Ben Stein on the Troops

[S14-vietusmc]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j66ydlz5ecM[/ame]

word.

[Koopa Troopa]

I love you Ben Stein

[S13SilviaGirl]

WOW, that made me cry a little...yeah yeah...sappy girl I know. BITE ME!

[theronin]

so fucking true. a friend of mine sent me this also that Ben Stein wrote. Quite a good read imo.





If they know of him at all, many folks think Ben Stein is just a quirky actor/comedian who talks in a monotone. He's also a very intelligent attorney who knows how to put ideas and words together in such a way as to sway juries and make people think clearly.

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution, and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him?

I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too.

But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to.

In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.

Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her "How could God let something lik e this Happen?" (regarding Katrina)

Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response.

She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?" (She said the same thing when interviewed after 9-11)


In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK.

Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. the Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW."

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell.

Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says.

Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing.

Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Are you laughing?

Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.

Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.

Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.

My Best Regards. honestly and respectfully,

Ben Stein

[azndoc]

Thank you Ben Stein.

Now if the rest of America was on board like he is then we'd be better off as a country.

[RJF]

Thank you...Ben Stein

Sadly most people know more about what is happening on American Idol, instead of what these Heros are doing for us everyday.

[Farzam]

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS
Or else yer supporting terrorists.

[fromxtor]

^^ I agree w/ Ben, he's very wise. I would vote for him as President.

[Diabolical]

Can somebody please explain to me what the troops are doing for the average american? Not flaming you, but what "american" thing are they fighting for?

[MavericStephenc]

Originally Posted by Diabolical

Can somebody please explain to me what the troops are doing for the average american? Not flaming you, but what "american" thing are they fighting for?

I believe a core value that they fight for is for you to be able to ask dumb questions. also remember its not always what they are fighting for, but who they are fighting for, family,friends, and self. and they do it without asking questions, when alot of people freak out about bad hair day or some other bull.

"What are they doing?"

upholding rights that are above you

keeping terrorism of our shores

allowing a lot of people to sleep at night

tell me something what have you done for the average American?

do you have anything to show?

as Ben said if what Britney feeds her child takes precidence over the troops of America the we as a country are in trouble.

people should start questioning the selfish not the selfless.


come home safe troops we miss you guys.

[HalveBlue]

Originally Posted by Diabolical

Can somebody please explain to me what the troops are doing for the average american? Not flaming you, but what "american" thing are they fighting for?

Honestly, I could sit here and talk hyperboles about making sure you keep your freedoms and rights, etc. But I won't.

While we could argue about the validity of the ongoing military operations throughout the world, I won't.

The fact is, this country's military it a tool wielded by the American democracy. Nothing more, nothing less.

What matters is that a select few individuals are willing to put their lives on the line for whatever this country deems necessary.

Whether you believe what the military does has merit is besides the point.

The military doesn't make policy, it just follows it.

[Diabolical]

Originally Posted by MavericStephenc

I believe a core value that they fight for is for you to be able to ask dumb questions. also remember its not always what they are fighting for, but who they are fighting for, family,friends, and self. and they do it without asking questions, when alot of people freak out about bad hair day or some other bull.

"What are they doing?"

upholding rights that are above you

keeping terrorism of our shores

allowing a lot of people to sleep at night

tell me something what have you done for the average American?

do you have anything to show?

as Ben said if what Britney feeds her child takes precidence over the troops of America the we as a country are in trouble.

people should start questioning the selfish not the selfless.


come home safe troops we miss you guys.

Sorry, but not one of the terrorists that attacked us on 9/11 was from iraq or afghanistan. Exactly what rights are they upholding? Can you explain instead of using sarcasm to make you're high school graduate self look smarter than you really are?

Are people from iraq or afghanistan threatening my freedom? No. Are they threatening my safety, nope. So why are we there again?

BTW saving you the googling, the terrorist were from saudi arabia.

