Hey Marines!

Bruce - Half of this stuff (maybe 75%) is show business. Of course he was histrionic. There were cameras, there was no clear problem. He was acting it up. Of course that's true. But isn't that the whole idea of OWS? Act up! Cause a scene! It's all show business Bruce. The cops did fine but who made the headlines? It's all theatre. Congress is theatre. Election campaigns are theatre. Why should this be any different?

 

Touche, but the title of the video irked me a bit, like this guy pulled a Bruce Lee and knocked out 30 cops. In reality, he made an ass of himself and did the movement no favors in the eyes of most of the public.

 

But they sure brandied the Marine war veteran hero out there pretty quickly didn't they? As a Marine we are told that are actions have far reaching effects. If we make a mistake the headline always reads "Marine did so and so" or "Marine convicted of this".

This is nothing more than lazy journalism by playing the war/vet/race/hero card in trying to legitimize a movement. The problem is...most people see through it. One side of the political isle supports the troops in one way (99% of the time they support the troops) and the other side supports them when it's convenient (about 35% of the time). Both sides use them for their own end, but you can see this one did not work as planned.

This movement needs violence to sustain itself. Look at Oakland. They have to hold on to anger, even if it is manufactured like what this Marine was doing. They have every right to protest, do it for the rest of your lives for all I care. But if it is misdirected and serves no purpose (other than mental masturbation and worlwide placebo for your "cause") what is the point?

 

Thanks for the link Kizmet. It's good to see people worked up about something, rather than just complaining about it. I am keeping track of these things for future research, and forward them onto our Washington HQ. I am also overseeing the production of video entitled "Vote Your Job" that will be designed to energize union members, and especially our 100k Republican union member brothers and sisters.

I find the recording of these types of events are useful because people have short memories. I remember everyone being infuriated at the Banks being bailed out with our taxpayers money. Then peoples outrage fizzled. I am always baffled why someone would be against someone saving their home from foreclosure, as I don't feel sorry for the banks (they can be bailed out but can't work with a homeowner?). The have plenty of money for their CEO's, while cutting back and charging more for their services. Many will lay off thousands of workers while making huge profits, thus further harming the economy. Sorry, I feel this is unAmerican.

I am glad to see people get off their coaches and stand up!

Fire it up, ready to go! Fire it up, ready to go! Fire it up, ready to go!!!!!

Abner :smile:

 

Measured responses with no carry over from other threads (Hiya MC!!!)

 

Carry over? Was a thread carried over ( quote transported from another thread into this thread)?

How is my responding this thread a carry over?


Abner :smile:

 

Since you have invoked a mod, I will await their decision. :smile:

 

No brother, I was patting myself on the back for not carrying it over. You did not/have not, sorry if it came off that way.

I like to congratulate my own awesomeness from time to time.

 

Welcome to my world....a co-worker's house caught fire several years ago (electrical problem), and the local rag published a story titled "Fire at police officer's home". How is that even remotely relevant?

Nothing irks me more than seeing signs "Against the war, for the troops". Save the bullshit, I'd rather you not even mention the troops.

They have no point, which is the most infuriating thing of all. A local Boston talk show host came up with a proposed chant that is spot-on;

"What do we want??"

"We don't know!!!"

"When do we want it??"

"NOW!!!"

 

The chanting thing creeps me out. You see it in a lot of the videos, and some of these kids are just asking for someone else to plant an idea in their head, icky.

 

Kizmet,

As a prior officer of Marines … IMO this joker is discreditable; a center stage attention seeking crowd inciter that arrives improperly wearing only the utility blouse with some campaign ribbons attached and running his BIG mouth at police officers whom he already knew would contain from taking his bait. In reality though … the LAST thing this fool wanted was a physical altercation with several police officers. He sought after an audience to his verbal only tirade. (Remember … be cautious of the quiet ones.). Sgt (E-5) Thomas is NOT a voice for the Corps, and in my view, dishonored the uniform based on how he misconducts himself in his delivery methodology. My expectation of Marine (officer or enlisted) behavior is that they, be they current or prior, uphold themselves to a higher standard!

Note: Subsequent background checking as regards this individual— the only Shamar Thomas listed in the locator database (e.g., per the USMC locator a function of the MOL website— e.g., any current Marine and most of those who have recently served) indicates he's still a component of the USMCR (likely IRR /Individual Ready Reserve) and his MOS is listed as a 3051, or Warehouse Clerk (a POG or in my Corps day a RAMF).

Consider that none of the Sgt. Thomas’ medals /ribbons is awarded for valor in combat (e.g., MOH, Navy Cross, Silver Star or Bronze Star Medal w/V-device). In summation and generically speaking: If one is going to be a public and vociferous advocate for a cause by employing their military service to bolster themselves in front of an audience, one had better possess a service record that will provide credence to such claim; not by merely seeking attention via displaying “I was there…” ribbons serving as a 3051-warehouse clerk.

 

OK. Your opinion.

 

Mine too! (see post #14).

:wave:

 

That’s correct Kizmet … however, personal observation based on U.S. Marine behavior expectations, standards, self-leadership, etc., e.g., one who’s been there and … not merely as a spectator.

 

Precisely Cory…

Semper fi!

:usa2:

 

I understand that you guys have been there and I have not. However, I'm also entitled to an opinion, regardless of whether I've ever worn the uniform. Like other components of the OWS movement they are trying to get their act together:

"We ask that OccupyOMC and other veteran supporters comply with DoD regulations and refrain from wearing all or part of any official dress or service uniform when participating in the Occupy movement. OccupyOMC suggests wearing other veteran, patriotic or service-affiliated items instead. Though we represent ourselves as former Marines, veterans and current citizen patriots we should not be seen as representing the United States Marine Corps or the United States government or any of the other armed services in the context of OccupyOMC or the Occupy Wall Street movement."

OccupyOMC

 

You’re absolutely correct regarding your opinion and ability to speak out. That’s what’s GREAT about our country! Hopefully Sgt. Thomas will adhere to OWS’s request. Most of Sgt. Thomas’ behavior can be attributed to his youth.

Good post Kizmet!

 

I don't think Major or myself was saying that you could not have an opinion. And, from me at least, I will never criticize someone who has not served nor ever put my service up in their faces so please don't think that is what we are doing. I serve my country in the military by choice, by pleasure, and in my case because I feel I owe it to my country for what it (you and every other citizen) has provided to me.

Our point has more to do with the Marine and how he is acting and some of the things he said. We're certainly not saying he cannot have his voice heard. We just disagree with the execution of how he is going about it, that's all.

 

Well stated Cory ...

 

The active duty people at the Occupy sites had better be careful...there is always the catch-all of the UCMJ, "bringing discredit on the armed forces".