Protesters are in service to their country too

[Mabel Dodge]

I sent out pictures of Wednesday night’s vigil that my husband and I attended, to people on our mailing list. I received the following reply from a conservative ex-Marine, “Isn’t it great that you can live in a country where you are free to do that? Be sure to thank a Service member!


I certainly do appreciate the sacrifices our service people have made to our country. However I feel we should not overlook the fact that protesters have made sacrifices and contributed also to America’s freedoms. So I replied ….


And you can thank the generations of protestors who have given you economic opportunities, good working conditions, voting rights, human rights... In fact you would be paying taxes to Britain if it weren't for a protestor. Protestors are in service to their country, they are part of the "checks and balance" system that monitors the government. They perform this service "gratis" and many times at their own personal risk. So be sure to thank a protestor! I'm proud to have served my country as a protestor for gay rights, human rights and the anti-war movement.

So far there has been no reply.

[Lerkfish]

1. good for you!

excellent response

[BOSSHOG]

2. Possibly misunderstood his intent?

I'm retired Navy and I'm 100% for people protesting. If they didn't or thought they couldn't then I wasted a lot of time on watch as did the marine you mention. I want people to be free to disagree with me but I'd like it done in a relatively civil manner. My experience with conservatives the past five years has been anything but civil and I have resorted to using the Vet Card in arguments. I really hated to do that but I believe my hand was called.

We are living in a free country. That was my job and that was the job of the Marine and thousands like us. If he would rather we not protest then he wasted his time in uniform.

And I do not believe our kids dying in Iraq is doing one damn thing to protect our freedoms.

[MissMarple]

3. I stand in awe. That is such a cogent comeback.

Thank you, for your insight and putting the issue into such articulate perspective.

[Mabel Dodge]

4. Thank you

That reply certainly made my day!

[MissMarple]

5. My pleasure.

:)

[seabeyond]

6. very very nice. and i hope he sits with this for a while

i tell people they need people like me. that are willing ot speak out. to have the courage to speak out. i am doing it for those that cannot.

good email. let us know if he responds.

[uppityperson]

7. Good response, right on about protestors.

make sure to thank him for his service time also. We support the troops, we support the military, we just don't support the commander lying about the reasons to put these people in the way of harm.