A Maggot Fighting in Iraq

[splat]

Just got a mail from AK Pogue, full-on maggot and an owner of PM Gear. He was stationed in Fairbanks at Fort Wainwright, served his time, patrolled at Alyeska, then shipped out to Iraq. He is an awesome guy, nicest dude in the world, and now he's serving on a tour in the war zone. Here's what he wrote. I'll put some pics behind his letter.

Hello all,
Well I wish I could write to all of you to tell that everything has been
going well, but unfortunately that hasn't been the case. On our first
official mission we had our first death. I still can't believe it and
probably never will.

I can only give you the basics of what we do and what happened out there.
During our mission planning we were told that there were 2 roads to the
north and south of us that were heavily tank mined because tanks had
previously operated in that area. We were going to patrol in between those
roads and that would mitigate the chance of hitting a mine since it is wide
open desert. My Platoon Commander said that we would have a better chance
of getting struck by lightning than hitting a land mine. Well we got
struck. The first vehicle hit the land mine and there was not much left.
It left 1 dead and 3 others severly wounded. The buddy who died is Lcpl
Jeremiah Kinchen and he was a great guy. If you would like to know a little
more about him there is a good story on the www.newsminer.com website.

What we are doing here isn't really any different than what the police are
doing in your hometown. We go out and look for bad guys which basically is
what they are. My area of operation I figure I can tell you since in the
release about Kinchen's death has told everybody where we are at. I am in
the Al Anbar province which basically includes the Sunni triangle which is
west of Baghdad. We are out of Camp Fallujah and are operating in the area
around it.

The guys we are after are basically a few types. We don't have any foreign
fighters in the area. The locals quickly tell us where they are at and they
are not welcome around here. The types are former Saddam loyalist or ex
military commanders who aren't at all happy about losing there privileged
positions, local criminals, and out of work Iraqi's. The enemy is smart but
incredibly lazy. The out of work Iraq's are usually given a few bucks to do
the easy but usually dangerous jobs because the leaders don't want to die.

I have been quite surprised at the local reactions around here. For the
most part they have been really pleasant and seem to still appreciate that
we are here. I have seen and heard some negative reactions but they are
generally in the areas that we haven't patrolled enough in so the insurgents
have more control in the area and they don't really want to upset the local
insurgents so as to get on there hit list.

We have been doing some work with the Iraq National Guard. The guys I have
been exposed to are generally trained but they have some big cojones. I
will send a pic of them. They patrol around in Nissan pickup trucks with
hardly any gear. They just seem so out of place compared to us with all our
gear and armor. If the Iraqis had been leading the patrol when we hit that
land mine there the whole truck would have disappeared.

As far as our gear is concerned we have pretty much everything we need which
I have been pleasantly surprised. The only SNAFU is that our communication
gear and night vision gear is the same gear that has been here since the
beginning so it is getting beat up. We couldn't bring our own stuff here
because we are only allowed so much gear here. If we would have brought it,
they would have taken it and used it somewhere else. So we have got gear in
much better condition sitting back in the states not getting used and I have
no idea why.

Our living conditions here in Camp are great. We have a great chow hall
with some of the best chow hall food I have ever eaten. We are living 3 to
a trailer that has airconditoning which has already been used.

I have been asked as to what I need here. Just send food and socks. Some
of the marines don't know what a good pair of socks are. As far as food
goes send anything that doesn't melt. We use vehicles mostly so I would
greatly appreciate food so I don't have to eat MRE's. Socks send either
Brigdedale or Smartwool socks in Medium or large. Light hiker socks and
light colors because of the heat. I have been offered gameboys and the
like. Send them and I will distribute anything to either the marines or
anything leftover to the Iraqi's.

I have been amazed at all the support I have gotten from you all and the
rest of the country. Here is some pics that I have taken. If you don't
want any more emails feel free to tell me and if you have any comments or
questions feel free and I will try to get back to you. I will be outta
touch from time to time because of extended missions so I will try and stay
in touch as much as possible.

Love
David

[splat]

I pray for his safe return.

[grizzle6]

Wow. Intense. Best of luck to him. And--thanks for your service mang.

[mr_gyptian]

deepest admiration for what he's doing for his country, even moreso for what he is doing for the new Iraq.

keep your head down, man.

[phUnk]

Serious friggin business. Good luck Pogue-man!

[splat]

A work commute I wouldn't want to make.

[watersnowdirt]

best wishes for a safe and speedy return!!!

[CUBUCK]

Anyway we could organize something and get it out to him from "the maggots" I have a lot of respect for what these guys are doing and thing we as a community can do something. Any ideas????

[hucksquaw]

Anyway we could organize something and get it out to him from "the maggots" I have a lot of respect for what these guys are doing and thing we as a community can do something. Any ideas????

i too have a lot of respect for the soldiers stationed all over the globe. id definately be willing to contribute to something like this^^^.

[PNWbrit]

Stay safe AK pogue.

Collection sounds like a great idea.

[grizzle6]

Anyway we could organize something and get it out to him from "the maggots" I have a lot of respect for what these guys are doing and thing we as a community can do something. Any ideas????

I'm good for at least 5 pair of socks.

[splat]

Lance Cpl. Kinchen

The combat death of a young U.S. Marine from Salcha brought to life an occurrence that many, whether to slight or great degree, likely suspected would happen at some point during the war in Iraq. Until Lance. Cpl. Jeremiah Kinchen died in an explosion during combat activities on Monday, no Alaska resident had died in battle in Iraq.Alaska was about the last state to incur a combat death of one of its residents during the Iraq war, remarkable given the military nature of this state. And none of the military personnel sent into the conflict from bases in Alaska has been killed in combat, either. Again, remarkable.

And because of that, the death of the young Salcha lance corporal, a 2001 graduate of Eielson High School and whose family has lived in Salcha for several years, might stir a wider number of people. Alaska really is a small state, and the loss of one of its own won't pass without causing a broad ripple.

This casualty might lead some people to view the war in a different way. It might cause others to realize that the fighting and exploding is not just a nightly television show from a distant land and with no real meaning for them. It might lead still others--especially friends and family of those about to be deployed to Iraq from Fort Wainwright and those living here but with family or friends serving in Iraq from other states--to pray.

Lance Cpl. Kinchen, by the accounts that have arrived so far, felt at home in the Marines and was skilled in the dangerous task of reconnaissance. He had been in Iraq less than a month when the explosion in Anbar province, the volatile desert region west of Baghdad, claimed him.

Alaskans will mourn his passing.

[mr_gyptian]

I helped put some $$$ together and a restaurant in Chicago matched the $$$. we put it towards those little wet nap packets that you get with bbq meals. we ended up sending six cases to the First Marine Expeditionary Force.

not huge, but it seems like the little things like socks go a long ways.

