A Soldier's Perspective
The Web’s Leading Military Blog Since 2004
The Brainwashed Perspective [Update]
Okay, you want to get under my skin? Let me tell you a perfect way to do it…accuse me of being brainwashed.
Referring to my Letter To Cindy:
“This is further proof of the power of military brainwashing. This tactic is necessary for the fighting soldiers but please do not expect the rest of us to buy into it. This war is wrong; there is no “causeâ€? and there is no way to convincingly argue that it should be continued. Those of us who went through Vietnam know better than you do.”
There’s something wrong with the Vietnam War generation in that they think everything has to be about them. Don’t get me wrong, our soldiers from Vietnam are due just as much respect as our soldier from WWII, Iraq or any other armed conflict if not MORE. And, maybe it’s just the media’s unending bias that I only hear about the John Kerry’s of that generation who were somehow doing something they didn’t agree with and didn’t want to participate in because I’ve met MANY Vietnam vets who are proud of what we did and the stand we took. I have respect for all Vietnam vets. I’ve said so many times on this Blog (run a site search for Vietnam and see for yourself). They deserve the most sincere apologies from many Americans for their treatment during that time. I’m just glad that I’m privileged enough to have not had to deal with that on the same scale as you did.
But, to tell me that those who went through Vietnam know more about war than I do is clearly misled. Allow me some comparisons between Iraq and Vietnam in order to debunk this argument: soldier in Vietnam were shot at, so was I; soldiers in Vietnam were mortared, so was I; soldiers in Vietnam dealt with an “invisible” enemy, so did I. So tell me, how do you know better than I do? Was Iraq just a figment of my imagination? Was the whole thing dreamed up in this brainwashing session I apparently went through?
My service to this country is voluntary and I accept it with pride. I don’t agree with everything our President does or says. I’m not a Republican apologist or military media machine. This site is run BY me and not THROUGH me. This is not some United States Army Propaganda siphon that spits out what I’m told. I have many issues with policy, but I signed a contract to follow orders of those appointed me. I’ve been approached a few times by officers I work with “advising” me against saying certain things in the future, but I won’t change my opinions. As long as I’m not violating Operational Security or military regulations, I’ll continue speaking my mind.
You say there is no convincing argument that we should continue in Iraq. Do you suggest we just up and leave? On the way out we could hand al-Qaida and other terrorist groups of the world the keys to our cities since they will only be more empowered. We could also go ahead and just start building up our border defenses now so that when the entire Middle East collapses, we’re prepared for the blame.
As for being brainwashed, what is with you anti-war, anti-Bush people? Why is it that when someone supports the war or this President they are called brainwashed? Yet, when people oppose the war and our President they are working for a higher cause and justified? That’s the type of thinking that lead to stupidity and moronic thinking. I won’t get into my thoughts on why I think Vietnam was a success or failure, but they’re informed and well researched.
Bill Clinton was recently interviewed by Wolf Blitzer on CNN about the War in Iraq, among other things. Even he, who opposed us going in to begin with (though he’s confusing in his statements about it) said that “whether it was a mistake or not, we are where we are and we ought to make the strategy [of this administration] succeed.” I wonder if you would consider former President Clinton brainwashed as well. I mean, isn’t he the poster child of every Bush hater? And he’s telling us we should continue what we’re doing in building the Iraqi Security Forces and a more stable Iraq.
I’ll admit that you know more about Vietnam than I do. I only know Vietnam from the NUMEROUS books I’ve read by vets on the country and their time there. I only know Vietnam from the vets I’ve spoken with at VFW and American Legion activities. I only know Vietnam from what my father told me from his time in the Navy. I suppose those Vietnam vets that supported the war were brainwashed too? I’ll also tell you that I know more about Iraq than you do. I was there, you weren’t. I fought and my friends died there, not yours. I worked with the Iraqi people who greatly support our job and purpose there, you didn’t. So, don’t tell me you know better than I do. And don’t tell me I’m brainwashed because like it or not, this President was ELECTED into office and I support him. Like it or not, we’re in Iraq and I support continuing and finishing the mission. Like it or not, I volunteered to join the Army and defend our nation’s interests. Get used to it and find a better argument than brainwashing. It’s misused and ill-defined.
