I'm not sure why the other thread was locked, didn't seem like it was getting nasty.....anyone care to clarify so we can keep the other threads going smoothly???

Also, wanted to open this new thread so Wildwood can answer the question I asked of him/her in the other thread, about the military being "insulated" (isolated???).

thankyou.

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Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

[size="2"][size="3"][size="7"][size="3"]I was wondering too, why it was locked. I know they lock after a certain number of posts, but given the conversations that are generated in this type of forum, perhaps they need to rethink that policy for this forum.

Now to my answer. 8-)

Now this is not a bash on the military. They are brave and wonderful people for the most part. But military people lead insulated lives, as do many not in the military. But military lives are spent in constant contact with people just like themselves. They are often told what to do and what to think. This is not to say that they don't have independent thoughts because they do, but they are surrounded and affected by what all the other military people think. They work military, they socialize military, they are trained to subjected to certain ideas and ideals that may or may not be applicable to "outside" life. This does not always make for a balanced outlook on life or society.

This can be good or bad, depending on the person. But to require a military background before being president is a terrible idea. They are no better or worse than anyone else who wants to be president, just different. Look at the current example. His service was, for the most part a joke, and yet he would be able to run for president when more quailified people would not. We need the best person for the job, regardless of their military service or lack of.

Well put Wildwood. I would also like to add that military personnel are going to see miltary solutions to problems. It's what they're trained to do.

Ok....


First off let me state that we are a Military Family. I have served and DH is serving. Most of the people we socialize with are not military. We have lived Civilian lifes and Military lifes. The military is like a corporation. You have your "worker bees", "assistant managers", "managers" and your CEO's.....I think most would be surprised how much the military is like a business/corportation. The military are not closed minded people. The military is a very well rounded group of people. The only difference in the military and a corporation, are the military are asked to lay their lives on the line. I do not think it is a fair statement to say that military personnel are only going to see military solutions. It feels like you are saying they are not free thinkers. I think someone who has served in the military would be more able to weigh the true cost of a military action (I'm not just talking money here)

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I'm the daughter of a career marine, a veteran of WW2, Korea, and Vietnam. I will state that military personnel will consider military options before civilians will. It's what they're trained to do. I even got to spend a whole day at the Pentagon during the Johnson administration. I know that you're not talking about money.

You're right too about those with military experience being reluctant to commit men to combat. Those, like Colin Powell, stated it's different when you've seen a man blown in two before your eyes. These men and their families go through hell. Those with combat experience in congress have been far more reluctant to vote for war than those without.

There is a great cost to the families of the deployed as well.

The military is a cohesive group and not supposed to question those who outrank them. They are free to think, however, but not to speak. We have had a lot of generals retire since we invaded Iraq. Some serve with reluctance.

I still don't think that it's necessary for the president to have military experience.

I am pretty much in agreement with you MaBear. DH serves and many relatives do and did serve, all sides of the equation (Officer and Enlisted). I believe it is important to have a working knowledge of the military to serve as President. After all, you will be sending these men and women into harms way, and that is not only during war times. Many military lose their lives doing their daily job, not just in times of war.

Also, as far as the military leading an "insulated" life, I really do disagree. Many military memebers have been stationed overseas and got to see things outside of the United States. Also, not everything a military member does revolves around the military so to speak. We live in the civilian community and most of our friends are not in the military. We don't live the military 24/7.....clearly exampled by DS's longer hair last year

Just curious, does anyone stating the military candidates lead "insulated" lives have acutal military experience, or are you/were you married to a military service member???


And, again....can someone tell us why the first thread was locked?

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Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

I also want to say that the military now is not the same as the miltiary of yesteryears......I salute your Father's Service! Things have changed greatly over the years. We seen great changes in DH's almost 18 years of service. There is more tolerance, more people are encouraged to speak their minds.

__________________
"You can never really pay back. You can only pay forward."

Wayne Woodrow “Woody” Hayes

O-H-I-O

I really don't know why it was locked. From what the rules say, all threads will be closed at 50 posts. Karrie

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"Madison AnnMarie " 6/13/2008

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It was locked because the topic was becoming very heated. I think its fine to discuss and debate, but deliberate sarcasm takes the tone from a lively debate to something else.
Kristin

Seriously??? WOW, I don't think this board is going to last long, then. I honestly didn't see anything all that bad in there, and I just went back and re-read it. There is bound to be differing opinions, and I think it was handled very well in that thread. Am I missing something here???

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Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

I re-read it too and unable to see a trace of sarcasm in the entire thread.

I agree. If that thread was ugly, this board is doomed.

I also agree that the thread did some seem out of hand. I believe the purpose of debate to show the difference of opinions....Re-reading I didn't see where anyone was trying to upset anyone else, just voice how they felt. If that discussion is considered heated, can you give us some guidelines to follow?

__________________
"You can never really pay back. You can only pay forward."

Wayne Woodrow “Woody” Hayes

O-H-I-O