Why do people think you owe thanks to military people for defending my freedom?

Question

when my husband did the same? Why should I thank someone for hurting my children and family or take their abuse because they defended my country? Why do people use that sickening sound byte? Why do people say they support the troops when not one has sat up for several nights making cookies and christmas goodies for a whole battalion with several wives or sent money or toilet paper? I have. Why do people throw "thank him for defending your country" into my face for complaining about one bad apple? Why do I have to take his crap because he is in the military? Why do people assume you don't like all the military because you complain about one? Why do military people assume that when you complain about someone in the military you are non-military or anti-military?

And why do military people think that because they served their country, everyone else has to put up with their mental issues or bad behavior? Why do they think they are entitled to this?

Answer 1

Many people think you owe thanks to military people and call them heros because they are brainwashed. I would not rule out the presence of fear of the military.

People in the arm forces get paid for what they do.

Most do not meet the definition of "hero"
(1 a : a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability
b : an illustrious warrior
c : a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities
d : one that shows great courage
2 : an object of extreme admiration and devotion : IDOL )

Some scholars place the willingness to sacrifice the self for the greater good as the most important defining characteristic of a hero.

Answer 2

It is just nationalist retoric. Don't worry about it. True patriots know how to be supportive. We live in scary times where our government and the minds of people who do not pay attention are being hijacked by special intrest groups. Simple minds are controled by forign and domestic enemies and when that reaches a majority, our country will be run by those that can control the thoughts of the simple.This is the cyclical nature of governments and human civalization. When people start to bow to the symbol and not the idea, they have made the critical mistake that often leads to downfall. It is not through arbitrary compliance that we will continue to makes our country great, but by calling people on their issues, in a loving and respectful manor. There are some women I don't like I am not a sexist. There are some black people and some asians I do not like, but I am not a racist. The are people of all types that I do not like but even more that I do. An asshole is an asshole and you should never feel afraid to say to that you do not like someone or what they have or are doing. When someone says what they said to you about being anti military, they are doing the equivalent of pulling the race card. It is usually them with the problem.

Answer 3

Hey...I see your point and I'm saying its your right to say whatever you want, no matter if what you said causes some to dislike it.
Who cares...if you wanna say something good or bad about a member of our military, go ahead, you can.
Truth is...not ALL of our soldiers and military folks are completely honest, and everyone knows it...but show me a country or an army who doesnt have someone dishononest...I'll bet nobody could.
Our guys are in a contraversial war, what do we expect?

But don't worry, you are a military family...you have more than earned the right to speak your mind no matter if anyone gets pissed or whatever.
I say I'm for the troops and not really the mission, but that don't mean I'm anti-American or anti-patriotic....those who think I am ...they know what to do.
Dont worry....let them say and think whatever they will, we know where you're heart is, its clear. Salute to you, and your service,
us "real" American's all thank you.

Answer 4

You know, it is ok to complain about the military. My father was in the Army for 20 years and HE complained about the military. However, he was a high school kid with no opportunities and because of the Army, he was able to see the world, meet his wife, have a son that he sent to college, own two houses, have a pension and medical care for him and his wife and of course, me. The Army gave him, a poor kid from upstate New York with no opportunities to make something of himself instead of running the streets and getting in trouble. The military is not perfect, but I think as an institution, it is a noble profession. YOU of all people have more of a right to complain than most people, but remember the good as well. God bless our troops, thank you guys and those that support them and get home safe.

Answer 5

You should always give thanks to those who are in the Military. They are doing a thankless task. One not of their own choice but instead that of a Nation's leaders. Thank You for serving alongside your Husband. Being a Military Spouse has to be one of the hardest and most thankless jobs in the Military. I don't know all of hte details that you are refering to with your neighbor but please do remember that not all Military Members conduct themselves in that type of manner, Remember; your husband served also and did he conduct himself in a manner like your neighbor ?

To JohnFarber2000: You quote:
"Many people think you owe thanks to military people and call them heros because they are brainwashed. I would not rule out the presence of fear of the military."
?? Which people are brainwashed ?? Normal civilians ?? Why would you fear the presence of the Military ?? Most military members have more discipline than Civilians.

"People in the arm forces get paid for what they do."

Now yes this is true Military members do get paid for being in Service. But tell me do you honestly think the pay is all that great ?? Being a SSG/E-6 with 18 years in Service, living in Louisianna and making $20.00 to much a month to qualify for Food Stamps. Plus working 16 hour days all with no overtime. Yep Military members get paid for what we do.

