[Leatherneck]

Ok, I'm biased. I admit it. But this is why I don't mind passing the lead to the current crop of 19-year olds. Men and women.


Martin Savidge of CNN embedded with a Marine infantry battalion was talking with 4 young Marines near his foxhole this morning live on CNN. He had been telling the story of how well the Marines had been looking out for and taking care of him since the war started. He went on to tell about the many hardships the marines had endured since the war began and how they all look after one another.

He turned to the four and said he had cleared it with their commanders and they could use his video phone to call home. The 19 year old Marine next to him asked Martin if he would allow his platoon sergeant to use his call to call his pregnant wife back home whom he had not been able to talk to in three months. A stunned Savidge who was visibly moved by the request shook his head and the young Marine ran off to get the sergeant. Savidge recovered after a few seconds and turned back to the three young Marines still sitting with him and asked which one of them would like to call home first, the Marine closest to him responded with out a moments hesitation "Sir, if is all the same to you we would like to call the parents of a buddy of ours, Lance Cpl Brian Buesing of Cedar Key, Florida who was killed on 3-23-03 near Nasiriya to see how they are doing". At that Martin Savidge totally broke down and was unable to speak. All he could get out before signing off was "where do they get young men like this"

TC
TFL Survivor

[Carlos Cabeza]

In America !!!!!!!!

[foghornl]

Those are the young men [and women] that understand what it takes to defend freedom.

They are OUR FUTURE, and I hold them in the highest regard.

They ARE NOT the multi-color hair "doubled their body wieght with metal piercings" war protesting fruitcakes.

[Felonious Monk]

Godspeed guys and gals in Insanistan.
Watch your six.

(insert prayer of protection here)

[Ebbtide]

:(

[Bulldozer]

These are the young men and women that have been properly raised with the true values of what an American is and ought to be.

These are the folks that would pull off the highway to help you change a flat tire on your car. Or give you the shortfall of change to make the call home from a payphone.

These are the future leaders of our nation. These are the people who have gone out and put their own lives on the line so that punks and spoiled brats can protest mindlessly in the streets of our cities.

I am so very proud of the men and women serving on behalf of the United States over in the sandbox. They have my total respect, my undying gratitude, and complete faith and support.

[2dogs]

If I ever get the chance to defend them, as they are defending me, I hope I can do it as well.:)

[El Tejon]

Same place they find them every generation. They are out there. They just don't have books written about them or get on the camera by demonstrating in favor of thugs and tyrants and against their own nation.

We will win because of them; the New Barbary pirates will die because of them.

I remember prior to the start of the war driving into the office one February morning listening a correspondent report from Kuwait. The debate on the radio was "why are we doing this" and "the Iraqis are too tough." The ABC reporter had met up with a Marine unit in the desert asking such insightful questions as "how do you feel" or the like. As the wind whistled past the mic, the quote played a youngish voice asking "Which way is Baghdad?"

That 18 or 19 year old Marine knew what had to be done, despite the learned talking heads at home. He will do it despite the bleating at home.

[USGuns]

Anyone have a link to this story? I couldn't find anything on CNN and wanted to pass a link on to some folks.
Thanks

[NeverAgain26]

There is hope for the future. After reading this post, I am convinced of it.

I really despaired looking at young people of today I see on the streets and in the media (T.V./Movies).

But reading a post like this gives me real hope. I pray that my sons and daughter will turn out to be such fine, upstanding human beings.

May G-d Bless and keep safe all our soldiers and may we see them swiftly reunited safely with their loved ones at home.

With a lump in my throat ...

... and renewed hope in my heart,

NA26

[Monkeyleg]

What a fantastic story. Those guys are top-shelf.

[cool45auto]

Ditto.

[Blackhawk]

Outstanding report!

Thanks, Buddy.

I'm all choked up.

[gryphon]

I'm gald they are on our side, and they go to show what's good and right and wholesome in this world.

