My husband is one of the firefighters in Atlanta. STOP

[seaglass]

insulting the firefighters. You don't know him or the friend he is with. You don't know what is in their hearts.

So easy to insult others from behind your computer screen.

[K8-EEE]

1. I Don't Think Anybody Was Insulting Them...???

I thought it just said they were frustrated to not be able to do their jobs?

[seaglass]

5. No there are people on this site who are insinuating they have no

pride because they're not walking out on FEMA.

Believe me, I know the FFs are frustrated. They are action oriented - sitting in training, red tape and waiting is not something they do well.

[xultar]

57. I thought it was FEMA making the Fire Fighters hand out flyers saying

that not all jobs were glamerous.

[charlie]

2. Haven't seen any insults n/t

[seaglass]

8. I'm sensitive to it and I saw them. I wanted to try to nip it in the

bud because it is really hurtful. It's tough enough having my husband gone for a month without reading bad shit about them on a website I've spent 4 years on.

[Bluebear]

13. Of course it is hurtful. It would help if you posted on that thread!

I'm sorry you were hurt if someone insulted the firefighters.

[seaglass]

18. I did. I probably shouldn't have started another thread but I

was upset and I was hoping people would see this and maybe think twice.

[charlie]

15. I saw the one you responded to in LBN

I read it as criticism of a general acquiescence to authority, not just firefighters. I don't think his intent was to insult, but I can't speak for him. Perhaps you could PM him and find out?

[seaglass]

9. deleted dupe n/t

[madeline_con]

3. What was said about the firefighters?

[applegrove]

4. We were in sympathy with them. Nobody, especially first responders,

deserve to be treated like monkeys.

[B Calm]

6. Why didn't you post this in the INSULT FIREFIGHTERS HERE

thread?

[rooboy]

7. What the hell are you talking about?

Who's insulted the firefighters? :wtf:

[seaglass]

11. I'm not going to link to individual posters remarks n/t.

[punpirate]

22. You're perfectly free to quote them...

... without attribution. Most people here do like to see some evidence of what is being said.

That said, I realize--and I think you should, too--that many people here don't understand that the firefighters were volunteered by their local municipalities and unless those municipalities withdraw them (something I do think should happen if their skills aren't being utilized), they're stuck there.

Some people don't understand the process. Rather than make a broad statement about firefighters being insulted, take a moment to explain that process--to the posters with whom you disagree--and to reiterate the displeasure expressed by firefighters because of how they've been treated by FEMA.

Cheers.

[punpirate]

10. If there have been insults...

... they've mostly been directed at FEMA for using them as public relations pawns, rather than deploying them in the jobs for which they've been trained.

The reports I've read say the firefighters are quite frustrated at this because they've been reduced to passing out flyers with FEMA's phone number on it--if they can ever finish the mandatory training classes on public relations required by FEMA.

[Skittles]

12. who is insulting them HopeLives?

I haven't seen it and I would certifed KICK ASS if I did

[seaglass]

14. Thanks Skittles, I'm very sensitive to insults about FFs because

at least where I live they get very little support. I miss my husband, I think what he's trying to do is honorable and I'll defend him to the death.

[Skittles]

19. I love firefighters

my boyfriend and I came home from work one evening in rural Texas to find 20 acres of blackened land from a grass fire and empty Gatorade bottles everywhere. The firefighters had come out in 100 degree weather, saved the house and barn, moved the animals around and left. We had to put a notice in the paper to thank them! :D

[K8-EEE]

20. But Were There DUers Insulting Firefighters?

If you're "sensitive" to it does that mean you make them up in your head or what? I didn't see any -- if it was one person then PM that person and don't yell at EVERYBODY, sheesh!

[seaglass]

25. No I didn't make it up in my head. Excuse me for not knowing

that this was yelling at everyone, it wasn't intended that way. It was intended to prevent a pile on.

[K8-EEE]

28. STOP! When Directed Toward DU In General

Implies that there is a already pile-on to stop. If one person says something you don't like, then answer that person. Don't imply that there is an anti-firefighter attitude here, it's not true.

[jbnow]

16. I haven't read everything

but the only "insult" I have seen regarding firemen is the many skilled men that went to volunteer and FEMA didn't let them do their job, but rather made them take a class to do FEMA PR (sort of). The firemen were upset, they had work that needed to get done.

The insults weren't toward the firemen! Again though I didn't read everything, maybe someone made a stupid comment.

We don't know what is in their hearts but if I had to guess I'd say it was bravery and a desire to help.

[seaglass]

21. I know. The thing is that FEMA was fairly clear that they would

be doing reach out work rather than fighting fires.

I am NOT a FEMA apologist and I can't say I even agree with how they are using these FFs but FEMA didn't lie to them.

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

17. I missed something here...

But for what it's worth, my dad was a firefighter. So I agree, stop insulting the firefighters...whoever is doing it.

