Have We Stopped Caring?

RallyPoint Team — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 11:02:53 -0500

Recently, ISIS released another beheading video - this time, of aid worker and U.S. Army Ranger, Peter Kassig. Kassig had returned to the Middle East and founded a relief organization to help war victims. While working on behalf of the organization, he was captured last year in Syria as he was delivering relief supplies to refugees of Syria's civil war.

Do you remember when the first beheading video came out? It stopped the news. It was everywhere. There were outcries for action and justice. But this time, it seemed like there was very little coverage compared to the beheading of James Foley. Have we already stopped caring? Kassig was the third American to be killed. It seems the American public has already become desensitized to these horrific acts of cruelty. Is this how our society as a whole is going to react in the future? Where is the outrage?

Every day we hear something about ISIS. We know that airstrikes are happening. We know that ISIS militants are committing horrible injustices against humanity, but has America had enough of the Middle East? For so many years the Middle East has been a focus of the news and the American public has tuned it out to a certain degree. The shock value has dissipated in regards to the beheadings and countless other horrific acts. Does that mean we have stopped caring about them?

As the number of military advisors going to Iraq increases, American troops in Afghanistan can now again engage all Taliban fighters, not just al-Qaida terrorists. American service members fought hard and many lost their lives to free Iraq and now, it is in the hands of ISIS militants. Were all those efforts in vain? There are threats in the Middle East that cannot be ignored and ISIS has made it clear they will not be ignored. One has to wonder if the U.S. will ever truly leave the Middle East in the near future…as of right now, the answer seems to be no. In the meantime, will Americans start caring again?

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Nov 28 at 2014 11:15 AM

SGT Michael Glenn — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 11:15:53 -0500

Do you think that the more things like this are aired the less it will happen??? yes its unfortunate and no one wants a loved to to go out like that but why play their game??? the more we react the more they are going to do it....just a thought.

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Nov 28 at 2014 11:28 AM

SSG Maurice P. — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 11:28:10 -0500

Isis needs to be brutally dealt with, as i see it they owe 7 of their people's manhood removed and sent back with lil black dresses on with lipstick and purse...the whole world needs to witness their shame..........

Response by SGT Timothy Updike made Nov 28 at 2014 12:01 PM

SGT Timothy Updike — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 12:01:56 -0500

Yes, I believe that more and more non-military personnel have stopped caring. It is very unfortunate that we as a country feel like this, but now they have something else to focus on, like a white police officer shooting a supposedly unarmed black man. As for myself it upsets me that the people in this country take so much for granted, maybe because they never served, I don't know. But our government also has a hand in all this. I hope each and every soldier still on active duty keeps alert, and come home safe. Thank you for all you are doing, I would come back anytime the military needed me, but this will not happen due to my age.

Response by PO1 Michael Fullmer made Nov 28 at 2014 12:30 PM

PO1 Michael Fullmer — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 12:30:11 -0500

Apathy, I'm afraid is the name of the game right now. While there are always those who do care, I'm afraid that it will take the other shoe to drop in this country before we start really caring again. America was fine in it's ignorance before the attack on 9/11 since other than OK City or the '93 WTC bombings you had to go back to '83 with regards to terrorist activity directly effecting this country.

It's a shame, and just my opinion, but that's how I feel. Of course there will ALWAYS be those who (in their own country) will still blame the politics/policies for whatever occurs in our country, and we'll have to listen to them with their "well we brought it on ourselves because of our policies with regards to certain other countries". I...for one...am tired of those reactions.

Hopefully this makes a little sense.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2014 2:12 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 14:12:48 -0500

I do not believe we have stopped caring. What we are doing is using the different elements of national power to address ISIS. The one thing we cannot stop is how caring and generous the United States of America is. It makes our job of securing all of our people more difficult when they embark on such humanitarian mission knowing the hazards they may face.

