PurpleCar - Latest Comments in Writing for Good: Email Our Military

Re: Writing for Good: Email Our Military

Tony — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 18:03:24 -0000

Troy

Be safe bro! Thank YOU and all the rest of the troops for doing what you do. I am damn proud of all you guys!

Again, stay safe and get home soon!

Re: Writing for Good: Email Our Military

PurpleCar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 18:02:26 -0000

And that, my friends, is the last word on that!

Re: Writing for Good: Email Our Military

Troy — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 17:58:54 -0000

I want to put an end to this petty bickering...

Let me start by saying I am a 23 year old combat medic, in iraq. I have requested to get emails from emom and as have others over here with me. The simple thing is that mail electronic or not is a great damn morale booster. I miss home and have been stuck in this shit hole for the past 6 months and i have about 9 left to go. we get mail all the time from random people accross the U.S. and it makes us happy to see that we are appreciated and not forgotten. trust me its easy to think that you are forgotten. i am not going to say if i believe in the war or not or what side of the politcal fence i stand in. i will say this, TROOPS LOVE MAIL! i am a line medic. i am right there on the front lines kicking in doors and my guys all call me doc. i have seen the worst that humanity has to offer but i offer the best humanity has to give. its a hard job and i deal with more human suffering than i care to think about, and nothing shines through the thick, darkness like a simple letter or email. i dont care what its about. i could use the break in the monotiny of this hell hole. but once again it is america and what i fight for to keep free so enjoy your opinions. god bless, and sorry for the gramatically incorrect rant.

Re: Writing for Good: Email Our Military

simonstudio — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:56:57 -0000

here is the master Jason Brook's work.
please give credit to artists.

soldiers are important, but the integrity of the design and your references to it's history are important too

http://www.jason-brooks.com/portfolio/

this guy is actually an interior decorator, but every one in advertising lifted this poor guys style... including Mail our Military

Re: Writing for Good: Email Our Military

simonstudio — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:51:59 -0000

also a further comment about the poor design of eMOM
please look at the illustration work of Jason Brooks and give him a little credit for his design style. Few realize that he invented this digital illustration style stolen by so many girly ventures. The integrity of your site is so lacking in so many ways other then moral issues. The design of this thing is pathetic.

Re: Writing for Good: Email Our Military

Dan Mosqueda — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:34:50 -0000

I am a reservist in the Air Force. When I was deployed 2 years ago to Kuwait and Iraq, I remember receiving mail from somebody I didn't know. In fact, I received a few things in the mail. It literally brought tears to my eyes because it said to me that someone back home was thinking about me. I saved the items and have them to this day.

I would say that if you're writing to a servicemember, keep it cheery and supportive. And if you send them something in the summer, make sure it's not meltable because it's hot over there!

Re: Writing for Good: Email Our Military

simonstudio — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:37:49 -0000

what is this about the code not being apparent?
PATHETIC!

you shouldn't harass the soldiers. you shouldn't harass me and it would seem you spend more time twitter bitching then actually insuring the soldiers don't get flamed like I am getting. you are proving exactly what I am saying.
Yes this is America... feel free to continue being an idiot on this thread.
LEAVE THE SOLDIERS OUT OF THIS!

Re: Writing for Good: Email Our Military

thaumata — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:13:37 -0000

Well, I'm only 28 but it seems to me we were years into vietnam before you could protest without fear of being beaten to a bloody pulp.... and we had millions of people protesting THIS war before it even began. I'd say that's much more active and responsive, for whatever reason. Technology is obviously a leading factor here. Eleven minutes after the earthquake at my home today, Google had logged the AP report. We've come a long way.

That being said, though, despite the fact that I can't name a single person I personally know who supports the idea of our nation at war, I also don't know a single person who has anything but gratitude and compassion for the people who are over there fighting it. I mean that sincerely.

Also, after reading this story, I went hunting for other sites that connect civilians and soldiers via email, and HOLY COW, they are all so shady. Most of them have websites the 1980s would kill for, require money to join or seem to have an agenda that's far beyond cheering up someone far from home and making their days better, which is really all any of these groups should be doing, along with anyone writing through them. Anyone doing this job well deserves applause, because it would seem that most people are not.

Re: Writing for Good: Email Our Military

Tony — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:03:58 -0000

Paula,

While I disagree with some of what you say, I respect your views. I do agree with it not being a GenX or GenY stance. However, I believe that these Generations are more active and responsive than previous generations if not only due to the technology available to us versus in the past.

Thank you for sharing your views. Have a great day!

