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I only heard part of the address and got the point that he is sending 20,000 more troops to Iraq I think was the number...well, honestly, im split on this decision. I can see the importance of sending in more troops, I don't believe in backing out of this war, but I'm not sure just sending more troops in will win it. changing strategies might, "superior thinking has always overwhelmed superior force". im truly split 50/50 on this, i think its stupid that he is sending more men and women into danger, when there are already so many there needing to come home to be with their families. When there is a malfunction in a factory, do you send in more workers? no, you find out what the problem is and fix it. in this case, we know the problem. but it might take more soldiers to fix it, meaning maybe more soldiers is the right thing to do. So im going to watch other peoples opinions and see which one i agree with the most.
Posted by Sparky Silver on 11 Jan 07 Thursday at 11:15 -MySpace
to tell u the truth i thought it was party fucken dum he goin to sand more troops, when he should just bring them home and let those dumass over there kill themself
the person, I WEAR MY STUNNA SHADES AT NIGHT, is a complete moron. he doesnt consider anything and its send not sand. Not many civilians understand what a president has to go through. They act like the president sent the troops there. It was CONGRESS! the ignorence of people! -.- I think its much better that now the Democracy over there is going to be in more effect. I just hope it isnt like the Vietnam War again. Its great that more troops are going to go over there. Then we can end this thing much more sooner. And I WEAR MY STUNNA SHADES AT NIGHT does not understand the difficulties over there. He does not know what is happening, it bugs people when people say that. Having no knowledge of the true status over there.
I'm feeling pretty mixed about it right now. I'd hate for him to keep this ting going for 2 more years and then leave it in the next President"s lap. i also wished he had not changed his advisors 3 days before the speech. It looked like he was going for the "yes" guys to be behind him. I love the troops, but hate the war. I would just like to include a prayer for all of the VETS and for the guys who are losing sleep tonight guarding us. It's all about them. I really feel bad for the new dads and husbands who have to go now and also the guys who got their redeployment dates jacked up.
Posted by Security Dave on 11 Jan 07 Thursday at 16:57 -MySpace
so stupid he needs to fight the war if he wants it done leave us outta there we've killed the terriots leave the people alone let them deal with their lives
I'm like Sparky, I'm split right down the middle. I think we should have sent in more troops before. Will it now be too late? I guess we are just going to have to wait and find out. There is no doubt that extra troops will get the mission done. The insurgents could be pushed out of the hot zones. But after our pull out of Baghdad scheduled at the end of the summer will the milita just come back?
Posted by Randy Eight on 15 Jan 07 Monday at 11:07 - Submitted Email
I didn't watch the address, didn't really want to. Hate Bush or not, majority of Americans voted for him to be our leader for 8 years. Whether sending an extra twenty thousand troops will do the job or not, keep supporting the troops. We are the reason they stay alive and stay motivated.
Show your proud to be an American, having the freedom and option to voice that opinion is because of our troops.
Posted by Will (Tempe,AZ) on 15 Jan 07 Monday at 11:49 -MySpace
Ok unless you have served or are planning on joining you really have no idea what it means to sacrifice for others. I support our President 100%. I wish we had finished the job back in 1990-91 when I was there the first time but oh well. As for the wife or girlfriend of the soldier needing her man and baby needing her daddy. I understand completely, I am a father of 5 and grandfather. However I ask you this, if you married him as a soldier, what
did you expect? This aint the boyscouts. What ever happened to loyalty? So many Americans take for granted the freedoms we have here. Had they lived in some of the countries I haev been in and bad mouthed it's leader, they would be killed.
Posted by Grud on 15 Jan 07 at 23:04 - Submitted Email
The Fact is that more troops is something that we have needed from the start, We went in there undermanned. We may not agree with the war, and we may not like it, but we have now committed to it. I personally want to be there. Don't pull us out now, not after we have lost men, not after they have sacrificed so much. If we pull out and don't accomplish anything, they lost their lives in vain. I am not willing to look at my friends grave and say we pulled out because it wasn't worth it. They didn't think you dying in this war, was worth anything. Because I know that they were, and they believed in it, and so do I. Give us the man power, give us the equipment, give us all we need to do the job, and fully commit. Thats right FULLY commit. Because only then can this thing be over fast.
