In the last year, I have had 12 clients who were veterans and I appreciate every one of them. They are the ones, along with the veterans before them, who gave their lives to protect the freedom that I have to do what I do, and say what I say, in this country.
But,
while thanking a veteran
the other day, after meeting him on his way home from the reserve base,
I told
him, “Thank you”. He had to ask, “For what?” I told him,
“For your
service. I
know it is a thankless job sometimes, but I also understand without
you, my
family and many others in this world would not be free!”
That is when I saw this
tough retired Army guy, now in the reserves,
almost get
teary eyed. He said, “I’m a forth generation Army guy and
I wouldn’t
have it
any other way. But thank you and you don’t know how good your timing is
as 30
minutes ago, I was wondering what this was all for.”
I asked, “WHY?” He said,
“Because 30 minutes ago, as I was getting gas,
I was
spit upon and called a baby killer. I know, if anything,
I’m a baby
saver and
they are just ignorant, but still, you made me realize why I do this,
for
people like you, who understand and appreciate the sacrifices I have
made in my
life to do this for our country”
What is wrong with people today? How could you not only, not appreciate what our servicemen and women do for us, but how could you spit on another human being? These people who do this claim they are peace loving people, but their actions say something much different. How can we have peace in this world if all you can do is shout at people and spit on them to get your point across? That is why we have wars, because of people that spit on others because of their beliefs.
Todd Clark - Broker / Sales Coach
Palazzo Realty Group
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739
©2009 Todd Clark - What is wrong with people today?
Whether a person approves of our nation's military stance or not, it is appalling to hear of people not respecting the military for doing what they do. They're amazing to dedicate themselves to our country in that way.
The one who spit on this soldier has no repect for him/herself.
What a shame anyone could treat another human being like that, military or not! As far as military, they deserve all the respect in the world whether or not you support the war they are fighting. They are the bravest souls I know. My dear friends son joined and left for the Marines a few months ago. All I could say when he left was " I envy your courage" That just about says it all!!
Happy Tuesday!!
Lori
Melissa - All I can say that person who did that was real lucky I didn't see that or that person would have been in a world of hurt!
Tony - I agree!
Lori - Thank your son for my freedom! I know without his service, I wouldn't be free!
Jason - And they are protect that exact freedom that in another country could get you killed.
Todd- NOT my son,,,,a dear friends son...I will send him your thanks....
Lori
Lori - I mis-read that, do thank him for me!
Todd...
It's so sad that happened to him. Maybe it explains why our Son, who's career Marine, will not do full dress uniform when he comes to visit us. I love seeing him in his uniform but I've never pushed as to why he prefers not to wear it when he comes home. You've inspired me to at least pose the question.
TLW...ROAR!
Thank you for the post. Thanking our servicemen is so important - and so rarely done. The response to Vietnam Veterans showed us how disrespectful people can be.
Billie - In all the times we have talked I'm surprised your son being in the military didn't come up. I'm proud of you raising someone who is willing to dedicate his life to my freedom!
Todd,
Sometimes I am amazed how narrow-minded and hostile the self-proclaimed free thinkers are. I have not even been in the military and was once accussed of, because of how I voted, trying to send a guy's kid to war to be killed. The kid was like 14. The guy got downright nasty and I never bought another coffee in his shop again. I had been a daily customer. Fools, many fools.
It's absolutely appalling to spit on another human being. I'm normally a calm and peace loving person, but when I hear something like this I can get livid. Thanks for expressing your sentiments with that soldier.
Sandy
Todd ~ Ignorance is so horrible. Even if someone didn't agree with an given war, one should always respect and acknowledge the sacrifice of those that keep us free. I am so glad you ran into this guy! We need to thank everyone who has served.
Todd ---I'm back ---- I cannot imagine what makes some people tick --- how horrible that any human would spit on another, but especially one of our service men.
Alice or Jim - The people from the 60s are I'm guessing the same people that raised this generation of people who don't respect others and their freedoms.
Hi Todd!
This is absolutely dispicable, I don't care if you don't believe in something someone else does, by no means do you have the right to spit on anyone. Period! I think you were sent as a little angel to this man to show him the light. Funny how things like that work out, I want to say to you Todd, what you did was very honarable, we need more people like you! :)
-Lisa
It is really very sad how many today do not even realize the sacrifice our military men and women give when they are deployed to areas of war or service. As a veteran USO and Armed Forces Entertainer, I have seen multitudes of behavior as you have posted and it is disgusting. We should be thanking them more, and we should be promoting more support for not only those overseas in harms way but for those who come home and are displaced for employment, housing, family assistance and medical and mental support. They are not just heros when they are in war, or deployed in destitute areas. They are heros when they come home. Thank you for your post.
