Would you be willing to die for your country?

[DarkLight 0]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (FallenPaladin @ Nov. 09 2002,01:05)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (denoir @ Nov. 09 2002,23:55)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (DarkLight @ Nov. 09 2002,23:53)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Goooosh, please start using the angry smilie or the big smile smilie cuz this one  really confuses me, it means sooooo much.  Or write stuff like this (ironic smilie)...

Thanks...<span id='postcolor'>

Why? It is so much more fun seeing you squirm <span id='postcolor'>

You`re soooo sweet  <span id='postcolor'>

Hehe, i'd watch out if i were you, he'll get you for that...

[FSPilot 0]

I'd die for my country to protect it (which includes it's overseas interests) and to protect it's allies.

Why? Well, I take my country seriously. It's not just a geographic location or a piece of paper to me. It's my ideals and what I stand for.

In this case: freedom, democracy, people's rights as a human being.

[cam0flage 0]

I took an oath in the army like every Finnish soldier does, vowing to defend my country's sovereignty. I am not that patriotic but if I had to put myself in danger defending my family etc. I am most willing to do that. If I got killed, then so be it. I'd still prefer staying alive, I didn't spend nine months learning to get killed

I got many good friends in the army - I think we got a great wartime squad and platoon. It would be out of question to desert.

[brgnorway 0]

I'm sorry to say I don't like the idea of dying for a country. I won't die for other people than my own family - if absolutely nessecary. I certainly don't like oaths - what if there is a special circumstance like your officer being a heroic idiot that wouldn't mind spending your life in order to gain good reputation. What if your officer is plain stupid - would you still follow orders that would make your death inevitable? There could also be situations where you and your fellow soldiers would stand a chance of living - even if captured!

These examples are just possible exceptions - I believe I would fight and run the risk of being killed. During Germanys occupation of Norway my grandfather fought in the resistance movement. He was captured and sent to Sachsenhauzen concentration camp - I believe he found it worth while. If nessecary I hope I would too!

[Major Fubar 0]

The only time I'd be willing to die for my country is if it was invaded...and definately NOT fighting a war for another country...(John Howard and George W take note)...

[Placebo 29]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Major Fubar @ Nov. 09 2002,23:51)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">and definately NOT fighting a war for another country...<span id='postcolor'>

Even if it meant stopping genocide?

[ran 0]

0--></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (placebo @ Nov. 10 2002,010)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Major Fubar @ Nov. 09 2002,23:51)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">and definately NOT fighting a war for another country...<span id='postcolor'>

Even if it meant stopping genocide?<span id='postcolor'>

genocides generally imply ethnies , not countries

-edit- and the notion of country includes governement , constitution and organisation , and genocides aren't generally perpetred against civil servants

[Col. Kurtz 0]

Im willing to die for any cause I judge to be a good one.

If Im sent off to fight a war against an enemy who I dont think are bad and I die fighting them, tough luck on my part.

[brgnorway 0]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Major Fubar @ Nov. 10 2002,00:51)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">The only time I'd be willing to die for my country is if it was invaded...and definately NOT fighting a war for another country...(John Howard and George W take note)...<span id='postcolor'>

Same here - good point!!!

[Harnu 0]

If Bush does go after Iraq, he's gonna have his thumbs deeper up his ass when were finished and talk about Korea starts up again.

[Tovarish 0]

In my case I have a couple of answers, since I have a couple of countries (dual Cuban-Canadian citizenship). I would fight for Cuba if there was a chance that my doing so would help establish an independent democracy (note I say independent, one thing Cubans do not want is to become a "US protectorate" like Puerto Rico), or if it was occupied by a foreign power. By the same token I would fight for Canada if it was occupied by a foreign power. In either case, I would consider all other options which may help the suttiation better first ,and take up arms only as a last resort, but if required, I would do it.

For anyone here who would jump for a rifle any time their country's leaders beat the drums of war, I'll give this quote the Pope told Cubans during his visit a couple of years ago (and those who know me well know how religious I am ):

"No confundan el Partido con la Patria"

"Do not confuse the Party with your Fatherland"

[Othin 0]

I would definately die for my country. When I raised my hand back at MEPS (military enterence and processing station) and took my first oath, I took that very seriously. At the completion of bootcamp we formally recited the Sailors creed. It goes as follows:

I am a United States Sailor.

I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me.

I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.

I proudly serve my country's Navy combat team with Honor, Courage, and Commitment.

I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.

To me that sums it all up. Not only will I defend my country with my life, I will also defend our Constitution, and those who have layed their lives down before me so that I can sit here and bullshit freely on the internet. I would also give my life to support any of our allies (Brits, Aussies, and Canadians especially). It all boils down to the core values...

Honor, Courage, and Commitment.

[Major Fubar 0]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (placebo @ Nov. 10 2002,01:00)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Major Fubar @ Nov. 09 2002,23:51)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">and definately NOT fighting a war for another country...<span id='postcolor'>

Even if it meant stopping genocide?<span id='postcolor'>

I probably worded myself poorly, maybe I should have said not for a war over oil or misguided revenge...