[jibij]

Get home safe!

[FreakofSnow]

Stay safe over there and stay low. Keep up the good work mang.

[natty dread]

Keep safe brutha.

[Trackhead]

Thanks for having the courage to serve your country. Come back safe.

[PNWbrit]

Pre paid phone cards?

Remember hearing something about these being sent.

[Arty50]

A work commute I wouldn't want to make.

http://tetongravity.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5054&stc=1


Holy shit. Look at all the growth along the side of that road. My heart would be like a friggen Indy car if I were in that vehicle.

Best of luck AK!!! Take care over there.

[SkiingBear]

Sierra Trading Post has a great deal going on Bridgedale socks (66% off on some of them) right now. Maybe we all pool money and put together an order that way, more for our money kind of thing. I'd be in to contribute money towards it, but can't commit the time to put it all together.

Here's some ideas:
Bridgedale Trekking Socks (I personally love these) @ 66% off (http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/asp/base_no.11243/dept_id./qx/product.htm)
Bridgedale Army Socks @ 47% off (http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/asp/base_no.11129/dept_id./qx/product.htm)

If we can send a Maggot to the summit, I'd like to believe that we can get a few socks over there. Put me down for a $50 donation.

[Summit]

dooooooooo it!

[iceman]

I helped put some $$$ together and a restaurant in Chicago matched the $$$. we put it towards those little wet nap packets that you get with bbq meals. we ended up sending six cases to the First Marine Expeditionary Force.

not huge, but it seems like the little things like socks go a long ways.

dude, shut the fuck up and go enlist in your boy's war.

WET-NAPS???????

fucking precious

[skibe]

Thanks for having the courage to serve your country. Come back safe.


well put... Be safe.

[iceman]

Splat he seems to want to tell people what's up and I would like to hear it, can you give me his addy or send him mine? (it's changed recently, btw, PM me)

[Stu Gotz]

Edit because this is an AK-Pogue thread and not the Gotz family album.

Come home safe Pogue.

[mr_gyptian]

dude, shut the fuck up and go enlist in your boy's war.

WET-NAPS???????

fucking precious


get in a sandstorm sometime Mr. Mom.

[Steezus Christ]

dude, shut the fuck up and go enlist in your boy's war.

WET-NAPS???????

fucking precious

Shit, Wet Naps in Iraq are hard to come by and very valuable during the summer time. You will wish you had a whole bunch when either there is no water in the showers because there is not enough water for most bases in Iraq for everyone to shower each day. And the days when the crappy sewer system backs up into the floor of the shower. Yeah thats a Wet Nap day as well. Don't fucking knock those little towels of joy!!! Much more useful than the millions of sticks of deodorant and tubes of toothpaste that get sent over there.

Gatorade packets, socks, and wet naps is easily the most useful thing to send over there.

[shamrockpow]

Ice: I disagree with MrG's attitude and politics as much as you, but your comments were outta line. They need all kinds of stuff (socks and wetnaps included), so I'll give credit to anyone who helps out. Of course, I wish they wouldn't vote for such a crusader president and arrogant SOD, but that's America...

[Steezus Christ]

The other best thing you can send a troop in Iraq..... Those Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies!!! Holy shit those things taste good when you are bored!!! Send Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies wrapped up in Wet Naps!!!

And I think I get iceman now. At first I thought he was an asshole, then I realized he is an asshole for the same reason I am an asshole. He must be bored at work!

[Baja216]

Serious friggin business. Good luck Pogue-man!

Yes I agree.

Come home safe and sound.

:yourock:

[snowsprite]

Splat, is there an address where we could send him a card or letter? Or if I sent you one would you forward it on to him for me?

And please count me in to contribute to a maggot-care package. Maybe we can paypal to one person and they can order up some gear & stuff for him?

Sprite

[Karl Stall]

Wow. Godspeed, brother.

[13]

splat,

I'd like to use some of my NCAA tourney winnings to send Pogue & his crew a few socks.

How do I go about this?

[Pedro]

dude, shut the fuck up and go enlist in your boy's war.

WET-NAPS???????

fucking precious

Sometimes its all you have to wipe your balls of with when your in the shit for a few days, I am going to assume by your coment that you have no idea.

[Blurred]

The guy that posted this turns it into anti-war propaghanda, and then someone who has done something for the troops gets flamed. You guys should be ashamed of yourselves for cunting up this thread. Don't bother flaming me here, if you need to, start another thread for that. I'm done in this one.

AK Pogue. Thank you so much, the slant on this board doesn't represent the majority of Americans that back you 100%. I'm one of them, can't wait to ski with you sometime soon.

[Mcwop]

Sierra Trading Post has a great deal going on Bridgedale socks (66% off on some of them) right now. Maybe we all pool money and put together an order that way, more for our money kind of thing. I'd be in to contribute money towards it, but can't commit the time to put it all together.

Here's some ideas:
Bridgedale Trekking Socks (I personally love these) @ 66% off (http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/asp/base_no.11243/dept_id./qx/product.htm)
Bridgedale Army Socks @ 47% off (http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/asp/base_no.11129/dept_id./qx/product.htm)

If we can send a Maggot to the summit, I'd like to believe that we can get a few socks over there. Put me down for a $50 donation.

I will chip in $25 toward a care package. PM me if this gets rolling.

Splat - thanks for sharing the communcation from Iraq.

[BobMc]

Brett, backing the war and backing the troops are two totally different things. Go peddle your spin elsewhere.

I'm in for 10 bucks.

BobMc

[ak_powder_monkey]

Keep safe AK pouge, will think of you when I'm skiing aly

[Trackhead]

Could we set up a paypal or something? To send a bit of dough for whatever?

[cololi]

Pogue, stay safe man. I second all of the positive thoughts that have been posted. Regardless of our thoughts on the war, we are all indebted to you for your sacrifices. I could kick in some dough.

[telehacker]

i hate this war BUT these men and women are heros no matter what !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am in on the paypal or what ever...please be safe.

[Tippster]

...And I think I get iceman now. At first I thought he was an asshole, then I realized he is an asshole for the same reason I am an asshole. He must be bored at work!
It's because his boss is a douchebag.

I'm in for ten, regardless of my political bent. AK Pogue, come home safe... and SOON.

[EPSkis]

Chiming in for 2 reasons - first and foremost: Keep safe, AK. I can't fathom what kind of fortitude it takes to hang your ass on the line like that each & every day. Much respect & many thanks to you.