[Farzam]

Originally Posted by Diabolical

Sorry, but not one of the terrorists that attacked us on 9/11 was from iraq or afghanistan. Exactly what rights are they upholding? Can you explain instead of using sarcasm to make you're high school graduate self look smarter than you really are?

Are people from iraq or afghanistan threatening my freedom? No. Are they threatening my safety, nope. So why are we there again?

BTW saving you the googling, the terrorist were from saudi arabia.

So someone's nationality determines how threatening they are?

That's pretty racist.

If that's the case, there can't be a Nazi American. Nazis were German. There can't be Indian cocaine dealers, cocaine is stereotypically produced in Columbia. I can't work at a Nissan dealership, they're Japanese.

[MavericStephenc]

Originally Posted by Diabolical

Sorry, but not one of the terrorists that attacked us on 9/11 was from iraq or afghanistan. Exactly what rights are they upholding? Can you explain instead of using sarcasm to make you're high school graduate self look smarter than you really are?

Are people from iraq or afghanistan threatening my freedom? No. Are they threatening my safety, nope. So why are we there again?

BTW saving you the googling, the terrorist were from saudi arabia.

no need for google

I never said once I supported the reasons for our war....sorry not our war the oil companies war.(they have a lot of pull in the world these days.) but I do fully support troops. I also never said where terrorists came from. but do not forget that at the start of all this it was very much a homeland security matter. and in my eyes still is.

and about the google, and high school education thing. spare us your annotations, they are useless especially in an online society where a majority of the time you will never meet one another. so your observations of me are bollox.

judging by what you said on the uav thread and your rep (not that I like to use that as a hit point) but you have no clue what you are talking about

Originally Posted by Farzam

So someone's nationality determines how threatening they are?

That's pretty racist.

If that's the case, there can't be a Nazi American. Nazis were German. There can't be Indian cocaine dealers, cocaine is stereotypically produced in Columbia. I can't work at a Nissan dealership, they're Japanese.

you sir are correct

[Diabolical]

Originally Posted by MavericStephenc

no need for google

I never said once I supported the reasons for our war....sorry not our war the oil companies war.(they have a lot of pull in the world these days.) but I do fully support troops. I also never said where terrorists came from. but do not forget that at the start of all this it was very much a homeland security matter. and in my eyes still is.

and about the google, and high school education thing. spare us your annotations, they are useless especially in an online society where a majority of the time you will never meet one another. so your observations of me are bollox.

judging by what you said on the uav thread and your rep (not that I like to use that as a hit point) but you have no clue what you are talking about


you sir are correct

No clue what im talking about yet you can't prove me wrong, lol k. To be honest I dont know why im arguing with somebody that has a camo gun in their sig...you probably think im a "commie lib" .

In what way do you support the troops? Just wondering because I hear a lot of people say that yet supporting the troops to them is agreeing what fox news tells them and buying american products.

[MavericStephenc]

Originally Posted by Diabolical

No clue what im talking about yet you can't prove me wrong, lol k. To be honest I dont know why im arguing with somebody that has a camo gun in their sig...you probably think im a "commie lib" .

In what way do you support the troops? Just wondering because I hear a lot of people say that yet supporting the troops to them is agreeing what fox news tells them and buying american products.

how do i support the troops
I leave for MCRDPI in about a month.I will be a troop.,and that camo gun is an m16 wrapped in camo tape. not its not a real one guys thats at my uncles. that is for airsoft matches

MCRDPI= Marine corps. recruit depot paris island

you wanna try to break me down even more by my avatar too?

tool

[Diabolical]

Originally Posted by MavericStephenc

how do i support the troops
I leave for MCRDPI in about a month,and that camo gun is an m16 wrapped in camo tape. not its not a real one guys thats at my uncles. that is for airsoft matches

MCRDPI= Marine corps. recruit depot paris island

you wanna try to break me down even more by my avatar too?

tool

Great, you must be real proud. Have fun with that.