Response by PFC Russell Burton made Nov 28 at 2014 2:26 PM

PFC Russell Burton — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 14:26:33 -0500

I think a small part of it is if we give them the attention they want they will continue growing and becoming more and more brutal. We need to deal w this on a level of secrecy. If they don't think anybody is watching or caring then go in a take them out

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2014 3:08 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 15:08:09 -0500

As one retired General said, "The American military has gone to war, but the American people are going to the mall." And I think that's spot on. It speaks to not caring. How appropriate a post for this "Black Friday," when the most important thing for many Americans is a great deal on a big-screen TV, 50% off, buy one get one, and on and on. Sadly, I think Americans have stopped caring because they think it (ISIS, extremism, beheadings) doesn't affect them.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Nov 28 at 2014 3:34 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 15:34:18 -0500

This isn't a question of America caring...this is a question of the news media priorities. Does the beheading of another American sell advertisement spots and newspapers? Personally, I think the nation as a whole should stand up be heard anytime a American citizen is executed. Look at what the media chooses to cover. Beheading of citizens? Nope. Bending over backwards for a treasonous bastard? Apparently. Marine SGT held in a Mexican prison? Not really. Unemployment rate across the country? Probably not, as long as welfare and unemployment benefits are continued to be paid. The number of student loans that are in collection? Nope, not a peep.

According to media we only care about anything can that be tied (no matter how obscure) to race. I often think that if we spent as much time caring about actual American issues as we do about racial issues (whether real or perceived), we would be in a much better position.

So do I think Americans care? Sure, I am just not sure if we care about the 'right' things all of the time...

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2014 4:01 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 16:01:53 -0500

I agree that we as a society have been desensitized by the continuos heinous crimes committed by ISIS. It bears a serious psychological effect to us, many may turn the cheek in fear of what they feel is the beginning of the end, and others simply don't care. I believe a big reason why this isn't so much of an issue to the public is because of the sense of failure and lost hopes in this battle. The public may in fact feel that they've been let down yet again by our government. I can sympathize with them but the nature of these conflicts are not a one, two, three kind of deal. People are expecting a quick solution to something that will never cease to exist. Religion is a powerful tool for the extremists and they grow and evolve every single day. This lifestyle is now part of our daily lives and ignoring it won't bring reprieve to those whom are affected. Unfortunately we've bound ourselves to this fight against terrorism as the forefront. It is not a thing of rarity anymore, it's everywhere and spreading quickly. We need to continue with full force until this new culture has been exterminated.

Response by SSG Robin Rushlo made Nov 28 at 2014 4:07 PM

SSG Robin Rushlo — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 16:07:38 -0500

WE the men and women that actually fight have not stop caring. It is our current leadership that does not care period. When the civilian leadership does not listen to the military leaders we end up all screwed up. Need a person that served in the Military in the WHite House to change it.

Response by SFC Steven Harvey made Nov 28 at 2014 8:41 PM

SFC Steven Harvey — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 20:41:57 -0500

Americans rallied after 9/11, but that rally faded when nation building became a priority and Iraq was proven to be a huge mistake. Americans care plenty about the wars, they just want them to end and not continue when absolutely nothing will come from it.

The outcome will always be the same when dealing with the Middle East. This is not post WWII Germany that was already westernized, nor is it post Korea/Vietnam where they actively wanted to trade with the US and have strong technology/manufacturing sectors.

Who honestly thinks if we put 125,000 troops in Iraq to fight ISIS that overall the big picture is going to change at all over the course of another 10 years?

Response by SSG David Kaelin made Nov 28 at 2014 10:02 PM

SSG David Kaelin — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 22:02:13 -0500

Probably because most people believe that we have no real business fighting ISIS. It's an internal matter that should be handled by Arabs/Muslims and NOT American Soldiers.

Response by 1SG Eric Rice made Nov 28 at 2014 11:22 PM

1SG Eric Rice — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 23:22:13 -0500

I do not believe that Americans have stopped caring purposely. It is hard for the American populace to care about anything if they continue to be blinded by media on the left and the right as well as reality television shows. When television sets became prevalent in homes across America and the "News" became visual opposed to just listening via radio there was an agreement with the government. This agreement consisted of a news hour dedicated to educating the American public without bias on what was going on in the nation and the world that affected the United States. This is why we have both the 5 o'clock news which is usually local and the 6 o'clock news which is national. The problem is that the information being disseminated on the national news is not what the American people need to hear. Americans need to hear the unbiased truths that threaten our way of life and hopefully put us back on track to being great again.