Todd - Our young men and women who so bravely stand for our country should be honored and appreciated by every person in this country. Without them , the knucklehead would not have been able to spit to begin with. Freedom is not FREE it comes with a very high price to pay
Steven - I wouldn't have ever gone there again either! Good for you choosing the your freedom to shop somewhere else.
Sandy - I was livid also and I have to say if I had been there and seen that I think I would have had to beat someone!
Joan - I think people like this should be deported to a country that doesn't have freedom for a year or two and then upon them begging to come back, be required to join the military for 2 years to gain re-entry.
Mama Liz - Exactly! This person fights for our freedom to have free speach in this country, spitting is not speach!
Geesh Todd...
I thought for sure I had mentioned that. I am very proud of him. He actually teaches Combat Training to what he refers to as "His Boys". Not a glorious duty but he's very good at it. Who do you think taught me to shoot with the dead eye aim I have? We are a strange family :)
TLW...ROAR!
Lisa - No we need more like the that military hero that didn't snap and beat that person to a pulp! I know I would have!
Dawnmarie - Thank you for your service and keeping our military service men's spirits up when they are overseas! They are heroes here as you stated is such a true statement!
Hi Todd...It is disgusting whenever someone spits on another for the type of work they do, or the beliefs they hold, or the color of their skin.
Kate
Laura - Knucklehead is being nice and yes freedom is certainly not FREE!
Billie - I can't call your family strange, remember my grandfather feed us bunny for Easter dinner. (LOL) Your son does have a glorious job and it isn't thankless either. Every time his training is used I know it will help save a life of one of those young boys when they are out in the field. To me that is a glorious thing!
Kate - I think it says a lot more about the person doing the spitting that the person being spit upon.
Uncalled for.....those guys and gals from the military are here to keep us safe. The person who spit on thesolder should just life for one year in Africa or even Asia and not in the metropolitan areas.....then they truly see how good they have it here.
Bettina
What shocking behavior! How could someone do that to anyone, especially one of our brave servicemen. This makes me so mad I don't even know what to write. The men and women who serve in our military deserve our respect and appreciation for putting their lives on the line for us and this country and even sometimes paying the ultimate price for all of us Americans.
I'm not even sure what to say to someone who spits on anyone in the military. If anyone needs a reminder of the scacrifice made by anyone in the military is to take a drive through Arlington Cemetary. It is a somber reminder that our freedom has been won and protected by thousands who have given their life.
This is why my husband does not wear his uniform out in the civilian world.
Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.
They grew up spoiled in the greatest nation with more opportunities than anywhere... Yet, they have no heart, understanding, compassion, or moral compass... They just want what they want.
Thanks Todd... great reminder.
Rene'
Thanks for reminding us that we should be thankful for our freedoms and for the men and women that continue to allow us to have those freedoms. The sad part is they do what they do for us and for those who spit on them.
Simply amazing how crude people can be. It's sad. And the good news is there are lots of good folks out there as well. Thank goodness.
My son doesn't wear his uniform either......not sure why but I'll ask. Hmmmmmm. Never though about this aspect. Sad, very sad if this is the truth for him as well. They all deserver out utmost respect and honor for their service.
Does that man with the baby killer comment realize that the reason he can legally and safely say that is because of the Armed Forces? Shame on him!
There are a lot of ignorant jerks out there. What can you do? Just keep moving on.
Bettina - That is my thought exactly as well as when they beg to come back have to go into the military themselves for one year.
Vicki - I couldn't agree more and that is why I was so made. I don't like government involvement, but isn't there some kind of law being broken here? Maybe a hate crime? Our Military should be a protected class, heck they are the ones that are protecting us, we should protect them.
Todd-its our world and its sad very sad...its the same who go into violent tirades because someone is republican or democratic...and the same with hate crimes on race..religion etc. etc! The military personnel do what they have to do...to protect us as people...when all is said and done...they all have a conscience or they would not give a damn about freedom mine or yours.
Then they come home...to spit...eggs...rocks...whatever..burning of flags.
Many military personal get out of the military and are totally lost or have self doubt..because they had to do things no one could ever imagine unless you were in their shoes. I know I am married to ex Navy and a good portion of my family is military.
Living in conditions no one could ever imagine..and the worst part is..our own taunt them...and in truth many military personnel have bigger problems to deal once they come home...a different life..no orders to follow...wondering if their loved ones, friends and spouses will be able to communicate with them but most of all understand them and the terrible trauma they went through...some are impacted...mentally and some for the rest of their lives..some physically and then there are those that die for our country and get disrespected during the services...I don't like it at all!
