How do you feel about young Americans deciding to join/support ISIS?

2014-10-22T19:04:16-04:00

Recently, 3 girls from Denver (14, 15, and 17) decided they wanted to join ISIS and were caught after flying to Germany while on their way to Turkey. In September, several college students signed a petition to urge President Obama to support ISIS. In my opinion, I think everyone involved are highly uneducated and we as Americans have also failed to instill pride in our own country if they feel they need to support a group like ISIS in order to gain comradery (which is what some believe). However, I also think that if they do manage to give support or join ISIS, they should have to live with their mistake and not get any help from the US Government.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/22/us/colorado-teens-syria-odyssey/index.html
http://news.yahoo.com/college-students-sign-petition-support-isis-9-11-210206503.html

3 girls skipped school to sneak off and join ISIS - CNN.com

Three teenage girls who set out from a Denver suburb apparently bound for Syria to join extremists are back home after their parents alerted authorities.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2014 7:07 PM

2014-10-22T19:07:28-04:00

their citizenship should be revoked

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2014 7:10 PM

2014-10-22T19:10:09-04:00

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member, I'm with you. I think these "kids" are spoiled rotten. They have no love for America, and they should be punished like the terrorists that they are.

Response by Sgt Evan Proctor made Oct 22 at 2014 7:19 PM

2014-10-22T19:19:51-04:00

I'll help pay their way over there ;) Let them find out what they are getting into, they need a father or a mother to teach them what is right and wrong. Let 'em go....they'll learn all sorts of new things.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Oct 22 at 2014 7:52 PM

2014-10-22T19:52:35-04:00

Michael Foxtrot Traitors! Hope there's no ambiguity here.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 22 at 2014 7:58 PM

2014-10-22T19:58:14-04:00

Their parents must have done a wonderful job raising them, and be.......so proud.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Oct 22 at 2014 8:00 PM

2014-10-22T20:00:38-04:00

At the age of 10, I may be able to be convinced that you really don't get it.
At the age of 12, I may be able to be convinced that you don't get the philosophical differences of religions and governments.
At the age of 14, I get that you may be an idiot.
At the age of 15, it is merely a coin toss between idiocracy and genius (in some cases), but you definitely know the difference between right and wrong.
At the age of 17, you damn sure know the difference between right and wrong and you know that traveling to a foreign country and joining a group of maniacs that have sworn to murder innocents is wicked bad.

All should be punished, severely. I will leave the punishment to the judiciary, but if I had anything to say, it would be severe.

Response by LCpl Philip Alexander made Oct 22 at 2014 8:01 PM

2014-10-22T20:01:16-04:00

Let them go and revoke their citizenship. If they're underage, return them to their parents and try to figure out what compelled them to attempt this adventure. If they were motivated by their parents themselves, determine if there is any connection between the parents and ISIS, or any like minded organization such as Jabhat al-Nusra, Al-Qaida, etc.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2014 6:49 AM

2014-10-23T06:49:16-04:00

Let them go. Being in teenage girls in Syria, without even a basic grasp of the language, will be punishment enough.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Oct 23 at 2014 7:09 AM

2014-10-23T07:09:51-04:00

Questioned and released? SMH...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2014 1:42 PM

2014-10-23T13:42:04-04:00

The hard part is figuring out the age to draw the line as to childish mistakes and (bad) adult decisions. But if they are adult enough to truly understand what they are doing, I fully support the idea of revoking citizenship and barring reentry to the United States. And if they encounter US forces on the battlefield and they are engaging in combat, nobody should whine about their age after the inevitable result of their being armed combatants.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2014 2:15 PM

2014-10-23T14:15:49-04:00

If we want good citizens we have to offer good options. And we do, however you can't lead a horse to water. There will always be a deviant factor. If you fight against our country you should lose your citizenship and be treated as the traitor you chose to become. If you choose to fight against another country there are rules you must observe.

Response by Cpl Murray Estes made Oct 23 at 2014 2:52 PM

2014-10-23T14:52:26-04:00

My opinion is make a lesson out of any who chose to side with ISIS in this country and are caught. Tie them up to some poles, gather all the surviving vets from all the wars this country has fought, line them up as a rifle squad, have the oldest vet take the first shot. Then the next. Then the next, all the way to the youngest. Repeat until all of the traitors are dead. Siding with the enemy is a big "fuck you" to all of our vets. This would be our way of returning the favor.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2014 3:14 PM

2014-10-23T15:14:14-04:00

People have questioned, "how do we stop them [from joining ISIS]?"