Response by SFC Peter Cyprian made Nov 29 at 2014 1:01 AM

SFC Peter Cyprian — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 01:01:37 -0500

I would say that the outrage must start at the top.....and it's just not there. Yes, individuals like ourselves are seething pissed and ready lock-n-load on these vermin, but for the outrage to be felt like it was before, it has to start at the top. I am all for going back to Iraq and doing a little "pest control", but that's not going to happen anytime soon. The thing that worries me is the lack of meaningful response from the WH. The responses we have seen project nothing but weakness and cowardice to ISIS.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2014 4:52 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 04:52:11 -0500

Yes, I believe many in the civilian populous have turned a blind eye to events. They just don't think it is Americas problem and they don't feel it is effecting them. People forget way to easy as time passes. They are more concerned about their mochas, cell phones, partying and things like that. I think it is very difficult for the public to take ISIS or Russia for that matter serious when our own leaders don't that it serious. It seems like they think if we ignore it then it will just go away or be someone elses problem. People will only take notice when it has made it to our shores again. Then and only then will we all come together again with a purpose.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2014 2:35 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 14:35:19 -0500

I don't believe that those of us in the military community have stopped caring about what is happening in the Middle East. We have a vested interest in that we have paid with our blood, sweat and tears and lost many of our own over there.

I believe the tone for caring about what is happening anywhere (domestic and internationally) is set by our national political leadership, or what I feel is a lack of leadership. I don't mean to sound partisan but the President and his advisors in the White House are frequently disconnected with world affairs. The President likes to herald that he "ended" the war in Iraq (we were already drawing down to leave) and that he has done the same in Afghanistan. Reality though is a different game - one that the President and his team of novices are not good at.

If Team Obama made caring for what is happening in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan and elsewhere around the world a priority rather than trying to push leadership and decision making off on those who cannot sustain the fight on their own the perception would be entirely different. As it stands all that "we" do is defer to the United Nations and refer to the enemy as a "jv team".

Americans care when our leaders care. Until then only those of us that have sacrificed and know the real realities of what is happening are left to feel that our work, our efforts, our dedication were in vain.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2014 3:40 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 15:40:00 -0500

The American people do not have to worry about such things. For they know there is a very select few men and women that have chosen to do the worrying for them.

“We sleep safely at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us.”
― Winston S. Churchill

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Nov 29 at 2014 3:53 PM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 15:53:46 -0500

RallyPoint Team I think Americans care, but it is no longer important. As a society, we seem to forget quickly. After 9/11 we had National Guard Troops in Airports, Armed Federal Agents, and lengthy wait times, yet today that would not be tolerated. I am certain they will care when we are attacked in the Homeland.

Security, protection, and enforcement of laws are inconveniences which are mostly unappreciated until an incident happens. Then as soon as practical we move on.

Freedom has a cost. All on this site have paid that cost with sweat, blood, tears, effort, devotion, and victory. For those of us who have served, nothing will ever be as sweet as realizing we were a part of something bigger than ourselves and larger than we will ever be.

For the rest of the planet, they go on oblivious to what is happening around them, running to the mall, to shop, and out to eat. To me, it is our fickle nature that causes this. It will take a wakeup call of the worst kind to bring this full circle.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2014 6:31 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 18:31:40 -0500

I would hate to say it but society today is not what society was 10,15 or 20 years ago. There were days in this country that if an American was executed by terrorists that they would have been dealt with quickly and with violence of action. Our society today is a different society that in my opinion would never stand for that kind of violence of action, because our government has bred them to believe that they have to feel for these poor people and their poor country. I think that the entire region over there needs to be turned into a glass parking lot, because no matter how many times we return we will never wipe them out. Our politics today will never let us destroy the enemy completely, because of all the bleeding hearts in the world today. Total annihilation is the only way to cure the evil that exists in that part of the world.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 29 at 2014 9:37 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 21:37:00 -0500

Nothing interferes with Americans and the media super-sensationalism that is Black Friday. Our Nation's media practices are in need of a serious ethical enema.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2014 11:19 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 23:19:53 -0500

RallyPoint Team. We care . . . we will continue to care . . . we may just not wear our care on our sleeves all of the time . . . and we have to take care of our business and our society at home . . . to continue to be successfully economically . . . and support our troops in the field. Warmest Regards, Sandy

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2014 2:36 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 02:36:41 -0500