Can't say enough good things about those guys over there taking care of business, putting their life on the line for my and my fellow Americans safety. And don't forget, they are protecting those who don't think they should be over there, and that is a big thing in itself.

[TarpleyG]

Semper Fi guys!!!

GT

[Wildalaska]

True or not, this email choked me up...

Kick butt boys!!!

CNN live interview with Martin Savidge on Sunday, 30 March 2003:

Martin Savidge of CNN, embedded with the 1st Marine battalion, 1st Marine
Division, was talking with 4 young Marines near his foxhole this morning
live on CNN. He had been telling the story of how well the Marines had been
looking out for and taking care of him since the war started. He went on to
tell about the many hardships the Marines had endured since the war began
and how they all look after one another.

He turned to the four and said he had cleared it with their commanders and
they could use his video phone to call home. None of these Marines had been
able to talk with their families for many weeks. The 19 year old Marine
next to him asked Martin if he would allow his platoon sergeant to use his
call to call his pregnant wife back home whom he had not been able to talk
to in over a month. A stunned Savidge, who was visibly moved by the
request, nodded his head - yes. The young Marine ran off to get the
sergeant.

Savidge recovered after a few seconds and turned back to the three young
Marines still sitting with him. He asked which one of them would like to
call home first? The Marine closest to him responded with out a moments
hesitation, "Sir, if is all the same to you we would like to call the
parents of a buddy of ours. Lance Cpl Brian Buesing of Cedar Key, Florida,
who was killed on the 23rd of March near Nasiriya. We would like to see how
his folks are doing and let them know their son died bravely."

At that Martin Savidge totally broke down and was unable to speak. All he
could get out before signing off was, "Where do they get young men like
this?"

[Thumper]

WildPRIDEAlaska

[DeltaElite]

That gave me chills.
Wonderful young men, simply wonderful.

[CZ-75]

I'm not sure "pride" is what you're filled with. ;)

[Navy joe]

Great story, especially how phone time is precious when you're stuck out there, believe me I know. But,...

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16470

WilddaylatedollarshortduplicatethreadopenerAlaska. :D

[LawDog]

Gotcha.

LawDog

[Drjones]

These are the young men and women that have been properly raised with the true values of what an American is and ought to be.

These are the folks that would pull off the highway to help you change a flat tire on your car. Or give you the shortfall of change to make the call home from a payphone.

These are the future leaders of our nation. These are the people who have gone out and put their own lives on the line so that punks and spoiled brats can protest mindlessly in the streets of our cities.

I am so very proud of the men and women serving on behalf of the United States over in the sandbox. They have my total respect, my undying gratitude, and complete faith and support.

Amen.

This made me choke up. If I think about it too long, I will cry.

Someone requested a link: http://www.opinionjournal.com/best/?id=110003284

[SemperFi83]

That's why they call it a Brotherhood.

Semper Fi

[jmbg29]

Let's hope that the embedded urinalist's close contact with America's bravest and finest men and women will change most of their effete-liberal-wonk minds for the better.

As long as God graces us with the presence of men as courageous as these, we will have a nation. NOTHING else stands between us, and the barbarian hordes.

[Drjones]

So I showed this article to my dad last night.

I was reading it again, and I had to leave the room.

A bit later he was talking to me about how amazing that article was, and I had to leave the room again.

What amazing men.

[jmbg29]

Drjones!

Why don't you give a copy to that poser Ethnic Studies "professor" of yours? Ask him if he can identify the "ethnicity" of those fine young Marines.

If he agrees to read it, watch his face closely. There will be an expression that crosses his face - in the moment that his mind calculates that he will never be worthy of the respect afforded those men - seeing that expression on the face an arrogant rat like him is priceless.

[Drjones]

jmbg:

Heh. Funny you should bring that up now.

Please check out this thread: http://www.glocktalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=146921

Also, you are right in what you said.

