The dirtiest word in America "Sacrifice"

[AllentownJake]

We are fighting two wars right now. Soldiers are going on countless tours and if they try to leave the army they are stop lossed. Most soldiers come from the middle and lower class. If these wars were really that vital to the security of our nation there would be a draft and everyone would be eligible. Only deferments that would be allowed would be for health reasons. If you wish to object you go to prison till after the war no one is forced to fight but civil disobedience has consequences. Ghandi and MLK didn't accomplish their goals without some sacrifice (both were assasinated btw) The power of the President to commit troops to long term military operations needs to be returned to its constitutional requirements. In order for there to be a war there needs to be an act of congress and a draft. I think we would chose our wars a little more quickly if everyones kid might have to go into the armed forces.

Tax cuts. The rich in this country aren't asked to sacrifice in anyway. They are treated as noble princes that are entitled to their wealth. The elites that founded this country put their lifes and fortunes on the line to be free of Great Brittain. I find it disgusting that the rich in this country won't even put their private jets on the line for the good of the country that enabled them to be rich. The majority of the rich in this country are guilty of TREASON.

Religious beliefs. Prayer in school, creationsim, "the war on Christmas" all these hot button religous issues. The desire for some in this country to get rid of freedom of religion is mind boggling. You are not being persecuted because you have faith because the public school you send your kid to teaches something that is different than your particular religous beliefs. You can send your kid to private school or home school them or maybe teach your religous beliefs to your children at home. Newsflash there is something in your religion called free will. Your kids have the free will to decide whether to follow your faith or to have their own. Sacrifice your fears.

Saftey-we are willing to give up all our rights because we feel insecure. Odd how we will sacrifice civil rights just so we can feel a little safer. Nobody has any responsibility for their own saftey in a dicatorship.

[NRaleighLiberal]

1. Ah, the greatest irony - the religious sentiments that should drive

people to want to sacrifice - and the religious beliefs that should lead to courage - do the opposite - make people selfish and greedy, and make people fearful.

So for the most part, it is all about hypocrisy. What our "great American culture" has become is just plain embarrassing. All talk, no true, deep belief. All surface, all convenience.

[rpannier]

2. We have become (more-or-less) a guiltless society

Many people feel no shame for what they do anymore.

They find comfort in their ill-behavior by looking for someone whose behavior is worse and saying, "See look at what they're doing."

Unfortunately, it's a problem all across the board that encompasses rich and poor, conservative and liberal, well educated and under educated.

[Deja Q]

3. Are there solutions to the state of our country you've mentioned?

[rpannier]

4. Short of other people calling these people on their BS, I'm not sure

People who find excuses for everything tend to cluster with others who feel for them.

People who find their behavior annoying tend to ignore it, rather then tell them what they think.

Years ago, people like that were 'shunned' by the community. They were made to feel like outsiders.

There are people (always have been) who see that as a badge of honor. They are rebels.

I knew a guy several years ago who uttered that famous phrase "I don't give respect. My respect is earned." That was for everyone.
When he fired from where we were, that made his fifth job in 7 years he'd been fired from.
He honestly believed people liked and respected him for his *ahem* 'honesty'.
No one had told him any different.

People seem to blame everyone, but themselves. It's the teacher, the school, the sports coach, the neighborhood, their boss, etc.

The most unfortunate part is, "People who are legitimately getting screwed are marginalized because they get lumped in with these idiots." (Similar to people who claim 'rape' when it turns out it didn't happen make it more difficult for those who are raped because someone will invariably say, "Remember when 'name' said she (or he) was raped and it was a lie. -- Duke lacrosse)

on edit: These people are often the one's who label others as 'losers'

[AllentownJake]

5. I read a sermon by Jerimiah Wright

The sermon said that having to take responsibility for the stupid things you do in your life is not your cross to bare.

[PM Martin]

6. He's an extremist alright.

[AllentownJake]

7. I go to the church denomination I go to now because of him

Even though he gave me a freaking headache for 8 months trying to explain who he really was to idiots who were afraid of angry black man.

[PM Martin]

8. I still don't like Mr. Wright.

[cliffordu]

9. This could be the best post this fucking year.....K&R

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

10. It's a dirty word because we all ask other people to sacrifice, but not ourselves.

No one likes being the first to walk the plank.