How many troops from the current wars are members of this group? I can join this group right now and I am not a veteran of any kind. http://www.vetsforfreedom.org/volunteer/ So basically if I listen to these 11,000 people, I'm not just listening to veterans of the current war, I'm probably listening to the same people who wanted to go to Iraq since before 9/11 and the same people who want to stay for a 100 years if need be. I guess these guys were started to counter groups like IVAW who have about a 1000 members. But you can only be a member if you served recently: http://www.ivaw.org/faq I am listening and I agree with these guys.
You are right. The American Public has a responsibility, and we should be accountable to listen to the largest non-partisan Iraq-Afghanistan veterans organization... That is fair...
i think they have voted, with their feet. [rquoter]3rd ID completes re-up goal in unprecedented time The 3rd Infantry Division, headquartered at Fort Stewart, Ga., completed its fiscal year 2008 retention goal in less than six months, which most view as a phenomenal act. This is unprecedented according to the division’s retention sergeant major. “I’ve been in this career field for 16 years, and I’ve never known of a division to meet its goal in such a short time,” said Sgt. Maj. Kelvin Raibon, the 3rd Infantry Division Retention sergeant major. This is the division’s third deployment to Iraq since 2003, but its high operational tempo did not stop 4,000 Soldiers from re-enlisting. Even more troops will follow their lead, and by the end of March one battalion with the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, out of Fort Benning, Ga., will have met its retention goal twice. The 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment is four Soldiers away from retaining 200 percent of its goal. These Soldiers are working together to defend their nation. This is why they joined and why they re-enlisted, said Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Olson, 3rd HBCT senior career counselor. The 3rd Infantry Division, which is currently the headquarters for Multi-National Division – Center in southwest Baghdad, arrived in theater as part of the Surge. Its Soldiers are serving a 15-month deployment with the combat mission to stop insurgents from bringing bomb-making materials into Baghdad. Within the year, Soldiers have secured most areas, and have begun working closely with the Iraqi Security Forces and tribal leaders to build the economy and make life better for its citizens.[/rquoter] As Greyhawk says [rquoter]In case that wasn't clear, I'll explain: the 3ID - the Division that took Baghdad in 2003, did a second tour in Iraq in 2005, and then bore the brunt of the surge in 2007, exceeded it's re-enlistment goal for FY2008 half way through the year.[/rquoter]
Hmmmm. I am glad you brought up the IVAW....so happy...so, so happy: Question: why does the IVAW focus on proof of membership? Answer: Jesse Macbeth, a former IVAW member,[9] falsely claimed to have committed atrocities in Iraq. In fact, he never completed Army basic training, and was never deployed outside the U.S. He was convicted of falsely claiming veteran's disability benefits. Afterward, Macbeth was disavowed by IVAW and his membership was revoked. All members of IVAW have since been required to submit documentation of military service Let's see, ....one organization is the largest non-partisian Iraq-Afghanistan veterans organization...the other has slightly over 1000 members with an incident of farce.... hmmmm....Which organization earns the troops representation?....hmmmm.... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraq_Veterans_Against_the_War
I don't think you have the capability to hear that which you do not personally advocate. As such, this is a silly waste of time. Regrettably, I alluded to this inevitability earlier, but failed to act upon it.
desperation, it smells like desperation. you conservatives are in for a rough ride over the next decade. yes, you screwed everything up, big time.
Saw an article yesterday that said democrats are poised for huge congressional gains in the fall. Anywhere from 6 to 9 senator pickup Oh to have a 60 vote, filibuster proof majority!
Please don't dodge the question. Is the value of their opinions equal to or greater than the average American's in terms of import.
No,...Oski,...the problem is this guy who came from the IVAW you listen to so much, but is someone who is a farce. The troops don't want this association. In fact, he would have to answer himself as "a patriotic american who supports the U.S. mission in Iraq and Afghanistan" as yes to be a member...Now if he or potentially others attracted to the IVAW lies again,...it is a problem and he will cease to be a member of the much larger VFF.... As of now, I contacted vets for freedom and the membership is some 22,000...with a confirmation that a majority is Iraq/Afghan combat veterans...speak to the press sec. Judy@vetsforfreedom.org if in doubt.
I just joined VFF as Jesse Macbeth right now, I am officially a member. BTW, in 2006 Zogby did a poll and 72% of troops in Iraq wanted the war ended within the year. I wonder what the number is now... http://www.zogby.com/search/ReadNews.dbm?ID=1075
The logic just makes me giggle. Roxran wants us to listen to the troops. He advocates VFF, which requires no proof of service to join. But you have to be a "patriotic american"! IVAW does require proof, but Roxran says we should not trust them, since a fake soldier once joined the group - prompting them to require proof... Awesomeness. ha ha ha and it only gets worse for roxran!