:patriot:

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

23. It is about 50 Firefighters from Atlanta flown in for a photo-op w/Shrub.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=4674340

[ihaveaquestion]

24. If this is the thread with "insults to firefighters"

someone will have to explain it to me. Maybe I'm dense, but I don't see any insults to firefighters - only disgust at * using them for his photo-op again.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

26. Exactly. nt

[seaglass]

30. No, that wasn't it. n/t

[seaglass]

32. OK I'm sorry I started this thread and I won't respond to it

after this so it will sink into oblivion.

I saw a few posters post some nasty remarks about FFs and I know many on this thread didn't see the comments.

I don't think it's a common attitude of DU but I've seen things snowball before and I didn't want that to happen.

Obviously my attempt to stop it was seen as an insult to all who do not share the sentiments, for that I apologize.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

34. It's a pity that you are hitting and running. I personally have never seen

anyone slam firefighters here or for that matter, anywhere!

[displacedtexan]

78. If you have a link, please post it. This thread won't "sink" until...

everyone knows what you're talking about.

I check DU pretty frequently each day, and haven't noticed anyone insulting firefighters.

If I missed it, I'd like to see the thread.

Thanks!

[tkmorris]

27. Don't misunderstand

I think almost everyone on that thread was angry not at your husband and his compadres but rather at the Bush admin and FEMA because of what they asked the firefighters to do.

I think it would be a very healthy thing if your husband documented as much as possible the incidents where they could have been helping but instead were tasked with PR work or other nonuseful activities.

Either way, he's a hero in my book. There was a need, and he went to help. You're a lucky lady.

[marions ghost]

29. how can you imagine

that any significant number of people here would insult firefighters?
That's not logical. Could have been a person who wasn't thinking straight. Could have been a deliberate disruptor. But it doesn't reflect a common attitude here, which is what you are suggesting.

What is in OUR hearts around here? Nothing but support for the fire fighters and rescue workers who are down south trying to do their essential jobs. Please don't be so quick to judge. It isn't a good way to gain support. Questioning the administration of Emergency Services in no way reflects on the firefighters. Sorry if your feelings are hurt, but surely you can see the difference.

[OrlandoGator]

31. This is akin to saying criticism of Bush insults the troops.

The entire point was that the firefighters are there to rescue people, not to pose in photo ops.

[cynatnite]

33. No one was insulting them at all.

FEMA, yeah, I'll insult the hell out of them. bush, of course.

The firefighters, the guys on the front line that do the risking of their lives for the rest of us and will even save some of us no matter if I'm a jerk or not....nope. There was no insults here.

I think you either misread or misunderstood some of the heavy sarcasm that goes on here at DU.

[Inland]

35. It's the lack of coordination of willing and able people on the ground

People like your husband from all over the US who are chomping at the bit to get in there and DO something, and FEMA has no idea what to do with them, and in fact tells them to NOT DO ANYTHING.

When volunteers create their own flotillas of boats, you KNOW that it's a lack of leadership, not a lack of folks willing to do the heroes' work.

[alcibiades_mystery]

36. This thread is like a Kafka novel

Hopelives accuses the entire community, but won't say what she's accusing people of! It's all a mystery: "somebody said something that I won't point to and can't quote, and my precious connection to the firefighters has been insulted: Damn YOU, DU!!! Too many DUers are apt to insult firefighters, blah blah blah..." Here's a question: What the FUCK are you even talking about?!? If you don't have the decency to be specific about your charges, then do everybody a favor and STFU with your ridiculous accusations. Jesus.

[seaglass]

39. This is the thread...happy?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=1758788&mesg_id=1758788

Now you can debate whether I should feel hurt or not.

But I'm done.

[alcibiades_mystery]

Finally

n/t

[alcibiades_mystery]

45. No, you shouldn't feel hurt

Nobody insulted anyone, and you're imagining the whole thing.

And you cast accusations at the whole board on that basis? I think you need a time out.

[txindy]

47. I missed seeing any insults in that thread directed at firefighters

I think you and your husband are just frustrated with FEMA and projecting it on to us here, but you're preaching to the choir. We're on the firefighters' side. Any 'insults' on that other thread are aimed squarely at FEMA and the frustration they are engendering in the public - highly-trained, caring firefighters, in particular.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

54. I didn't see any insults directed toward the firefighters either.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

52. No wonder you're done. There's nothing to be seen here except

one person who said if he/she were a firefighter, they would have refused to be a prop for the Shrub.

One really constructive thing you can do is to ask your husband if he can speak out against his being used. You see, it was the Shrub that has demeaned him and his fellow heros, and not DU.

[sniffa]

58. oh, how dare you

:eyes:

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

65. How dare I what? nt

[sniffa]

67. questions her accusations

;)

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

68. :)

[FormerDittoHead]

76. ...you made me laugh on a rather humorless day - thanks. n/t

[bicentennial_baby]

61. ....

:rofl:

[Q]

37. You're insulting this entire board...

...with your generalizations. STOP.

Why not address your concerns directly with those who make comments that you believe insult firemen?

[cynatnite]

38. Police and military bashing goes on here...

from time to time. But I have yet to see any fireman bashing.