Second, Splat - as you are apparently the pointman: Having been a beneficiary of Maggot goodwill - Let me know what I can do to help & where it needs to go.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

The guy that posted this turns it into anti-war propaghanda....

Huh? Who?

[splat]

Hey, thank you , all you people who want to help Dave and his crew out with some necessities and comforts. It'll be a while before I hear back from him, but I'll get a mailing address and let each of you send off your good tidings yourself, if that works for everyone. Some ski mags would probably be cool, too.

[YetiMan]

Not sure how AK P feels about this, but one item that goes a long way on hot desert boot feet and the, well, the "batwing/teabag" area is Gold Bond. Makes feet/crotch much more comfortable in dusty, hot places with infrequent showers.

1 more thing:

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!GOOD VIBES SENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[FollowMe]

Thanks for sharing. Will send a package too - - great idea and would love for there to be enough to hook up a few from the Iraqi National Guard. In the meantime, just a bit of remembrance for a family friend - - stay strong:


J.P. Blecksmith graduated from Prep one year after Andrew. J.P. starred at Prep as an All C.I.F. quarterback on the football team and was a premier 400 meter sprinter on the track and field team. He epitomized courage and leadership at Prep and his athletic career continued at the Naval Academy as a member of Navy's Division I football team. Upon graduation, J.P. joined the U.S. Marine Corps earning the rank of 2nd lieutenant and served as a platoon commander in India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Regiment, 1st Division, U.S. Marine Corps. He died leading his platoon in combat. On Saturday, November 20, 2004, more than 1,200 people gathered at The Church of Our Savior in San Gabriel to say goodbye to J.P.

http://www.jpblecksmith.org/images/JP.gif

[Cliff Huckable]

deepest admiration for what he's doing for his country

Huh? What's he doing for his country?

I hope he's safe and gets home soon.
Pretty sad that this guy is a member of the most powerful army in the history of humankind and people have to take up a collection to send him basic stuff like socks and wet-naps. The last people to pitch in would be the oil companies he's there fighting for.

[YetiMan]

Huh? What's he doing for his country?


I'll take this one: Even if you subscribe to the premise that this is the most worthless waste of time ever, he's still a trained, functioning member of our armed services, who is ready and willing to deploy to something more worthy of his sacrifice at a moment's notice. That should be worth something to even the most anti-war maggot.
Additionally, he'll be able to pay for school with this service, get an education so as to better serve society throughout the rest of his life. He's building a brotherhood with other soldiers, who he'll infect with his skier's positive way of life.

edit: spelling. yipe.

[splat]

Dave got back. Here's his addy:

You guys rock!

HM2
4th Recon BN E Co 3rd Plt
Unit 43665
FPO AP 96426-3665

[Core Shot]

Wet Naps


. . . perfect for when you don't have the time for a Wet Dream ;)





p.s. - i'm in for some dough if someone is willing to do a paypal for socks and such

[natty dread]

Huh? What's he doing for his country?


Serving in the fucking armed forces dumbass.
Thought you were gonna change your name BTW.

[backpack]

It's always interesting to read about these experiences... hopefully he'll get a nice deluge of packages for the next month or two. ;)

Also, as I was looking up restrictions, I found the specific things that apply to his FPO... given, most of them are common sense, but the package dimension limitations are useful, I think.

-------------------------

FPO AP 96426-3665

See Restrictions: A-A1-B-B1-C1-E2-F-H1-I-M-R-R1-U2-V-Z-Z1

A. Securities, currency, or precious metals in their raw, unmanufactured state are prohibited. Official shipments are exempt from this restriction.

A1. Mail addressed to "Any Servicemember," or similar wording such as "Any Soldier," "Sailor," "Airman," or "Marine"; "Military Mail"; etc., is prohibited. Mail must be addressed to an individual or job title such as "Commander," "Commanding Officer," etc.

B. PS Form 2976-A is required for all mail weighing 16 ounces or more, with exceptions noted below. In addition, mailers must properly complete required customs documentation when mailing any potentially dutiable mail addressed to an APO or FPO regardless of weight. The following are exceptions to the requirement for customs documentation on nondutiable mail that weighs 16 ounces or more:

• Known mailers are exempt from providing customs documentation on non-dutiable letters, and printed matter weighing 16 ounces or more. (A known mailer is anyone who legally applies a permit imprint to a mailpiece. Mail with meter postage is not considered to be from a known mailer.)

• All federal, state, and local government agencies are exempt from providing customs documentation on mail addressed to an APO or FPO, except for those APOs/FPOs to which restriction B2 applies.

• Prepaid mail from military contractors is exempt, providing the mailpiece is endorsed "Contents for Official Use - Exempt from Customs Requirements."

B1. PS Form 2976 or 2976-A is required. Articles are liable for customs duty and/or purchase tax unless they are bona fide gifts intended for use by military personnel or their dependents. When the contents of a parcel meet these requirements, the mailer must endorse the customs form, "Certified to be a bona fide gift, personal effects, or items for personal use of military personnel and dependents," under the heading, Description of Contents. Exceptions: All other exceptions listed in restriction B above are applicable to this restriction

C1. Obscene articles, prints, paintings, cards, films, videotapes, etc., and horror comics and matrices are prohibited.

E2. Any matter depicting nude or seminude persons, pornographic or sexual items, or nonauthorized political materials is prohibited. Although religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith are prohibited in bulk quantities, items for the personal use of the addressee are permissible.

F. Firearms of any type are prohibited in all classes of mail. See definitions of firearms in DMM C024.1.1C. This restriction does not apply to firearms mailed to or by official U.S. government agencies. The restriction for mail to this APO/FPO ZIP Code does not apply to firearms mailed from this APO/FPO ZIP Code, provided ATF and USPS regulations are met. Antique firearms are a separate category defined in DMM C024.2.0 and ATF regulations; they do not require an ATF form.

H1. Pork or pork by-products are prohibited.

I. Mail of all classes must fit in a mail sack. Mail may not exceed the following dimensions:

Length

42" 72" length and girth combined

over 42" to 44" 24" girth

over 44" to 46" 20" girth

over 46" to 48" 16" girth

Maximum length 48"

This restriction does not apply to registered mail and official government mail marked MOM.

M. Fruits, animals, and living plants are prohibited.

R. All alcoholic beverages, including those mailable under DMM C021, are prohibited.

R1. Materials used in the production of alcoholic beverages (i.e., distilling material, hops, malts, yeast, etc.) are prohibited.

U2. Mail is limited to First-Class Mail letters only when addressed to Box R.

V. Express Mail Military Service (EMMS) not available from any origin.

Z. No outside pieces (OSPs).

Z1. The following restriction is applicable only to International Service Centers (ISC)/Exchange Offices. An Anti-Pilferage Seal (Item No O817E or O818A) is required on all pouches and sacks.