The shock value you speak of is something that historically loses value the more you are subjected to it. I will use a deplorable example. When you have your first kill, it is all you can think about, it isn't something you talk about, or only to the ones that participated in the mission with you. The second isn't much easier, and the third, a numbers settles in. After that, faces are blurred. Some say you remember each kill, it's more like a blurred image. Unless it was a close kill It still isn't something you talk about, even with those that have gone through the same thing. It's like a silent blood oath. We now accept it. It becomes us, consumes us. Becomes a part of our DNA. I will a tempt to switch gears....we have accepted the fact that the enemy will resort to extraordinary methods to inflict fear. This only makes our military train harder, and adapt. Videos like this make us harder, not less caring, we are in the numb phase. What no one is saying, this new enemy will take a more violent re-action. Are we ready? Mom's and Dad's are questioning their children being on the front line. They are fearful that the training is not up to par. We are not adapting fast enough. America is scared, not less caring...we care for abused pitbulls, abandoned horses, senior citizens without heat or water. We need to adapt, get harder, change the TOR...and be willing to deliver the same form of execution the enemy is using. We need to fight fire with fire. Our Geneva Convention ties our hands. The UN blocks us into a corner or creates obstacles...we need less media, more violence, less collateral damage, precision strikes, and max instep collection. We care. Our administration, I believe, is finally willing to accept the fact that this war is not going to end any time soon. Another decade? How about another 200 years....

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Nov 30 at 2014 11:40 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 23:40:43 -0500

It is my personal belief that as a nation, yes, but individuals, no. As in politics, it is what is being done for me today, not yesterday, and only if tomorrow turns out like 9-11. My best friend often cites to me that the defense budget must be cut 50%. He has never served, we went to church and school together growing up and still remain friends today, even if he does wish for my pay to be cut 35%. He doesn't understand the deterrent of defense and really thinks there is no use for it. Until there is another attack on our soil that is not Ferguson or some school or college, then the United States will just get further from the reality of world events that require DoD personnel to serve OCONUS worldwide. Truthfully, most just wish for us ALL to come home and close the borders for a while and protect what we have. It is very interesting talking to people who have never served, knew anyone who has served or going to serve. I have, it is scary at times.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2014 9:09 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 09:09:49 -0500

Maybe a little off topic, or not the answer to the question but I have to say that I feel kind of sad for those young Americans like SSgt Alexander Ingram and my now adult children who were 8 and 6 at the time of 9-11. They will never know some of the joys we knew of, the freedoms that have been striped away that effect our everyday lives to such a degree that the young Americans can only think that is the way it has always been.

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Dec 1 at 2014 10:07 AM

SSG Tim Everett — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 10:07:33 -0500

I don't think the answer is that people don't care. I think the answer is "social media slacktivism has replaced action." People feel that changing their profile picture on Facebook, sharing someone's status, using a hashtag, or retweeting something is going to change the world.

The only thing it's going to change is my friends list as I whittle it down, shy one more slacker.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2014 3:47 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 15:47:37 -0500

Unfortunately a lack of learning from history (and repeating it) and the fact that our society's tremendous jump in technology has led a majority of our populous to become sedentary and easily bored (example: most movies have everything happen and conclude within two hours - TV shows are half an hour to an hour). Unless something physically affects someone now a days - they are over it fairly quickly. Sad, but true - of course this thought process is not shared by us members of the military.
Yellow journalism on the part of the news media has also led to a lot of questioning of what people think our country should be doing - or the direction it should be going. Somewhere our country lost its way and became consumed with greed - the almighty dollar has been a double edged sword for this country and the world as a whole. Basic human rights that our founding fathers thought were important now take the back burner to monetary concerns. Which has led to a less caring mindset - if what is happening overseas had a direct monetary impact on the 1% then you would see mountains being moved for a quick resolution.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Dec 1 at 2014 4:10 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 16:10:05 -0500

I cannot speak for all of America, or even a tiny fraction of it. I can only speak for myself and I care.

I care that our nation's finest are being sent, not led, to war.

I care that so many are being hurt. I care so much that I joined the VFW and the American Legion for the sole purpose of helping our wounded warriors and newly minted veterans.

I care that the media is far more concerned with propagandizing a political cult rather than reporting the news, especially any news that may not fit the narrative they have created to prop up a failing Administration. News of war and warriors doesn't seem to fit that narrative these days, and it's becoming harder every day to overcome the noise of their lies.