Re: Writing for Good: Email Our Military

Paula Hawk aka @Hawksdomain — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:57:21 -0000

I was asked to come and post some thoughts here. PurpleCar, I hope I do not say anything that will offend you, as I am very thankful that you brought this entire subject to light.

For anyone to group the users of Twitter into an exclusive group of anything other than technology users is simply absurd. Users of Twitter come from all over the world, in fact, I would guess that those of us here in the US are a minority in the Twitterverse as a whole.

For any American to say that we, as a country, are against the TROOPS, cannot be an American. For YEARS I have spread across the internet that we are not in the 1970s and that this is not Vietnam. I am so far against this war that it isn't even funny. I despise the current president of the United States and blame him and his staff for the alleged WMDs that sent us into Iraq. There is not one single soldier I do not support. I support and love the soldiers from each and every war this country has ever been in.

Those accused and convicted of crimes RE Abu Graib (I know I spelled that wrong), love 'em and support 'em. The president that will not reject the use of waterboarding? Despise him.

Some of the soldiers, including one I am related to, feel that the war is good and justified. They say that the people in Iraq are genuinely happy that we are there. Some of the soldiers, such as those I see on the news and other places, feel that being in Iraq is wrong, just as I do. Regardless of the position of these men and women, fighting the war is their job, just like my job is supporting an office to ensure it runs smoothly. We don't always like our jobs, but we do them. People do not hate us because we do our jobs - Let me rephrase that - people worth listening to do not hate us because of our jobs.

Americans support their soldiers, because without them there would be no America. Many of us who are so involved in the technology world and active on Twitter were too young to be involved with Vietnam. We heard the stories of how American soldiers were spit upon and degraded horribly. We are not the generations responsible for such actions.

As I sit here and wonder if there is anything further I should say on this subject, I come to realize that it is not just Generation X and Generation Y that are unconditionally supporting our troops and have ignored the craziness of what was the Vietnam war.... Gee, don't we have a Vietnam Vet running for President?

Since the late 1980s, I have not met one person in this country who did not support our troops. I was also greatly against Desert Storm, for reasons that are not important here, but I always, ALWAYS supported our troops.

Re: Writing for Good: Email Our Military

Dayngr — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:16:22 -0000

Wonderful, thoughtful replies!

Re: Writing for Good: Email Our Military

Tony — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:08:31 -0000

I have read the entire thread. And here is what I would like to add:

Only in America can we reveal our passions, our disagreements, our political opinions in an open forum. Regardless of your views, we should be glad that our freedoms to speak our mind are being protected by those who, I consider, much more brave, more heroic, and more of a patriot than I. I love my country. I would gladly die to protect your freedoms and beliefs even if they are not the same ones I share. Why? Because we are Americans first and foremost.

I understand both points of view and while I tend to lean more towards eMOM, I fully respect Noah's view. Because he is an American. Because he CAN state his opinion. Because he has the freedom to do so.

Likewise, I feel the need to defend the community of Twitter. I have found an amazing set of new friends on Twitter. I have seen the GOOD that comes from Twitter. I have had differences of opinions with people on Twitter from a political perspective but what I found is that, in the end, we still respect one another. We acknowledge our differences and move on.

I ask everyone involved in this thread: you may disagree with one another, but no matter what, please respect the differences of opinions and be glad that you are in a place where we can engage each other in a forum like this.

Finally, we are Americans. Let us show the world that no matter how we may feel about the war, we respect and admire our soldiers who are fighting. I think in the end, that is what matters. That we defend other Americans regardless of our views. Thank you.

Re: Writing for Good: Email Our Military

thaumata — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:00:43 -0000

Just wanted to chime in and say that while I am sure it exists, I couldn't find this code of ethics on the eMom site and I would have been interested to read what it said before signing up. You might want to make that available to unregistered viewers so they can see what they are agreeing to before joining. (And if it IS there, make the link more visible.)

I know it seems silly because it's just two bucks and a stamp, but for some people even that is a hardship.

Re: Writing for Good: Email Our Military

Mike Chapman — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 09:13:09 -0000

It is great to read the passion of the people who support eMail Our Military. The person who is being objectionable is coming from an uninformed point of view about what eMOM does and is being irrational in his arguments. What he is confused about mainly is that people with different points of view, on many issues, could actually agree the following: when American troops are away from home and potentially in harms way we can all tell them that we miss them, we are praying for and thinking about them, we thank them for their service to our country, and we wish them a safe and speedy return home to the family and friends. This isn't political, this is who we are. First, we are Americans! Let's do all we can to communicate with the very real people who make up our military services.