[UPDATE] Well, I think I’ve found the root of all this evil. The group probably steering Cindy in the wrong direction is none other than Moveon.org, the Bush hating spin machine. Cindy and at least one of her daughters has volunteered for the organization in the past.
(24) Readers Comments
Leave a Reply
[UPDATE] The "Face" of Military Dating Scams - The Wall of Shame
Dewayna, the problem is that you helped him tighten up his story for t
[UPDATE] The "Face" of Military Dating Scams - The Wall of Shame
I was checking out a dating site for kicks. A guy pinged me saying he
8482C2EB-A275-8FEC-9D32AEE774FEF857
I am lena lobdell and I did not put this on here, about Edward Robert
Military Dating Scams (More Nigerian Scammers)
thompson micheal is also using this email address thompsonmicheal964@y
Military Dating Scams (More Nigerian Scammers)
yes iam too a stupid victim to the nigerian money scam im from austral
Machelle
Great post CJ. I totally agree with you. You’re a great soldier. Maybe when I have kids, I can “brainwash” them so they’ll have the respect and pride you have for this great country.
Sherri
Dang, you’re good!! Very eloquent, very moving. Thank you again for standing up for our country and for defending all of us.
Grumby
I think you’ve said what most of us feel about this lady. It’s ok for her to let her opinion loose. On that hand, what makes it ok for her to offend and insult other intelligent people, who may not support the president or the war, but have a deep devotion to the soldiers that are proudly serving their obligation where the Army tells them to?
When people like her go off, I feel that they are doing it for selfish reasons, to make them feel better, but it doesn’t make them the better person for it.
And, we all know that if Bush were to pull out of Iraq and Afghanistan, their newly formed government would fail. If that were to happen, could be as obtuse and then blame Cindy Sheehan for the downfall of the Arab society?
Great post.
Phil
Cindy is being used by the radical left, it is just that simple. Once they have gotten their “media” mileage out her she will be discarded.
She is doing a great dis-service to herself, her family, her son, our country and, most importantly, our military.
Excellent letter CJ, you hit the nail right on the head.
PeggySue66
WQell her “dear husband” has made his opinion to her as well….by divorce.
Honestly CJ, you should go on Good Morning America and ask them to put yall up head to head in a debate. And REALLY show America her intelligence. If she said all that to the mass market she will get dumped faster than hot coals.
CJ
I’m willing to go on GMA if she is. Bring it on. I love going into a battle of wits with an unarmed person.
anonymous
Now that’s sometihng worth getting cable for.
11thacr
CJ::::
I’m a Nam Vet and Agree whole heartily with ya. Sometimes people say the wrong things or in this case maybe the guy has some issues….What ever…..But your right Pal and I stand with you on this…….
~K
“military brainwashing. This tactic is necessary for the fighting soldiers but please do not expect the rest of us to buy into it.”
Well lets see, as far as I know I have never been in the Military. I also can say this person does not speak for me. I am not a Fighting Soldier in the physical sence, but I am right there CJ, I am with you in Heart and Spirit. I buy it hook line and sinker. I agree with what we are trying to give to the Iraqi People. I also believe if we don’t fight them THERE we will have them HERE.
They were here once, and to my relief and with my total respect, it is Soldiers such as yourself who will help keep them from coming here again. Thank You CJ.
I am with you Heart and Spirit.
Great Post!!!
CJ
When I went to DC this past Memorial Day, I met an 11th ACR vet who was a Chaplain in Vietnam. We had a good, long talk about Iraq and Vietnam. A great guy. He gave me a copy of his book, then we gave each other hugs. He speaks fondly of his time in Vietnam, even though his job required him to see a lot carnage. He learned a lot and left a better person. Any time I see a Vietnam Vet, I go out of my way to give them a hand shake and a thank you. It may be 30 years too late, but at least he got it.