[mr_gyptian]

Ice: I disagree with MrG's attitude and politics as much as you, but your comments were outta line. They need all kinds of stuff (socks and wetnaps included), so I'll give credit to anyone who helps out. Of course, I wish they wouldn't vote for such a crusader president and arrogant SOD, but that's America...

Thanks, I guess. However, I'm the last one that needs defending. Especially from a human joke like iceman.

whether or not you think supporting the troops and supporting the war is mutually exclusive. point of fact is the "arab street' is speaking right now. for the first time in almost a century elections are being held on the municipal level in Saudi Arabia. Syria is losing its grip on Lebanon. Palestianians have a leader that isn't a terrorist. Egyptians have the chance(however futile) to elect a new leader. Giving Iraqi's the chance for democracy has triggered something in the middle east. what I don't know. the chances of this being Czechoslovakia in 1968 are a little less than it being an Arab Spring. However, without the US spearheading a war to take out Saddam, none of the above has a chance.

what these men and women are doing is giving hope to a whole continent that hasn't had anything even resembling hope for over a century. I believe freedom and democracy will prevail. mainly because of the action our country has taken.

Quite a few of you disagree with this. whether it be the reasons for the war or a general hatred of GWB and the Republican leadership. it is your right to do so. however our might is giving people in the middle east the ability to do the very same thing. not using our power to give these people a chance at freedom would be criminal.

[SkiingBear]

Alright, so a lot of people have offered to chip in towards a care package. I'll step up and put it all together if people want to paypal me what they're willing to give. Get the money to me by next Friday, April 15 (you're already giving to the govt on that day, so you might as well contribute for this as well). Paypal me at:

m_ostrander (at) comcast (dot) net

Whatever the total is as of 5pm on Friday, I'll place an order for Bridgedale Army socks at Sierra Trading Post for half Mediums and half Larges.

If you have anything else that you'd like to contribute to the package, PM me and I'll send you my address.

I'm not looking to turn this into any kind of pro/anti-war statement. Just hoping to help out a fellow Maggot. If you want to argue about this...take it somewhere else!!

[splat]

I'm not looking to turn this into any kind of pro/anti-war statement. Just hoping to help out a fellow Maggot.

Thanks, SkiingBear, for taking point on the monetary contributions. My intent in posting his words was to let everyone know that one of our own is over there and in harm's way. That you all stepped up to help Dave and his mates is beyond awesome. I have tons of ski mags and other goodies I'll be shipping out.

[FollowMe]

Skiing Bear...$$ Sent. Thanks for taking the lead on this.

[mr_gyptian]

thanks ski bear.

you've got $$$$.

[SkiingBear]

Only 3.5 hours in and well over $150 raised so far, FKNA!! I wonder if there's a limit on how many socks they really need? I know David asked for food as well as socks, so I'll put some of this money towards that for the package as well...some ideas for what to send would be helpful. Something tells me that David's going to have a lot of new friends when this package arrives :)

[hucksquaw]

whether or not you think supporting the troops and supporting the war is mutually exclusive. point of fact is the "arab street' is speaking right now. for the first time in almost a century elections are being held on the municipal level in Saudi Arabia. Syria is losing its grip on Lebanon. Palestianians have a leader that isn't a terrorist. Egyptians have the chance(however futile) to elect a new leader. Giving Iraqi's the chance for democracy has triggered something in the middle east. what I don't know. the chances of this being Czechoslovakia in 1968 are a little less than it being an Arab Spring. However, without the US spearheading a war to take out Saddam, none of the above has a chance.

what these men and women are doing is giving hope to a whole continent that hasn't had anything even resembling hope for over a century. I believe freedom and democracy will prevail. mainly because of the action our country has taken.

Quite a few of you disagree with this. whether it be the reasons for the war or a general hatred of GWB and the Republican leadership. it is your right to do so. however our might is giving people in the middle east the ability to do the very same thing. not using our power to give these people a chance at freedom would be criminal.

well said sir. some have blinders on and forget to see how much good has actually come from what we did in the middle east. given, we may not have gone about it in the best way and may still not be going about it in the best way, however ultimately, the positive results have far outweighed the negatives.

[hucksquaw]

this may be somewhat of a jongish question but how do i go about the whole paypal thing???

[puke]

I..... whether it be the reasons for the war or a general hatred of GWB and the Republican leadership. it is your right to do so. however our might is giving people in the middle east the ability to do the very same thing. not using our power to give these people a chance at freedom would be criminal.
So you agree that Bush lied about the WMD's.

[SkiingBear]

this may be somewhat of a jongish question but how do i go about the whole paypal thing???
First...get a paypal account at paypal.com. Then, send money to me at my email addy provided earlier. Make sure to add a comment regarding socks or whatever so I know what the payment is. It's all new for me too.

[hucksquaw]

First...get a paypal account at paypal.com. Then, send money to me at my email addy provided earlier. Make sure to add a comment regarding socks or whatever so I know what the payment is. It's all new for me too.

gotcha thanks...

[edit] money sent - hopefully it worked

[gorms]

Money sent...
(if i figured out paypal)

[surftb15]

vibes sent for his safe return.

i may paypal u some money later in this week for a great cause!

[surftb15]

Huh? What's he doing for his country?

I hope he's safe and gets home soon.
Pretty sad that this guy is a member of the most powerful army in the history of humankind and people have to take up a collection to send him basic stuff like socks and wet-naps. The last people to pitch in would be the oil companies he's there fighting for.

well, this was an unneccessary comment.

I have to say one thing here. what is going on in Iraq is quite normal. moving from a communist government to democracy is very difficult, demonstrated in many countries-even ours. THink of it this way, how much easier is it to do something when you have someone telling you what to do and when. Now consider the transition to having the ability to do whatever you want, when you want. That is one of the main issues occuring in Iraq Now. Democracy comes over time, not overnight. and he is helping to slow down the first pitfalls of the start of a democratic nation, that will in the end, benefit all of the middle east.

Now, you say fighting for oil? that is part of it, yea. but i would like to see oil prices drop once we begin to export Iraqs oil then going up. Currently, the US does not control oil prices-that is OPEC. And they are raising prices and limiting supply, so the only way for us to get the cost down is to export it on our own, and this is the only way to come about it. But doing this will benefit Iraqs economy by providing jobs, stable income, and raise their GDP when they become more democratic, and also help the US to a lesser extent as well.

