How do you handle a person who disagrees with your military service?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 19:35:38 -0500

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2016 7:38 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 19:38:41 -0500

I would keep it professional because they could be doing it to get a rise out of you. Remember everything is recorded these days and one remark or action could haunt you for the rest of your life.

Response by MSgt C Madd made Feb 25 at 2016 7:42 PM

MSgt C Madd — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 19:42:34 -0500

"Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem." Ronald Reagan

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2016 7:50 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 19:50:38 -0500

I was in from 1960 to 1975.

The whole country disagreed with our service.

Response by CW2 C.J. Scheurenbrand made Feb 25 at 2016 7:52 PM

CW2 C.J. Scheurenbrand — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 19:52:35 -0500

A throat punch usually works.

Response by MSgt Mike Ruikka made Feb 25 at 2016 7:56 PM

MSgt Mike Ruikka — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 19:56:23 -0500

Tell them they are entitled to their opinion and walk away. The argument isn't worth your time.

Response by SGT Jonathon Caldwell made Feb 25 at 2016 8:07 PM

SGT Jonathon Caldwell — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 20:07:31 -0500

GTFO and not waste my breath or my time with them. I am proud of my service along with my family being proud. I don't need anyone else's approval.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2016 8:10 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 20:10:03 -0500

I dealt with that a lot when I took college ROTC in the early 70s. They threw tomatoes and other things at us when we were marching on campus and when we were leaving on a bus for a training exercise. A group disrupted our drill competition and delayed it about 2-3 hrs. People told me I am part of the problem not the solution. I just stood my ground, and said that's what I want to do; we all have differences of opinions and interests; in fact that's what makes our country great and we defend our country so it can stay that way. If they continue to argue, I just ignore it. What I'm most proud of is my tenacity that I stayed with it despite the unpopularity of it.

Response by TSgt Gwen Walcott made Feb 25 at 2016 8:13 PM

TSgt Gwen Walcott — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 20:13:29 -0500

Unfriend them and never look back. They aren't worth anything

Response by SGT Robert Hawks made Feb 25 at 2016 8:16 PM

SGT Robert Hawks — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 20:16:47 -0500

I just walk away no sense in arguing with idiots.

Response by COL Mike Humphrey made Feb 25 at 2016 8:23 PM

COL Mike Humphrey — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 20:23:00 -0500

They have the right do disagree and are entitled to their opinions. Just ignore them and be proud that you served or are serving.

Response by SSgt Robert Jorgensen made Feb 25 at 2016 8:27 PM

SSgt Robert Jorgensen — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 20:27:58 -0500

You could always say the ultimate - 'Your welcome for me to defend your rights and stupidities!'

Response by SGT Brian Watkins made Feb 25 at 2016 8:37 PM

SGT Brian Watkins — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 20:37:14 -0500

I cry myself to sleep at night... lol. Oh no, this person disagrees with me being awesome!

Response by SGT Michael Thorin made Feb 25 at 2016 8:39 PM

SGT Michael Thorin — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 20:39:56 -0500

Their feelings of your military service are not what is important, what is important is how you feel about your service.

We lived a life that not everyone has lived. We have seen things they will never understand. When you spend your entire life here in the United States, and spend it in freedom to do as you wish or go as you wish, you have the luxury of pretending this world is all wrapped up in a perfect little package, and that's where they want to stay, in that package.

Those of us, however, that chose to serve for whatever reason, we spend our lives giving up a great deal of our freedoms outside of that pretty little box, doing everything we can to keep others from getting into that box.

Inside the box, they do not know, or even want to know what it takes to defend a Nation and help others in need.

The thing about the people in that box, is that they are entitled to their opinion just as we all are.

Our job is not to change their opinion, our job is to ensure they have the freedom to form and maintain that opinion.

It is our burden to bare and their privilege to enjoy.

Remember that when talking to them. Defend your service, but do not attack them.

Remember, as many others have said, it's not worth your time.

You be proud of who you are and what you do, of your accomplishments and your travels.

You should never have to defend yourself or your service to anyone.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2016 8:46 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 20:46:03 -0500

If you mean disagree as in they don't like that the military is conducting operations in country X or Y, then I'd just say "yeah, me too. I wish you civilians would quit electing people who keep sending us there."

Response by SSgt Mark Lines made Feb 25 at 2016 9:07 PM

SSgt Mark Lines — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 21:07:45 -0500

I follow the 1st rule of the internet, "Don't feed the trolls, it only encourages them." Smile and walk away.

