not tolerated in the blog. This could result in the deletion of the comment, and the banning of the user from future commenting."
These rules are not enforced?

Ref.; Rules Enforced ?,

It appears that the type of posting you're referring to is quite common, so are you suggesting that only those who don't toe the conservative party line have their postings subjected to the rules,

in other words if the conservatives can call people cowards,defeatocrats,cut and runners,traitors, and faggots,whjich they have and continue to do by the minute, should that be allowed but the same type of posting from a liberal shouldn't ?

Sounds like bush,cheney,and especially limbaugh,

let me see, what was the last culture who engaged in wholesale censorship, book burning,and worse,

they also did not prevail,

you can not oppress people in a democracy although the republicons have been attempting just that for 6 years,

so this is what the conservatives and the great divider guy have sowed and are now reaping,

but feel free to keep insulting and denigrating anyone who doesn't agree with you, especially us Noo Yawk type liberals but don't start whining when you get it back,

remember we fought for your freedom to be hate mongering, dividing,finger pointing, partisan,supporters of retarded hillbillies, the ones who never fought for anything except $$$$$$$$$$$$$,and illegal,immoral crusades based on deception

So on this Memorial Day let us remember that we can all hang together or we can hang separately, but you can't pick and choose who will hang

Oh good, Kennedy's been here. I love reading his stuff.

First off, I love how you automatically assume that anyone disagreeing with you is a hillbilly. You're wrong, but of course you're not going to believe that because Heaven forbid that you should believe anything you haven't invented in your mind. Call me Gomer all you want. I don't care. Though I also have to give you a modicum of credit for calling me a Nazi Japanese Reptile. I laughed hard at that.

Second, just keep on posting. It's just proving to the world that you're completely disconnected. You want to talk about name-calling? I called you a charlatan. Look it up, it means "quack." YOU, on the other hand, referred to someone as a "faggot," which can hardly be compared to calling someone a quack. You'll note that you're the only one who used that word on this board until I just now quoted it (search it). I thought you NY liberals were supposed to be some of the most tolerant people on the planet? Surely you could find a more educated approach to your argument?

Third, most of your post doesn't even deserve a response. I don't care what you think about the current administration, me, or anything else in the world. I came here to argue one thing - that Edwards message to rally against the war on Memorial Day was inappropriate and a sick political move. You've come here to smear everything you hate about the world and, in rather crude fashion, have come here like a rabid terrier, intent on defecating your noxious opinions all over a topic that has nothing at all to do with your screaming.

If you're as educated as you claim to be, then you'd note that, right at the beginning of the article, Mr. Morin wrote the following: "I am not going to defend the Iraq war." At the end of the article, as I linked before, he writes: "We Americans need to remember why Memorial Day is special. It’s not about picnics or trips to the beach. It’s not about making pro- or anti-war statements. It’s not about supporting political candidates. It’s about honor, duty and the ultimate sacrifice. It’s about people who have decided that the United States is worth dying for."

You are blind if you cannot make sense of that quote. Have I once defended the Iraq war in ANY of my posts? Go on, actually read them. I know you read the first line and then skipped the rest, automatically assuming whose side I was on. I've not ONCE made a comment condoning OR decrying the Iraq war, yet you seem to think I have. Are you hallucinating so greatly that you're seeing text that isn't there? Surely a man who is as educated as yourself should have no problem reading what's on the page and quoting it directly! No doubt one who is so impressive as to make everyone else (who disagrees) the intellectual equivalent to a hillbilly would have some clear, well-considered and factual argument for all to consider.

So, once you've got your tin foil hat on, let's get you back on topic, shall we? Memorial Day is about the lives of lost troops throughout the existence of the United States of America. From the soldiers who first fought back against the British to the young men and women over in the Middle East, we honor those who have lost their lives. This isn't politics, as I have stated over, and over, and over again. This is about humanity.

You have no idea how to properly use Mr. Franklin's quote in context, so don't even try. The actual quote is "We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately," and was said at the signing of the Declaration of Independence. You have no concept of the weight that these words carried, when early Americans decided that they were going to fight for freedom. Now we honor those who died in the name of that fight for freedom.

Keep on talking, bub. You're just giving me some great comedy material to accompany this delicious cup of coffee.

What makes you think you know what I automatically assume gomer ?, you're psychotic like most conservatives, not psychic

Did you also publicly criticize Ann Coulter's use of the term faggot when she referred to Senator Edwards as one ,

you came here to play the hillbilly Republican game of vilifying and insulting liberal presidential candidates, Edwards is the target of the week, listen to the Nazi talk shows, it's like they all get the same directions from their owners, Murdoch,rove, and the wealthy Republicans who can be counted on to provide the financing for the Republicans character assassinations, like the guy who paid those low down drunken swiftboaters in return for an ambassadorship,

why anyone would insult any candidate is beyond me when you consider the fact that a head of lettuce could do better than those retarded hillbillies we have now, and if you put Donald Duck in there it would be an astronomical improvement

swiftboating Kerry was a "Sick" political move,don't you agree ?

and I'm sure you were as vociferous then as you are now right goober ?