Posted by Will (Albuquerque, NM) 12 Jan 07 Friday at 17:11 -MySpace
Amen Will. Amen!
Posted by Beth on 17 Jan 07 Wednesday at 09:29 -MySpace
I am thankful that the Troops are there in the first place, I Bless them and their Families... However, that being said, I believe we need to wake up and smell the coffee. Those Men and Women of ours need more support from US. We are having another Vietnam of sorts, and we Must support all the decisions that are being made for the welfare and emotional support of these troops. Sending More Support shows Iraq we are not backing down as it has been purported. We must stand behind our President ... like him or not .. because we have way to many troops over there to turn our backs on at this pivitol time.
Posted by Cat on 18 Jan 07 Thursday at 18:50 -MySpace
My Husband just left to go over 4 days ago. although I want him here with me...I know he is there for a good reason. I'd rather there not be war..but Im not against it. He is my own personal Hero ..he protects me. I think they need more help...So im for sending more troops in. They need more help out there.
Posted by Kweenbee on 19 Feb 07 Monday at 19:44 - Submitted Email
I hate what the congress etc: is trying to do to Pres. Bush / but I Knew they would?? Then England doing what their doing sucks?? They are only going to hurt the troops/some get injured & still want to go back / they REALLY KNOW why we are there?? GO BUSH & GOD BLESS ALL OF THE TROOPS??
Posted by Darrel Adams/ West Valley City, Ut. on 22 Feb 07 Thursday at 10:36 - Submitted Email
I fully agree with you!!!I believ it is time they stand on their own 2 feet,we can be going over there every time a crises comes up!!! I feel we should have done something back when it first started and son said so too,he said when he returned back to the states,that this wasnt the last of what was going on ,and he told me some things he had to go through cause he was orded to ,he has changed so much sinse he came back,
I also suggest for those that do come back the family dont ask what went on over there,if they wish to talk about it,then let them bring it up first.I believe he cant just blame 911,there is alot more events that took place.
God Bless you Troops and Stay Well & Safe, THANK YOU ALL!!!! HUGS
Posted by ~NorthernBelle~ on 23 Feb 07 Friday at 13:33 -MySpace
Enter EMAIL address
"U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Michelle Manhart poses nude for Playboy. Do you think she should be relieved of her duties? "
No i dont think she should be relieved of her duties.
I'm not sure how this is going to play out. Is she a "Lifer"? I didn't see the picturre so I'm not sure what context it is even taking. Everyone else from movie stars to WWE babes are doing it. Maybe she needed the money for her family at home. ha-ha-ha
Posted by Security Dave on 12 Jan 07 Friday at 17:12 -MySpace
This is such a touchy subject. Because though I personally like playboy, and will get this next issue mainly because of her, it is also discredit to the uniform. Its the perception of the public. Just as I had when I heard about it. And Air Force SSgt. and then my friend tells me she was an MTI (Military Training Instructor) and she posed with her hat, and has posed with her uniform. I thought, wow, that’s going to be hot. And my first reaction was that I hope she doesn't get burned in a court martial. And then I thought about it. She did nothing wrong to herself. She made a decision, and I am fine with that. But her decisions don't just effect her, they effect the whole service. We aren't here as individuals, and as a Non Commissioned Officer she should know that. She has totally compromised her ability to command and be taken seriously. And that is detrimental to the service. Should she be relieved of her duties? that may be a little harsh. But should she be reprimanded, defiantly. We have rules, and unlike the civilian world, you shouldn't get away with breaking them. Different culture, different purpose.
Posted by Will (Albuquerque, NM) on 12 Jan 07 Friday at 17:12 -MySpace
Well, I give her big props and do see where she is coming from in saying that why can't she exercise what she fights for. On the other hand, she is an MTI and is suppose to be "the example". Either way, she shouldn't have a problem getting another job from all of the publicity she will get.
Posted by ~Lindsey~ on 12 Jan 07 Friday at 19:14 -MySpace
how about this, if you are NOT in the service, dont say crap because you have no feeling toward the uniform and the service that you are in. always maintain the best image of your branch of service you are in. Oh yea sure stand up for your right. THEN DONT JOIN THE SERVICE AND BE A CIVILLIAN! undiscipline pigs
If I am an American citizen who teaches her classes to form their own opinions of the war but to ALWAYS support the troops for stepping up and protecting us.... WHY am I to keep quiet? What if I feel the same way you do? I happen to feel that .. no matter what the money may be .. it is my integrity and job on the line. It would damage the reputation of teachers everywhere. In that respect.. If I understand what you are not saying.. you feel offended that you have to prove your worth all over again due to her actions.
