I have members of every military branch in my family. when we all get together we usaully laugh at each other, jokingly putting the other branch down. The other day I read an answer to a question in regards to the AF and someone made a comment about each branch (as we often do) but for the ARMY said they are nothing but bullet catchers. I have a sister and several friends with the first calvery who just left to Iraq for the 3rd time this past monday. Am I wrong for not finding that comment funny? There is a time and place for everything and I don't think wartime is the time to say any one is nothing but a bullet catcher. I can think of several other things that used to be funny until it became reality. it's just not funny anymore....opinions?
2006-10-12 13:06:23 · 27 answers · asked by azile_wehttam 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
I guess I should clarify that when I get together with my family we are never so disrespectful. It's all fun like to my uncle who is a Marine are you sure you won't get los? Or my mom, Navy-that style of pants went out in the early 80's. The the Army members in my family-would you know which way is up if it wasn't for the arrow? See, just fun and non-violent jokes, but also we all have a very high sense of pride and respect for each other.
2006-10-12 15:12:50 · update #1
Isn't it ironic that we live in a world where we can make idiotic, sarcastic, and insulting remarks because the "bullet catchers" died to help give us this freedom? Even so, these idiots are usually the ones that don't have the b***s to fight for their freedom, let alone the freedom of others. This war in Irag, in Afghanistan, and other parts of the war is not about Bush, or weapons of mass destruction, or even the oil that so many believe.
2006-10-12 14:48:13 · answer #1 · answered by J j 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To answer your question, NO. There is absolutely nothing funny about calling someone a bullet catcher just because they are in the Army. I do agree that there is a time and a place to joke around, but not when we are talking about those at war. I am Active Duty Air Force, and I do work with a lot of Army personnel and I think that most of them are great people. People who make jokes like that about those service members at war, have never spent a day in their lives around the military. You should be proud of your sister, she is doing something that the people who make jokes like that will never have the guts to do.
2006-10-12 20:14:56 · answer #2 · answered by wolfman72585 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think the part that makes that comment bad is adding the "nothing" Obviously infantry is going to get shot more, and that is a pretty heroic and brave thing to do. If that comment was without the "nothing", just the term bullet-catcher could almost be said as a badge of honor. You are the guys who are willing to take a bullet for the US - to be on the ground getting stuff done and not 10,000 feet in the air or offshore on a ship.
But adding "nothing but a " is very disrepectful as in my opinion. It would be pretty bad for especially someone in a different branch of the military to say especially as you say with casualties everyday.
(by the way - not that I necessarily think we should be in Iraq. But you are following your Commander in Chief- what can you do?)
2006-10-12 20:17:08 · answer #3 · answered by markatger 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's definitely not funny. I was in the Army. Labeling Army soldiers as bullet catchers in downright insulting and repulsive. Those people are laying down their lives on a daily basis to protect our right to life and liberty. Whoever made that stupid comment should be lined up against a wall so they can catch a bullet!!!
2006-10-12 20:15:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lighten up, girl. You know your sister and friends would be laughing. Laughter and joy help keep things in perspective. No one is mocking the military. We are just trying to stay sane in a very scary, world. Be proud of your family members. I have had a member of my family fight in every war and police action the US has been involved in, including 14 direct ancestors in the Revolutionary War. Those I have known personally have always laughed at themselves and their various ranks. Don't get offended over those who are really rooting for you, your family, all service personnel and this wonderful country we live in.
2006-10-12 20:12:13 · answer #5 · answered by Answergirl 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I agree that in times of war, a comment like that is inappropriate and cynical. Once the war is over and all are safely home or back at the base, then it can be mentioned in retrospect.
2006-10-12 21:50:32 · answer #6 · answered by Awesome Bill 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can say from experience that people deal with fear differently. They were probably just expression their fear for their relatives in a unacceptable way because they didn't know better. A lot of people make inappropriate jokes because they would rather laugh then be scared.
2006-10-12 20:11:29 · answer #7 · answered by Lil Soldier Girl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thats pretty sick humor if you ask me. REAL PEOPLE are dying, and your going to go call them bullet catchers? It doesnt matter if you agree or disagree with the war, they are serving this country, if you have a problem with the war, take it up with your political representitives!
2006-10-12 20:09:44 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sick indeed however you thought Marines are the bullet catchers... sounds like to me your family is lacking intestinal foritude.
2006-10-12 20:20:12 · answer #9 · answered by James H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i mean if u don't think it was funny then there should not be no big deal. u have the right to laugh to what u think is funny, so if the hold family laughing think is not funny any more then talk to them or don't stick around when they start. that's what i also way do when ever my family get out of the way, i pull myself out and they get the picture. **** luck.
2006-10-12 20:17:48 · answer #10 · answered by sweet143 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