I love our military..and I sure wouldn't want to be in their shoes that's why when you sit and think about all the sacrifices they have made...the contributions in the big picture...these guys deserve their glory and our respect! I love our military...just think the gentleman who spit on him doesn't realize that soldier helped preserve...freedom and our rights!
I do not believe in war at all.... I live in reality!
If I were in front of him I would have probably cried after I gave him a huge hug and kiss!
Cindy - I think that would just tell them, see, this is why we shouldn't have a military. The problem is they don't see that for what it is "A place for our service men and women who "VOLUNTEERED" to give their life for our freedom!
Jo - What a shame, he should be proud to wear his uniform in public and we should be proud to shake his hand for his service.
HI TODD! It amazes me how many people forget or maybe have no idea how or why they are lucky enough to have the freedoms and luxuries we've all been given because of this "Army guy". I linked this to my dad, a 32 year Army vet, now retired. I will tell him to keep any comments clean and short! -- Gabrielle
Rene' - Well said my friend!
Darrell - I would love to see that person who spit on this American live even one day in another country, I think he would be stoned to death for talking against the government.
Anna - Tell him to wear his uniform proudly and I promise there will be people like me who will walk up to him and shake his hand and say thank you and ignore the others!
Linda - I don't think he does!
Rob - I hope my client / friend realizes a lot more people think like me than that other ignorant jerk!
Midori - We need to support our military after they get back more than every for the exact reasons you state. I would have hugged and kissed him, but I think they would have looked at me a little weird. I'll leave the hugging and kissing to you. (LOL) Thank your husband and his family for me!
Gabrielle - Your father fought for that freedom of speech and he can say anything he wants and take up as much space as he needs on my post, it is his right and I will not take that right away from him!
Todd - It's sad to say, but the world is full of stupid people like the spitter. In the long run, they'll wind up punishing themselves for their pitiful, hateful little lives. It's nice to hear someone (you) took the time to thank a service man. Very nice post. Congrats on your feature. Laraine
Hi Todd,
Truly sad to hear about this soldier's experience. I'm sure if he is 4th generation, his father was in Viet Nam.
Those soldiers came home to pure hostility. They were dismissed, spat on, kicked and verbally abused, for being part of an unpopular war. Many, maybe most, had no choice but to to serve, there was a draft, and if their name was drawn, they went. Those who did not want to go, fled to Canada and then received amnesty following the war, allowing them to return home, unscathed, while their brethern suffered the many indignities associated with being part of this unpopular war. Many of these Viet Nam vets are suffering long term effects of this horrible war, and are still not given any respect or appreciation for their service to this country.
This is a great post and a great reminder, that all veterans deserve the utmost respect and appreciation for their service. Personally, every time I see a soldier, I thank them.
Kathy B
Hi Todd... that anyone would spit on a member of our military is proof to me that, sadly, ignorance is alive and well in our country.
Hi Todd, great post. I myself helped 6 veterans last year. It is a privledge to serve them.
Hi Todd -- Great post. I am a veteran (peace time only) and it makes my blood boil when I hear these things. Civilians who have never served in the miliary have no idea (than can peer in the windows and see what others say, but unless they have been in themselves, they truly don't know) what sacrifices are made, let alone during a war time with an increased likelihood of mental and physical injuries.
Melissa is also right -- It doesn't matter one's poliltical opinion, everyone can obviously feel the way they do, but to throw it on the backs of the working poor (who many in our enlisted ranks are), defies comprehension.
Todd, that is just unbelievably disrespectful. Even if you don't like war (which no one does) what's with the baby killer comment? I just went to the Tea Party the other day and there were even a couple of WW2 & Korean Vets there. We thanked all vets for their service at that gathering. The friend in the post I wrote got a couple of hugs from the ladies thanking him. I think he liked that just toooo much!
Todd: This story brought tears to my eyes, good for you for taking the time to let this gentleman know you appreciated him.
Its amazing how ignorant people can be. In this country we need to realize how thin of a line between our way of life and the way so many people around the world are forced to live.
Todd as a veteran myself, I never miss an opportunity to thank the members of our military for their service. Some folks don't realize that we are free because of what our military do everyday. I too have come across many who do not appreciate our active and retired military personnel. Thanks for the post.
May God bless each and everyone of our Military personnel as they are all Heroes.
The jerk who spit on him needs to get the hell out of our Country.
Todd,
We take every opportunity to thank and honor those who are defending our freedoms. We would not have a nation without them.
