Larry,
I actually mentioned this to the admin recently, particularly in reference to the threats to POTUS thread that was getting quite out of control from mainly 2 vets overall.
I think there should be a way to report or give a concern on a toxic or visceral thread, just like you can tap the little flag on someone's profile if you have a concern.
SSG G,
I am referring to the thread on "Veterans or Soldiers targeting our President", and the vile banter back and forth by the PO1 and the SGT who have turned the original discussion post into their personal vendettas towards each other and their views, once it gets to that level it is time to step back and if necessary remove the thread, but the SPC who originally when he posted the question was a PFC has not only let the thread go in the direction it has, he has at times encouraged the visceral banter between the two, it has been taken completely out of the original concept and purpose of the discussion that was why I forwarded the info to the admin for further review, now it is up to them to validate whether further actions need to be taken in reference to the issue.
I do think we need to have a better professionalism on the site even though many are veterans and retirees, we are all held to a higher expectation as former service members as well, and attacking another SM or veteran because you don't see eye to eye on politics or views is not showing that professionalism or maturity.
I personally don't support or believe in most of what the current POTUS has done or conceived during his administration, but I respond respectfully to the office, the old saying of I musts respect the office/rank even if I don't respect the person. Being retired I have a little more latitude with my personal views and feelings, but I also still have the core values and home taught values to be respectful even if I disagree with someone.
I have had to bring to the attention of a few junior and senior NCOs to myself that they are riding that fine line that is all about perception to the holder of disrespect and they may want to rethink their verbiage and reactive comments to one another.
Yeah SSG Baber you did and you were correct and also with the idea that some huge problem might underlie their rooms condition. As you alluded to, an attempted suicide. Let's face it, there is no where to go where you have totally privacy and many just go off base and stay there until they go to work.
SPC Buck,
By your actions of the down vote to the comment that mentioned your name, you just validated my statement about the maturity level, instead of looking into the issue and problem mentioned and there is a very severe one within your thread content, never stated your thread question was the issue, but the context of some of the replies, you decided to act emotionally and responded the same.
You have not even paid attention to anything that anyone has said in regards to the topic question at hand, disagreeing and communication are well worked methods utilized by mature, educated people without being retaliatory against the other individual.
Perfect example, SFC Gates and myself have different views on this present topical discussion, but we have not attacked each other verbally or down voted one another because of our disagreeing views, we have both stated our opinions and feelings appropriately and articulated our divers thoughts on the subject and we still can communicate and participate in other discussions positively with no issues, we can even have virtual beer together to have a healthy discussion on topics not covered in the forum.
We are both old school Soldiers who don't always agree with the powers that be or the direction that it may be leading us, but we followed our orders and ensured the safety and security of our Soldiers 1st and foremost while accomplishing the mission, and while I think we both followed somewhat the same path near retirement, our outspokenness probably prevented us from being far more advanced in our ranks as we would have liked, it is also what made us the great NCOs we were to our leadership we had at the time of our retirements, and we both also knew when and how to talk and comment on topics tactfully and respectfully whether in or out of uniform. Being that we both have a lot more latitude to be more open with our opinions and voices, we also still have the maturity and knowledge of being tactful and respectful to those we are either addressing about a subject or responding to an individual such as yourself or someone we may not see eye to eye, and we maintain the professional manner that it should have within a professional network environment as this.
You could take some great lessons from both this thread and the thread that you started and encouraged as well, it just depends on what and which lessons you wish to learn and garner that shows what level you are at or can attain. I hope you have and enjoyable week and wish you much luck in your future.
My deal is trying to make sure we never lose the professionalism which has been and is currently is a hallmark of this forum. It can be a very powerful medium to convey ideas, attitudes and hope for the future. At the very start of mass deployment to Iraq I was very impressed by our fighting forces. Well trained in spite of whatever limitations.
Our troops in 1974 were in a state of disarray. Comparatively speaking, we were a mess and I can imagine that as the war drags on in many areas that fatigue sets in. But like I said, I like that we have senior officers weighing in, because long after our careers are over, we see that big picture that leaders often alluded to.
No ad hominem attacks and a respect for the diversity of skills that we bought and are bringing to the country. This is the what I cherish about it.
An interesting topic, since I am retired I can say a little more than those still serving. I believe a quote from a movie I like will put this all into perspective.
The American President (1995)
President Andrew Shepherd (Michael
Douglas):
"America isn't easy. America is advanced
citizenship. You gotta want it bad, 'cause it's gonna put up a fight. It's
gonna say "You want free speech? Let's see you acknowledge a man whose
words make your blood boil, who's standing center stage and advocating at the
top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of
yours. Show me that, defend that, and
celebrate that in your classrooms. Then, you can stand up and sing about the
"land of the free"."
We the defenders of our nation's constitution should take that quote to heart - I know it's only something made up for a movie, but the point it makes is the main thing.
If we are a nation that truely has 'free speech' then we have to let the other side of the coin say their piece - it doesn't mean we have to agree with it. But if we start censoring things then we are no better than those that our generations before us fought inorder to keep our nations ideals and way of life.
Of course this is just my opinion.
SFC M.
Not trying to be disrespectful or bust your bubble, double check or utilize the edit button from time to time. Standers should standards at least twice above, c'mon now we are seniors setting the standards for our junior Soldiers to emulate. But on another note I do agree with what you were trying to convey.

Politics