I'm thinking of reading that article to the class, but I'm afraid I'll break down crying.

It is most definitely something the class needs to hear.

I AM going to read THIS article (http://www.americasvoices.org/archives2003/BowenM/BowenM_031803.htm) to the class.

It is by our own Khornet!

[JoeSF]

Quite a contrast to the "kids" who are deficating on the "streets of san francisco" in protest to the war.
_______________________________________________
Any one who believes the Iraq war is not about 911 is still counting chads.

[Malone LaVeigh]

What makes me really sick is seeing the high moral character of these kids being used to justify an unneeded, stupid and brutal war.

[Sir Galahad]

Oh? What makes me sick is people who think peace at any price is acceptable. And don't know milk from poison.:barf:

[Malone LaVeigh]

... that's why I said "an unneeded, stupid and brutal war."

[F=ma]

From where do they come?

Perhaps a clue:

[Drjones]

F=ma:

VERY cool pic.

Where did you get that?

[Sir Galahad]

Malone, you say this war is "unneeded". Are you prepared to now say that Americans who gave their lives FOR YOU died in vain? Shameful.

[Malone LaVeigh]

Very good people died thinking they were fighting for me in Vietnam, also. It breaks my heart, but it doesn't make it true. The shame is not on me.

[Safety First]

Courage, sacrifice, and concern for their fellow-man,always looking out for the other guy...where do you find them? they are every where, not just in the trenches, but that story just has to make you proud (down-right teary eyed too) God Bless em...

[Sir Galahad]

Ah, yes, of course, Malone. Vietnam. A war started by DEMOCRATS.:rolleyes: A war ended by a REPUBLICAN.:D

[Horny Toad]

I really hate to do this, but:

http://www.snopes.com/glurge/savidge.php



Horny Toad

[Coronach]

Ah well. the spirit is the same.

Mike

[edamon]

thats one hell of a report.

-d


"support our troops - punch a protester"

[WonderNine]

Ok, I'm biased. I admit it. But this is why I don't mind passing the lead to the current crop of 19-year olds. Men and women.


Martin Savidge of CNN embedded with a Marine infantry battalion was talking with 4 young Marines near his foxhole this morning live on CNN. He had been telling the story of how well the Marines had been looking out for and taking care of him since the war started. He went on to tell about the many hardships the marines had endured since the war began and how they all look after one another.

He turned to the four and said he had cleared it with their commanders and they could use his video phone to call home. The 19 year old Marine next to him asked Martin if he would allow his platoon sergeant to use his call to call his pregnant wife back home whom he had not been able to talk to in three months. A stunned Savidge who was visibly moved by the request shook his head and the young Marine ran off to get the sergeant. Savidge recovered after a few seconds and turned back to the three young Marines still sitting with him and asked which one of them would like to call home first, the Marine closest to him responded with out a moments hesitation "Sir, if is all the same to you we would like to call the parents of a buddy of ours, Lance Cpl Brian Buesing of Cedar Key, Florida who was killed on 3-23-03 near Nasiriya to see how they are doing". At that Martin Savidge totally broke down and was unable to speak. All he could get out before signing off was "where do they get young men like this"

TC
TFL Survivor

I'm sorry but,

:barf:

[Pendragon]

So, the story of young men in a strange land risking their lives, away from family and friends willing to give their chance at an extremely rare phone call home to another man with a family or with a higher purpose - this makes you puke?

Get therapy.


What makes me really sick is seeing the high moral character of these kids being used to justify an unneeded, stupid and brutal war.

Pay attention.

This article is not about justifying the war. It is about the high caliber of the people serving in our armed forces. Even in a combat zone, their first thought is about who do they know who needs a phone call more than their selves. This is why we have the best military in the world - because we have the best people in the world.

...unneeded...

You need water, oxygen, food and not much else. Most every other thing could be placed in the want category.

Maybe Saddam was only torturing Iraquis - who cares right? They are his people to tortue.