We have also benefited anyone in Iraq. The atrocities Saddam Committed is often forgoten. Ricen gas, beating up olympic athletes-do i need to go on? Most ppl are thankful for what we have done, but reading my first paragraph, what the people do now in Iraq will dimish as the government elected in Iraq gains more popularity. We know this will work because the elections far surpassed our expectations and the number that voted was enormous.

Now, im not goin turn this into an antiwar/pro war thread. hes over there helping out that country and stabilizing it, so everyone forget about what the war means to you, just be grateful and hope for a safe return.

[VTskibum]

SkiingBear, thanks for stepping up to the plate!! I just sent some $$ your way for AK Pogue and his bro's.

[Steezus Christ]

We have also benefited anyone in Iraq. The atrocities Saddam Committed is often forgoten. Ricen gas, beating up olympic athletes-do i need to go on? Most ppl are thankful for what we have done, but reading my first paragraph, what the people do now in Iraq will dimish as the government elected in Iraq gains more popularity.


I am going to go ahead and kindly disagree with the statement that most people in Iraq are grateful for what we are doing. I think that the media is not fairly covering that aspect of our occupation. Go chill out in Iraq and tell me the people are happy that we are there. They are not. I am not sure if it is because of all the civilian casualties incurred during our time of occupation, or they are just too brainwashed by Saddam's dictatorship.

Me personally, I just wish we did not go in for the reason given to the public. WMD. Clearly they are not there, and I doubt it was just a huge intelligence failure. In my opinion, the Bush administration only used that excuse as a guise to control more oil.

I wish what we did instead of go to war was invest all the money we spent on being there on research for alternative fuels. If we could be successful at that, oil prices would plummet and no one would care about the land in the Middle East for any reason other than religious reasons, which is not our responsibility.

[edg]

I am going to go ahead and kindly disagree with the statement that most people in Iraq are grateful for what we are doing. I think that the media is not fairly covering that aspect of our occupation. Go chill out in Iraq and tell me the people are happy that we are there. They are not. I am not sure if it is because of all the civilian casualties incurred during our time of occupation, or they are just too brainwashed by Saddam's dictatorship.
Not getting into the arguement either way, but this can be seen by today's demonstrations in the highy symbolic square that saw, two years ago, the fall of Saddam's statue.

For more info... (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4429137.stm)

edg

[mr_gyptian]

Not getting into the arguement either way, but this can be seen by today's demonstrations in the highy symbolic square that saw, two years ago, the fall of Saddam's statue.

For more info... (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4429137.stm)

edg


tens of thousands is a good bit different than the million Sadr was calling for. I wonder if any of them have paused to consider what Saddam would have done if they even made mention of a protest march. additionally, a very positive thing to be taken from the march is the fact that they were peaceful.


edit:http://iraqthemodel.blogspot.com/2005/04/eid-of-liberty.html

from the horses mouth.

[InspectorGadget]

Only 3.5 hours in and well over $150 raised so far, FKNA!!

I talked to the store manager at REI when I got to work this morning; he suggested I contact both Bridgedale and Smartwool directly - as well as our community outreach representative. Please give me a couple days to see if I can pull together a pro-deal on socks so the dollars go further. With any luck the manufacturers will match our purchase with a in-kind donation.

I'm in for some cash too.

[char]

How about you guys take your thread about politics to one called "Iraq War" and leave this one about helping out a fellow maggot alone? Just a thought. :nonono2:

[13]

Bear, you've got some dough from me.

Ideas for adding to the package:

- Multiple decks of cards
- Latest issue of Playboy or the SI Swimsuit issue
- A few packages of primo BBQ sauce or something to make MREs bearable
- Comedy DVDs
- Music
- Assortment of books

[backpack]

- Latest issue of Playboy or the SI Swimsuit issue




E2. Any matter depicting nude or seminude persons, pornographic or sexual items, or nonauthorized political materials is prohibited.


Though normally it might not be an issue, because of the weight a customs declaration will probably be needed and the package might be searched. Just a thought.

[13]

To that I say:

Send it anyway. Worst that can happen is a customs dude will have new bathroom material.

What are they gonna do, arrest the sender?

[FollowMe]

- Beef Jerky
- Lip Balm
- Sun Block
- Nerf Football
- Hot Sauce (Tobasco or Tapatio to spice up the MRE's?)
- Pringles

Hmmmm, trying to think of more good food that won't melt and will stay fresh.

[SkiingBear]

If this pace keeps up, it's definitely going to be a multi-package shipment. We're up over $250 right now...maybe we should just score for a new Hummer for his platoon?

Splat, sounds like you've been emailing back and forth with him. Can you find out if he has any food requests? Maybe keep him in the dark about the plan as a whole, would probably mean more if he didn't know it was coming.

Had an idea, and I'm not sure how it would go over. Thought about including pics of maggots skiing in the package. In particular, toss in pics of maggots that contributed to the package. Hesitant to only include contributors knowing that some can't contribute right now, and I don't want to single individuals out...far as I'm concerned this is a board effort. While it's not too different than throwing in a copy of Powder, pics of fellow maggots might mean more (or maybe they just induce homesickness). Thoughts?

Keep the donations and ideas coming, I'll continue to post updates throughout the week.

[backpack]

Don't know if this is a good idea, but I was thinking about sending homemade cookies... obviously this doesn't solve the problem of what to spend money on but if it's something he wants I could throw in a few tupperwares full of assorted baked not-likely-to-spoil goods. Socks would work nicely to pad the tupperware containers, I think. ;)

Oh, and I think someone suggested beef jerky... that sounds like a great idea for non-MRE food that won't spoil easily. This guy (http://www.chinpokomon.com/archives/000584.html) got some jerky from northern utah while on a tour and thought it was the best he'd ever had... it's not very far from me.

[Helicrackjnky]

Pogue be safe bro & make it haome so we can burn some turns @ the next summit on the new AK POGUE edition Bro Models!!

[Steezus Christ]

DO NOT SEND PORN!!! If they find it they will more than likely ship the whole package back to were it came from. If they get caught with it on their bases, they could get in some deep shit as well. However, Maxim and Stuff esque magazines are no problem.

They also never had a problem with baked goods so that is a damn fine idea to send cookies.

And MRE's come with Tobasco and the DFAC always has an abundandt supply of hot sauce.

And cards is another sweet idea. The dusty sand will ruin the plastic backing after 3-4 days of playing.

Axe spray deoderant is the most requested item I get from my squadron.

[Jumper Bones]

yes, do not, do not DO NOT send anything resembling porn in any way. It won't ever get there, or if it does will bounce right back to you. In either way, I doubt the 'good' contents (aka not the contraband) of the packages would ever get to the intended recipients.

islamic countries and all. surpringly enough we're still trying very hard to honor their rules and wishes in efforts to win them over.

I firmly believe that it is the military that single-handedly supports the almost-porn of Maxim and Stuff and FHM; in the most risque stuff military guys can buy downrange or in training bases.

[Platinum Pete]

They also never had a problem with baked goods so that is a damn fine idea to send cookies.

What about pot brownies? If we marked them in a way that the recipient would know that they're doped up, so thhey could choose to get rocked or not. Are the soldiers getting drug tested? I don't want to get anybody in trouble, but if I were in his shoes I'd really need to mellow out on my days off.

The Nerf football would definitely be a good idea. How about some soccer balls to make nice with the locals? Other "good will" ideas?

[Steezus Christ]

I am in the Air Force and I know we didn't have random drug testing were I was at. So I am not sure about the Army, although I doubt they do. I would think though that they have dogs sniffing the packages, and if yours turned up with drugs, I am sure you would get nailed with more harsh penalties than you could imagine. I also wouldn't think it would be cool if the people guarding the perimeter to my base were getting baked. Need to relieve stress? Build a spank tank or go haze some detainees.

Why tempt them into doing something that would completely destroy their careers if they inevitably
get caught? So basically...NO, DO NOT SEND THEM FUCKING POT BROWNIES NUMB NUTS!!!!

As far as good will goes, they pretty much hate us which makes it not very fun to try and talk or do things with them. The only good will that country needs is more deoderant for the locals. :fm:

[edg]

With sending spray deodorant... are the cargo holds of the planes going to Iraq pressurized? I can imagine so rather explosive scenes if not...

edg

[Jumper Bones]

hmm, guess I should be the expert on this.

yes, the cargo holds are pressurized.

as long as you are very clear on the packaging on what it is, it SHOULD be good to go. we carry cargo far, far, FAR more hazardous than that stuff, although if carring hazardous cargo you have to load it in certain ways/combinations, such as it's not a good idea to carry ammonium nitrate AND diesel fuel in the same plane, even if they're palletized and separated...

I'll ask my instructor (I'm in training to become a loadmaster right now, that's the guy who approves/disapproves cargo to be loaded on the plane, and makes sure it gets put in the right places) about that, but it should be good to go.

Also, I believe most mail gets handled commercially (usually by DHL). So it'd be just the same as sending the stuff FedEx or in an airliner, difference is it's in a quantity more than just for personal use. Like I said, if you're specific on what it is (materials and quantities) on the packaging, they'll find a way to get it on board.

and since Steezus mentioned 'spank tank'......check the attachment.

[Tippster]

I am in the Air Force ...

... Need to relieve stress? ...go haze some detainees.
Why does this make me want to cry (or find you and "haze" you?)

[Jumper Bones]

oh wanh.

steeze, where in the country were you? Was is kurdish, shiite, or sunni-populated? that could have a big impact on how the people feel towards you.

[Steezus Christ]

Hahahaha Jumper! The tent with that sign was about 5 tents down from my tent! I wish my squadron was still going to that base, Tallil AB in the Shi'ite region, you know the more peaceful group of Iraqi's. But it has been about a year since I was there. So maybe their sentiments have changed a little.

Hell the ones we trusted and hooked up with jobs on base ended up giving insurgents the coordinates of the tent city so they could fire their rockets and mortars on us where it would hurt most... Our cherished spank tanks!

Oh and I posted some more shiz in that tech school thread. I want more answers! http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28148 I am leaving it up to you to tell me if I should cross train or not!

[Steezus Christ]

Why does this make me want to cry (or find you and "haze" you?)

Because both are great stress relievers!

[Jumper Bones]

shiites at that time...yeah, at that time the shiites thought they were going to be shut out of the political process, that the americans hated them and wanted them killed, that the americans favored the sunnis, and that the americans were going to abandon them as they had the kurds in 92, so their only way to defend themselves and preserve their way of life was armed rebellion. The Iranian Intelligence was very, very, very involved in stirring all that up - I am surprised we haven't moved in on Iran as they were putting bounties on US servicemen, and providing funds and arms for the Shiites, fomenting the insurrection - but the promise of inclusion in the elections seemed to quiet them down. I guess they sat there and realized that with their overwhelming majority, if it was a direct vote like the Americans promised, then they'd dominate whichever government came to be. Maybe smarter to make sure more of them were around to vote, rather than to kill them off fighting the americans.

I'll check your load thread, but to answer your question directly I'd have to say "yes". Enlisted fliers (of any kind) have the best job in the service, hands down. TACC (Total Assholes Controlling Crews) still fucks with you, but they're dicks to everybody, especially maintenance. Also, enlisted fliers are heavily influenced by the officers of the flying squadrons, so they have less of the knuckle-dragging, caveman, conan-the-barbarian, union mentality other enlisted career fields have. I'm sure some of it's there, but as I see it it's the land of milk and honey.

[Trackhead]

$$$ sent. Thanks for setting that up.

NOW TAKE YOUR POLITICAL ARGUMENTS TO A DIFFERENT THREAD. As others would say, "quit cunting this thread up". Have some fucking respect.

[Trackhead]

I'll take this one: Even if you suscribe to the premise that this is the most worthless waste of time ever, he's still a trained, functioning member of our armed services, who is ready and willing to deploy to something more worthy of his sacrafice at a moment's notice. That should be worth something to even the most anti-war maggot.
Additionally, he'll be able to pay for school with this service, get an education so as to better serve society throughout the rest of his life. He's building a brotherhood with other soldiers, who he'll infect with his skier's positive way of life.


Well said. Cliff Huckable, I'll personally buy a pair of smartwool socks to stuff in your big mouth.

[Steezus Christ]

Wool socks suck, lycra is better! :FIREdevil

[Core Shot]

and since Steezus mentioned 'spank tank'......check the attachment.
http://tetongravity.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5059&stc=1

I'm confused. Does this mean chickens, meat and monkeys get worked only from 12am to 12pm??

[Cliff Huckable]

Serving in the fucking armed forces dumbass.
Thought you were gonna change your name BTW.

Thanks Einstein but I got that - I just wondered how being in Iraq is serving the US. Serving Halliburton I understand, but I don't see anything in Iraq being done for the US people. If I'm wrong, give me some examples.
(btw I'm not putting the Iraq maggot down at all - he didn't order himself there)

As for my name - people seem to love it! I might change it though - I saw a good one here the other day, maybe I can buy it from the guy...or trade him my name...or something

[Steezus Christ]

You can paypal me 100$ for my name.

And we are helping pave the way for a better future for the people of Iraq. It's not just all about us all the time. No we shouldn't have gone in there in the first place, but we are there now and there is nothing we can do about it but make it a better place for the Iraqi's.

[Platinum Pete]

I am in the Air Force and I know we didn't have random drug testing were I was at. So I am not sure about the Army, although I doubt they do. I would think though that they have dogs sniffing the packages, and if yours turned up with drugs, I am sure you would get nailed with more harsh penalties than you could imagine. I also wouldn't think it would be cool if the people guarding the perimeter to my base were getting baked. Need to relieve stress? Build a spank tank or go haze some detainees.

Why tempt them into doing something that would completely destroy their careers if they inevitably
get caught? So basically...NO, DO NOT SEND THEM FUCKING POT BROWNIES NUMB NUTS!!!!

As far as good will goes, they pretty much hate us which makes it not very fun to try and talk or do things with them. The only good will that country needs is more deoderant for the locals. :fm:

So you're saying that there is little likelihood that they would get caught, yet it has great potential to destroy their careers? Additionally, I want to mark these baked goodies so the eater would know they'd get good and baked - I can imagine some soldiers currently don't give a fuck about continuing their military careers after this operation. Further, THC is a far better way to cope with stress than taking out your homoerotic domination fantasies on detainees (a better way to ruin your career).
Maybe I should send some pot brownies to you NUMB NUTS!!! to mellow you out.

Also, inappropriate use of the finger mustache. NUMB NUTS!!!

[hucksquaw]

hey Cliff (and everyone else whos wondering) this is just one reason why we fight (http://stage.co.il/media/largefiles/doribenisraelkario299562.wmv)

[Pedro]

So you're saying that there is little likelihood that they would get caught, yet it has great potential to destroy their careers? Additionally, I want to mark these baked goodies so the eater would know they'd get good and baked - I can imagine some soldiers currently don't give a fuck about continuing their military careers after this operation. Further, THC is a far better way to cope with stress than taking out your homoerotic domination fantasies on detainees (a better way to ruin your career).
Maybe I should send some pot brownies to you NUMB NUTS!!! to mellow you out.

Also, inappropriate use of the finger mustache. NUMB NUTS!!!

I really wanted to get baked when i was in the army. Its not about ruining your military career, but if you get a less then honorable discharge it does not help your career after the military.

[Steezus Christ]

Getting caught doing drugs while at war.... You will get a lot more than just a shitty discharge. First I am sure you will spend years at Ft. Leavenworth for endangering everyone around you by not being on top of your game because you were baked. I bet they could even argue you were not there in the mind and equate that to deriliction of duty in war time. If you went AWOL during war time, one of the penalties could be death. No that would not happen but it is serious business.

You would also be fostering a growing addiciton to pot, and don't tell me it is not addicting because I know first hand that it is. And that will set them up for a failed drug test back at home.

They have gone for a long time without smoking because they don't worship that shit like you do. They don't need it and the troubles it could possibly bring.

I was joking about detainees. We didn't even keep them on our base. Platinum Pete, stop being a fucking idiot! :fmicon:

[Big E]

Damn, you guyz are doing a good job ruining this thread. Good luck, AK, come home safe. I'll paypal a few $$ later today...

[BENDOR]

Get back safe, best of luck.

[shmerham]

What about ski porn? Do you think it would be a good idea to send a ski movie? I'm sure that being able to watch one would depend on if there's an audience for it.

[Viva]

Something tells me that David's going to have a lot of new friends when this package arrives :)

Toss in a few pics of yourself and he's gonna have a whole lotta new friends-might even convert a few Ayatollahs.

Too bad we don't yet have that new Magget calender to send...

[skiguide]

Toss in a few pics of yourself and he's gonna have a whole lotta new friends-might even convert a few Ayatollahs.

Too bad we don't yet have that new Magget calender to send...

um. i think you are confused.
:confused:

[Viva]

um. i think you are confused.
:confused:

This wouldn't surprise me.

[Jumper Bones]

checked with my instructor - no problems sending the cases of cans of Axe, even in bulk, as it is a household, consumeable item. Even if it does go military air (no guarantees it will, DHL manages to find Russian pilots crazy enough to fly into the area with no self-defense systems, so they usually fly the mail), it'll be fine.

wouldn't hurt to be clear on the packaging as to what it is (ie, "300 cans aerosol, personal deoderant"), but just go to FedEx or UPS or preferably DHL to get it there.

PlatPete, that was a thoughtful and gracious offer of yours, but a bad idea - not only would it attract attention to you, but also if guys there got caught with it they'd be doing some serious jailtime for sure. While there may not be a random screening process in order there, if there's a suspicion it wouldn't be hard to order one (easily done at the hospitals there). They might not necessarily go to Leavenworth with a blown piss test, but there area all sorts of other brigs or stockades to send them to locally (there and stateside), which from what I understand of people who have been there, aren't much fun. Military jail isn't like civil jail. Although there is less ass-raping.

They're pretty strict on behavior in-theater...no alcohol even for the troops, unless they go to rear areas for R&R (like Qatar). This isn't Vietnam.

[DougW]

Do the troops get R&R leaves to Qatar , DuBi or Oman? I'm in Oman now , well today and tomorrow and back for 4 months in May. Got car and apartment so could show a maggot the sights of Oman pretty much for no cost once they get here. Muscat is a really nice place actually. Really friendly people.

[Mcwop]

$25 sent.

[DaveTV]

And we are helping pave the way for a better future for the people of Iraq. It's not just all about us all the time.
Dood, where the farq did you come from?? :rolleyes: :eek:

[Jumper Bones]

Dood, where the farq did you come from?? :rolleyes: :eek:

well, he's been there and you haven't, so I think he's entitled to his opinions.

DougW, for the most part from what I understand, most of the R&R stuff is in Qatar, around Doha - there is a very large military presence in that area. The southern gulf is pretty friendly to us, it turns out. There's also a bunch of stuff around Thumrait island in Oman, but I'm pretty sure people don't get to go down that far.

Abu Dhabi is another possibility...my roommate was deployed to the UAE for a while.

But like I said, the majority's Qatar - and most of this stuff is public knowledge, so it's not like I'm revealing anything here.

[DaveTV]

You would also be fostering a growing addiciton to pot, and don't tell me it is not addicting because I know first hand that it is.
I will tell you: It's not addicting. Stop perpetuating wives tales. And you are out of line the way you are lecturing, Airman. Now go check your 35-10. :eek:

[Jumper Bones]

...now go check your 35-10....

35-10? Now which one is that?