I say, don't. Let them go. Let them deal with the consequences of their actions. Revoke their citizenship and void their passport. Bar them from boarding any vessel or aircraft destined for the U.S. or any of our allies. Rather than sending the FBI to apprehend them and bring them back to the U.S. (where they could presumably commit a domestic terrorist attack upon their release), send the FBI to conduct a full-blown investigation and charge anyone with treason who assisted the traitors in their ill-conceived quest.

We don't need them soaking up tax dollars and occupying a prison cell while they await their day in court and serve their ensuing sentence. The terrorists whom they are running to will take care of their just deserts just fine...

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2014 3:16 PM

2014-10-23T15:16:33-04:00

I say let them go, their is no way that a couple of teenage girls would be able to live that life style. let them go and die over their they'd do more damage in homegrown terror attacks.

Response by MSgt Ken Mahoy made Oct 23 at 2014 3:20 PM

2014-10-23T15:20:55-04:00

So much to say here, but I'm working and only have a couple minutes. By the time you're 17 you understand the difference between right and wrong, NO MATTER WHAT your raising, your background, or influences. So I feel comfortable in saying that their US Citizenship should be revoked. Period.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Oct 23 at 2014 7:01 PM

2014-10-23T19:01:51-04:00

I see a lot of things weakening our nation:
1) Laws tying down parents hands to discipline their children
2) Patriotism isn't taught at home and in the schools
3) Everything in America is made in other countries, including getting customer service for technology
4) Children aren't taught about pride and honor to serve in our U.S. Armed Forces
5) Violence is exposed and validated in movies, television, video games, music, and so on
6) U.S is neglecting its own and supporting other countries with resources needed here
7) It is kind of difficult to teach children to be honest when some government, city, and state officials is dishonest
8) Prayer is taken out of schools
9) No guidance because of absentee fathers

The younger generation don't care about their future.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2014 8:23 PM

2014-10-23T20:23:15-04:00

I'm not one for politics. I say you make a statement, revoke their citizenship and give them to a foreign jail in the Middle East, or to ISIS. After a year of being raped, starving, and treated like crap, they'll be like those Croatian teens and want to come back home. They will no longer be Americans, so that begging and pleading by their parents will fall on deaf ears. We are at war with terror, and they want to help the opposition. That is treason.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2014 9:35 PM

2014-10-23T21:35:03-04:00

IMHO, if these young men and women have allowed themselves to be radicalized to the point they attempt to join a terrorist organization, then are are free to join the ranks as they deem necessary. However, since they are making a very "grown-up" decision, they also need to accept the "grown-up" consequences. If they join the fight against us or our allies, they should be treated as enemy combatants as defined by the Geneva Conventions. The ills of the society at large aside, these young adults need to understand they will be held accountable for their actions/choices. Additionally, once they attempt/are successful in joining a terrorist organization, they lose all rights to return to this country.

Response by Cpl Terry Bruce made Oct 23 at 2014 10:14 PM

2014-10-23T22:14:23-04:00

As far as I'm concerned, it's treason. Military court should over see it

Response by Sgt Daniel V. made Oct 24 at 2014 3:29 AM

2014-10-24T03:29:45-04:00

And I quote "Be polite. Be professional. Have a plan to kill everyone you meet." -Gen Mattis. They have the freedom to do with their lives as they wish but there is a professional warrior training everyday to kill you. You may do it as a stunt or to be part of your close circle of "family". Just remember before you go to declare war. There is a Marine right now as we speak who is ready who is training. There is a Sailor training and ready. There is a Soldier who has prepared for years on end. There is an Airman who has already decided that you will die for your cause. These men and women have been paraded around and you have seen initmate moments of their lives as they have returned and left for battle. Dont be fooled by the sweetness of the moments shared. They are all trained, ready, and willing to kill you without hesitation and with indifference be it a foreigner or compatriot who has chosen to fight against them. They will not feel anything but the recoil. These men and women are the finest and deadliest military to EVER walk the face of this earth. Chose wisely your words and choices because we will give you freedom in life or death. There will be no ceremony, no remorse or celebration there will be only the smell of expended rounds and the distant thumping of the helo as they evacuate. Should you be fortunate we will bury you with your new allies but most likely there will be very little left to bury.