I am an American, and that also makes me a human - just like the people living under Saddam.

Go ask an Iraqi how bad they needed this war. Oh sure - maybe YOU don't need it. Unless I am wrong, you are not fighting in it. You are just a person in America sitting around typing on a computer about how awful it is that Americans (but not you) are in another country fighting people (that you do not know) and freeing the oppressed people of the land (again - you not involved.)

American should intervene when human rights are violated - when we can make a difference. I am glad we are there and I am deeply saddened that we are losing some of our best people - but when I read stories like the one about the lawyer who risked his life and his family to help our POW, I am gratified, because I think he is a credit to his people and I think he shows that the Iraqi people are fundamentally decent humans who deserve to have Saddam removed.

Oh, but it offends you, it offends your eye, God forbid it may even offend your pocket book.


...stupid...

Utterly without basis.

Our cost? 50-80 Billion or so and less people than die in your average plane crash.

What do we gain? Hopefully a grateful group of people - but even if they forget, it is still right to relieve their torment.

We get rid of a madman who loves to play in the devils sand box of chemical and biological weapons. Sure - you can say that there is no evidence that he threatened us, blah blah blah - you know what? I dont care. He can't have them - he does not get one chance - he could and probably would sell them to our enemies - do you even read the news?

...brutal...

Ah yes - brutal.

Let the world see the brutality of our nation - that we spend billions on pinpoint weapons so that we harm as few Iraqis as possible. We could just firebomb the whole city - maybe give them 24 hours and let loose with the cheap and dirty dumb bombs.

Maybe you detest the brutality of our men who shield wounded Iraqi civilians from the Fedayeen soldiers while fighting for a bridge.

Maybe you weep for the poor men who were "only following orders" - the ones who make mothers applaud the executions of their children and husbands.

Our might is focused on those who choose to fight. Our will be done in Iraq as it was in Europe - let Tyrants tremble. Let the rapists and the sadists and the blood thirsty violators of women complain about our "brutality".

Maybe you would be less horrified at the "brutality" if we just left Saddam to run the country the way he sees fit. Maybe then you could calm down and not be so upset by the atrocities perpretrated on your life by our horrible, despotic, evil government.


"Iraq is not a safe place while Saddam Hussein is in power," Mohammad said. "He kills the Iraqi people whenever he wants. I believe the Americans will bring peace and security to the people of Iraq." - Mohammad (aka Pfc Lynch's guardian angel)


Yes, I am sure it has just been hell for you...

[WonderNine]

So, the story of "young men" in a strange land risking their lives, away from family and friends willing to give their chance at an extremely rare phone call home to another man with a family or with a higher purpose - this makes you puke?

Get therapy.

Do you have a really large comic book collection as well?

I'm 23 btw.

"Young men" 5 years younger than me don't know their *** from a hole in the ground. But honestly, do you believe everything you read?

[Pendragon]

Sorry.

No comic books here.

I am totally baffled by your comments.

23 makes you "young". Maybe you are a woman? You use a gender indeterminate handle. If your problem is with my lack of mention of women, then I understand. I think you should get over though.

If it is about something else - clueless.

I am 32. 20 something people make me feel old. I do not wear hip clothes or stay out late or have a cool car or do much anything else I did when I was a "young man".

No claim to actual oldness yet - but you will see in 10 years.

[WonderNine]

Sorry, I guess I've just been reading too many news stories from "the front" that I've found out later to be complete bullshyte. :rolleyes:

[Pendragon]

The story sounds plausable. May or may not be true.

[WonderNine]

Well, I choose not to live in a fantasy world.

[Malone LaVeigh]

The problem with bald-faced, lying propaganda is the damage it does to morale when the truth comes out. I mean the morale of the nation. We're already fighting a war of limited popularity for dubious objectives. I really haven't wanted to use the "V" word, but it's begining to look more and more like...