Response by Capt Bob Abbott made Feb 25 at 2016 9:16 PM

Capt Bob Abbott — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 21:16:48 -0500

Like a porcupine. Just let them walk on by and ignore them.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 25 at 2016 9:26 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 21:26:45 -0500

I typically ask what they've done in their life that I'd be proud of. Haven't heard anything worthy of a footnote in an obit.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2016 9:50 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 21:50:12 -0500

Haven't truly come across that yet, but if I did I wouldn't even give them the time of day.

Response by SA Harold Hansmann made Feb 25 at 2016 11:26 PM

SA Harold Hansmann — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 23:26:51 -0500

Respond: yep, that's your opinion.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Feb 26 at 2016 12:30 AM

CPT Pedro Meza — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 00:30:49 -0500

I divorce them, actually first wife left me and the second partied when she thought the rebels killed me in Colombia back in 1985; Yep divorced them.

Response by TSgt Melissa Post made Feb 26 at 2016 12:55 AM

TSgt Melissa Post — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 00:55:58 -0500

Once when I was in Monterey, I got on the bus to go downtown. An elderly man behind me saw my CAC card and was sitting across from me. We turned the corner and along the beach were protestors. My first experience with this. The look on his face to me said "I am so sorry you had to see that". I just smiled at him and thought "well at least they are practicing their freedoms I am fighting for them to keep." Yeah, it sucks that we defend stupidity but I guess you have to take the good with the bad.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Feb 26 at 2016 1:02 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 01:02:46 -0500

The same way I handle the village idiot - with patience and compassion. They are doing the best they can.

Response by MSgt John Taylor made Feb 26 at 2016 1:12 AM

MSgt John Taylor — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 01:12:56 -0500

Tell them that they're right, that your're ashamed of your service and then just walk away the better citizen. Folks who say crap like that are looking to get a rise out of you so that they can feel superior without actually doing anything superior.

Response by SN Timothy Ehrenhaft made Feb 26 at 2016 3:23 AM

SN Timothy Ehrenhaft — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 03:23:46 -0500

I simply say "opinions vary". That's the last they hear from me. If I can't walk away or avoid them, I cease all acknowledgement of them - no responses, no reactions, no eye contact - they no longer exist to me and are, therefore, no longer a problem for me. If they're a co-worker, and the encounter happens at/in the workplace, you could report them. If they're in public (sidewalk, bus, train, tram, etc), you have many options to successfully evade and escape.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Feb 26 at 2016 3:54 AM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 03:54:33 -0500

Ignore them but have not met any for a long time. But I did a few times in San Francisco when leaving the Marines Memorial Club. Code Pink & ActUp protested the Marine Corps when voters in CA went against the law that OK'd Same Sex Marriages. ActUp was also responsible for fire bombing a Marine Recruiting Office in Oakland. My former XO & I decided not to wear our Dress Blues at a Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Marines Memorial Club that is located on Sutter Street in San Francisco because things were so tense there in 1988.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 4:40 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 04:40:20 -0500

No one is dumb enough to disagree with my military service to my face.

Response by PO1 Donald Hammond made Feb 26 at 2016 4:41 AM

PO1 Donald Hammond — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 04:41:40 -0500

What do you mean "disagrees" with my military service?

Response by SSgt Christopher Brose made Feb 26 at 2016 5:30 AM

SSgt Christopher Brose — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 05:30:05 -0500

In this day and age, supporting the troops is the fashionable thing to do, even for liberals and people traditionally opposed to military service and all things related. So I haven't run into a person who disagrees with my military service for several years.

Response by PO3 David Fries made Feb 26 at 2016 6:35 AM

PO3 David Fries — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 06:35:29 -0500

Just walk away shaking my head. You can't fix stupid.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Feb 26 at 2016 6:42 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 06:42:05 -0500

Ask them how their right to complain about everything is, as then walk away.

Response by PO1 Matthew Murdock made Feb 26 at 2016 6:56 AM

PO1 Matthew Murdock — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 06:56:16 -0500

With me walking away

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Feb 26 at 2016 8:21 AM

1stSgt Eugene Harless — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 08:21:47 -0500

Tell them to go fuck themselves with a chainsaw.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Feb 26 at 2016 8:56 AM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 08:56:01 -0500

I just tell them thank you and you are welcome. When they look at me puzzled, I tell them again Thank you...you just validated why I serve...and you are welcome because I serve for you to have the legal right to stand under the protection of those like me and have the freedom to disagree with me or our government without reprisal. Then I just say good day and walk off.