Response by LCDR Kevin Black made Oct 24 at 2014 8:49 AM

2014-10-24T08:49:40-04:00

Where are the parents? Apparently out to lunch on what their kids are up to. Most kids don't have passports, those that do more then likely have middle/upper middle class upbringings, plus the money issue. Who leaves that kind of money laying around the house? Where are these kids visiting on the net to get interested and lured into this sort of thing and what do they think they are going to gain? Someone needs to explain to kids who might be attracted by this stuff how they are more then likely going to end up dead in a very ugly way and the reward they think they are getting is instead hell forever. Not to mention the rapes and abuse that will lead up to it. Some little white american girl would be quite a prize to abuse over there. Someone needs to explain how racist/evil these people are to anyone who even has a passing interest in being associated with this group. This is akin to joining the Nazi's in so many ways.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2014 11:03 AM

2014-10-24T11:03:40-04:00

Where did they get the money to travel to Germany prior to being caught? I don't think that there are enough people in this country who take the ISIS threat seriously. This is not one of those things that will just go away because we want it to go away.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Oct 24 at 2014 11:29 AM

2014-10-24T11:29:38-04:00

I say revoke their citizenship when they choose to go over there, and then just let them go. If they feel that way about something that they obviously do not properly understand then they are more than welcome to go live and work in sub human conditions with a high death rate. They'll learn, and hopefully their blogging on social media (if they can find a computer to work on) will hopefully discourage others by the deplorable conditions. The fact that three teenage girls wanted to go just surprises me (at the stupidity of their parents) as their "fighting with ISIS" will likely be for soldier relaxation. If you get my drift...

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2014 12:08 PM

2014-10-24T12:08:09-04:00

Seems pretty simple to me: let them go. But once they join a terrorist organization they are officially part of that group and therefore we should treat them like terrorists. They are no longer American citizens, bar them from ever returning to this nation even if years from now they come begging. If you decide to betray your nation and join up with the terrorists you get what you get.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2014 10:46 PM

2014-10-25T22:46:19-04:00

They could just want attention.

Response by TSgt David Gudenkauf made Oct 26 at 2014 7:31 AM

2014-10-26T07:31:07-04:00

The teenage years are the most ideological and impressionable. This is why the Education System should be emphasizing VALUES along with mentors and parents, especially in our Constitutional and sovereign processes. We have been teaching our children, especially through the media, how to disrespect our Nation more than value it, especially by our own National Leaders, how do we expect our children to act any better? It does not excuse this atrocious behavior but helps understand it. We are encouraging our children to show disdain for the very country they live in while encouraging to use the "rights" to exploit this contempt. It is time to teach children that Responsibility come with the right to act on something, like going to prison for this action.

Response by SFC Vernon McNabb made Oct 27 at 2014 3:53 PM

2014-10-27T15:53:25-04:00

I feel that if they are allowed to join ISIS, they have created for us a more target-rich environment.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2014 6:55 PM

2014-12-28T18:55:39-05:00

There's stupid and then there's Westerners joining ISIS. The girls who go to marry foreign fighters are the saddest of the lot. Oh well. Schadenfreude fodder I suppose.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2014 7:06 PM

2014-12-28T19:06:52-05:00

I tried to bring this up with regard to the Pledge of Allegiance and the Mexican Pledge of Allegiance in our own schools. Unless this nation has moral clarity and a plan, we are sunk. This is not rhetoric or hyperbole, this is a fact.

We will lose credibility if we continue to be just another nation. We have to believe in our exceptionalism and rebuke politicians who went to sell us out. I have tried to let people know what is happening now happened before and that is why we fight for America and that includes not leaving people behind because of our own values, thinking we could not be them.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2014 7:22 PM

2014-12-28T19:22:07-05:00

I believe it's shameful. for one we have been fighting them extremists for years and years and we lost many good men and women's lives in defending our way of life and fighting this horrible evil force then you have somebody that willing to join them or support them instead of fighting them and support this nation and what it stands for!!
what really bothers me about this are the Americans that go overseas to support such a group or organization then they get kidnapped, put under the blade and then our Soldiers have to go and get them and risk a good peoples lives to get somebody's that chose to be there with them suckers to pull him/her out of their hands!!? it's gets on nerves, they should just burn like the rest of them. sorry

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Dec 28 at 2014 8:58 PM

2014-12-28T20:58:37-05:00

if they are legal adults let them but also they need to understand that being an adult and making adult decisions had adult consequences then as a country we do what ever our laws allow us to do up and including revoke of citizenship and declaration as a legal combatant

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2014 9:06 PM

2014-12-28T21:06:25-05:00

Considering how the Islamic State routinely commits atrocities and can objectively be described as an evil I'd consider any American who goes to join them be considered a traitor with all the legal implications therein, or at the least have their citizenship revoked.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Dec 28 at 2014 9:43 PM

2014-12-28T21:43:45-05:00

I am opposed.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2014 9:47 PM

2014-12-28T21:47:33-05:00

This is our first, best opportunity to remove their taint from the gene pool.