nobody asked for a response from you gomer, why do you ignorant hillbillies always stick your bulbous red noses into other's business, in the case of you conservative hillbillies it always ends in losing,failing, and screwups, so if you get the same results for 6 years why don't you try something new ?

got a problem with the term hillbilly Gomer ?

you people don't seem to have a problem with the derogatory terms you use for those with opposing views,so why start whining like a red headed hillbilly stepchild when you get the same back ?

the rest of your simple minded hillbilly rhetoric is great for simple minded 2 dimensional thinking, tunnel visioned and prejudiced low intellect hillbillies but it's transparent to intelligent people,use it on bush and morin,they'll be ecstatic

you're honoring nobody, you're using anything you can to promote the greedy, hate and war mongering conservative philosophy,

the hang quote was mine not Franklin's, another stupid assumption on your part, and I've got another one for you gomer, look it up ,

patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel,

where did I make any claims about my education goober ? nice try, another rove tactic of fabrication ?

you goober's beat everything, you know that ?

Aunt Bea, would you come and take goober here back down to the filling station, have him fill some tires or wash some windshields,don't let him touch anything else though, ya hear

Joy and rapture! It's Mr. Kennedy! Sir, you're making artwork of the froth dripping from the sides of your mouth. It's poetic!

I love how you have this opinion that your wit is somehow proven by how many times you can use hillbilly in a sentence. You're not impressing anyone, but go right on ahead and keep calling me name! You're still accomplishing nothing other than providing a textbook example of unadulterated insanity and paranoia, with a little dash of hate for flavor.

Please, allow me to quote your literary masterpiece!

"the rest of your simple minded hillbilly rhetoric is great for simple minded 2 dimensional thinking, tunnel visioned and prejudiced low intellect hillbillies but it's transparent to intelligent people..."

Ahh, well, since I'm conversing with such intelligence, then perhaps you can explain to me how you're still missing the point that Memorial Day is a day to honor all soldiers lost in combat defending freedom and NOT a day to stump and play political games?

Ever heard of the Revolutionary War? That little historical event where a couple of naughty Americans thought that they were being inadequately represented so they took down the British empire? How about the War Between the States (That's the "Civil War", your most intelligent Excellency)? War of 1812? World War I? II? Vietnam? Korea? The soldiers who fought in those wars because they believed in freedom?

This is not a discussion of the Iraq war. The politics of the Iraq war have no bearing on Memorial Day whatsoever, which is the singular point that Morin was making from the get-go. I have not discussed the Iraq war. But you couldn't tell, I'm sure... you were too busy trying to see through the bloodlust in your eyes.

So, despite your vast intelligence, apparently this "hillbilly" scored higher on reading comprehension while I was in cow-milking school.

C'mon, Kennedy, keep the hits coming. Show the world your intelligence! Mock us all with your large cerebellum full of intellectual stimuli! Inspire us with your wisdom and cunning wit! I await with baited breath!

I thank God everyday for our brave wonderfull troops and I thank them for the great job they are doing and thank them for their protection bcause I believe our enemy is out to destroy us. We WILL win because we do have the best of the best doing a job they were trained for. I thank them for their courage valor and love for their country and I fly my flag with pride for each and everyone who serves this great nation every day and it is geat because of each and every one of you. As for the nut cases who say this war is for oil ahh where is the oil then????The only way to kill a snake is to cut the head off and that is what Bush is doing.Instead of shredding this President try praying for him for wisdom and strenght to finish this fight a fight we did not start.Hillary claimes she had no idea of bubbas flings yet she claims she can protect this country with a military she & bubba loath! boy that really makes me feel safe. God Bless our Troops & God Bless America To our Troops KICK ASS

I am a Veteran, and I do honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I don't consider the day, a day for shopping (the sales) or a day for partying (the bar-b-ques), but a day for remembering in a somber manner, those who gave their all, whether or not the war was popular or unpopular, they heeded their call to protect, serve and defend, this nation.
Having said that, and having been a Vietnam Era Vet (volunteered to serve, a female, so I didn't have to be worried about being called up, did so willingly). The war we fight in Afghanistan, is a war that we should fight, and a war that we had to fight, and need to still be fighting. The war in Iraq, which gets the most attention, is one that we should not have been in. Let's not forget, there is a difference, and unfortunately most people do not separate the differences. The men and women who have died in Iraq, died for a just cause, because they died, for their pledge, "obey the orders of those appointed over me." But that does not, and should not give the ones appointed over them, a free pass, to use the death of these young people as a way of keeping people from protesting their misuse of those men and women lives. There is always honor in dying for what you gave your word to do, but there is no honor in people who lie, and deceive to have you honor your word, and forsake your life in doing so. And people who try to reconcile the two are no better than John Edwards, both are still using those soldiers for their own purposes, and that is where the dishonor comes into play.
Oh, don't get me wrong, I don't feel that I, and many others should be let off the chopping block either. To have our voices silenced, when we should have been out protesting sending our young men and women to die, but were silenced because of the statement, that if you don't support the war, you don't support the troops. We are Americans, our freedom to speak out should not be silenced by bullying. Oh did I say, I am a Vietnam Era Vet? I did not support what that war was about either, but I felt that I could best support the troops by serving beside them. But I had my voice silenced by someone who was willing to send other people children to fight a war, after hiding behind my skirt, and the skirts of many other females, who volunteered to serve.
Our heros should be honored this memorial day by our remembering them in a sober and respectful way. They deserve nothing less on that day. Our heros should be remembered every day, by making it known that there is a difference in the two war fronts, and it is now time to make that difference known, so that next memorial day, there will not be others who have died due to the honor of keeping their pledges. We should honor them by letting our leaders know, that they (our leaders) are the ones who are dishonored.
And if you should choose to carry a sign for anything this memorial day, let it be a sign with the name of one who gave the ultimate sacrifice for this country, by honoring their pledge. The day before, or the day after, let your voice be heard as to how you really feel about this war, and our leaders, and how they have dishonored our heros.

