idiots.

[jn.blackhand]

It's really disgusting how many of the people here are using racial slurs, jumping to conclusions, and discussing SERIOUS matters with a bunch of smiley faces. Not to mention the idiots who can't even put together one sentence without twenty speeling mistakes.

I don't mean this as a mock in any way, shape or form. I'm saying this because A LOT of the posts made here today on the subject of the terrorist attacks today are completely disrepectful.

Stop worrying about a military draft or cursing at the Middle East and focus on whats really important: Praying and supporting (helping, caring for, being a friend) everyone who has been deeply affected by today's events.

[Ace]

While there have been some disrespectful posts, I know most of us have done our best to stop those people. GRIFT and I have deleted inappropriate smilies when we have seen them. Also, GRIFT has been leading the crackdown on the slurs. (GRIFT is the true class act in these forums)

You also talk about people "jumping to conclusions." I guess I'm somewhat guilty about this, as I have laid the blame on Osama Bin Laden. A lot of the evidence is pointing to him. Even if I'm incorrect in my assumption, does anyone really feel sympathy for that bastard?

You say I should stop worrying about the draft. Well, until you are 18 and actually have to look at it as a legitimate, however unlikely, possibilty, don't talk to me. Don't get me wrong, if for some reason we go to war and need the draft, I will proudly serve my country if I'm drafted. But the prospect of possibly going to war is definitely something that will stick in the back of your mind.

I have been praying and doing everything I can for these people. In fact, I'm giving blood tomorrow at our campus emergency blood drive. I have never given blood before, I hate needles more than anyone can imagine, and the thought of this has been hanging over my head all day. However, I know that it's my duty and responsibility as an American to get out and give blood. I urge everyone else who is 18 to do the same.

[Precious_Roy]

Just a correction Ace, you only have to be 17 to give blood Ace.  

For all:  Giving blood isnt that bad at all.  I've done it and we all know I'm a big wuss.  I'll gladly do it again, even after that first experience when my friend went into shock in the chair. (douf, friend being EReid)

It's worth it.

[jn.blackhand]

Ace, I'm 17. If there was a war that would last long enough where you would be placed in the draft, then it would be long enough for me to turn 18 and be drafted as well.

Last time I checked, we got rid of the mandatory draft. We have a mercenary army rather than a civilian one...

And all I meant by my original post was that 1. people should some respect and 2. there's no point in jumping to conclusions about being drafted when time could be better spent helping those in need at this time.

[jn.blackhand]

And Ace my statement was direted at you or anyone in particular, rather the forum as a whole.

[Grifter]

Ace and Blackie... you are both right......

Ace, thanks for the props (had to use that word, just because I hate it sooo much).  But others here have shown class too.  Blackie makes a great point, I just think he chose the wrong example.

Blackie, you are right, people here should not be jumping in with racial slurs, advocating carpet bombing, etc.  Where as Ace, Wrath and I have chosen to enforce a bit of good taste (by deleting smiley's  etc.) I also believe in freedom of speach.  People are going to be dumbasses, and the best thing in the world we can do is let them, and show in clear, logical terms, why it's being a dumbass.  As for talk of the draft, you are right, there is no draft today, however, you do have to register for "selective service" within 30 days of your 18th birthday.  What that means is that if there is a war, the president can inact the draft within 30 days.  With being registered, all the paperwork is in, so the draft can start as soon as it passes.  I remember this being a big topic while I watched the Gulf War while I was new to college.... so I can completely understand where Ace and others are coming from there.  It's a bunch of angst to add to a pile of emotion that's already overflowing.  

Mort, you don't even have to be 17 (unless things have changed since I was in Highschool, since we had drives then).  Give blood if you can!

All of you, we are all feeling many emotions at this time.  Some more then others, everyone a little differently.  Even our friends here from other countries have witnessed (and will continue to witness) a large milestone in history unfolding.  Many people here will say things out of reaction, fear, remorse, grief and anger.  That's ok.  Those people here with clearer heads, speak out, and let everyone here hear your reason.  Don't react, but communicate.  There are many young kids (yes, they are still kids, even if we look at them that way most of the time) here, that need to see good examples of people not bashing, making rasist remarks, and advocating reason.  Ace, Blackie, you are both on the track, don't wast time with unimportant issues.... you two are not the problem.  You are both part of the solution (here anyway).

Ace, assuming it's Bin Laden would be bad, but you are basing it upon news reports (which still isn't good, but at least you're thinking).  But I agree.... Bin Laden is still scum, that has given the nod for many evil things, and he, IMHO, doesn't deserve to breath.

Remember everyone, hate creates problems like this.... don't give into hate.  Especially of any group (like Middle Easter peoples aka Arabs) because of the actions of a few sick fucks (and this includes the sick fucks that celebrate this senseless violence).  Focus instead on how we, Americans (and our free friends around the world) should live, and make it happen.

[jn.blackhand]

grift, ditto. emotions are running high. I didn't mean to piss anyone off with my post(s).

[SilentbutDeadly]

i'm pretty sure that u can give blood at 16, as long as u have parental concent.  GRIFT thanx for combatting slurs. Retaliation against more innocent american citizens is not justified, and people that do it are just as bad as the terrorists.  Please eveyone keep fighting against persecution of people of middle eastern decent. That is the one thing that WE CAN DO if ur not in NYC and a rescuer. IT is up to all the other citizens of the US and the World to keep hate from spreading.  IF WE CAN KEEP THIS HATE FROM SPREADING, IT WILL POSSIBLY KEEP EVENTS FROM ESCALATING TO WHAT KIND OF ALL OUT HATRED AND WAR THAT can HAPPEN.

[Grifter]

SBD,
Those are the ideals that Americans like to think set them above many other people.  Let's see if we Americans can stand above, eh?

If we are better then those that have cost this pain, then we MUST BE BETTER!  It really is that simple.

Good points SBD.