If so... I am sorry you feel that way. You will never have to prove yourself to those who fully support your efforts to anyone.
Posted by Kath on 18 Jan 07 Thursday at 09:49 -MySpace
My husband knew her.. shes at Lackland AFB in Texas. He didnt HAVE her but she subed for his MTI once or twice. First off, he says shes not playboy type AT ALL... and if you look her up on YAHOO IMAGES you will see that she isnt.
Also.......... she already was relieved of her duties and is pending an investigation.
Im not sure how I feel about a playgirl teaching so I pass on this one, its mixed.
Posted by ♥Airmans Wife on 17 Jan 07 Wednesday at 20:16 -MySpace
INSANE! Why does the phony military take so long to kick er out! this case is obvious, a shame worse than Jane Fonda!!!!
Posted by iMouse on 18 Jan 07 Thursday at 09:48 -MySpace
I don't know why everyone is tip toeing around this. It was wrong what she did. She was suppose to be an example to our nation, to our children. I think that being released is the best thing, she can't be above such an action.There's black and white here, no room for a gray area. Wrong is wrong, and it is especially scrutinized when that person wears a uniform.
What I don't understand is why service men and women and celebs(at that) think they can do these foolish things and no one will find out or care? Just doesn't make sense, someone is always going to find out, and people like myself will read it online or hear it by word of mouth.
I too feel that there is a fine line in this situation. I don't condone what she did. I think personally it was in poor taste and she should've waited until her enlistment was up to do it. But then again I feel like it would be a double standard because you have firefighter's and police officer's posing in some half clothed shots for calendars all of the time.
But then again, who am I to judge her. I guess only God can and should really judge her and her actions.
I think if she posed with any piece of her uniform certainly yes she should be relieved of her duties. I think if she used her title as a US Air Force soldier as a way to get her in the Magazine then yes she should be relieved of her duties. Especially as an NCO she is supposed to be setting an example for her peers and her subordinates and posing in playboy is not the moral and integrity standards the US military has.
Posted by ~*Carmen*~ on 22 Jan 07 Monday at 08:58 -MySpace
Here is a link to some of the pics...I think it is definitely in POOR Taste and shames the United States Military...especially during war times. My husband, My father, and many many friends are active duty or retired and I am sure they would be ashamed by this. Completely distasteful and irresponsible on her part.
Posted by ~*Carmen*~ on 22 Jan 07 Monday at 08:58 -MySpace
i think she made a good point when she said that she is just exercising the freedom that she fights for. i dont think she should be relieved of her duties.
Posted by Adam on 23 Jan 07 Tuesday at 22:46 -MySpace
Being an Army Vet and having family members in just about all branches I believe according to 1 persons comment in this blog I am qualified to speak on this topic.
May I say you don't have to be in the military to live the military life style so let me say I am truly sorry that some feel you don't count just because you aren't in uniform.
As far as what the AF Staff Sgt did. " He who is free of sin may cast the first stone" Dare I say, if you live in a glass house!!!
She will have to deal with what she has done. Right or wrong lets remember she is still a Sister in Arms.
Posted by Ice on 25 Jan 07 Thursday at 22:16 -MySpace
i don't think that she exercised good judgment in posing while she was still in the military. what you do while serving this country reflects on the uniform that you put on everyday, whether you like it or not. it's quite unfortunate that while she claims (on the Alan Colmes Show)that she is proud of her body and this is a form of art, why does she feel the need to show off everything? even though Playboy is one of the classier "adult entertainment" magazines out there, posing in the nude isn't really making any statement worth
taking seriously.
i commend Ms. Manhart for serving her country, but with each job there are codes of conducts that we must adhere to. being in the military shouldn't excuse those conducts. if anything, i believe that you as an individual are held to a higher standard above all others.
lastly, i'm not a feminist by any means, but this is kind of a set back for the rest of the women whether it be in the miiitary or any other profession. we yell, scream and fight over equal rights but do no good when things of this nature happen. we want respect, but contradict what we want in the same breath. i'm
sorry but it doesn't work both ways. what kind of statement are you trying to make Ms. Manhart? was it to further your career as a model or acting perhaps? did you seriously think that this wasn't going to be controversial at best? you had to of known that there would be reprecussion over this. consequences for our
actions is what i've always been taught. this should be no different.
