If you think Col. Dickerson's speech glorified war and disrespected veterans then you completely misunderstood him or were simply unable to comprehend what he was saying.

I've known Col. Dickerson for years, argued politics with him for years and we have yet to agree on a single major issue, he being a crusty ole right wing conservative and all.

I can assure you and MS that he is not in the least senile. In fact, he's sharp as a tack and if you're going to pick an argument with him you'd better know your stuff and know why you know it. He's brilliant defending his positions and, alas, after many years of my most persuasive and insightful arguments, I have not been able to sway him on the issues.

I did not hear his speech but he is one of the most honorable and patriotic people I have ever known. Your claim that he disrespected our veterans defies belief.

Col. Don Dickinson gets loads of mulligans. He served his country well and he is entitled to a few slips twit the cup and the lip in the retiree years. Betcha he wants a mulligan for his fervent support of Harold Logsdon. And what is Ronnie Chance doing on the dais with a decorated war veteran? The only combat Ronnie has seen is a pillow fight during his sister's slumber party.

Dickinson--- we appreciate you.

I trust your judgment on this one and Colonel Dickerson sounds like an honorable man but I'm still confused by the "superior race" comment. Maybe one day you can ask him what he meant by that....

"And his comment about U.S. servicemen proving they were a, "superior race" is nothing short of disgusting."

How old is Col Dickinson anyway? A comment like this makes it sound as though senility has set into the old soldier's brain. I agree that this was a disgusting comment to make and totally uncalled for. I can hear it now.... "yeah, we really nuked those little brown and yellow people and showed them we're the superior race."

The comments you attribute were not made, but you heard them anyway because that is what is in your democrat, race-baiting heart. Just what "race" are you talking about? Marine Corp green? Army green? Fatigues? Dress Blues? Camoflague? You whacked out lib's are the most disgusting form of scum living today. Your heros, like Joe Biden and Hillary and Bill Clinton, Li'l o's preacher, Reverend Wrong, li'l o's wife,the America-hater, and Jesse "Hymietown" Jackson, are the most racist, bigoted group of folks on the planet. It is people like you that make this world so divided. You are probably rich and white. Oh, and probably have blue eyes.

than the people we try to attack. I'm sure I've had my share of such posts. Today... You have yours. If you think there is ANYTHING at all in your post that does not divide, you are alarmingly ignorant. As a member of "the most disgusting form of scum living today," I categorically blow raspberries in your general direction :-X

"You are probably rich and white. Oh, and probably have blue eyes."

That's a strange statement to make. What does this have to do with the current discussion?

You are taking hearsay to a whole new level of unacceptability Main Stream.

Please do not assume or ascribe statements like: "yeah, we really nuked those little brown and yellow people and showed them we're the superior race."

No such statements were made.

I'm thankful for the Colonel's service to our country, however, I believe his perception that we are the "superior race" is very misguided and that kind of thinking gives rise to military atrocities like we had at Abu Ghraib. When one group of people believes that they are "superior" over another group, are they truly fighting for justice or have they slipped into a form of militaristic genocide? We are not the "superior race" by any means and it was uncomfortable comment for him or anyone to make. But I agree with diva, that he deserves a few mulligans at this stage in his life.

Were you there? Did you hear the comment.. JMart is correct.. he was referring to the Germans who thought they were a "Superior Race" No Mulligans needed.. JUST GET YOUR FACTS CORRECT FOR A CHANGE.. Only a PROGRESSIVE can say THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE.. Then spit with the same lips..

I will not lower my standards.. So UP YOURS..

GUN CONTROL Link

I believe that Col. Dickinson's remark regarding the "superior race" was made while discussing American troops and their defeat of the Japanese during WWII. The idea of a "superior race" is particularly offensive considering that such ideals were central to Hitler's rise to power (not to mention the horrors he caused). Referring to having, "nuked 'em," is particularly offensive in that Col. Dickinson made the remark with bravado and a sense of pride at having been able to take, with the drop of deadly force, lives of many. We must be grateful for the risks taken by our servicemen and acknowledge the dangers they face day in and day out while not glorifying the loss of lives. The success of a war in distinguishing the power of those who embody and perpetuate ideals (such as did the NAZIs, etc). Pride is to be taken in that; in the triumph of good over evil. Never should pride be taken in killing another human. We cheer the soldiers and not the acts they are forced to commit in war.

I was proud to be in Tyrone to honor no fewer than 20 of my family members (many with bricks), who left Fayette County to fight for the U.S.----not all of them made it back. Some gave their lives, others gave of their lives, but; certainly all who served in wartime developed a profound understanding of the significance of every human's life.

And by the way, those half dozen veterans in attendance from my family (others having passed away or continuing to serve, away from home) are not at all Republicans----none of them. They are and always have been patriots. And they are not rich. They are blue collar folks with well worn hands, some former farmers. Thanks to the G.I. Bill, one of our veterans there went to college. I don't think any of them would consider themselves progressive. They hold strong to their Christian values. They are rather conservative.