The spitting incident is a reminder that there are deranged and moronic indivuduals out there. No telling if the "spitter" was just a clueless fringer, a certifiably personality deranged indivudual, or just a person so filled with hatred that they have taken leave of their rational mind.
Whtever the case, it is a reminder that mental wellness and basic civility is not always the norm.
God bless all of our military!
Fran & Kathy O'Neal
If I was that guy I might have hit somebody that spit on me. Nobody has the right to spit on somebody no matter what their beliefs are
Todd! Thanks for the post, it really brings back some memories from the 60's & 70's.
Hi Todd, I am working with a veteran right now on buying a home. I really love working with military people and truly appreciate their service to our country.
It is shameful that an American soldier would be assaulted, spit on, and yelled at in his own country.
Todd - my husband served 20 years in the Army and never once wore his uniform out in public, unless it was ordered by his commanding officer. Sometimes the military put rules in place that when you out in civilian public not to be in uniform, it is for their own safety. I remember watching safety infomercial about staying unnoticed while traveling overseas. Nevertheless, this action was uncalled for and a disgrace. I'm so sorry this is still happening.
Todd- This is a disgrace and how dare someone spit on someone else no matter what they believed. As one who has been spat on I can tell you it is a degrading and dirty feeling. What makes me so angry is that these kinds of people are spewing hatred while committing the same acts they are accusing the other of doing.
Even sadder is reading all these comments from wives and parents of military men and women who say their loved ones do not wear their military uniforms in civil settings. I have tears coming from my eyes as I think of how unappreciated the military is. I will never forget how much I loved my Dad's Naval uniforms! It was the highlight of my day to see him in uniform.
It is because of them that this rude person has the right to his freedom of speech.
Todd, What a appalling and Ignorant thing to do. I can't imagine what my father would have done who fought in WWII and barely made it out alive. I think he just would have shaken his head and walked away realizing these people for what they are. To answer your question, I can't tell you "What is WRONG with some people."
One day I was listening to a Craig Proctor CD and oddly enough he said you know "The world is out of control." People only care about whats in it for them. He was referring to the agent/client relationship. I've heard that phrase used before but I thougt, he's right. It really hit home for me. Unfortunatley for too many people this is true about every facet of their lives. I'm not really sure what people think gives them the right? Unfortunately there is no real consequence for being a comlplete jerk.
Laraine - I have a feeling that God will be the one punishing them and not themselves doing it.
Kathy - I've shaken many hands in the middle of malls and airports, they always look surprised, which is really a shame, because they should be thanked a lot more often.
Steve - That is exactly what it proves!
Adriana - I think they deserve our service since they have served us so well.
Chris - Thank you for your service, even in peace time your service helped keep that peace and freedom we so enjoy!
Lyn - I enjoyed the tea party as well, even if only for a few minutes. I stopped off to show my support on the way to another appointment. I have no problem with the guy enjoying the hugs... Good for him!
Todd,
I guess I know in my logical brain (after spending 26 years in law enforcement) that Rene is right. The spitter was just ignorant.
But my emotional brain would like to reach out with a quick forward thrust (punch, blow, jab) through the spitters solar plexis and knock the air right out of him, and crumple him to his knees. Makes it hard for an idiot to spit on someone when they are gasping for air!
Then my logical brain realizes you can't educate an idiot.
But my emotional brain says ... but the idiot has been neutralized and it is even kinda comical looking at him gasping away.
List and Sell (and remember to honor every citizen in our country who ever protected our freedoms by serving in the military) Gary @ RentonHomeFinder.com
Whenever I would see a person in uniform I always thank them for their service. I say would see as it has been quite a while that when I'm out and about that I've seen anyone in uniform! I suspect that it is because they have been cautioned about wearing their uniforms in public because of exactly the rotten behavior of some misguided fellow citizens that they are in service for!!
I also can't imagine how such vile behavior must hurt the families of our military especially those who have lost a loved one.
These ignorant people wouldn't be able to even do such a despicable act if it wasn't for that soldiers service to his country to protect his freedom!! In my opinion a fanatic on any subject is a dangerous human being. I agree that it's too bad the folks who are unhappy with our military's service to this country can't be sent to live somewhere else where they could experience losing this freedom to do such things. Hummmm -- how about Iran??
Sue
Todd,
By the way, I reblogged this, thank you.
Todd, these kids deserve our honor and respect. I saw it on a reblog and wanted to stop by to say thanks for writing it, and I wanted to kick the baby killer idiot where it really hurts.
Todd. Spitting on someone, (ANYONE) is so reprehensible! I'm glad you were able to validate that veteran's career with your thank you to him.