[MavericStephenc]

yes in fact I'm very proud of it. I will enjoy it. have fun in Florida

[Farzam]

Diabolical, do you really want to get pinked again?

[Diabolical]

Originally Posted by MavericStephenc

yes in fact I'm very proud of it. I will enjoy it. have fun in Florida

Well good, do what you enjoy in life...just don't ruin any innocents lives when you get deployed. Im not saying you would, your probably a good person. But just remember, they didnt choose to be born in Iraq and are most likely not islamic radicals.

Originally Posted by Farzam

Diabolical, do you really want to get pinked again?

No, not at all.

[ThatGuy]

And why the FUCK shouldn't he proud Diabolical?

I said it once already, this is the last time i will. Step away from the computer, and stop posting for a while. You're beginning to upset me.

-ThatGuy

US Marine since 1998
I readily volunteer my life so that little pricks like you can complain about it on the internet.
You whine about "innocents" yet I HIGHLY doubt you have dealt with an Urban Combat situation.
This ain't fucking Halo. The "badguys" don't wear black anymore.

STOP SPEAKING ABOUT WHAT YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND.

[MavericStephenc]

aye sir I was wondering when you were gunna chime in

Originally Posted by ThatGuy

And why the FUCK shouldn't he proud Diabolical?

I said it once already, this is the last time i will. Step away from the computer, and stop posting for a while. You're beginning to upset me.

-ThatGuy

US Marine since 1998
I readily volunteer my life so that little pricks like you can complain about it on the internet.
You whine about "innocents" yet I HIGHLY doubt you have dealt with an Urban Combat situation.
This ain't fucking Halo. The "badguys" don't wear black anymore.

STOP SPEAKING ABOUT WHAT YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND.

[Diabolical]

Originally Posted by ThatGuy

And why the FUCK shouldn't he proud Diabolical?

I said it once already, this is the last time i will. Step away from the computer, and stop posting for a while. You're beginning to upset me.

-ThatGuy

US Marine since 1998
I readily volunteer my life so that little pricks like you can complain about it on the internet.
You whine about "innocents" yet I HIGHLY doubt you have dealt with an Urban Combat situation.
This ain't fucking Halo. The "badguys" don't wear black anymore.

STOP SPEAKING ABOUT WHAT YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND.

OMG *bows down*


Not rly, but before I get myself banned I better shut up and leave the thread.

[ThatGuy]

I'm not asking you to bow down to anything. I mentioned my service to let you know where I was coming from. That is all.

It is a good idea for you to Shut the Fuck Up now though.

You just came off a Pinking. Your next infraction will see you Banned.

[xcusememisswyn]

Why do I respect the soldiers?



Because they willingly serve and protect even the pussies (like you) who hide over here with your tails b/n your legs and feel brave by talking shit behind a computer screen. The only reason youre even allowed to do that is b/c of the soldiers you are talking down on.

You dont need to respect the war and its goals, but the soldiers who fight are doing so because, whether you realize it or not, it protects the freedoms of even ignorant people like you.

[ThatGuy]

"If you can read this, thank a teacher."

"If you can read this in English, thank the US Military."

[xcusememisswyn]

Wow, I was seven posts late there, took me too long to type that haha

[MavericStephenc]

Originally Posted by ThatGuy

"If you can read this, thank a teacher."

"If you can read this in English, thank the US Military."

Barry....you make me happy dude I hope you know that

[Diabolical]

Originally Posted by ThatGuy

"If you can read this, thank a teacher."

"If you can read this in English, thank the US Military."

You do know that there is no official language for the USA right? Just saying. Also the saying should go thank a WW2 vet, not thank a soldier.

[ThatGuy]

You do know I told you to shut the fuck up, right? Did I say a Soldier, you dumb Fuck? No, I said the fucking US Military. Just goes to show how ignorant you really are.

You just can't resist stirring the shit, can you?

Last warning, just saying.