I don't spit on anyone. I am thankful for each serviceman and service woman and wish that none of them had to know war. The ideas expressed by Col. Dickinson disturbed me and several others in the crowd. I found them inappropriate. A Memorial Day celebration should honor those who have served and not serve as an event during which political views are espoused. The service given by veterans should be honored and remarked upon and not the politics of those who seek to honor them.

I don't know if I've ever found a situation where politics was inappropriate----I find that politics are everywhere and always on MY mind. But this is about the veterans---ALL of them---not just the Republicans and not just the Democrats (I do not consider myself either). I can take a simplified version of history that glosses over some details in order to give a rosy view of why we went to war. I cannot accept the sort of speech given by Col. Dickinson as appropriate.

In regards to the nuked them comment, if you consider the fact that the people in charge forcasted a million casualties to take the Japanese islands, I think it is perfectly reasonable to speak with pride of the defeat of the Japs with no dead or wounded on our part.

I yam what I yam....Popeye

that you say you were there and still did not catch what he was saying.. The "superior race" comment was directed at the Japanese and Germans.. HE WAS NOT SAYING WE ARE A SUPERIOR RACE.. he said we fought an enemy that thought they were a "superior race"...and still won.. Get over yourself... I spoke to half a dozen others today that went also.. they all agreed on what was said... SO YOU ARE WRONG.. but no real surprise there.. Read Jeffc's comments.. he knows this guy as well..

I will not lower my standards.. So UP YOURS..

GUN CONTROL Link

I didn't hang on his every word; however, I did not hear him say what is being attributed to him. Rather, I thought he was attempting to say was that a war fought with countries who believed they were a 'superior race' (as the Germans and Japanese absolutely believed at that point in history) found out that they were not only not the superior race but lost their war to a country with superior ideals. Who knows for sure.

Regardless, I'm sure that the ole' Colonel appreciates the mulligan.

during a discussion that never mentions them.

"That kind of thinking gives rise to military atrocities like we had at Abu Ghraib."

Atrocities? Waterboarding, naked piles, and naked with panties on their head? Ask John McCain and other Vietnam Vets about atrocities. Ask someone from Ruwanda or Darfur about real Atrocities. All you lilly livered Liberal pansy a$$es make me want to puke. If any of you have older brothers, then you've probably been put through worse.

Your words bounce off me and stick to you

And soldiers are not, typically, statesmen. I have seen many a soldier ruffle feathers during impassioned speeches. We have to realize that we are talking about assassins and warriors; street fighters, and back alley brawlers; combat veterans who are tested and are very noble, but able to take life when called upon to do so, and press on. I am not worthy of holding this man's jock strap. As we get older, the tact part most likely takes a back seat. And anyone speaking in front of a crowd is liable to gaff every now and then. If you ask me, this old soldier could swap seats with Joe Biden and make no more oral faux paus than good ole Joe. In my estimation, this man has EARNED a few mulligans.

I give kudos to you on this.. although the mental imagery you presented with that "Jock Strap" comment was disturbing at best..
..

I will not lower my standards.. So UP YOURS..

GUN CONTROL Link

Let me clarify. The jock strap would only be held by a qualified individual in preparation for the real warrior to don it. At NO TIME would the qualified person handle said jock strap while being worn by said warrior. And, should the qualified person and warrior ever physically touch, either should immediately shout out "John Wayne" or "Chuck Norris," thereby re-establishing manliness.

I hear that BBQ'd Jock Straps are on the Menu at Wilbur's in Goldsboro. The vinegar-based sauce helps a lot.

And right on final for some of the coolest planes in the country!

Wilburs rocks!!!

Naw, I'm content with just Turning Base--as long as it's Seymour Johnson. Just make sure you get "3 in the Green!"

I can't be Mainstreams GRUMPY if you keep that up..

I will not lower my standards.. So UP YOURS..

GUN CONTROL Link

C'mon SL, surely that isn't the first time you've heard that! Not disturbing to me but taken as a true compliment to the Old Soldier and a truthful recognition by DIVA of his place in the warrior world.

Diva will get it..

I will not lower my standards.. So UP YOURS..

GUN CONTROL Link

Guess mine's turned off. I should have known better.

cause your gonna sob on this one...
Col. Dickerson was well RECEIVED by the Military that was represented there.. It's called HOORAH.. Most of us understand what is meant by it.. but sob away.. we LIKED IT.. and want to hear more of it.. If you have not learned this yet.. The Military's job is not to supply "humanitarian aid" or "police duties" of in gereral "worry" about "humanity".. their job is to Break things by means of high Explosives, Shatter the resistance of the ENEMY by KILLING more of them then they kill of us.. and most of all WIN.. It only gets screwed up when weak kneed politicians get in the way whose only job is to test the wind and see if it is still "POPULAR" to let the Dogs of War loose..

I will not lower my standards.. So UP YOURS..

GUN CONTROL Link

In the US, it is defined as the following: "The mission of the infantry is to close with the enemy by means of fire and maneuver to defeat or capture him, or to repel his assault by fire, close combat, and counterattack", when we stick to our mission, we have historically done very well.