Posted By Kim F. on 26 Jan 07 Friday at 12:33 - Submitted Email
She was wrong PERIOD!! As a Noncomissioned Officer she is supposed to represent the most professional of soldiers. This has nothing to do with her rights ro what she fights for, there are rules and regulations in the military that we all choose to follow when we signed up. The Airforce recruiter next door flaunts these pictures as though it is an accomplishment to be proud of. He should be ashamed to show anyone. As for her being relieved of duty. I can only hope that is the least she gets for disgracing the uniform and our great military services. She could have waited to get out and do it if it was her dream.
Posted by Steve on 26 Jan 07 Friday at 15:10 -MySpace
You know, they have cops and firemen posing for Playboy and they are supposed to be our heroes. What's wrong with a soldier? Where do you draw the line? Better Playboy than Hustler.
Posted by Security Dave on 26 Jan 07 Friday at 21:37 -MySpace
this michelle poses playboy, what is she thinking, after she serve for 12 yrs, and now pose nude, my husband been in for 21 yrs, i been there, see things, but i never heard this kind of trash made by military woman, she must be the first trash woman in the military, military all ready been critizised by people , who had a shallow mind , like john kerry think all military are not educated, and her michelle poses nude while in the service, i want to tell her send me her nude picture so i can put it in my bathroom, so my military husband can look at her, like shes stupid, maybe my ass is better than her, but i dont think im posing nude while my husband in the military, well i could im not in the service, michelle should be a shame her self, hope she look hot, if not, yak i put her picture in the wall and throw dart in it see if i can get a bulls eye,
Posted by Neri on 10 Feb 07 Saturday at 14:14 -MySpace
I don't think it is trashy or any of the bad things people are saying. People have different ways they wish to express themselves and if posing is nude that is there right as an American citizen. If we don't like it we can look the other way no big deal. However, having been an E-5 in the Air Force all I have to say is this: A Higher Standard. When we went through Airman Leadership School we were told that we were being held to a higher standard and posing in playboy does not live up to that standard. Overall its not a wrong thing to do however it is wrong for an NCO to do.
Posted by Chris on 14 Feb 07 Wednesday at 13:38 -MySpace
What about everyone else? are we still forgetting she is still a person like you and me? People are naturally flawed and do stupid things, but to be honest we can not say what she did is morally right or wrong...morals is a person to person thing, meaning, for those of you who need it to be explained, that they are different for each person...we all have a different set of morals, mine are different from yours and yours are different from hers...i do believe not all the details were released on this matter, which they rarely are, but here are questions that we need to ask: 1)Was it in her contract that she could not pose nude for a magazine? 2)Does it really truley matter? 3) Why are we, people who are not really involved in the matter, trying to put our two cents in when it is obviously not needed? 4) Did she need the money? 5) Why do you care what a single person does, there are worse things a person in the military can do, and has done, why fret over something like this when we know worse offenses are currently being committed?...I am not in the military, but that should not matter...i was raised with the same discipline, grew up in an organization based on the same "morals" as the military, BSA...i am an eagle scout, and so is my brother, who is in the military, and he agrees with me...we all have done something that is equally as "wrong" as what she did, so does that make it moral for you to say she should lose her job? Grow up people...please, just grow up...
I believe she was so wrong and used very poor judgement. I think she got what she deserved. what if the enemy would have got a hold of this picture? it would have put all her group in danger
I feel any female or male that exposes their flesh have no morals
stuff like that should be left in the bedroom and not advertized it ,
thank you
God Bless you Troops
Posted by ~NorthernBelle~ on 23 Feb 07 Friday at 13:34 -MySpace
I think she made a poor decision but she isn't the first to do something stupid while she was in uniform. Relieving her of her duties is taking it a biit extreme seeing as this is her first serious offense. People have gotten away with much worse in uniform.
Posted by courtney on 26 Feb 07 Monday at 12:22 -MySpace
If President Bill Clinton can get a you know what in the White House then who cares? She's done more for the country than he did!