Ah, yes, of course, Malone. Vietnam. A war started by DEMOCRATS. A war ended by a REPUBLICAN.I'm sure that has something to do with the discussion in your little mind, SG. Perhaps you'll do us the favor of explaining.

Pay attention.

This article is not about justifying the war. It is about the high caliber of the people serving in our armed forces. Even in a combat zone, their first thought is about who do they know who needs a phone call more than their selves. This is why we have the best military in the world - because we have the best people in the world. You pay attention. My comment was aimed at the discussion around the article, not the article itself. FYI, I happen to agree that we have some mighty fine young people serving right now. But this story sure doesn't do anything to support that, does it? It's a LIE.

Go ask an Iraqi how bad they needed this war. Oh sure - maybe YOU don't need it. Unless I am wrong, you are not fighting in it. You are just a person in America sitting around typing on a computer about how awful it is that Americans (but not you) are in another country fighting people (that you do not know) and freeing the oppressed people of the land (again - you not involved.)

American should intervene when human rights are violated - when we can make a difference. I am glad we are there and I am deeply saddened that we are losing some of our best people - but when I read stories like the one about the lawyer who risked his life and his family to help our POW, I am gratified, because I think he is a credit to his people and I think he shows that the Iraqi people are fundamentally decent humans who deserve to have Saddam removed. Well, right now, the surprising message we're getting from a lot of Iraqis is they want us to get the Hell out. The reception in Iraq has been very mixed, at best. I doubt the Iraqis share your patronizing attitude that we know what's best for the Iraqis. A lot of good Iraqis see us as an invading force, not as liberators.

What does my involvement have to do with it?

I said I wouldn't get into another discussion of justifications for the war, but I will say I don't think anyone in the world except for an indoctrinated core in this country believes this war is for "liberation" of Iraq.

Our cost? 50-80 Billion or so and less people than die in your average plane crash. That price estimate is a joke. $75 bil if everything went as expected. Well, it hasn't gone as expected. And that doesn't include the cost of occupation. It doesn't include the cost of added security needed for now on out. A lot of plane-looads of Iraqis have died, or do they count in your estimation?

Let the world see the brutality of our nation - that we spend billions on pinpoint weapons so that we harm as few Iraqis as possible. We could just firebomb the whole city - maybe give them 24 hours and let loose with the cheap and dirty dumb bombs.

Maybe you detest the brutality of our men who shield wounded Iraqi civilians from the Fedayeen soldiers while fighting for a bridge.I detest all brutality, including children blown up by cluster bombs. I'm not going to argue whether we could do it a lot more brutally than we have. You can thank the anti-war movement for 99% of this care being taken to prevent civilian deaths.

The point isn't whether war is brutal. It's whether the necessary brutality of war is justified. I have still not been convinced that it is.

Our might is focused on those who choose to fight. Our will be done in Iraq as it was in Europe - let Tyrants tremble. Let the rapists and the sadists and the blood thirsty violators of women complain about our "brutality".

Maybe you would be less horrified at the "brutality" if we just left Saddam to run the country the way he sees fit. Maybe then you could calm down and not be so upset by the atrocities perpretrated on your life by our horrible, despotic, evil government. Does anyone really write like that? Man, that must be a great comic book collection...

[jmbg29]

A lot of good Iraqis see us as an invading force, not as liberators. How would you know that they are "good" Iraqis? What makes them good? What moral relativism compass are you using to make that assertion? More importantly, how is it that your moral relativist screed always favors socialists, communists, anarchists, and third world barbarians, and never the U.S.A.?

[Coronach]

1. Knock of the personal attacks. It would seem, judging by post times, that the moment has already passed, but on the off-chance that there is another rejoinder waiting to be made, take it to PM or email.

2. "War of limited popularity?" Last time I checked, scientific public opinion surveys hovered about 70/25/5, with the "pro-war" side leading. Thats pretty popular.

Mike

[Pendragon]

Does anyone really write like that? Man, that must be a great comic book collection...