Re: Writing for Good: Email Our Military

Dayngr — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 09:06:29 -0000

Noah said ...it doesn’t take geography or an occupation to put two and two together and realize that the community of twitter is very against the war and is not mature in it’s ideas related to it...

Noah said ...TWITTER society manipulating public opinion like it does, negotiations are going to look like Jimmy Carter’s shit smile with Hamas.

Noah, maybe that's your twitter stream but that certainly isn't mine. Nonetheless, it's not about whether people are for or against the war. It's about supporting our troops through correspondence.

---
PROUD eMail our Military member!

Re: Writing for Good: Email Our Military

Jenn - Maryland — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:33:23 -0000

I have been supporting our troops for half of my life. One of my closest friends is a Marine that I met during the first Gulf War 17 years ago and with whom I communicate daily. He was my last "any service member" snail mail.

eMOM has a code of ethics. We members have our own personal ethics and we are not out to jeopardize our country or the safety of our service members. As a Navy brat I was taught "loose lips sink ships" and eMOM holds to that standard. As an Army wife and an FRG Lead Volunteer I have received my share of OpSec briefings. We are not randomly contacting service members, they have asked for our support.

Many of us have spent 100's of hours writing letters and emails and showing up at airport homecomings and standing roadsides as funeral processions go by... we don't do this for vanity or recognition as I'm the first one to say, I've been to events where there is not a soul in the crowd who knows me....we do this because we're patriots who love our country and those who serve it.

PROUD eMail our Military member!

Re: Writing for Good: Email Our Military

simonstudio — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 06:17:52 -0000

hey Cindy Sheehan... I mean "This Military Mama"

I'm dealing with you. That takes a talent. Respect what I offer in the same way that your should be respecting the troops. Brown shirts like you think the war is only dudes holding a gun. I live right near West Point and I know plenty of people fighting, but it doesn't take geography or an occupation to put two and two together and realize that the community of twitter is very against the war and is not mature in it's ideas related to it. I hear the personal stories on the train going up the Hudson. I hear about missiles coming out of Iran and kids not being able to write about what they saw with they're very own eyes because our country doesn't want to admit we are already at war with Iran. You are attacking me on a personal level because you know I am hitting a relevant point and it hurts the vanity of you and your friends. SHAME ON YOU FOR BEING SO SELFISH! You are trying to reflect by pointing out that I am not a soldier? Do you honestly believe the opinions of someone dodging bullets are going to be able to argue with you? Ah.. but I guess you do... that is why you are writing them isn't it? If there is one thing we should of learned from Vietnam... it isn't "diplomacy" that wins the fight, but rather the public relations and mind set of the people. Once the mind of the people is determined, then we can take part in diplomacy. But with the TWITTER society manipulating public opinion like it does, negotiations are going to look like Jimmy Carter's shit smile with Hamas. I am in communications and I am trying to protect the dudes that do not have the extensive background I have. I honor them and respect them, but I am not the one holding a gun. Only tyrannical idiots with an agenda think the way you do "Military Mama". In the same respect. I do not think I would be best at holding a gun, I also believe that dealing with hard nose jerks like you takes a specialist. I respect the soldiers too much to go out there with them. I would gladly give my life, but if a person with my background disagreed with a higher up... that would be a very bad thing. America doesn't need a person like me second guessing the troops, but you guys need to get your shit straight if you are so arrogant to go and start communicating with soldiers without a second opinion on what would be prudent in filtering out bad twitter apples. The fact that you are attacking me with the venom that you are just proves your ill will. You act like this with a soldier and he's liable to have a problem. You are not interested in helping the troops "Military Mama". You are interested in you're own vanity. What I bring to this is valid criticism of a program that could hurt our country.

Re: Writing for Good: Email Our Military

This Military Mama — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 05:46:00 -0000

And I'm talking about right now!

How do you know people in this war don't want letters?

Re: Writing for Good: Email Our Military

This Military Mama — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 04:39:02 -0000

Before I say anything,

Noah, are YOU in the military? Have YOU been in the military? Are YOU married or in a serious relationship with some one in the military? Are YOU a vet? Have YOU been to Iraq???

How do you know people on the front line don't want letters? How do you personally know?