Response by Maj Mike Sciales made Feb 26 at 2016 10:21 AM

Maj Mike Sciales — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 10:21:59 -0500

Tell them "that's the beauty of America, I defend to even my own death for you to be free to disagree."

Response by SCPO Jason McLaughlin made Feb 26 at 2016 10:23 AM

SCPO Jason McLaughlin — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 10:23:55 -0500

Gogoplata

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Feb 26 at 2016 10:53 AM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 10:53:26 -0500

Not sure what you mean by that, but one of the things I like to say is "I served to protect your First Amendment Right to protest the military's existence..."

Response by SSG Drew Cook made Feb 26 at 2016 11:39 AM

SSG Drew Cook — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 11:39:15 -0500

Depends on the situation. I'm not sure why anyone would "disagree" with my service any more than anyone who might disagree with joint the Peace Corps or interning with a political figure. I think most of those folks are generally underinformed and make baseless assumptions on what it is we do, and I like to take the opportunity to reverse that horrible disease.

Response by SGT Benjamin Lindsey made Feb 26 at 2016 11:57 AM

SGT Benjamin Lindsey — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 11:57:28 -0500

I have ran into this situation on more than one occasion. I treat them all the same, by telling them, have a nice day. Because you don't need that negativity in your life.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 2:31 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 14:31:50 -0500

A sarcastic remark that will anger them, and then ignoring them usually does a good job. It's that or get cancer from talking to them. I've realized lately that it is absolutely impossible to reason with a fool. You get infuriated at the fact that their puny little minds can't comprehend simple facts (for example: they literally are alive and free because of the U.S. Military) and it kills you inside. So I just don't. I say something sarcastic to anger them therefore passing my anger and annoyance off onto them.

Response by Sgt Judy Leonard made Feb 26 at 2016 2:44 PM

Sgt Judy Leonard — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 14:44:22 -0500

Ignore them

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 2:50 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 14:50:15 -0500

Do not associate with this person any more than you have to.

Response by SrA Marlin Taylor made Feb 26 at 2016 2:54 PM

SrA Marlin Taylor — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 14:54:17 -0500

I was faced with this not too long ago. I love the person straight in the eye and told them that it was their opinion and the right to say that. Just as it was my right to love my country and serve it. And people like me in the military are the reasons why he had the right to his opinion.

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Feb 26 at 2016 4:44 PM

CDR Michael Goldschmidt — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 16:44:50 -0500

Disagreed? I served...for good or ill. Facts are facts, now stop wasting my time.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 6:04 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 18:04:58 -0500

Call-1-800-HiT-JOBS???

Response by COL Jim Kohlmann made Feb 26 at 2016 6:56 PM

COL Jim Kohlmann — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 18:56:45 -0500

Just shake your head and walk away. He's not worth your time

Response by Maj John Bell made Feb 26 at 2016 8:15 PM

Maj John Bell — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 20:15:03 -0500

Is there not one thing in your life [or in the lives of others] that is worth losing everything for? - The great Raisuli, in The Wind and the Lion. The brackets are mine.

Response by TSgt Jack Manigold made Feb 26 at 2016 8:38 PM

TSgt Jack Manigold — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 20:38:26 -0500

Just say You're welcome and walk away.

Response by CPO Curtiss Hill made Feb 26 at 2016 9:16 PM

CPO Curtiss Hill — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 21:16:40 -0500

Just ignore them. They aren't worth the effort.

Response by MSgt Kurt Woodward made Feb 26 at 2016 10:37 PM

MSgt Kurt Woodward — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 22:37:19 -0500

Like everyone else has said. Let them know politely that they are entitled to their opinion and wish them a good day. That last part might throw them off their game and defuse the situation.

Response by MSgt Devon Saunders made Feb 27 at 2016 2:37 AM

MSgt Devon Saunders — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 02:37:52 -0500

Tell them I served to protect their right to feel that way, then walk away.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Feb 27 at 2016 11:41 AM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 11:41:48 -0500

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member I smile at them and tell them to have a nice day.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2016 12:36 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 12:36:56 -0500

"Well, then, it's a good thing that you don't lace my boots every day. Have a great day!"

