Yep. Same here. I will go back to abstaining from posting in here.

 

My question was a sincere one. I'm sorry if you felt it was intellectually lacking, or provided nothing to the discussion.

Indirectly. Yes.

How? Like I said, I see the impact of the awareness falling right into their hands. It's what they want.

That's not true at all. I'm talking about this specific incident. How does raising awareness rescue these girls?

 

When people raise awareness for, let's say breast cancer, they raise money, which leads to research towards finding better treatments, cures, etc. Or they provide materials that allow women to know what signs to be looking for, etc.

 

How does raising money contribute towards rescuing these girls? How does having more people aware of this organization and this tragic incident bring back these girls?

 

Sorry. I read your response as a general statement.

 

I think I've answered this previously but...

 

Any time a cause gains traction through awareness , regardless of how the awareness came about, people will respond. They will call their elected officials. The US govt will respond to the voice of some and make statements and/or take action.

 

Vietnam would come to mind. The protests that started small and then grew had an impact on the goventment's decisions to stay in the battle.

How? Like I said, I see the impact of the awareness falling right into their hands. It's what they want.

 

See above.

Sorry. I read your response as a general statement.

 

I think I've answered this previously but...

 

Any time a cause gains traction through awareness , regardless of how the awareness came about, people will respond. They will call their elected officials. The US govt will respond to the voice of some and make statements and/or take action.

 

Vietnam would come to mind. The protests that started small and then grew had an impact on the goventment's decisions to stay in the battle.

 

 

Do you think if enough people voice their concerns, the US will send in military or some sort of operatives to attempt to rescue them? I don't see us getting physically involved regardless of how much clamor is made.

 

Making a statement, again, I'm not sure what that will help. If President Obama comes out very critical and harshly against this (which he may already have), what does that really do in terms of rescuing them?

The thing is, Boko Haram has been a story in the international press for years. And this is hardly their first or worst atrocity. But, for whatever reason, this specific kidnapping broke into the American mainstream (a few days/weeks after it happened). Now, parts of the American military have already been dispatched for reconnaissance, officials from the two countries have been meeting (and it seems Nigeria isn’t super interested in an American military operation there), and Congress, the president, and everyone else are contemplating what to do. They might not end up doing anything more than reconnaissance and sending military aid, and it certainly might be wise not to endeavor our country in another intervention, but you can’t act like public opinion/outrage/concern/whatever hasn’t oiled the machinery of power into taking action. I am as critical of the fickle and myopic American public as anyone, but that’s usually who politicians respond to and who they court for their next election. And beyond that, everyone in this thread posts in favor of their pet issues, are proudly a supporters of various causes, and chastises politicians who don’t affect policy in the way they want. Why bother if those things are so irrelevant and meaningless?

Edited May 23, 201412 yr by Habib

The thing is, Boko Haram has been a story in the international press for years. And this is hardly their first or worst atrocity. But, for whatever reason, this specific kidnapping broke into the American mainstream (a few days/weeks after it happened). Now, parts of the American military have already been dispatched for reconnaissance, officials from the two countries have been meeting (and it seems Nigeria isn’t super interested in an American military operation there), and Congress, the president, and everyone else are contemplating what to do. They might not end up doing anything more than reconnaissance and sending military aid, and it certainly might be wise not to endeavor our country in another intervention, but you can’t act like public opinion/outrage/concern/whatever hasn’t oiled the machinery of power into taking action. I am as critical of the fickle and myopic American public as anyone, but that’s usually who politicians respond to and who they court for their next election. And beyond that, everyone in this thread posts in favor of their pet issues, are proudly a supporters of various causes, and chastises politicians who don’t affect policy in the way they want. Why bother if those things are so irrelevant and meaningless?

All I'm saying is a pic of the First Lady holding a sign splattered with hashtags is meaningless. Better ways for the First Lady to get involved I would think. I'm not against activism, I would love to see the girls returned. I just see this form as useless and simple fodder for mockery, and that's exactly what's happening.

All I'm saying is a pic of the First Lady holding a sign splattered with hashtags is meaningless. Better ways for the First Lady to get involved I would think. I'm not against activism, I would love to see the girls returned. I just see this form as useless and simple fodder for mockery, and that's exactly what's happening.

 

What would you like the First Lady, or any non-military/government official to do?

What would you like the First Lady, or any non-military/government official to do?

Something meaningful would be nice. She's smart, I'm sure she can come with something better than a sign with hashtags and a pouty face.

Something meaningful would be nice. She's smart' date=' I'm sure she can come with something better than a sign with hashtags and a pouty face.[/quote']

 

I'm looking for examples.

Do you think if enough people voice their concerns, the US will send in military or some sort of operatives to attempt to rescue them? I don't see us getting physically involved regardless of how much clamor is made.

 

Making a statement, again, I'm not sure what that will help. If President Obama comes out very critical and harshly against this (which he may already have), what does that really do in terms of rescuing them?

 

I have no idea what might result. Could be economic pressure on the country harboring these evil people.

I'm looking for examples.

Then you should ask her. While doing so, ask her just what exactly hashtags are going to do to bring those girls home. Or, perhaps you can share with all of us how her juvenile photo op is going to melt the hearts of these terrorists and bring these girls home. How is the picture going to get our government or other governments to persuade Boko Haram to let the girls go? I want solid examples.

I can almost guarantee that this Ranger will be reprimanded for this, not to mention it will dramatically affect his next next review. Social media has no place in the military and this is a perfect example. Regardless of what any individual in the military may think or feel about their superior (to include what they may think or feel about a superiors spouse) you just don't do this. It violates good order and discipline.

 

I can totally understand the message, but you keep that in quarters, amongst your team and for no reason do show up your superiors, or their spouse.

 

You also do not advocate action. Your job is to do what your told, when your told and where your told to do it, without question, unless you feel it to be unlawful.

 

Just because you put the uniform on, and are tabbed out, you do not get to violate the rules and regulations set forth. I'm guessing this guy will be out of the teams soon.

It's called freedom of speech, something you all get on here and mention all the time when defending stuff.

 

Disrespect, how can any military guy respect the President. He never served in any form of military, has the VA scandal going on, cut the military budget to DEATH, fires Generals, lied about Bengazhi, took God out of the military, took credit for killing bin laden when it was the Seals, NSA snooping on people, should I go on.

 

Sorry MR, you are off base on this one. He doesn't get the same freedoms of speech that civilians enjoy, he is the protector of their freedoms and because of his oath gives up some of his to keep ours safe. Regardless of his views or any other issues. He knows that, he is sworn to uphold it, he didn't.

Sorry MR, you are off base on this one. He doesn't get the same freedoms of speech that civilians enjoy, he is the protector of their freedoms and because of his oath gives up some of his to keep ours safe. Regardless of his views or any other issues. He knows that, he is sworn to uphold it, he didn't.

We'll show me where in rule back the Presidents wife is mentioned as not to say anything regarding her.

If this guy did this to any other Presidents wife, it's not news.