Re: Writing for Good: Email Our Military

Dayngr — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 02:58:05 -0000

What a tard

Re: Writing for Good: Email Our Military

simonstudio — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 02:45:33 -0000

the thing that proves my point is the way you attacked me. You think I was instigating this? If that is true then this is a little too easy to do. Not that I was instigating. I was really pissed when I looked at the website and it had nothing to do with anything beyond the absolute shock and personal horror of realizing that twitter people would be talking to our military. (but if I was instigating? ....YOU WOULD OF FAILED THE TEST and enough is said because you are not capable of dealing with pressured speech or any of the other traumas that these boys are dealing with) If you are giving me high blood pressure, imagine what you might do to a kid with a gun and possibly without a thorough education. Our troops are under pressure and deserve better then the people that are writing on this blog.

Re: Writing for Good: Email Our Military

simonstudio — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 02:32:48 -0000

your comments are so vain. I have time to deal with your coy Betty Bimbo psychosis.
People on the front line don't. If you are arguing with me here. then don't write letters.
They don't need your sissy snide uptight queeny attitude. You say you have a code? I'm not so sure people will follow it. That's like Rodney King saying people, "Let's All Get Along" A lot of you seem more interested in protecting your precious twitter community then saving the lives of people defending your country. you should be ashamed.
You want to write letters... to the military... your right they have done it before. My grandfather a World War II Vet used to tell jokes about the stupid letters he would get.
Just don't invite the idiots above to write.

These kids deserve better then your harassment.

Re: Writing for Good: Email Our Military

Shirley (Proud Navy MA Wife) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 01:11:23 -0000

Trust me those that ask for the comminication from eMOM are doing it for a reason. My husband is a MA (Master-at-Arms/Police Officer) and hearing from people that appreciate the sacrifice that is made on behalf of the people of this country is something that he needs to hear once in a while.

My husband over the years has had things thrown at him and been called names just as he was leaving the ship in his uniform. His morale was in the toilet. It hurts them that they put their life on the line just to be called names!

My husband spent a year away from the family doing his job. He came home this time with a better attitude. Why? Because he heard from people that appreciate him and what he does. I know a number of guys that are deployed without a close family and very little support. The support that they get makes a very difficult situation a little easier.

I have been a part of eMOM since it was just a small group back over 5 years ago. I support the hard work that they do and the smiles that they bring to those who want the support. It is not a huge thing but it makes a world of difference. Maybe because I am a Navy Wife I see things differently. My father retired from the Army and maybe I was just raised with a different mind set. I truly appreciate what the men and women in uniform are out there doing on the front lines do for us, just by doing their jobs. They are underpaid and under appreciated for what they have the guts to do.

The next time you see a sailor/soldier/marine or airman in uniform stop and say thanks. It will make their day and maybe lift one from the depths of dispair. They may never show it other than the smile that they will wear. But people need to stop being so selfish. Our military wear the uniform so your do not have to. If you sleep well each night....Thank a member of the military. If it were not for the military of this country then people would not have the freedom of speech to spew the crap that comes from their mouths. The military are the ones protecting the freedoms that people are taking for granted. Think about it!

Re: Writing for Good: Email Our Military

This Military Mama — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 01:11:10 -0000

I am a Military Wife, friend, daughter, grand daughter, neice, cousin. I am proud of my family that has served for this country and the family and friends that have supported him.

I know from experience and stories that letters/e-mail from home make a huge difference for our Military men and women. Deployments are deployments and they suck all around. People don't just miss their loved ones but the normal every day things like conversation that isn't an order or a salute. They miss home.

My husband in many of his e-mails asked me to make sure this person, that person, family, friends had his e-mail address. He wanted the communcation. He didn't care what you wrote about, he just wanted the connection. Hell, I talked about cleaning the bathroom in one of my e-mails. He loved.

My friends who have been to Iraq, are in Iraq, and have been there have all told me the same thing. The e-mails, letters, and packages get them through the deployments.

War is hard mentality to keep up. It can destroy your spirit. Letters from home remind them that the situation there in is not normal and normal will come again.

Sure, some of them don't want letters. Those people don't sign up for penpals! DUH! So don't go bashing some one, a company, or a movement who is trying to support those who do want a connection from home. THAT IS BELITTLING THE SOLDIER THAT DID SIGN UP AND NO SOLDIER NEEDS THAT IN A TIME OF WAR!

Re: Writing for Good: Email Our Military

Michelle/chelpixie — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:45:05 -0000

I could not finish reading those tweets. That's how horrible I found them.

Noah, don't belittle what eMOM is doing in order to make a difference in the lives of people who ask for that help, for that connection. They've taken the responsibility to ensure that members of eMOM understand what is acceptable and what isn't.

This program has been in place for years and troops are still writing in to request a civilian pen pal. That is what's important.

That when a solider reaches out, there is someone there to take their hand, pat their back, or give them a smile.