Honestly that was the first thought that popped into my head.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2014 9:29 PM

2014-12-29T21:29:53-05:00

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2879272/One-teenage-Austrian-poster-girls-ran-away-join-ISIS-killed-conflict-says.html?ito=social-facebook
Here's a bit of an update on some of the kids who joined up with ISIS

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Dec 29 at 2014 10:46 PM

2014-12-29T22:46:05-05:00

They have been greatly deceived. If they plan to become an enemy combatant their time amongst the living will be short.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2014 10:59 PM

2014-12-29T22:59:44-05:00

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Dec 29 at 2014 11:03 PM

2014-12-29T23:03:11-05:00

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member, I wish them bonne chance, because they're really going to need it to even stay alive.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2014 2:00 AM

2014-12-30T02:00:51-05:00

I say let them join ISIS. If they're stupid enough to join an organization that is enslaving non-Muslims and killing fellow Muslims in order to create their twisted version of a caliphate then let Darwinism run it's course. Oh and 3 girls from America, yeah I'm pretty sure that ISIS will treat them with the utmost of respect. I mean just because they are making prostitutes out of the Yazidi women and girls after they kill their men doesn't mean that they would do worse to three American girls.

This is what happens when you water down American History so you don't offend anyone and when you allow your kids to do whatever they want when they are children.

Response by GySgt William Hardy made Dec 30 at 2014 2:06 PM

2014-12-30T14:06:24-05:00

Unfortunately, this is not a black and white issue. Many of these cases are teens and we do not have the option of calling them traitors and proceeding. Quite often teens engage in stupid activities, grow up some more, and turn out OK. Also, were those girls American citizens or children of recent immigrants? Makes a difference doesn't it? Those that are adults, that is a different thing. College students who sign petitions should be called to account for placing their signature on a petition that calls for the recognition of support for a group that has warred against the USA. I do not know what the best or even proper action to take against such things, but keep in mind that they do have the right to petition. My question is more to the idea of asking if this is an act of treason or is it the right to petition. Sometimes things like this have to be addressed by higher authority. Free speech and press has limits....does that also apply to the right to petition?

This is not a new thing . . . Many German-Americans returned to the Fatherland in the late 1930s and joined the German army. Many stayed in America and spied. How did our country handle that, and do those rules still apply today?

Response by SPC Robert Dickey made Jan 23 at 2015 11:44 PM

2015-01-23T23:44:55-05:00

Look, do I agree with them, no. Of course not. But that's why I joined the Armed Forces. This is the United States of America and we fight for people who live in this nation to have the right to think, believe and for the most part say whatever they want.

So I can get upset with these girls for believing in something that I don't believe in or agree in. Its Hypocritical. "You can believe in what you want, just so long as its what I believe in too".

However we also have a duty to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Sooooo. . go ahead little girls, believe what you like, but point a weapon in my direction, or in the direction of one of my brothers and sisters and we will have a problem.

Believe that.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jan 25 at 2015 12:34 PM

2015-01-25T12:34:02-05:00

Just putting it out there.

Response by COL Ted Mc made Jan 25 at 2015 1:07 PM

2015-01-25T13:07:12-05:00

How do I feel about it? I think that they have every right to do so AND that they have every right to bear the full consequences of doing so.

I know that "With Rights goes Responsibility" isn't particularly popular these days, but I still believe in it. [Just to stir the pot, so you can ignore this bit PO2 Crowder, that is exactly what "The Torah", "The Bible", "The Qu'ran", and every other "Holy Book" says.]

I do agree that the immature people referred to in the OP were just that "immature" and probably under educated at that.

Response by Cpl Charles Thompson made Jan 26 at 2015 2:41 AM

2015-01-26T02:41:30-05:00

Treason and it should be dealt with as prescribed in the Constitution

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2015 3:24 AM

2015-01-26T03:24:51-05:00

Drones or artillery could fix this problem. I'd even take one for the team and call in the strike. :)

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2015 8:58 PM

2015-01-26T20:58:40-05:00

What we have is a bored youth. Very few chores, no work ethic (that is ethical) and everyone wants to be the next Kelly Clarkson. So now like Jane Fonda, they imagine a better place to be but just like us all, they find there are no panaceas and quick fixes. Like the rest of, we become jaded and sardonic and blaming everyone else for our foibles.