Bravo, Scott! Make sure you get plenty more flags for the troops who will die in the needlessly prolonged Iraq war. If you valued human lives as much as you value blind Jingoism, you would be making an effort to bring the troops home--alive, not in body bags or hospital transports.

Typical Republican post, why do you people always have to include some insult for liberals.Can you not use your freedom of speech, earned by better people than you in a civil manner, or do you just enjoy insulting and denigrating other people, the typical low class hillbilly, Jerry Springer type mentality. The only Bubbas are these losing,failing, ignorant hillbillies who have been getting their asses kicked by 5000 goatherders for more than 4 years. I'm sure if God wanted the bush to prevail he would have helped him by now, but I suspect that God hates immoral causes and people, and if I were him I would be deeply concerned about God's reponse to any more criminal actions on the part of the Republicons.

I read the comments. Talk is cheap!!!! Action is needed. Visit at VA hospitals Support the funding of programs that support the troops already returned from their overseas experience

As a Veteran of the Korean War and now serving as Chaplain of my local American Legion Post in Weedsport, NY, I would like to express my deep disappointment in John Edwards and his politicizing Memorial Day to further his own political agenda. It's a sad day when politicians of either party exploit such a sacred day as Memorial Day.

Would you also like to express any disappointments at the number of Americans who have been killed and maimed in Iraq, or any disappointment at the incept and incompetent conduct of the war, the lack of suitable body and vehicle armor for young Americans, the repeated tours,the incompetent and inept medical care, the price gouging and outright theft by military contractors, the $ millions in cash that was "lost", and more that every American is now familiar with, or are those issues not as important as attacking a democrat ?.

They don't value human lives, other than their own. The military ads are specifically aimed at black youngsters, and GIRLS, and no doubt many active duty and NG or Reserve soldiers are Gay.So if you're one of the above and you survive the war, you will either be sexually abused, dragged behind a pickup truck or tied to a fence and beaten to death by these war "supporters", who like bush and cheney will, never,ever,ever,ever,ever, find their way to a recruiting office while there's $$$$$$$$ to be made war profiteering.

Support the Funding ??, with what,

$1 Trillion has been blown up in Iraq,the wealthy non war "supporting" republican n financiers received a $260 Billion Tax Cut, paid for by the lower and middle classes, the Oil companies are stealing the rest, hell we can't support ourselves. Wal Mart is selling out America to the Chinese and these hillbillies want our children and grandchildren to sacrifice on the altar of greed, selfishness,incompetence, arrogance, and typical hillbilly stupidity.We should maybe ask the beneficiaries of the republican administration to do some : supporting", but they're having too much fun with their new yachts,mansions,vacations, plastic surgery, liposuction,and low cost imported labor, to pay any attention to the lower, "sacrificing" classes, and we don't want to seem like a bunch of ingrates.

As always it tends to blow one mind, This sacred day we call Memorial Day is not about the living but instead is about those who took a solemn pledge and paid the last true measure of life, for we could agree or disagree, live free or in tryanny. Our brave men and women gave their all for the living could have the rights to grumble or complain, love or to hate. I am reminded always of those who I knew who served in distant wars and failed to return home. I have sereval friends names engraved on the Viet Nam Wall who paid the ulitimate price, One who did not have to serve but as his friends were called up or volunteered he too decided to serve in the jungles of Nam , to me that is why we need to remember always those who gave the last full measure and that is why each memorial day you will find me placing flags on those who served.As a day of remembrance now called mermorial day let's forget our pity differences and truly honor those who have answer the final roll call.

It's a free country Sanders, no thanks to REMF's like yourself! This day, is about those we knew and many more whom we didn't, that gave everything for what we all now enjoy. The troops know who their friends are! You're not fit to lick their boots!

To David R Kennedy
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Edwards reminds me of Hanoi Jane and Tokyo Rose all combined into one. His soft hearted approach to the world “Love and we will be loved” is just a deception. Here is a man who took advantage of medical malpractice to make his fortune. Why would our country think a man of such deception would make any kind President? Our country does not need a Ken doll in the White House. I have more respect for Paris Hilton than Edwards. At least she is presents herself as she is.

I have sent 30 years in the military under both Democrat and Republican administrations. It is not widely known, but the way it works is the imbedded bureaucrats in the House, Senate and Executive Office who control the reins the standard cliché is “We only have to wait 4 years to 8 years at max and they will be history”. Then we will then be able to go back to status quoi.