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Feb 27 at 2016 3:47 PM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 15:47:43 -0500

"Disagree with my military service"....not sure what you mean by "disagree" with my military service.. I served from 1953 to 1961..most people today were not even around then so I haven't had much disagreement with it except for one guy here who I just ignore.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made Feb 27 at 2016 3:52 PM

PFC Tuan Trang — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 15:52:39 -0500

I'll tell them thank you and leave, i don't need to waste my time on someone who's having problem with me or my service, or i can be an ass and say, "aleast i try to do something for my country".

Response by CPO Frank Coluccio made Feb 27 at 2016 5:34 PM

CPO Frank Coluccio — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 17:34:51 -0500

Mostly I ignore them, but if I'm feeling a bit "froggy" I'll say "Well I did, when you couldn't or wouldn't"

Response by CW2 Michael Mullikin made Feb 27 at 2016 5:36 PM

CW2 Michael Mullikin — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 17:36:08 -0500

Remember the old saying about wrestling a pig: there's no point in wrestling a pig—you get covered in mud and pig manure and the pig enjoys it.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2016 6:01 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 18:01:15 -0500

not worth my time or argument. They aren't walking in my shoes and maybe never will maybeeven out of fear. I pray for them anyway

Response by PO1 John Meyer, CPC made Feb 27 at 2016 6:23 PM

PO1 John Meyer, CPC — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 18:23:22 -0500

I simply ignore them. They aren't worth my time.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Feb 27 at 2016 8:20 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 20:20:03 -0500

Better to just walk away instead of getting into a useless pissing contest.
People who never served and don't like the military are never going to see why someone would serve and its almost impossible to get them to understand.
I have met very few who don't like the military and as soon as they start spewing their hate I just walk away and avoid further interaction.

Response by CPT Chris Newport made Feb 27 at 2016 9:23 PM

CPT Chris Newport — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 21:23:07 -0500

Ignore them but if that won't get you left alone do what a Man has to do.

Response by Sgt Nick Marshall made Feb 27 at 2016 9:33 PM

Sgt Nick Marshall — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 21:33:47 -0500

Never had it happen.

Response by MSgt Wayne Morris made Feb 28 at 2016 7:59 AM

MSgt Wayne Morris — Sun, 28 Feb 2016 07:59:03 -0500

Simply state opinions are like rectums and move on. No sense arguing with a moron as they normally wear you down from life experience of being a moron.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2016 11:26 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 Feb 2016 11:26:29 -0500

I suppose it depends on the extent to which they disagree and the particular points they use to support their argument. Typically, I will very briefly engage them in a light hearted debate, but if it starts to become heated or confrontational I will simply remove my self from the conversation and area of that person.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Feb 28 at 2016 11:28 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Sun, 28 Feb 2016 11:28:02 -0500

Where the Hell do you folks live? From the military, I have lived in several states, employed by three large companies, run by civilians. Never did I happen on anyone that had a problem with my career in the military. In fact, just the opposite, in recent years, I have had people see my tags indicating Navy and have had them come up beside my car to express their appreciation. Many want to talk about my experience, particularly when they learned most of my career was on submarines. Move away from those A**holes!

Response by MSgt Eugene Pullins Jr made Feb 28 at 2016 2:19 PM

MSgt Eugene Pullins Jr — Sun, 28 Feb 2016 14:19:41 -0500

No need to handle them if they become totally disrespectful then drop them as friends

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Feb 28 at 2016 5:39 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Sun, 28 Feb 2016 17:39:42 -0500

I tell them I am happy my service has allowed them to disagree with their government and it's institutions, then I walk away.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Feb 28 at 2016 11:22 PM

COL Charles Williams — Sun, 28 Feb 2016 23:22:52 -0500

The same way I deal with someone who wants to talk bad about this country, burn a flag etc... It is their right.

Response by SCPO Martin Synakowski made Feb 29 at 2016 1:23 PM

SCPO Martin Synakowski — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 13:23:55 -0500

Just walk away and ignore them like they would ignore you. What that type of person says, thinks or does will never affect me or what I have done while serving my country with pride. That type of person is most likely a Democrat and will vote for Clinton, who we all know LIED about killing our brothers in the Benghazi attack.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Feb 29 at 2016 5:36 PM

MAJ David Vermillion — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 17:36:59 -0500

Walk away. There's no convincing them of anything. Their mind is made up.