[dogday]

41. Military bashing?

I don't ever remember military bashing, we always support the troops. Police bashing, I don't know if you call it bashing when discussing why the police taser an old woman or child?

[cynatnite]

44. It's actually been a while since I've seen military bashing

I'd say at least a few months unless I missed the posts...which is very possible.

When Fallujah is discussed or when the huge amount of loss of innocent is talked about it does happen at times.

Don't get me wrong, it's not a constant. Just happens from time to time. I'm a vet and I pretty much let it go for the most part now.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

59. Only if the "bashing" is justified.

[TOhioLiberal]

40. Well now...

...this is the thread HopeLives was talking about (in LBN) http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x1758788

and yes, some piling-on is going on.

[sniffa]

42. i don't see insuLts

i see, "why aren't they saying no" or "have pride, and waLk out" etc..

i understand her sensitivity, since it's her husband, but where are the insuLts?

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

46. Only one post on that thread said that the firefighters should be speaking

out about this. That's all. Bush is the one that is getting bashed. BTW.. I posted a thread from GD about this article and HopeLives said it wasn't it.

[sniffa]

51. and how is that insuLt

whiLe were at it, i'm sick of aLL the engineer bashing that goes on at this site. i've seen countLess posts bashing engineers.

[txindy]

62. Piling-on against the incompetency of FEMA, NOT against firefighters

I don't know what piling-on or insults anybody is talking about. I've read that thread and can't see anything other than anger and contempt for the politically-motivated machinations of FEMA. The firefighters are innocent victims of FEMA.

[txindy]

43. Anyone who would insult the firefighters isn't thinking clearly

Or is visiting from another board. The people to blame for that debacle belong to FEMA. The firefighters are being used for political purposes rather than rescue operations. It's shameful, but it certainly isn't their fault - it's entirely FEMA's doing.

[sniffa]

48. but where are these insuLts?

a thread Like this one is now going to be reproduced on countLess sites as 'proof' that DU hates firefighters now too.

[txindy]

50. Very good point. Reading that other thread shows zero insults.

:shrug: I think the firefighters and their families are on edge and projecting their frustration against FEMA on to others - including us.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

49. Got a link to ANY insult of the firefighters?

[txindy]

53. You might want to ask the OP and not me. I can't find one single insult.

:shrug:

[Media_Lies_Daily]

56. I can't either. I was hoping someone...anyone...could come up.....

...with something to help us understand why HopeLives appears to be so agitated.

Oh, well.

[sniffa]

60. no need, just take here word

aLso know, we aLL hate the troops too.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

66. We're justa buncha HATERS, doncha know!

[ScreamingMeemie]

64. She appears to be "insulted" by our frustration....

:shrug: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=4666076#4666678

This is all I can find, a "wanna be starting something" Rambo retort. :hi:

[seaglass]

69. Not YOUR frustration, the Firefighters frustration n/t

[ScreamingMeemie]

71. HopeLives, I am sorry, but I see no insult here on the part of DUers.

It angers me that the firefighters are being used in this manner, but that is no insult to them. Surely, you would be able to see that. And all I see in those threads is frustration on the part of DUers. Now that I am the one who linked the thread, could you please tell us, what posts are so insulting? :shrug:

[seaglass]

77. Ok when I read this...

"Why won't people stand up? WHY???"

It sounded to me like someone was calling the FFs sheep/cowards for not quitting on FEMA.

And when I read this

"Aren't firefighters known for having pride?"

It made it sound like what the FFs were doing was shameful.

My husband went down there knowing he would do whatever was asked of him, he has a First Aid Kit with him, he knew he was going to outreach to people, giving them information, tending to medical needs, giving them water - whatever it took.

I have been on DU since before 9/11. I saw after 9/11 that people (at least one well-respected member - who had FFs in her family) say that it was common place for FFs to loot homes/businesses when they were saving them from a fire. It was really ugly then and I was afraid that comments would start escalating now.


Obviously I insulted a number of people, I didn't intend to and I apologize. Can we please now let this go?

On edit - I'm asking for this thread to be deleted, I don't want to embarass DU

[txindy]

72. That's what I figured. But this choir here is on their side.

So, relax and accept our support. :hug:

[txindy]

70. It's a puzzlement.

I think the frustration level for those firefighters and their families is maxed out. That's the only explanation I can think of that doesn't involve anyone beginning another thread deliberately trying to divide us. There have been an awful lot of those lately and, frankly, I've eaten waaaaaay too much :popcorn: this past week.

[cynatnite]

74. Send some my way

I'm just about out of :popcorn:

Way too much going on in the last week.

And extra butter, too :)

[ScreamingMeemie]

55. Wrong. It is insulting for these brave men and women to be asked

to prop up a withering failure of a president. There is the insult.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

63. Bingo!

[sniffa]

73. so, has anyone been to the 'other' sites

and found this accusation yet?

[bicentennial_baby]

75. maybe you should stop

just a thought :eyes:

man, this shit gets soooo old... :boring:

[Moderator]

79. Locking ...

Please review the rules on civility for the board. Thank you.