[Renagade 0]

dieing for ur country iss good huh,wonder why suicide bomber get such a bad rap then

[Longinius 1]

Would I be willing to die for my country? Yes, of course I would. A country is made up by people, and that is what you are dieing for. I would not hesitate to risk my own life for my friends and family.

[hovmand 0]

Like most other people in here i would ofcourse die for my country if we got invaded, even though its not very likely to happen (well you never know about those pesky swedes)

[SantaMania 0]

Of course I would, if some1 attacked us. I would never be willing to fight some1 elses war.

[NavyEEL 0]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Othin @ Nov. 10 2002,06:09)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I would definately die for my country.  When I raised my hand back at MEPS (military enterence and processing station) and took my first oath, I took that very seriously.  At the completion of bootcamp we formally recited the Sailors creed.  It goes as follows:

I am a United States Sailor.

I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me.

I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.

I proudly serve my country's Navy combat team with Honor, Courage, and Commitment.

I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.

To me that sums it all up.  Not only will I defend my country with my life, I will also defend our Constitution, and those who have layed their lives down before me so that I can sit here and bullshit freely on the internet.  I would also give my life to support any of our allies (Brits, Aussies, and Canadians especially).  It all boils down to the core values...

Honor, Courage, and Commitment.<span id='postcolor'>

i agree 100%. i would give my life for my family, country, or any cause that i see is worth fighting for. personally i wish more people would be willing to do the same. i mean i value my life and everything, but it's only one life. in the big scheme of things im not that important compared to the population as a whole, and i would proudly give my life to allow a fellow american to live, even if he was a stranger to me. that being said, hopefully i'll never be forced to give my life in a combat situation. however, it came with the job description, so all i can do now is hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

[Placebo 29]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Renagade @ Nov. 10 2002,07:09)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">dieing for ur country iss good huh,wonder why suicide bomber get such a bad rap then <span id='postcolor'>

Because they are not dying for their country, they're dying for their fucked up bastardized version of religion, they think by blowing themselves up murdering women and children in the name of Allah it will get them into paradise. As far as I'm concerned they can rot in hell while the good and honourable people who practice Islam will be the ones going to paradise.

[PFC_Mike 2]

Suicide bombers attack civilians.

I hate Saddam Hussein the Ba'ath party, and the Iraqi government but I wouldn't blow myself up to kill a few starving civillians.

Likewise, I hate Jiang Zemin and the Chinese government but I have no hatred of Chinese civilians.

And yes, I agree with Othin. I would fight and die to defend the US Constitution and the principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

And if I got the chance, I'd take down Osama even if I would die doing it.

[Guest]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (PFC_Mike @ Nov. 10 2002,17:11)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">And if I got the chance, I'd take down Osama even if I would die doing it.<span id='postcolor'>

It's good to know that Darwin was right

[Sam Samson 0]

appreciate your comments.

found especially interesting what ran and denoir had to say and laud othin's and the pilot's (and everybody elses's, gosh) principled patriotism.

the thread title is semeiotically correct. I meant what I wrote. I used "die" not just "fight" on purpose.

I mean, going into some battles you run the serious risk of not coming back. so you better know why you go in the first place.

I read that during a particular landing operation of the Marines in the gulf war, the cinc's staff had figured that about 15% would make it to go on and establish their beachhead. thank God that did't happen and they in fact lost nobody.

about the romance factor: figure it's like marriage.

first you see something exciting in her (an army or a woman), then you join her with an oath (the army or the woman), then you start seeing her without makeup and start to obey orders

but you only joined her (unless you were drafted, of course) because you saw something in her in the first place. (mmmahumbdyhumm in a woman. ideals, adventure, action, money (chchch) or whatever in an army)

here's what I mean:

I've been to the alamo in san antonio, where davy crockett, jim bowie and a bunch of other fabled west-men made their last stand in 1836 against santa ana's huge army. (texas against mexico for independence)

they were 183 volunteers holing up in the mission's church. when they were surrounded and realized they were about to get smoked they sent young john bonham to goliad to get backup.

there was no backup reserve anywhere near the post.

now for bonham: instead of staying in goliad in safety he broke back through the enemy ranks into the alamo (! to inform and to fight with them.

he knew full well it was hopeless. he still went back.

on march 6, 1836, they all died fighting santa ana, taking 600 enemy soldiers with them. two months later texas achieved independence and freedom.

what makes guys like bonham tick?

[SantaMania 0]

Normal soldiers attack civilians as well.

[Guest]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Sam Samson @ Nov. 10 2002,17:22)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">what makes guys like bonham tick?<span id='postcolor'>

As I see it: it's very simple: He didn't go back to fight for his country, but he came back so that he wouldn't betray his comrades.

[Jinef 2]

I would really not mind dying in WW1 or WW2 when there was a reason. The defence of a nations/people's existence.

But i would hate to die in one of these manufactured TV wars of the post modern era. Dying a war of neccesity and defence (like WW2) would be more respectful and worthwhile than dying in the gulf war where the whole drive was for oil.

If i was ordered to go blasting into Iraq i would do it but i would hate doing it. mainly because there is no threat to our country from Iraq if it is not provoked (unfortunately Mr Bush has managed to get everyone focusing on Iraq with his engineered version of the truth) , but don't respond to this here, i will put it up in the Mid East forum and you can disagree there.