Response by SSG Daniel Murphy made Mar 1 at 2016 10:25 AM

SSG Daniel Murphy — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 10:25:02 -0500

tell them to GFT

Response by TSgt Mario Guajardo made Mar 1 at 2016 11:47 PM

TSgt Mario Guajardo — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 23:47:55 -0500

I have responded, with some success, with the following: "It is useless for sheep to pass laws against the eating of meat if the wolves are not in agreement." Don't bother to argue though. That's a waste of time.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Mar 3 at 2016 12:20 PM

SGT Richard H. — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 12:20:05 -0500

Hmmm...disagree with someone's choice to preserve their right to disagree someone's choice. Interesting conundrum.

Response by SPC Kevin Sypnier made Mar 5 at 2016 1:27 PM

SPC Kevin Sypnier — Sat, 05 Mar 2016 13:27:08 -0500

Everyone is entitled to their own shit opinion. Listen to what they have to say and shead some light on their ignorance

Response by SPC Aaron Stephens made Mar 5 at 2016 2:01 PM

SPC Aaron Stephens — Sat, 05 Mar 2016 14:01:59 -0500

"Congratulations."

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2016 3:36 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Mar 2016 15:36:27 -0500

No reason to do anything. I don't need their approval. And neither does anyone else in uniform.

Response by CPO Randy Francis made Mar 5 at 2016 7:30 PM

CPO Randy Francis — Sat, 05 Mar 2016 19:30:38 -0500

I served from '82 to '88 and again from '94 to '11. I ask them if they can speak Russian or Arabic. When they say "No" I just say "You're welcome" and walk off.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2016 11:15 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Mar 2016 23:15:00 -0500

Ignore them or tell them it is because of my military service that they have the right to say stupid shit.

Response by SSG Joel Jeschke made Mar 6 at 2016 12:24 AM

SSG Joel Jeschke — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 00:24:36 -0500

I usually say"your welcome." Because of the military you have the freedom to say what you want.

Response by SSG Brian Kresge made Mar 6 at 2016 12:32 PM

SSG Brian Kresge — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 12:32:06 -0500

Can you know the mighty ocean? Can you lasso a star from the sky? Can you say to a rainbow, "Hey, stop being a rainbow for a second?" No! Such is military.

Disagreeing with service makes about as much sense as disagreeing with pudding. Sad people are sad.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made May 3 at 2017 4:37 PM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Wed, 03 May 2017 16:37:40 -0400

State your info and if they disagree...Walk away...not worth your time.

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made May 4 at 2017 1:32 PM

CDR Michael Goldschmidt — Thu, 04 May 2017 13:32:59 -0400

Disagree with it? What does that even mean?

Response by TSgt Gwen Walcott made May 4 at 2017 2:20 PM

TSgt Gwen Walcott — Thu, 04 May 2017 14:20:45 -0400

If they disagree, look them in the eye and say, "Your loss" and walk away
...

Response by CPT Chris Newport made May 5 at 2017 12:51 PM

CPT Chris Newport — Fri, 05 May 2017 12:51:00 -0400

walk away making making a comment to yourself about his birth and nationality to your self. if here he grabs your arm cut and or kill him.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made May 26 at 2017 10:43 PM

PVT Mark Brown — Fri, 26 May 2017 22:43:11 -0400

As a Vietnam era veteran I have had plenty of opportunity to deal with handle a person who disagrees with your military service. Originally I was embarrassed when confronted, then became will to exhibit my pride in my military service. Had opportunity to turn the table on those that were of the anti-war ilk. It was, and remains so, that the vast majority of those men and women had absolutely no idea what military service was, what military service means in terms of paying back for what has been so freely given to us. Let many folks stumble over themselves looking for an answer that didn't make the speaker seem like an idiot. Anyone I came across that fled to Canada was welcome in my mind to go back to Canada and don't come here. You made your choice - stick with it and pay the price for the choice you made. Guess they did not understand the consequences of their cowardly action nor did they understand that Canada was also militarily involved in Vietnam. As far as I saw when I got home, the vast majority of the anti-war actor were several thousands of "American" who made they choice to grow their hair and face long, smoke dope, drop acid, participate in "free-love". enjoy the new governmental programs like food stamps. So free money and plenty of dope and drink and no responsibility. You and I, Soldier, Sailor, Marine, Coastie, Airman, Merchant Marine, were doing a fine job, thank you very much, killing babies and burning villages and massacring innocent women, children and babies in Vietnam and other places around the world. Hummm-What about Kent State?