"Most do not meet the definition of "hero" "

(1 a : a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability - Yes I can see where you are coming from with this and I can agree that this is not applicable to Military Members.

b : an illustrious warrior - Very few would be able to claim this

c : a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities - More would be able to claim this than b above

d : one that shows great courage - ?? This is where I would say most would be able to lay claim to. If going forth to close with and destroy an enemies will to fight doesn't show great courage then I guess I dont know what does.

2 : an object of extreme admiration and devotion : IDOL ) - No this description would not apply to Military Members.

"Some scholars place the willingness to sacrifice the self for the greater good as the most important defining characteristic of a hero. " The willingness and actually doing it are very Important and defining characteristics of a hero. an individual only has 1 life and to give that life willingly and freely so that other can live is the true essence of a hero. At least so in my opinion.

I will agree with you though that the title "Hero" is used to commonly and too frequently. Not everyone is a true hero. Most are just good Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen/women or Marines. Not everyone can be an Audie Murphy.

Answer 6

The fact that you're in the military or being a veteran doesn't allow you to act any way you want.

You join to serve, not to act like a hero and march around thinking you'll be Emperor one day...

The military has values of HONOR, COURAGE, AND COMMITMENT. If your husband or neighbor (I don't know who's causing the trouble here) does not show those values or what ever values he swore to up to hold the tradition of the military and represent our country then he is a discredit to the military. Forget him, he is considered an ex-marine.

But if he is suffering from a mental disorder such as PSTD, GET HIM HELP. Stop complaining about him and get him help, this kind of disorder isn't a joke and it can be treated. Get him to the counselor or call the cops and tell them about it for his own safety and others.

The reason I think military men are good is that they swore to those honorable morals and values and I EXPECT THEM to uphold them, if they don't, I don't even consider them military materials. The world needs heroes and role models who can show good values to young kids, not a spoiled man/women who thinks she or he can do what ever he or she wants because of his title. Even tho they kill, it's not entirely their fault since they joined to serve and the President/Top of the Command will order to do what they want them to do.

Good luck, and people think you're non-military/anti-military if you make some kind of "hate" speech about them, like how they suck and are baby killers etc etc... People take their own safety for granted these days, they need to be grateful of the fire fighters, police officers, teachers, military, and any one else who makes their life a step easier...
Oh and yea, don't be afraid to talk about a bad apple in a respective hate way, don't just talk about how he sucks and how you think all military/ [insert job here] are useless.. I like criticism as long as its in a respectful manner.. Not like Homer S or Erudite (Maybe Erudite.. maybe..)

Answer 7

I`m a former Army Ranger, and I have never asked anyone to thank me for my service. I served my country because of my belief that freedom isn`t free, it has a price and those of us who are willing to put on a uniform know that and are willing to pay that price, having said that, I do appreciate it when ppl do thank me, ppl tend to forget that soldiers are ppl too, we have feelings and like to be acknowledged for our commitment to our country. God bless our Armed Forces.

Answer 8

You sound "bitter"...but, good points...
However,....
Whom ever said that the service people would come back the same way they left? Have you ever been in battle? have you ever witnessed the atrocities of battle? and if most people do not print or list the cookies they made, or the toilet paper they sent, why are you so bitter?
Be thankful to God that your husband did come back safe and sound I hope.
God bless your family ! you have your man back.

Answer 9

All the freedoms we enjoy like...this.....is protected by those of us who stepped up and served.
I think all US citizens owe thanks to these brave men and women. That being said,...being a veteran is not a license to act any way someone wants. I have arrested plenty of vets ( I am one BTW) and active duty military.
If anyone breaks the law, there is a set punishment. Vet or not.

Answer 10

Because people have the need to characterize and to categorize otherwise they fail to understand. It takes a certain level of intelligence to think past different issues in order to get the bigger picture.

One soldier bad - all soldiers bad
One bad apple - all soldiers bad

it's easy!

Answer 11

Lady...it's you who have the issue...give it a rest already. We all know that you're the greatest person who has ever lived. My God, do you actually listen to yourself. Reread what you've written. All over some neighbor...You're in here in Yahoo Answers...Jeezzzzz...And FYI no one said you were anti military what was said however, is maybe you should appreciate the fact that your next door neighbor has given his LIFE to the service of his country and that is worth something. Your husband served but I'm guessing he did his four and got out. Others of us have made a living out of defending our country and that is a life of service. You can complain all you want, that is your right but you really need to get checked out for possible mental problems of your own. I'm sure that if you lived next to me I'd be a crazy neighbor too.