It does not matter what party is in office the most important thing is to support our troops at all cost.

Here! Here!

It's important that we all check our facts before criticizing candidates or anyone else. Edwards' campaign to end the war (supportthetroopsendthewar.com) does NOT say to put out signs and other anti-war campaigns on Memorial Day. It says to use the Saturday and Sunday of the weekend to protest the war and to ONLY honor the fallen on Memorial Day.

If you actually read Edwards' call to action for Memorial Day, he specifically says that Memorial Day is ONLY to honor the fallen. He does suggest protesting the war over Memorial Weekend, at events on Saturday and Sunday, but to reserve the actual Memorial Day to honor the fallen.

He said he was a combat veteran, what part of that did you not understand or choose to ignore,ala bush and rove to make your ignorant hillbilly point ?

Then you accuse him of being inebriated ?

you low down dirty, mangy conservatives beat everything you know that gomer?

your post reeks of the losing, failing,ignorant, immoral, and illegal republicon politics of murder and genocide.

We know what the bottom line for conservatives is :

$$$$$$$$$$, as long as they're making it and others are dying to help them make their blood money.

What's your cut, or are you just dumb?

Just a question. Why hasn't the Legion paid any attention to Walter Reed? Go to Huffington Post and look up the article I wrote concerning military medicine and Walter Reed. Their readers may get results.

Why don't you folks devote time to actually helping the wounded? See my posting in Huffingtonpost.com. My guess is they just may get results...

Memorial Day is for honoring the soldiers that have died in all wars.

Veterans day is for honoring soldiers that are still alive.

Mr. Kennedy,

It's apparent that your hatred of the Republicans extends deep into your soul. You obviously think that the Republicans are out to get you and to destroy America. Frankly, sir, I don't give a damn what your politics are. No one does.

You're still missing the point of Memorial Day. You're not the only one on this board doing it, either, but you're certainly one of the angriest.

I've tried to make very clear the fact that Memorial Day is not a day to argue the pros and cons of the war against terrorism. You refuse to listen.

Your conduct on this board has been nothing short of rude and inappropriate, insulting and degrading, yet you harp others for being insulting.

Hillbilly, hillbilly, hillbilly. On and on with your silly names, because you seem to think that it gets under my skin (or that of others). And calling me Gomer! Let's not forget about that. Keep it up, you're still only undermining your position and I'm ill-inclined to tell you to stop.

I will agree with you on one point - I don't like the "outsourcing" of American jobs in the slightest. But guess what? That topic has no point on this board and accomplishes nothing here.

I honor those who made this country free. Some estimates indicate that 1.9 million Americans have died in the lifetime of the United States, defending its freedom. I'm grateful to those people, and you should be too.

Get off your "holier than thou" horse, Quixote.

Well..Memorial Day has passed and I attended a local rememberance for those who deserved to be honored.

I've read the posts of some of you bettye, Dabkowski and kennedy. Are you all really as narrow minded and hateful as you seem to be?

You've missed the point and simply come across as foolish, incapable of seeing past your own anger because we don't agree with your viewpoint.

It's obvious that you all see the issue as us vs. them, only the them is us. You speak of your president as if he were some dictator from another conrty. Think about that, put away your retoric and think, we are all americans.

If you hate americans who disagree with you and you hate the president and everything in between, then you hate america, because that's what democracy is.

War is never a good deal, especially for those who fight them, just or unjust does it matter if your in the boots on the ground? If a serviceman died in 1776 or 2007 they still deserve to be honored.

stop the mutterings about the mega-corporations and Rove or hillbilly's and take a long look in the mirror at what you are and tell me who we should honor a vet who fought and died for everyone's freedom or whining politicos who hate and can't get past that.

We're not stupid, we just see a good contry with good people while you see a bad country filled with hillbilly's.

Nice try Godzilla. Sadly its like talking to a block of wood. Once again Mr. Kenndy etal. have all the answers and they will never get it because they can't admit they might be wrong.

Hate You say ?

Why would we hate the lying,stealing, cheating, Republican hillbillies?

Because they have been insulting us nonstop for 6 1/2 years ?

because they have insulted decorated Vietnam veterans who disagree with them ?

because they have actually used their wealthy contributors to buy liars to lie about decorated Vietnam veterans ?

because they have and are still trying to undermine the constitution and restrict the freedoms of real Americans who don't agree with them ?

because they're inbred, cross eyed, bow legged hillbillies ?

Because they're raping,robbing and plundering America, specifically the oil, drug,medical,insurance, and credit card businesses, while having stated they have no patriotic obligations whatsoever, their only obligation is to increase their value for their stockholders ?

Geez, what if the rest of us said we have no obligation to this country at all, our only priority is to increase our wealth

Of Course we don't hate them, we pity them, they are less well informed,we were trained to use that term in place of stupid,used to be Americans who have now joined the dark side of greed,selfishness,corruption,incompetence,dishonesty,deception,war crimes,genocide,torture, illegal imprisonment, murder and other disgusting acts.

How can you people find the time to defend all of these dishonorable,despicable and criminal acts and
people ?

Get a clue Folks, people with that naive, old fashioned, humble, honorable and honest mindset are nothing but ripe fruit to be picked by those liars who want only your money and your children and grandchildren to kill in their quest for more power and money.

The Republicans are already running ads for the 2008 election, opposing our newly elected congressman.Where do they get the money to start running negative,mud slinging, vicious attack ads 4 months after the congresspeople have taken started their jobs ?

from us, they oil companies paid off the Republicans to let them rape us and they agreed to give the Republicans a cut. Save your ignorant, simple minded crap for the simple minded,shallow,m thinking, low intellect goobers like the Japanese reptile. who is paying him off ?, no one could spout that much crap and lies for free.

Mr. Kennedy,

It's clear you hate this administration for reasons that I totally understand, but do you honestly believe the Democrats are any better? I looks as though you have taken some time to think about what is wrong in the world, how about some solutions or is pointing the finger how you expect to change things?

Mr. Kennedy,

For someone who can't seem to stand personal attacks, you sure do make them. There's nothing more that can be said to you because you refuse to believe that you are wrong. Your hate is rampant, vile and festering within your veins as though your blood itself has become acid, poison and plague as one thick, putrid concoction. There isn't a soul that's paying me off. No one is buying my opinion. I'm a free American, just like you. The differences between you and me are as follows:

1). You're absolutely incapable of accepting any argument other than your own as even potentially factual.

2). You believe you aren't to be held to the same standards that you hold everyone else in terms of character assassination.

3). You're so thickly permeated by hate that I'm surprised your eyes haven't filled with blood from burst veins.

4). You are completely incapable of making a rational, sane argument without spewing vitriol on anything you perceive to be a fire.

5). You lack elementary reading comprehension.

In short, there's nothing similiar between you and I other than the fact that we're free Americans. Please, unless you can muster a rational, sane argument free of your poison, don't come back here. Watching you embarrass yourself here isn't something I'm enjoying. But I keep coming back here, laughing once more as I see you've posted your rampant, frenetic filth. You're not going to get it, either... you're entitled to have your own opinion. No one can take that from you and no one would ever expect you to have anything BUT your own opinion. That's the beauty of this country.

What you don't get is that Memorial day is meant to thank all those soldiers from those who fought for that freedom during the first days of independence to our boys and girls over in Iraq and Afghanistan now. That's it. That's the point. That's the focus. That's the entire purpose of Memorial Day. Yet you keep missing that.

Quoting you: "How can you people find the time to defend all of these dishonorable,despicable and criminal acts and
people ?"

How can you find time to smear them and everyone else?

So go on, Quixote. Regale us with your fancy stories and theories; tell us how you would slay the great dragon. Fill out your Mad Libs posts, replacing every "noun" slot with "hillbilly." Continue to insult others blindly with your tin foil suit of armor protecting you from the evil politics rays. Post again, so I may laugh at your apparent ignorance.

It's okay, Daveykins. The mean monsters won't come out from under your bed to get you.

What's up with the godzilla gomer ?

is he one of those republicon hillbillies who thinks everyone is as stupid as he is, sort of like that retarded,criminal hillbilly yall elected,

what's the matter boy , you crackers can dish it out but want to whine like miniature hillbillies when you get it back better ??

go back to dogpatch alabama, or texass, or wherever the inbred, cross eyed, bow legged, toothless, nascar addicted rednecks come from.

The only people laughing are the population of the US, and for that matter , the population of the whole world at the gutless, coward hillbillies running the country and the even dumber hillbillies who voted for them, and of course me, at you and your inability, like all good crackers to answer a question, but then I understand the limited intellect of you conservative republicons, hell if you had any brains you'd be democrats.Try using the word "you" a little less often, it kind of shows you're another goose stepping, sieg heiling,brain washed attack hillbilly.Is somebody paying you like the paid those drunken bums from the homeless shelter to do Kerry ?

to the citizen :

of course democrats are better, they didn't let 1000's die on 9/11, in New Orleans, and 650,000 in Iraq, they didn't lower taxes for the wealthy and they aren't the ones letting their oil buddies rape America along with the
Republican financing corporations

One problem you gomers always make is "assuming", that normally gets you into quagmires and screwups, look at your idiot leaders, why automatically assume I hate anyone, you gomers don't have the mental ability to come up with a valid assumption, if you did you would have rightfully assumed that these goose stepping Nazi hillbillies were nuts, another mistake on your part.

I don't hate anyone, I do feel sorry for the less intelligently endowed goobers and gomers of the republicon party, who were too stupid to realize they were being conned by these murderous,lying, stealing, thieving,dishonorable and draft dodging criminals.

also Why would we democrats want to give you losers and failures any solutions, you bad mouth us for 6 1/2 years and then ask for help ?, heck, you wouldn't listen anyway

it's more fun to watch you people screw up, and I predict that if you think you have seen some major league asshole screwups, then you're mistaken.The best is yet to come, they have another 1 1/2 years to set new records in :How to undo 232 years of freedom,democracy,honor,decency,fairness,sacrifice, and Christianity in 8 Years"

Now normally I wouldn't use the term "major league asshole"
but I learned it from the bush, just like the term"faggot" that the republicons pay coulter to use to denigrate elected representatives of the liberal persuasion.

What's next ?
Mother Teresa died so yall can't attack her, maybe the Pope, there's an idea, what yall say gomers?

as far as the terms gomer,goober,hillbilly,etc., I actually use them less than you people use the terms left wing, radical, cut and run,defeatocrats, and liberal in a negative manner, so why are you whining?

Oh David, I missed you so. Here I thought you'd disappoint and not return to this board with your rampant, diseased ramblings.

At this point, I wish I could claim hillbillies in my family, but we're all from DC, New York and Connecticut. Wait, New York - isn't that where you're from? Well golly gee, hillbilly, it sure is great to meet another hillbilly. We're from New York, we must all be hillbillies! Let's go have ourselves a pig pickin'.

Man, I love your posts. I love how you justify a flurry of insults by saying that "they're doing it more!" I could easily engage in the insult game but I've held off, for the most part, other than calling you "Quixote" and questioning your performance in elementary reading comprehension.

I'm calling you out, Kennedy. Repeat after me and mean it, from the bottom of your heart, and post it here for all to see - because I'm proud to say the following:

Thank you to the soldiers of the past, present and future who protect us and uphold the Constitution of the United States, and those who have protected life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness with their lives.

Also, Mr. Kennedy -

Such an educated man as yourself probably doesn't need a reminder that a space goes after a comma, like so:

Thing one, thing two.

But you're so smart compared to the rest of us and, yea, emancipated! Surely you knew all that and were just using your superior intellect to test us. Yep.

the Godzilla goober just can't help himself,I'm waiting for you to blow a blood vessel, you still talk a lot and say nothing, like the typical northern hillbilly, southern too.

Bush Approval at 21%, the hillbillies who elected him ??

0%

how many will die today for their stupidity,

how many will put their retirement savings,prescription,food,children's money into their gas tanks today so the gluttonous, unpatriotic, American republicon pigs can buy another house,yacht,bmw, mistress,drugs ??

I think they will need a few 1000 more american youth to sacrifice on their altar of greed,selfishness, and corruption

spare me your goebbels type lies and bullshit, and see if you can defend your goose stepping hillbillies' policies,

that crap only works on low intelligence hillbillies, the rove nazi figured out early how dumb you people are

As I suspected - You can't say it. You're too self-important and self-absorbed to put aside your angry hate-mongering to thank our troops, past and present, for their sacrifice and efforts. Why are you even here, then, if for no other reason than to continually argue your non-relevant points that no one cares about?

You cannot put your hate and anger aside long enough to have any respect for anyone other than yourself and those that serve your political interests.

You've reached the pinnacle of Mt. Arrogance, good sir. Thanks for proving my point.

And me burst a blood vessel? You're giving yourself too much credit. You think you're making logical arguments and coming across as so incredibly educated. It's hilarious! It's like watching a tasmanian devil; snarling and spitting and hissing but completely ignorant of the fact that you're a small rodent on a small island. You're a waste of freedom and flesh.

I pity you, sir. But I laugh at you while I do so! You've made my day!

You sound like those retarded, yellow, gutless, hillbilly draft and war dodgers and evaders in the white house and actually the ones that permeate the Republican party with their foul stench.Blow it out your nose gomer, only ignorant, simple minded, slow and non thinking hillbillies like you buy that crap, those being the goobers who thought, that having a hillbilly president and a hillbilly congress was gonna change things by golly , LMAO again, and what have you losing failures accomplished during the last 6 1/2 years, led by the Master of Disaster and followed by his goose stepping, brain dead, yaassir mr. boss man, boot licking hillbillies ?

Explain that one gomer, spare me the typical hillbilly mindless drivel, REAL AMERICANS have heard enough of you losers' BS to last a lifetime, and they have seen enough hillbilly screwups to last even longer.

So come on goober, stop the typical broke back, no account, texass trailer trash hillbilly speak and answer a question :

Why, that's WHY Gomer do only 2 % of Vietnam veterans belong to National Service organizations ??

Is it because those places are infested with drunken, useless goobers like you, paid by the republicons to be their clowns on call to swift boat whoever the master of disaster or his appointed goon says, if the price is right ??

why don't you ask your leaders who's pocket they're in, or are you one of those pocket kept goober chimps too ?

it appears that you're failing there gomer, you're a hillbilly, no match for me, tell your bosses to fire your lame ass and hire someone competent.

LMAO,

why feel sorry for me ?, Moi ?

I'm not a bought and paid for, losing,failing, ignorant, hillbilly screwup,

I'm not a major league asshole ?

I'm not a slow,shallow,one dimensional thinking hillbilly.

Damn, I can't wait until all of those immigrants are legalized and start voting for liberals, outlaw the republicon hillbilly party and turn these dens of drunken iniquity into child care centers, do something useful with those AL,VFW, and the rest of the hillbilly honky tonks.

repeat after me goober :

Conservatives are DOOMED,DOOMED,DOOMED we must join the honest and honorable DEMOCRATIC PARTY of the REAL AMERICA, and repudiate the HATE and WAR mongering, Dividing,selfish,greedy,corrupt,incompetent,inept,uneducated, low intellect, torturing,murdering, eavesdropping,racist,bigoted, gay bashing,non Christian,chauvinistic, pillaging Conservative Republicon Party of the Dark Side and the Devil,

God would want us to do this

Hello, Quixote.