Yeah - well, I was a drama queen in a past life. What can I say....:neener:

Let now retire to our native realities where we both make perfect sense and we are both obvious fools for disagreeing with ourselves.

[Leatherneck]

Mike: thank you. It's just a bit disgusting to see a thread that began as an uplifting vignette from a stressful war degenerate into gleeful whines that "It's false! It's false!" No matter how stupid or cynical some of the responses were, I still find the story an exemplar of some outstanding young Marines. Sometimes I wonder why certain people are attracted to The High Road and then choose to take the low. :confused:

To all: my apologies for posting a false report. Is it true if you believe it to be when you post it? :evil:

TC
TFL Survivor

[Khornet]

when falsehood is used to advance a cause, it's devastating when it's exposed. So, although I found the story believable, I'm glad to know it was a fraud. You have to have the truth, or you don't have anything.

I think our cause is just, and we don't need propaganda to advance it. We MUST admit when we're wrong, and acknowledge when we've been hoodwinked, if we are to ever get anywhere.

[Khornet]

was getting ready to assault Manila, in '44 I think, two Filipinas came into camp to sell themselves for food.

Those boys, far from home, no women around, and maybe to die tomorrow: what did they do? They gave the girls their rations, gave them spare articles of clothing, and sent them on their way. They were mortified that someone would think they'd take advantage of the girls.

True story. That's why I found the article believable.

Also see: 'They Still Have It', in the Bowen archives at
www.americasvoices.org

[jmbg29]

I think our cause is just, and we don't need propaganda to advance it. We MUST admit when we're wrong, and acknowledge when we've been hoodwinked, if we are to ever get anywhere.I'm not sure if we are able to say the story is false yet.

The snopes take on this account is that it didn't happen because they searched CNN and found only one filed report from Savidge on that date, and the information in that report is unrelated to what happened in the e-mail account.

Snopes then asked CNN to confirm or deny that Savidge filed the report. CNN said that he did not.

The problem (and it is a huge one) is that the e-mail story isn't about a written report/article like the one referenced in Snopes. The e-mail clearly describes a video clip. In a news cycle running 24/7 I'm sure that there is no one person that is aware of all of the video clips, and their exact content, that have played on CNN. Nor do I believe that an organization like the Clinton News Network would archive a video clip on their website that didn't contain the words failure, quagmire, stalemate, American defeat, babykillers, etc...

When the smoke clears, and Savidge is un-embedded from his unit, and there is time to ask him, you can bet the ranch that smarmy, America-hating, pinko urinalists will be lined up 3-4 city blocks deep to ask him to confirm or deny the story.

Khornet has it right. If it is false, it's wrong to support it. It rang true to me because the people that I served with could sometimes be puerile, and even a little bit pathetic, but when the chips were down, they would follow you into hell if that is what duty called for. Lots of folks that never served think that "we have some mighty fine young people serving right now." When the fact is that the young people that aren't "mighty fine" can be counted on one hand per division.

They say things like:You can thank the anti-war movement for 99% of this care being taken to prevent civilian deaths.because they wish to ignore the fact that people in our military seek to find ways to destroy only the enemies means to fight. Greater precision = greater ability to save one's own ***, and one's time spent on the battlefield.

As pointed out in another thread, the only thing that the anti-war movement can be credited with is that it made the war certain, and it causes the fighting (on the part of the Iraqis) to continue.

Saddam merely needed to convince his people that only Bush wanted him to go, and that the rest of America is lining the streets in an effort to topple Bush. The Iraqis know that they would only ever be in the streets with effigies of their maximum leader if they were planning to, or in fact had toppled Hussien already. As such, the only thing the anti-war effort can be credited with, is to cause those poor delusional bastards to keep up the fight until America crumbles. America is never going to crumble. The Iraqis fight in vain. What a pathetic waste. :banghead: :fire: :cuss: :cuss: