<p>More or less, I agree with you all. Not angry at anybody. Somewhat tired of the few that seem to “know it all” when they don’t even have a child at the Academy or haven’t attended in many, many years; tired of the “one-dimensional” responses that seem to berate any post that reflects a viewpoint differing from that of the posted.</p>
<p>Whomever said it is correct: As I understand it [and I am sure that somebody could look at the terms of service to see if this is accurate] these threads were intended to discuss COLLEGE-RELATED information. These are not political threads. In another thread [I think on the USNA thread] there was a signifcant diversion from a person that was “wondering” about qualifications for USNA. The gung-hos pounced on somebody that was questioning another [I think it was assumed that the other was a mid] for being slightly negative . . . .or , who knows, something like that. [You can look for yourselves if you want an exact analysis.] The discussion eventually, inevitably it seems in the past few months, turned political. The Blowhards versus some long-time Logicals. </p>
<p>I don’t have a dog in the fight over the whatever group attending funerals. It is, however, very sad that this group of [yes] conservative folks think this is the appropriate way to espouse their beliefs. [I would REALLY love to know if what they say they believe is an accurate reflection of what they TRULY believe.] It’s a crazy country right now; I worry for the next twenty years.</p>
<p>So, yes, the point is: that both sides really need to stop. The belligerence is counterproductive. I seriously doubt that anything you say, however well-reasoned, will have any impact on the other side. [Just as what I am saying here will likely have little impact.] Does it really make anybody feel superior to point out the errors of an anonymous posting? Do you really believe that we have greater respect for you because of what you post? </p>
<p>AFDAD: Why are you surprised at the direction of this thread? The thread is entitled Patriot Guard. In a general sense, you might rather ask: What does this thread have to do with the Service Academies? I suppose, since this thread is a subset of Service Academy Parents, it reflects a topic that is of interest to the parents. If you look at it that way, then all of the political discussion on here is relevant. If one thinks these threads sh/ remain relevant to “underwear and boots,” then this thread is, by its very nature, inappropriate.</p>
<p>I am not angry at anybody, just, as many of you are, getting tired of the tirades. Thus, my example is to point out that flaws can be detected in either side of the argument. That’s what I do for a living–look for flawed arguments. [I suppose that is why some on this thread “hate” lawyers so much; some deep psychological inability to recognize one’s own shortcomings or something like that.] The dare that I referred to as being on another post was something along the lines of: [and I paraphrase] Find me a conservative that is angry at the military; find me a conservative that is anti-military. [Yes, I probably did not recall it EXACTLY as it was stated.] This was merely offered as an example of, most likely, conservatives [compared to Code Pink faction of whackos] that are just as disruptive to an otherwise very sad situation. That’s all. There are whackos on both sides of the fence;there are screamers on both side of the fence. Hard-core conservatives [or liberals for that matter] are intellectually hypocritical and closer to being a moderate than they would care to admit if they decry those that are “pure” in their beliefs.</p>
<p>Look at my records, I don’t post nearly as much as some do. What’s the point? I have friends that can intelligently discuss a topic as well as [and in many cases better than] some on here can. Most others can answer a question as well as I can. My remaining time on here is short. Some will applaud my departure, others will bemoan a loss. As BZ pointed out, [thank you] just trying to be a voice of reason. Nothing more. It’s a crazy time. I think, in some respects, crazier than during the Vietnam war.</p>
<p>The threads will continue.</p>
Or boots?</p>