There needs to be clarity and leadership out of our elected officials. All this malaise with the younger generation (rich and poor) and the media dictating how we live while there own life is so corrupt.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Feb 13 at 2015 9:13 AM

2015-02-13T09:13:28-05:00

I hope this doesn't sound trite or cold-hearted, but if these Americans want to support ISIS then they should consider going over there in person to witness firsthand what these people are like. Beyond the propaganda, these terrorists represent the worst of humanity, and meeting them would be a real eye-opening experience for these people -- and also a dangerous one, considering ISIS' brutal reputation.

Response by SFC William Farrell made May 13 at 2015 10:12 PM

2015-05-13T22:12:24-04:00

I agree SSG Shaw. Let them live with their choices.

Response by SFC William Farrell made Jun 8 at 2015 9:42 PM

2015-06-08T21:42:26-04:00

I'd say let them go because their life wont be worth much over there. Chances are they will be enslaved, raped, abused and all sorts of other horrors no teenager in this world should ever have to face. But that is their reality and if thats what they want, let them have at it! And then as Sgt Daniel Vasquez said, there is a warrior training to kill them everyday!

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jun 8 at 2015 9:53 PM

2015-06-08T21:53:54-04:00

I don't know what American citizens are looking for when the join ISIS. I think they are really foolish. Their demise could be met by deciding to take part or to carry about some ill planned mission in which they have no or very little training.

Response by GySgt William Hardy made Jun 11 at 2015 4:42 PM

2015-06-11T16:42:37-04:00

If they are over 18 when they make their decision, let them live with that decision. Revoke their passport 48 hours after leaving the country. If they are kids, then we need to deal with that on a case by case basis. Some of them might have participated in actions against this country and be tried as adults. Some may have just been stupid and need a second chance.

I will also say that those Muslims in this country who do not like the consequences of criminal actions such as the Boston Bombings, can pack their bags and go back to their home countries. Zubeidat Tsarnaeva. their mother, said some awful things about the US and if she doesn't like what happened, then she can ago back to her home country where maybe she will be treated like a queen. She should have kept her mouth shut.

Response by MSgt Mike Brown; MBTI-CP; MA, Ph.D. made Jun 12 at 2015 5:26 PM

2015-06-12T17:26:00-04:00

Reality: Treason -- this is an enemy of our Republic, and the democracies of the world.

Response by SSG Thomas Brousseau made Jun 12 at 2015 5:46 PM

2015-06-12T17:46:55-04:00

Any American that joins Isis is a traitor and should receive the death penalty.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jun 14 at 2015 11:33 PM

2015-06-14T23:33:34-04:00

You want go to hang out with ISIS and make friends with them? I will chip in $10 to help buy your plane ticket to link up with them. Just don't come crying back to all of us when they have you bound and tied and kneeling down in front of a camera...

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 14 at 2015 11:37 PM

2015-06-14T23:37:12-04:00

"I, John J. Miller II, do solemnly swear that I will defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and DOMESTIC..."

I may be retired, but no one has ever relieved me from this oath.

Response by LTC Ed Ross made Jun 14 at 2015 11:40 PM

2015-06-14T23:40:46-04:00

I agree with you. Too many Americans have bought into the propaganda that America is what's wrong with the world. And too many young people know next to nothing about world affairs.

Response by SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres made Oct 11 at 2015 10:40 PM

2015-10-11T22:40:42-04:00

Did these girls know anything about what their new found role with ISIS would entail? Forced rape and impregnation of future ISIS members, possible death with live exposure to Western Society....

Back to the question, I fully support any revocation of citizenry for supporters of ISIS. The organization seeks to harm any opposed and is in direct opposition for 99 percent of World Civilizations that value life.

Response by SFC George Smith made Feb 19 at 2017 10:39 PM

2017-02-19T22:39:22-05:00

sounds Like someone id being Brainwashed or Indoctrinated ...
It's an act of treason at best or subversion and sedition at least...

Response by TSgt Tim (lj) Littlejohn made Feb 24 at 2017 12:43 PM

2017-02-24T12:43:19-05:00

After years of liberal control of government and schools this is what you get! There is no right or wrong ways ,answers, everybody gets a trophy win or lose!

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Mar 23 at 2017 9:32 AM

2017-03-23T09:32:12-04:00

They are no longer Americans, they have sworn allegiance to the Caliphate, same with those joining Peshmerga

Response by LCDR Anthony Montague made Sep 19 at 2017 7:07 AM

2017-09-19T07:07:50-04:00

They made their choice. Whatever the law of the land says. IF they get sent back here (doubtful), they should be tried for treason

Response by MSG Greg Kelly made Sep 19 at 2017 7:11 AM

2017-09-19T07:11:40-04:00

They are Traitors and Terrorist and need to be put down like bad dogs!