I'm just amazed we have somebody quoting AFI's here....
:yourock:

[Blurred]

FYI-

AK-Alaska

Pogue-Derogatory military slang used by front line troops to describe staff and other rear echelon or support units/troops

[Steezus Christ]

I will tell you: It's not addicting. Stop perpetuating wives tales. And you are out of line the way you are lecturing, Airman. Now go check your 35-10. Even though I have no idea wtf I am talking about :eek:

The only thing that could get me to stop was the severe case of vertigo I somehow got for 9 months straight. After it went away I immediately burned another bowl again and the vertigo came right back for another month. Now I equate getting baked to getting vomit inducing vertigo. That is what it took to make me stop.

But you know you are so right Col Dave. I should pull my head out of my ass and start sending weed to our soldiers fighting a war. Everyone, I will open up a paypal account of which the funds will be specifically for a drug shipment to Iraq. Our soldiers are not fucked up enough on adrenaline and need something else.

And I can not speak for the other R&R bases, but I spent some time at a now defunct Army base in Kuwait called Camp Wolverine. Unfortunately at the time, you were not allowed to leave the base and airport area unless you were a civillian or had business off base. I was told Qatar was the same way.

[Cliff Huckable]

hey Cliff (and everyone else whos wondering) this is just one reason why we fight (http://stage.co.il/media/largefiles/doribenisraelkario299562.wmv)

You are the worst troll EVA!!!!111
An Israeli propaganda video in a thread about a US mag in Iraq? WTF does that have to do with 1) maggots 2) USA 3) Iraq 4)anything

There were some funny bits, though - their claim that Israel is "fighting terror" by killing Palestinians, and high irony: The word PEACE floating over the Israeli flag! Why not PEACE floating over a video of a boot stomping on a human face forever?

[shmerham]

I'm going to continue to cunt up this thread since Cliff Huckable is such an asshole and can't stay out of the thread that was created because this first one got too political. Hopefully Cliff will stay out of the other one and will go back to being productive. Cliff: you're essentially using AK Pogue to voice your political opinion. Way to treat another maggot. We had a friendly thread trying to help a maggot out. That's what maggots do. Then you had to compromise the productivity by perpetuating an argument that never gets resolved. It's quite simple. There's 5 parties and neither is ever going to change how they feel:

Ignorant Hippies: It's about oil. WMD's were the only reason that Bush gave for going into Iraq and there aren't any so he's a complete liar.
Skeptics: It's about Halliburton. The war was created on lies to give Halliburton executives lots of money.
Neo Cons: It's about authority. Iraq violated UN Sanctions. We can't let actions like this go unnoticed and without punishment. Iraq COULD be dangerous and we must prevent that from happening.
Freedom Fighters: It's about democracy. It's about freeing Iraq from a dictatorship. We can't just care about ourselves.
Rednecks: It's about blowing crap up... and A Rabs too.


In ways I support the war, but not completely. I'm not going to go over there though because I'm already an asset to the military here. You don't have to take the ultimate step of support to support an idea. I'm guessing you care about the environment, right? ...and yet you ski: That involves: cutting down trees, making plastics, driving to a mountain I presume?, etc. The list goes on. So if you support the environment, why do you ski? and use computers?

[Core Shot]

Well put Shmerham.
Well put, indeed.

[Cliff Huckable]

Ignorant Hippies: It's about oil. WMD's were the only reason that Bush gave for going into Iraq and there aren't any so he's a complete liar.
Skeptics: It's about Halliburton. The war was created on lies to give Halliburton executives lots of money.
Neo Cons: It's about authority. Iraq violated UN Sanctions. We can't let actions like this go unnoticed and without punishment. Iraq COULD be dangerous and we must prevent that from happening.
Freedom Fighters: It's about democracy. It's about freeing Iraq from a dictatorship. We can't just care about ourselves.
Rednecks: It's about blowing crap up... and A Rabs too.

There is no guessing game to this, there were 2, and only two stated reasons for the invasion of Iraq:

1. the prescence of WMD's (not the "possibilty", the prescence)

2. a connection between Bin Lauden and Saddam. Both of those turned out to be untrue.

...so knowing very recent history makes me a hippy? That's fucking stupid. That makes almost everyone who can read the news a hippy. :rolleyes2

BTW - which one of the above are you? What's your position - how can you "sort of" support a war? Because you know nothing about it?
MOVED FROM THE OTHER THREAD...

Then STFU and reach into your pocket and donate $ you cheap fuck!
The richest country in the history of planet Earth and they need chartiable donations from me? That's fucking embarrassing.
1,700 US soldiers have been killed for Cheney's Halliburton and a (very) few other companies - why don't you ask those greedy fucks to pay?
They're killing good guys from your hometown just to increase their profits and you're mad at ME ? Get some perspective!

Hey Steezus Christ - weird that it affects you like that - but that's not the case for most people.

[Steezus Christ]

It didn't always do that to me and I am sure it was not the sole cause. It would just contribute towards whatever the trigger was. Either way the shit is addicting. And that doesn't mean it has to be chemical addiciton.

[shmerham]

Yeah, "sort of" is a bit political, eh? This is how I "sorta" support it: I think there needs to be some sense of authority on this planet, and I don't think the UN is doing that, so that's why I support it. I don't, however, because I think the military should be protecting our land and not the entire planet. Basically I think the U.S. shouldn't be in there, but since the U.N. isn't capable of doing its job, I think the U.S. needs to be there.

The press conferences were utterly f-ed up. I'll give you that... but we didn't just decide "let's attack Iraq and we'll claim it's because of wmd's and a link to Bin Laden". We got to that point because Iraq was violating UN sanctions, the UN wasn't doing anything about it, and the U.S. decided it was time to step up and hold Iraq accountable for their actions, so an ultimatum was given. Did I dream up these events?

[SkiingBear]

Cliff, I think you're misunderstanding most folks here. I don't think there are many here that believe we should have gone in in the first place. BUT, now that we're there, it's our responsibility to puts things right. Maybe you remember the "you break it, you have to fix it" that floated around?

Yes, the companies that are profiting from this "war" are run by Bush's good-ole-boys. Do you think that govt favortism towards big business is something new? Shit man, that'd been going on since before your parents were born. Never going to change. I'll fight it where I can, but this is one battle that is a serious waste of my time.

We're not asking you to donate money to the US military. We're asking you to contribute to helping out a fellow maggot. Is it really that hard for you to understand that? Would you contribute if AKPogue was heading up an expedition to cross Antarctica on foot? What's the difference? It's a maggot in need and I'll be damned if I'm going to sit by and not help him when it's in my power to do so.

Can you even see the ground from that soap-box you're on?

[lph]

I will tell you: It's not addicting. Stop perpetuating wives tales.

no longer a wives tail. It might be news to the general public, but ER's and Primary care physicians are starting to see real physical signs of withdrawal from long term heavy users who are trying to quit.