I feel sorry for youl nay, pity you. because you're ignorant and angry at the world. Full of hate and bile. Bigoted? Racist? If anyone fits that bill, it's you. Incompetent? Inept? Uneducated?

Keep posting. You're only creating more proof of this.

"Dark Side." Oh, I laughed. I didn't know Quixote was a jedi knight!

Ach, spelling error. First line of previous post should read:

"I feel sorry for you; nay, pity you."

Kind of Insecure there, eh goober??,have to publicly correct a simple spelling error,

that's Ok gomer, all conservatives are pathetic losers, get used to it.

LMAO, you can take a hillbilly out of texass or alabamy,but you can't take the hillbilly out of him

Your straw man arguments are nothing more than an old tactical attempt to misrepresent repeatedly until you think people are starting to buy into your lies. Trouble for you, Quixote, is no one's buying it. Going to keep going? Going to continue to vomit your thoughtless stupidity? Be my guest.

Clearly this thread has been reduced to nothing but a bickering name-calling game between you and I (only difference being that I'm right), where you're unable to actually post anything relating to the original topic at hand and must resort to this constant regurgitation of structured lies designed to do nothing more than engage any civil poster in a game of "I know you are but what am I?" I challenge you to post something of substance. Seriously. I bet you can't do it, because you haven't done it yet.

You've claimed repeatedly that I'm paid off, etc., tried to smear my character, etc., and done your best to come up with insults that you think would somehow reach me. Your most recent is just a blithering, childish quip which does nothing for your integrity; rather, it simply proves that your only purpose here is to argue for the sake of arguing because you really have no substance, goal, or value. You're, as I stated before, a waste of flesh and freedom.

If I wanted to hear your drivel, I could've heard same off of the nightly news - it would've been more effectively presented, too.

You're so desperate for an argument that you're even going after my corrections. Get a job, because you desperately something to occupy your life before you waste it.

While you're at it, figure out how to thank someone who is more important than your grossly-overinflated ego, such as the soldiers who gave you the right to soil this thread with your aggressive, hateful snot.

Better chill out before you bust a blood vessel there Hoss,

Actually , I misrepresent nothing, opposing viewpoints are not misrepresentation, except to those who would stifle them

Giving yourself too much credit again.

You haven't presented a single opposing viewpoint to the topic of this whole thread here, and you still can't get over your ego. You've spent the entire time doing your best to viciously smear anything you're against, making assumptions left and right (more left than anything, har). Weak and pathetic. Your arguments are thin and comprised of lies that any fool can pull from watching a dose of CNN. Got anything with evidence? Anything you can substantiate? Haven't seen a thing, yet.

You're making crap up again, Quixote. You're lousy at hiding that fact, too. Probably see you in the morning, when you're back at it again. G'night.

CNN ??, Lies,Lou Dobbs ???

a bright and shining beacon of civility,honesty,integrity,and impartiality ? you would prefer I get my news from Limbaugh,O'reilly,Hanitty,Elder,Gibson,Hewitt,Gallagher,Ingram, Tony Snow, Ann Coulter ???

LOL

your prejudice is showing, not to mention your political views, so why hide them, tell us what you really think.

What you have to confront, is the fact that there are many more like me then like you, and you have no hope of winning long term. Actually it would appear that winning, in the case of the Conservative republicans was worse than losing, for them, and especially for America,Freedom seeking people everywhere, and the world in general. It certainly was a bad thing for 650,000 Innocent Arab people, including babies and women, and the residents of New Orleans.

Should they be thanking American Veterans on Memorial Day too ?

My political view is that I barely trust a soul in the Federal government. My political view is that most media sources cannot be trusted. My political view is that people like you are so wrapped up in finding political answers to everything on Earth that everything subsequently becomes a conspiracy against them; that some people, like yourself, really do believe that by continually screaming out unverified, unevidenced and unsupported claims that they'll eventually be considered de facto bastions of truth for no other reason than the fact that you cannot and will not get over yourself.

Substantiate something. Anything. Generate one single iota of fact or evidence to support your mythological belief structure. I don't care what you believe and I'll even believe you if you can provide any kind of evidence to support your inane claims. Yet you are unable to. You've spewed a great deal of conjecture and assumption and you're so wrapped up in your falsifications that you actually believe what you're saying is fact. It's not fact; it's convoluted word-play. You have YET to substantiate a single claim. Now you're dragging Hurricane Katrina into this? I bet you think that Hurricanes are the part of some global conspiracy against the Democratic party.

The fact that you refer to CNN as "aa bright and shining beacon of civility, honesty,integrity, and impartiality" is so far beyond hilarious that I'm almost unable to continue because tears of laughter stream from my eyes.

But most egregious is your final query: "Should they be thanking American Veterans on Memorial Day too?'

You disgust me. You're attempting to turn a noble cause - honoring American soldiers who, throughout American history, have given their lives for your freedom - into a political argument that's designed specifically to marginalize everything that said soldiers fought for. You're belittling years of sactifice by honorable men and women who believed, unlike you, that there is something greater than themselves - this nation.