Posted by ♥KIM♥ on 04 Mar 07 Sunday at 10:27 -MySpace
"What do you think about the new strategy announced Wednesday January 10th, during the presidential address?"
"Whats on your mind? Tell the world how it is!!"
People need to open their eyes and see that it's not about politics, war or opinion, it is crucial that we support the men and women who are the foundation of America's freedom.
I think the military is extremely unappreciated and under paid. Numerous service members struggle everyday to survive, and find themselves eating Ramen for weeks when something unexpected happens. We should be thankful for a volunteer military and should pay them accordingly. Now increasing populations are anti-war and anti-troops which are condoned by mass media allowing broadcasts to make a mockery of our nation leaders. American minds have been clouded and people have forgotten that our soldiers are caught in the middle of the crossfire between passion and opinion. Yes, everyone is entitled to their own opinion and party affiliation, but the men and women who sign on that dotted line are passionate about serving our country to ensure the freedoms of civilians. Politics and opinion is irrelevant.
Posted by Kim B. on 10 Jan 07 Wednesday at 19:37 -MySpace
i do agree with this, and that the people there should be payed accordingly...but the sad truth is, we wouldnt really be able to afford to pay each member of the military what they deserve. I truly appreciate the military, i have frieinds and friends family in it, i have had family in it, and my friends and i are planning on joining, so i wish we could pay the men and women fighting for our country more, i just dont know if we would be able to(not that the United States is a poor country, but we have so many in the military, to much of a change would be a big impact because of the number we do have)
Posted by [S] on 11 Jan 07 Thursday at 11:15 -MySpace
War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.
John Stuart Mill
Posted by Steve on 26 Jan 07 Friday at 15:09 -MySpace
I think that no matter what you think of the president everbody should support the troops... If it was not for them we would not have the life we have ....THE FREEDOM OF THE LIFE WE HAVE... this is speaking of past , present & future troops .... I have one son in the ARMY INFANTRY, & two of his friends who are like family are in the NATIONAL GUARD....I support,pray for them all...
Hi, My name is Stephanie and i want to know what you think is so great about war. shouldent we be trying to stop in than support it? shoulden't we be finding other solutions better yet shouldent we start caring about our environment? where will this planet be if we keep droping bombs and when we drop bombs.. completely innocent people are dying. shouldent we be helping them instead of helping the ones who signed up for this? who knew what they were getting into when they joined the war?
Posted by Stephanie on 28 Jan 07 Sunday at 18:56 - Submitted Email
Now that the Dems are in the majority, Pelosi and Murtha are
fervently working to cut funding for our troops. What is wrong with these people?! It makes me SICK that our troops are risking everything to fight terrorism and spread Democracy to keep us safe, and the liberal left does everything in their power to get in the way making us vulnerable at home and make it even more difficult for our troops. Defeatism, anti-American, cut and run bullshit is UNBELIEVABLE!
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!
Posted by ♥KIM♥ on 16 Feb 07 Friday at 18:03 -MySpace
I agree on what you are saying,but did they care about the people that they killed with the planes ,? and they had thier chance to have peace talks and they blew it, they are the ones that were kidnapping our Americans, they are the ones that did the horrable acts of killing. I feel for some of the kids,but with this now aday you cant even trust some of the kids cause of what they were preached about us some of them were filled with terror, and forced to act when they should have been had to. and even some of the women are the same way. I just hope this all ends soon and the familys can be reunited and get this over and done with for good,
God Bless!!!
Posted by ~NorthernBelle~ on 23 Feb 07 Friday at 13:33 -MySpace
Hey Everyone!!
This is Shelly. Just wanted to shout out a little "Oorah" for all our Marines, Soldiers, Airmen/Women and all others that are putting their life on the line every day for my freedom. I thank them so much that I'm able to write this blog and even if it's for our against the war, I won't get shot to death for expressing my opinion. God Bless America!! After all, we really do live in the most wonderful country on Earth. I know it's not perfect, nothing is. But, where in the world can you go about living your life, in somewhat peace and harmony without having to look over your back, or hide behind a building, or down in a foxhole so that you won't be killed? I support our President and all our troops.
Have a great weekend and remember our President and out troops in your prayers. Take care.
Posted by Shelly on 23 Feb 07 Friday at 13:33 -MySpace
