Whatever happened to that post 9/11 USA?

2015-05-15T07:05:10-04:00

We all remember that short-lived period of high patriotism and pride across the country folling September 11, 2001. Who can forget the massive prayer meetings and flags and supporters everywhere? The prayer meetings for our nation were amazing as people of all backgrounds came together . But shortly thereafter, even as we entered Afghanistan and then Iraq, the crowds began to dwindle and the flags began to fade and disappear. The resolve of those who went to war remained. But now , after well over a decade of war, the nation as a whole hasn't been this jaded since the 60's-70's. Why aren't people gathering for large prayer meetings for our nation anymore? Where are all the flags? Why have we let those who desecrate the flag and disrespect the military dominate the news? And why is it dangerous within our own borders to be seen off-post in uniform? Why does it seem wrong to demonstrate pride in our country these days? And why does it seem less than 'politically correct' to publicly support the USA? Quite frankly, I am disgusted at the Anti-American sentiment that seems to be growing in our nation. Many youth that were babies during 9/11 stomp on our flag and demonstrate all sorts of disrespect towards uniformed public servants. I blame the parents for failing to teach them.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 15 at 2015 7:10 AM

2015-05-15T07:10:58-04:00

Passage of time, never-ending wars, disappointment with leadership in Washington, frustration with direction of country, etc. I too, am saddened by it, but I think that it is only going to get worse.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 7:20 AM

2015-05-15T07:20:04-04:00

Americans have short attention spans, Sir. The country was war weary within the first couple of years after 2003. Americans attitudes changed once Bush's Intel over WMDs fell through and didn't believe American deaths were worth Iraqi democracy. Our politicans don't understand the blood that was shed/the sacrifices made by those who served there by allowing ISIS to run rampant all over the Middle East. It's very disheartening and frustrating.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made May 15 at 2015 7:37 AM

2015-05-15T07:37:09-04:00

CH (MAJ) William Beaver, 14 years of war is a loooooooong time. It is tiring to support anything for that long. Especially so when there is a perception that we are "losing". You could call them Bandwagon Patriots.

As for prayer, it is becoming increasingly out of style with atheism on the rise and up to 20% of the population identifying themselves as religiously unaffiliated.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 8:26 AM

2015-05-15T08:26:18-04:00

I had read in an article this morning about some principal in some school forbid some student to not have a flag flying on the back of his truck. The principal stated it was because of safety and it might offend someone. The student refused, and the story went viral. Short time later, the town paraded around with the flag and a POW/State/"Don't tread on me" flags on the back of their vehicles. To no ones surprise, the school apologized.

Personally, I am a ghast that we have to tread lightly went displaying the flag for fear of offending someone. I had seen a meme recently of the scene of 9/11 and of how we shouldn't be afraid of offending people because of our patriotism.

There is a season for everything.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2017 12:30 PM

2017-04-13T12:30:00-04:00

Parents aren't the only ones to blame, as a world class military force we also allowed this to happen. Because of our actions our nations values and perception have shifted a lot during the years due to: the biased media coverage, protests, intel leaks (Pvt Manning, Eric Snowden), misinformation (lack of WMDs in Iraq, Jessica Lynch, Bowe Bergdahl, lack of Osama corpse) and mishandling of certain events (Abu Gharib). Lets also not forget about SGT Hasan Akbar who killed his fellow soldiers by throwing grenades into 3 tents while his unit slept in their cots. That incident start the questioning of "why are we over there?" In addition there was a serous lack of professionalism in Iraq and Afghanistan with Marines and Soldiers throwing piss bottles at people asking for water, or urinating on corpses. There were also the "Mahmudiyah Incident" where a 14yr old girl was gang raped and her entire family was executed by 5 soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division. There are countless more incidents of misconduct & poor leadership that destroyed the public's perception of the US military. I was on patrol in Northern Iraq, only to discover another unit was beating the shit out an entire family. They blamed these people for an IED bomb that killed one of their soliders, and they had no proof. They just assumed they were all terrorists. I will never forget the expression of that little girl with blood all over her face as she stood there with a puzzled look. I began to ask myself who are the real terrorists.

All this has lead to where we are now, and rise of people like West Baptist Church.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRv9crJcthY

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Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2019 1:10 PM

2019-02-21T13:10:34-05:00

Obama happened.