[GT40FIED]

Look...I think you've missed my point man. There are a lot of people out there who have a lot to be proud of...but I was speaking in reference to those who pose empty gestures and regard them as patriotic. You have every right to take pride in the accomplishments of your family...they were out there doing what people nowadays do by buying flags for their cars. But, those soldiers who have died fighting for America...are they any different than the enemy soldiers fighting for their country's ideals and values? Whether you regard those values as wrong or immoral is irrelevent. Perhaps you should learn to think of yourself first and foremost as a member of the HUMAN race...not as a white man (or whatever ethic group) or an American or even a christian but as a HUMAN BEING. It's in our culture to be extremely arrogant in reference to the rest of the world and I think you've backed up that point. This country doesn't need more christians preaching from soapboxes telling others how to live their lives...it needs more free thinking individuals whose minds aren't so clouded by their own beliefs that they fail to see the big picture which happens to be the horrible fact that we aren't the only people on this ****ing planet. I mention christians specifically simply because they have a propensity to try and aggressively convert members of other religions and cultures..."we know you've lived here peacefully for hundreds of years just fine...but WE know what's best for you". This attitude, I believe, is what has given Americans our sense of righteousness and militaristic complex. We always know what's best for everyone and we'll prove it by leveling your country if you say we don't. Yeah...there's something to be proud of. I also find it hard to believe you are proud of your freedom. I understand it...but find it hard to believe. Freedom is not a birthright. Everything could change tomorrow and we could be just as screwed as any other country out there. People should be proud to defend freedom. I embrace my freedom and take advantage of it, but don't necessarily find pride in it.

Now...my original post, which you have taken grossly out of context, was simply my opinion. I tried hard to steer clear of insulting anyone or making insinuations. I can't really see how you gathered from what I wrote that I'd spit on a military man returning from war. Am I an idealist? Perhaps but only in the form that I tend think of things the way they should occur instead of the way they seem to. Again, this is solely my opinion and should be taken as such. You're entitled to your own opinion but I would ask that you please refrain from attacking mine. You know that freedom you're so proud of? Yeah...I've got it too and short of inciting criminal activity I do and say whatever the **** I want. You, on the other hand, like the good little christian you are, have threatened physical violence. Now ask yourself...what the **** would Jesus do? Would he give me "the beating of a lifetime"? Probably not. And I would also ask that you keep any rebutles (or as you would have it "humiliating me with your intelligence") to private messages as not to get this thread locked for people who have other valid opinions. Looks folks...I figured that this might piss one or two people off...but it's just my opinion. Feel free to agree or disagree but please do it in private and NOT like this asshole (seriously...I'm always up for a good debate so long as it's made on an intelligent basis). This thread needs to stay open because discussions of your ideas and views are vital and SHOULD be shared with others. How else will anyone affirm or challenge your views? Keep those thoughts coming folks.