Great post, Todd. I could not say it better myself. I can only think that those people who spit on others take a lot, if not everything, for granted. Sad.
This among other things is the reason we should bring back the draft. I think evryone should have the discipline and taught life lessons through having to serve.
I almost served but chickened out. My brother went on to retire as Dick Cheney's Aid after service in both Iraqi conflicts. I admire our Military and him, it takes great devotion and care to lay your life on the line for your country!
Todd, I have a lot of emotions after reading your post. I'll try to organize them in bullets:
Todd,
that is an awesome piece! Thank you for the story
Carrie or Kathy - I'm sorry I made you cry, but it is sad and something needs to be done if our military is ashamed to wear their uniform in public.
Aaron - I agree, our life is something we should be happy to have and this idiot has no idea how and why we have these freedoms.
Bill - Thank you for your service and maybe we should teach this in school instead of how to live off the governement dime.
Cameron - I'm willing to pay for his plane ticket as long as it is one way!
Kathy - My guess is this idiot was taught this at home and at school that our military is always wrong and we don't need them. Yet as soon as they feel their free speech rights are being stepped on, they come crying to the courts. They forget without our military there would be no courts, they would be tried on the streets and probably killed.
Russ - I'm guessing he knew if he did, he would get in trouble with his superior officer. I'm glad he showed restraint, but if I was with him, I wouldn't have.
Shayne - The people were stupid then and they are stupid now and I have a feeling that is because the idiots from the 60s and 70s had kids! I have no problem with your protests of a war, but taking it out on the servicemen and women is wrong!
Shirley - I think if I found that person, maybe I could put them in my trunk show them what life without freedom is really like for a few hours and then drop them off in the desert and let them live a few hours as a soldier and let them walk back home.
Roland - I wish we didn't live in a world where there was war, but this "Peace Loving" person really shows why we have wars!
Petra - See that is why we need to change this image, our military should be proud to wear their uniforms in public, they should be looked up to as heroes.
Katerina - EXACTLY! Peace loving my ***! These are some of the most hateful people I have ever met in my life and some of the stuff they do (Like this action) are worse than anything most of our military servicemen have ever done.
Carole - That is pretty much what this serviceman did and I'm not sure I could have done the same. I applaud him for being the better person.
We do not have many active duty people in our area, but when I see one I always thank them. I see them a lot in airports. It is important they don't become the forgotten ones like Vietnam.
What a beautiful post. And you know how it affects me and how greatly I am moved by our service members. You certainly earned this Gold Star. What is wrong with people, is that folks have become so smitten with entitlement, that they feel "owed" things in life, like credit, freedom, and a good time. It sickens me.
I called in to a radio show in San Diego. The husband was stationed at MCAS Miramar - Fightertown USA. He was deployed on an aircraft carrier and flying into Iraq. In six months, we had three phone conversations. Imagine that. Only hearing your loved ones' voice three times in 180 days. It's hard. This jackass on the radio was complaining about the fighter jet noise over his house. I called for over an hour to be heard. I finally got through and let this man have it. I said, "You knew when you bought your house that aircraft would be flying over. You even got a good financial deal because you were under the flight path. You don't get to get a discounted house price and then complain about the noise. You sit there, having dinner with your family, while I sit alone every single night. You get to complain while I sit alone every day, wrought with worry about my pilot, while he gets shot at with AAA fire, and yet you and your sense of entitlement cannot even see that I have cause to complain, and yet don't. I am happy to give my husband to the world, because how selfish would I be to hoard him to myself - this talented, selfless individual who can help secure and maintain our freedom...."
The radio station was so impressed that they gave me a free dinner, some movie tickets, and a recording of my ranting reply.
Thank you for remembering to say thank you Todd. Your post really spoke to me. Blessings,
But, while thanking a veteran the other day, after meeting him on his way home from the reserve base, I told him, "Thank you".
That's good Todd!
The last time I saw two young Marines, I shook their hands and thanked them for their service to our country. Both of them really appreciated it.
Felix - This person is a jerk and needs to realize what is in it for them is that fact they are free to walk around and say what they want without possibilty of being prosocuted and jailed or killed for it. But spitting on someone is not protected!
Gary - I like your emotional brain much better than your logical brain! (And thank your for protecting us also, I know being in law enforcement can be just as thankless sometimes.)
Sue - I have no problem sending these people to Iran for even a week, they will be begging to come home and be thanking the military for their service all the way home on the flight! Here, he can spit, there they blow up your house if they don't like what you say!
Gary - Thanks for the Re-Blog
Patricia - You and me both my friend!
Barb - So was I! I can't imagine had he not seen me what he would have had running through his mind all night!