Kdlu
I always supported our troops in VietNam as I do our troops around the world today. I also support our President and our Country and stand behind the decisions that have been made in my name. I’m a proud American and not so ignorant that I don’t know that if we don’t stay the course laid out on this War on Terror, I and my children & grandchildren will either be submitting to some Muslem preacher or we’ll die. We might die anyway, just for being who we are. I’m sorry for Ms. Sheehan for letting herself be used by the media and others. I’m sorry that by her words and actions, she’s defaming her son and all he stood for.
PMTerri
Having personally met CJ, I can say firsthand that he’s a fantastic person as well as one of our brave soldiers and the furthest thing from brainwashed that I’ve seen. I agree with you 100% CJ. I’ve said all along, that if we hadn’t went into Iraq when we did, that Saddam would have committed some horrible act and then the countries like France would be screaming “Why didn’t the US stop him when they had the chance!” The whole thing was a damned if you do or damned if you don’t situation.
It’s really sad, that a mother, in her grief, basically just trashed everything her son stood for and fought for. I only hope that some day, she’ll be able to recognize the good that her son did and the meaning of what he gave his life for….
former Sgt. Pilkington
First of all, I can personally vouch for C.J.’s lack of a washed brain. I was his company supply sergeant in Iraq. He was never one to follow orders blindly and without question. Actually I found him to be a pain in the ass, but he was a pain in the ass in a good sort of way. He always bugged me to make sure I didn’t forget to do everything I could to get his soldiers the supplies they needed. He is the complete opposite of a brainwashed order taker. He bugged the hell out of his superiors also. He always brought things up at meetings and always let people know what was on his mind. He has a very cluttered brain. It is definitely not washed. The welfare of his soldiers and the accomplishment of the mission were always cluttering up his brain. As for the president, I don’t like the president. I didn’t like the president we had before him either. I don’t like anybody. I was a supply sergeant, and we never like anybody. It doesn’t matter who the president is. In an Army company, the commanders are a dime a dozen. They come and go, but the mission and company remain. It is the same with a country. Presidents come and go, but the mission and country remain. I believe there are a lot of brainwashed people in this country that try to tear down presidents or hold them up. Instead, we should concern ourselves with the mission at hand. If you don’t think there is a mission, then you are brainwashed.
Pingback: Ray's Coffee Break
stacy lee
Excellent post. You have hit the nail on the head. I am behind our President and Commander all the way.
Thank you for all you have done, are doing, and will continue to do for our great country. If it were not for our soldiers, people like Cindy would not be able to speak so freely as she does. Again, thanks from the bottom of my heart for all you do for our country.
Hilary
I have a question…if the military is brainwashed, does that mean the wives have been brainwashed as well?
Dusgalan
CJ:
A quote I read recently goes: “It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.” This exemplifies the constant struggle between freedom and tyranny. Tyrants would love us to give up this war on terror. Remember the old saying: “when you outlaw guns, only outlaws will have guns? well, the same truth applies to freedom in my opinion: The day when Tyrants outlaw freedom, only the tyrants will have freedom. Tyrants (terrorists) settle everything without question or debate. In their world such as Iraq once was, they decided who lives or who dies. Hell, they’d just as soon continue cutting off our heads until the rest of us would give up. It might be simplistic of me, but our enemies are jealous of how good of a life we Americans have and just because they can’t get off their lazy butts and contribute anything good to this world, they’d just as soon destroy it. They want us to live and fear. God bless you CJ and all our sons and daughters in our fight freedom’s cause with courage and victory over our enemies, both here and abroad. Ya, there’s a mission here alright–kill and defeat the enemy before they do us!
dusgalan of mt
Grumby
Don’t you know Hilary, the moment that you heard the words “basic training”, the brainwashing technique started on you.
After that, I’m sure the words Private, LES, base housing, and free medical all are trigger words for it as well. Thought all people knew that.