I care that liberty is waning. I care enough to dedicate my time and talents to teaching my children and grandchildren as well as any who will listen that no one can take it from us, that we can reverse the trend, and I will happily show them how.

Mostly, I care about each and every Soldier, Sailor, Marine, and Airman (and, yes, even the Coasties) as individuals. I wish I could give every one of you a hug.

Hopefully my messages will help inspire others to care...

Response by SSG David Kaelin made Dec 4 at 2014 1:01 AM

SSG David Kaelin — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 01:01:04 -0500

I find it difficult to be concerned about ISIS.

1. It's the Arabs/Muslims problem.

They should sort it out. America doesn't need to fight every war in every country that has an issue. Thankfully, we only contrive a reason to fight in other countries if they have oil or some other strategic resource which we wish to control. If not, we'd be in even more countries due to our self righteousness.

2. We have injustice at home. Police Brutality being a primary point of contention. I'm not talking about Michael Brown.

Brown made a poor decision based on a poor upbringing. His parents stupidity doomed him from the start. That said, American Police have killed more citizens than any Terror organization over the past decade.

We spend much time and many resources trying to tell people in other countries how to live and trying to "install democracy." We don't really have democracy at home.

Exactly why should I care about Iraq. The Iraqis don't seem to care about Iraq. Yet, I'm supposed to care about it. Let them kill each other. If you are an American and you travel to Iraq, you take your chances. I would not expect America to send a rescue team for me.

ISIS is a distraction. Meanwhile, the US Citizen is losing every right. No right to privacy. Americans are basically indentured servants now.

If you own a home, you are beholden to the State for life. ACA has made it so every citizen must pay for life. We are being taxed more and more so that the tax eaters (Corporations/Government) can build profits. ACA is nothing more than a profit machine for the Insurance/Pharmaceutical/Health Industry which in turn supports the DNC which created the massive windfall that is the ACA. It's the same with the War on Drugs and the War on Terror.

Continue to care about the Middle East. You will be caring for the rest of your life. Meanwhile, you will lose more and more freedoms. Liberty will continue to die on the vine.

But we'll feel good about ourselves because we'll always care about the enemies of Democracy afar while we ignore the enemies of freedom in our Capitol Building and White House.

Response by SPC John Decker made Dec 8 at 2014 8:48 PM

SPC John Decker — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 20:48:03 -0500

I don't think people have stopped caring as much as the media has cut way back on the coverage. They want scandal and something they can sensationalize. Our men and women, fighting and dying is less important, to the media in general, than Ferguson or New York or finding some other place where the race card had been played. People, for the most part, pay attention to what's right in front of them.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Dec 14 at 2014 2:01 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 14:01:51 -0500

Have we? Or does it merely appear that we have?

The lack of news coverage of any outrage may or may not be telling. Indeed, it's difficult to tell if the media reports news or drives it. Once upon a time, newspapers reported stories based on editors opinions about what interested people. With the advent of electronic media and ideologically oriented news editors, they seem to focus more on what they believe people ought to be interested in.

The lack of reaction from the District of Calamity may just be an indication of their lack of principles upon which to fashion an opinion let alone their inability to manage government. To be honest, I can't think of any period during which the US has mastered diplomacy and statecraft. The successes of America have been largely due to the efforts of individual citizens (at least during those times when they were unfettered by big government).

The lack of reaction from the people? Really? There are two media where you can still hear their voices. The Internet and talk radio. The federal government has tried (and is trying) to stifle conversation there, but people there continue to successfully resist their incursion. That may change now that the US has relinquished control of the Internet. There are plenty of tyrants who would like nothing better than to muzzle the Internet globally as they have done in their own countries. Talk radio is another matter.

Ultimately, I think that we (well, at least of third of US) care, really care. The rest are generally oblivious or ignorant of the situation. They have become inured through repetition. However, a third is generally enough. Remember, the American Revolution was supported by barely a third of the colonists...

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2014 1:30 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 13:30:38 -0500

It's good for a headline ever now and then, but it doesn't sell like police brutality or racism.

A lot of people think the further away it is, the further from thinking or caring about it. Won't happen here, right?

The exception is if you or a family member have ever served or you know someone who has.

Response by SGT Scott Bell made Aug 30 at 2015 9:18 AM

SGT Scott Bell — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 09:18:41 -0400