Predjudice? You're damn right I'm prejudiced. I'm prejudicied against ignorant, foolish, insulting remarks made against honorable and noble people that are made for no other purpose than to erode honor. You, sir, are a pompus fool. There's no use in trying to explain to you how ignorant and insulting your comment is to the very history of this nation. You do not deserve the freedoms which you enjoy and I'm disgusted that you even live in this country. I bet you even fancy yourself a patriot.

You still fail, completely, to stay on the primary point of this thread: That Memorial Day should not be a politically-charged or oriented day. You're too dense to understand this, as you've so clearly proven with your devoid, straw-man arguments.

C'mon, Quixote, keep on inventing. Keep on lying to everyone, including yourself. Continue this hilarious path of hallucinations and paranoia attacks. Keep thinking that you actually have purpose, meaning and substance.

You also haven't used "hillbilly," "gomer," or "goober" in two whole posts! C'mon, you've got a lot of wasted breath to make up for! Have at it, Quixote! Show me your amazing intellectual capability! Bring out that powerful reason! Show me how to not be a hate-mongering, inept, uneducated bigot, thou bastion of righteousness!

Get over yourself and get a real job because you sure aren't selling anything here.

(Admin - Please do not make my job any harder than it already is by instigating other users to violate submission policy.)

You're out of control Hoss, give it up

anyone with reasonable intelligence knows that what I claim is true,

you're seriously out of touch with reality and actually believe that what you've said is not only gospel, but should be worshiped by everyone else,

I've told you what kind of people your rhetoric appeals to and I'm not them,conservative, that is,

I don't have a history of failures, losing, and screwing things up,nor racism,bigotry,homophobia,xenophobia, or chauvinism, or draft and war evading, AWOL,cowardice, or using daddy's influence or money to buy my right to send someone else in My place.

as for hillbilly and gomer, I don't want to run afoul of the censor, it's obvious that there are unwritten rules that apply to me and not to you,

sort of like the jail terms in California that differ depending on whether you're a poor 25 year old African American woman or a wealthy 25 year old daughter of a super wealthy republican,and I do like Paris Hilton,

but feel free to take advantage of your advantage, doesn't bother me, us liberals don't need an advantage

you're missing the point, completely, the question is not about what one should do on memorial day, the question is more about the arrogance of dictating what one should do, and using that as an excuse to take a shot at a Presidential candidate of the opposing party

it couldn't be simpler, Americans are free and can do whatever they please,whether or not you agree,

all of your arguments have no validity,

and the simple reasons for this are that people have made terrible sacrifices to secure that freedom, and if we let you dictate a minor issue like this, it won't be long before people get out of control and try to dictate many other things like : gay marriage, abortion, prayer in schools,immigration,illegal wars, no telling where it will stop, but probably with the total erosion of freedom and democracy as we know it,

90 % of the world's problems stem from people trying to control the actions of others,

why don't you people mind your own business and quit messing with other human beings

enough on this already, dag nab it,

I'm right and you're wrong and that's final

Need a new story already

take a look at Lou Dobb's "War on the Middle Class",

much more credible than anything you get from Rupert Murdoch, Australian trying to gain control of the world's media in order to control the news people hear,see, and read, slanted so far to the right it's in danger of falling off his flat earth, Fox News in particular

Dear David,

"I'm right and you're wrong and that's final."

A summary of such banality is the very reason why you will never, ever comprehend your failings and falsehoods. You refuse to accept anything contrary to you holds potential truth. You make grandiose assumptions into my belief system (spoiler: I can count upon one hand the number of times you've been right about my political positioning); you make grandiose assumptions about the world around you. You assume all is conspiracy and, finally, you assume that you're somehow of more human value than the soldiers who gave their lives to forge and defend this country.

Pathetic.

You are correct, Quixote. In your brain, you're right, I'm wrong and that is final. So saddle up on Rocinante and sally forth to your next conquest; I'm sure you'll find some sucker to be your Sancho. I'm certain you'll have your incredible adventures (though they will be hallucinations) whilst being the butt of numerous jokes for the duration of your existence. Or am I simply bringing to bear the reality of thy life incarnate - a self-righteous, self-absorbed fanaticization of misdirected hate realized in a despair-ridden and desolate heart?

"90 % of the world's problems stem from people trying to control the actions of others," you say? I say that 90% of the world's problems stem from people making up data and refusing to locate real facts, support their sources and accept truth for what it is.

Sally forth! Forget not your tin foil hat!

You sure are taking this loss hard there hoss,

I'm sure the readers are tired of your feeble attempts to justify the conservative philosophy, I mean, after all, we only have to look at the accomplishments of the last 6 1/2 years,

welllllll, if they ever have one, we'll look at it,

so answer this :

if you know it all, why haven't you accomplished anything, but instead spend an inordinate amount of time justifying failure and denigrating the messengers of that failure, people like myself,

time to wave that white flag, not only here but also in iraq,Afghanistan,new orleans, military recruiting, immigration,health care, heck everywhere, no need to make anything any worse, it will take the liberals weeks to fix the damage, as soon as certain unelected,Supreme Court appointed politicians are gone

David la Quixote,

You'll never comprehend what's really going on in the world as long as your head is lodged so firmly.

Love,
Godzilla.