Hilary
Ah! I didn’t realize I’ve been brainwashed! LOL! I wonder if I could brainwash the housing inspectors on Wednesday when we turn over our temporary house. We spent all day cleaning it the way they said to. So now our fate is in the inspector. Anyone have any techniques I could use to brainwash him should he try and tell me it’s not right?!
former Sgt. Pilkington
I wonder if my great grandfather was brainwashed. He was in the army during WWII. His feet were frost bitten during the battle of the bulge. When he came home, he worked in the coal mines and joined the fight against the big coal companies so that future coal miners wouldn’t have to end up like him. My great grandfather had to mine coal in tunnels flooded with water, without proper venilation and for little pay. He got the “black lung” and his knees were so bad that in his later years he was unable to straiten his legs out. He was what I call a real liberal and a real Democrat. Alot of the people that call themselves liberals and Democrats today are not anything at all. They don’t stand for anything. The only thing they do is attack people. Maybe my great uncle was brainwashed. He was in the Navy during WWII. His ship went down in the south pacific. After WWII, he joined the Army and went to fight in Korea. His unit was overun by the Chineese, and he had to lay down on the ground and play dead. The chineese suspected that some of the men were probably still alive so they beat the heads of the fallen Americans with the but of their rifles. They broke my great uncles jawl. He still can’t talk right. When I came home from Iraq, he asked me what I thought of president Bush. By the way, he doesn’t like the president. I told him he is a twerp that was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but everything will be ok in Iraq eventually. Wars are not won by presidents. They are won by stubborn son of a bitches. Korea was a screwed up war also, but millions of South Koreans are better off because of it. My grandfather was also in the Army. He served in postwar France. He is a liberal Democrat also. He was a member of the united steel workers. He always carried a pistol with him when it was time to go on stike. My other great uncle was in the Army during WWII also. After the war, he became a truck driver and became active in the teamsters union. I’m sure the prevailing liberals today would call my family hill billies. When they were not fighting in wars or fighting with the unions, they were brewing moonshine, running moonshine or racing stock cars on dirt tracks.
I didn’t join the Army cause I am brainwashed. I joined cause that is what my family has always done. I didn’t do anything remotely heroic when I was in Iraq. I was just a rear echelon soldier, a supply sergeant, but I am proud of my service. I resent the people who link liberalism with defeatism. There are alot of so called liberals today that were born with silver spoons in their mouths. I would like to know what they stand for. Liberalism is supposed to be about making peoples lives better. That includes Iraqi’s, Koreans, French and the list goes on. The people you see attacking the president today are spineless defeatest. Peoples lives do not get better by blaming other people for the problems that exist. I’m glad my family wasn’t spineless. Millons of peoples lives would be hell if they had been.
Hilary
You are a liberal I respect. I get tired of fighting with some friends of mine (who are liberal) and they are against Bush and say we are only there for oil. In times like these, it really doesn’t matter what you are politically as long as we come together and try and defeat those who would like to tear our country apart…in my opinion anyway.
I once asked a friend of mine who was arguing the war if Bush were democrat if she would be backing the war…I still haven’t received an answer from her on that. I know I would have because it’s the right thing to do. I know why we are there and it has nothing to do with lining Bush’s pockets with money. It’s to get rid of those who would like to see all Americans dead. And if we have freedom, others should have it too…including Iraqis.
PeggySue66
Well I think even the Demos have had to put their collective feet in their mouths when Clinton said (in a round about way) that he supports the efforts to destroy terrorists.
And I guess I am with Hilary, after 16+ years of being a Navy wife, I have been brainwashed too. And Hilary, sorry hun, there is no way to sweet-talk them inspectors. Our last one was a real BEAR. He white gloved the pipes in the laundry room and the baseboards. Not to mention every other nook and crevice in the house.
Hilary
Eek! We normally hire a cleaning team! However, this was a temporary house and we were only in it for 4 weeks so we couldn’t justify spending the money on a crew. It was dirty when we moved in and is cleaner now than when we signed for it. However, watch them tell me it’s not good enough! I’ll be mad then! I already told my husband should that happen, I’ll ask them how much it would be to get it right and if it’s reasonable, then I’ll tell him to charge us because after Wednesday I don’t plan on going back to that hole!
PMTerri
Gosh I’m a fairly new military wife, but have been a military mom for quite a few years now. I guess my brainwashing started when I signed those papers for my then 17 year old son to join the National Guards. Then I got involved with AdoptaPlatoon when he deployed to Kosovo and eventually met and married a soldier. Man……….. I guess I’m just a lost cause! LOL!