Why do Vets act Holier than Thou ?

Question

We thank you guys for your service...but you clearly have a very tainted and one-sided perspective. It is to be considered as nothing more than that. Your word is not ultimate.

We respect you, but you're not better citizens than the rest of us. Just cuz you fought DOESN'T mean fighting is always the answer.

Bush is a moron. Just thought I'd remind everyone.

SoftT... : It tells me there is hope after all. Thank you .

PeaceFro... : I'm not sayin Vets dont have the right to voice their opinions. Read my post again. What I AM saying is that their voice is that of a US citizen, no longer active in the service.

his / her opinions can and should be heard. But not at the expense of anyone elses.

Answer 1

Soldiers' morale suffers when they no longer feel that the reason they are fighting is justified. As they don't have much of a choice once they are there, some might have to tell themselves something that they deep-down don't believe anymore. I'm just guessing. If they have friends that died, would be difficult to admit that maybe fighting wasn't the answer.
There are some that will always see fighting as best solution and would think it's largely from the drumbeat they've heard.

Just want them all back.

gwb An evil moron.

Answer 2

I agree that there are veterans who are somewhat arrogant about their arguments and discussions. That being said, most military people have put themselves in your place standing in the gap to guard the United States. Even if this is paper pushing somewhere it is freeing up someone else to stand with a gun. The fact that he took that stand counts towards a viewpoint that cannot be matched by the also ran (or never even started). It is like asking the loser of a running race what the view from the front was. He never saw it. Or in basketball, interviewing the losing team about how to win. It’s not that those who did not serve are any less opinionated or have any less standing; it is just a different viewpoint. Robert Heinlein in his famous book “Starship Troopers” went so far as to say if you hadn’t served you should not be a citizen. While this is a fictional book it was written in response to the issues of the day (for you young guys, ignore the movie – go with the book).

Also as a relative newcomer to the answers section of Yahoo, I notice that most of the “answers” are really opinions with little or no real facts so the veteran has a “more accurate opinion” is his eyes.

Answer 3

You know what? Not all veterans do. Many of us are looking for a better way to bring about peace and tranquility. However i keep coming to the same three issues that would most definitely get us heading in that direction over and over again. First everyone needs to deny their personal corporate status. Number two we need to repeal the 16th amendment and abolish the IRS. Number three we need to return the power of coining money back to the government and send the federal reserve bank packing. We the American ppl have been lied to for quite a long time. You know this whole unification initiative of Mexico, the United States and Canada wouldn't bother me in the least if we did the first three things. However i believe if we in fact did, unification of all three would in fact become undesirable. Why? I think the measure explains itself. Ppl want to attack illegal immigrants. However both illegals and the common citizen are just mere pawns being pitted against one another so this very unification can take place while these two fight amongst one another. I say get rid of the root of the problem and things will begin to balance themselves back out once again. Of course i'm only one individual. I also firmly believe(now) that every war since and including WWI never would have been an issue as it pertains to the United States. I also firmly believe fascism, Communism and socialism will truly become severely weakened enough so as to rid themselves. I know its quite a bit for any one individual to rap your thoughts around, but all one really has to do is stop and look. You'll see it. Work, Consume and Obey is not a life ladies and gentlemen. lets restore our "Constitutional Representative Republic." Thank You for reading this.

Answer 4

Just because a person is a veteran (myself included-Bosnia & Kosovo) doesn't mean his perspective is any more or less important than anyone else's.
Veterans do, however, have a more "qualified" opinion on certain issues such as war, national secuity, teamwork, discipline, self-sacrifice, etc.
There is a tendency for people to think that all veterans are just guys who want to fight..but a more accurate description of veterans would be that they are trained and "willing" to fight.
We don't act "holier than thou" but in some things we are just "more experienced than thou."

By the way, George Bush has a masters degree from Harvard business school. Disagree with his policies...but don't be so immature as to call a very accomplished man a moron.

Answer 5

I don't think that I'm better than you, I KNOW I am. While you stay in your air conditioned house, sucking down a latte, and complaining about a broken nail, WE are/were out there defending you and your rights. When you go to bed at night and dream whatever it is you dream about, WE are/were performing patrols, and dreaming of coming home.

Please do NOT attempt to put yourself on our level. We are willing to die for your rights and privileges (including call the President a moron), but until you have walked in our boots, sucked down the same sand and soil, you have NO RIGHT to criticize current service members nor veterans.

Fighting isn't always the answer, but in some instances it's the only answer.

By the way, I noticed that you didn't have the intestinal fortitude to post this in the "Military" section. Just goes to show why you sit at home while we protect your right to do so.

Answer 6

As a veteran I look at things differently than you do, as do many of the veterans I know.

We know we've got a good thing in this country. Perfect? Hell no, but we've got the opportunities here to make a difference. If somethings wrong we can choose to get involved or not.

I've been to countries where you don't have opportunities to improve yourself or your situation. Your told where to live, what job your going to have, etc.

That's why so many veterans are patriotic. They appreciate and show respect for our freedoms and customs. Such as showing reverence during the national anthem. Unlike yourself, who I assume continues to swill beer and chit chat with your friends at the ballpark while the anthem plays.

Your right, fighting isn't always the answer, but neither is tucking your tail and hiding.

In a nutshell you protect rights you earn, more than the rights your given.

Answer 7

Wow, dude that's kind of a harsh statement. Keep in mind that many of these guys were sent off to a foreign country where they saw, first hand, images of destruction that someone like you and I probably couldn't even begin to imagine. Many of these same men watched people they considered to be close friends be killed in very violent ways.

I don't think that the majority of Vets think that they are the ultimate voice of our country at all. I do however think they've got a right, considering what they sacrificed for your freedom to make such statements, to have strong political beliefs and they sure as heck earned the right to voice them.

Answer 8

We were willing to sacrifice our lives for the greater good, without recognition. I am a Desert Storm Vet and a Marine for life. If everyone would Voluteer to serve and support our country then they would be filled with the same pride as we veterans are. We are taught to hold ourselves to a higher standard. So we appear to have a one-sided perspective. And its not about fighting, its the willingnes to sacrifice ons self for the American People.

Answer 9

How do you thank them for their service? Tell them they have a holier than thou attitude? These men/women fought and died so you can slander them--and I bet they'd do it again. And yes--they are better than you and me--I don't have the courage they do--but I will admit it. So yes, they deserve your respect--they already have mine--it is evident from your post they do NOT have yours. You are a liar when you say that they do. Our soldiers have a deep love and respect for their country--one you with your narrow mindedness will never know. You are not worthy to lick their boots.

God Bless our Soldiers and keep them safe.

Answer 10

If you don't like the way Veterans act... I hear Iraq and Afghanistan are taking new citizens.

I have NEVER met a Veteran that acted holier than thou. When you have been behind the front line and seen what they have seen then you may speak again.