Disclaimer: This post is biased. I have done my best to remove offensive language from it. However, there will probably be some remnants. That happens when someone suggests that military deaths are a good thing. I realize that much of this post is pure vitriol and invite anyone to convince me otherwise.
I didn’t have a whole lot of respect for Ted Turner to begin with. Business-wise, the man made some great moves. However, like many politicians, he has chosen to use his wealth and businesses to push his ideals upon others. Now, I understand everyone has their opinions, whether they be popular or not. It’s the venue you choose to express your opinion that matters more than the actual opinion. As I’ve stated in an earlier post, I am extremely biased in my opinion of certain lives being more valuable than others. It is not fair by any means, but I will not apologize for it. My family is more important to me than yours is, and Americans in uniform are a damn sight more important than some media mogul. That’s my opinion and this is my venue, this seldom-updated blog with few readers. Ted Turner’s venue? The worldwide news network that he created.
In case you hadn’t heard, Ted Turner made the statement that it’s good that more military personnel are committing suicide overseas than are being killed in combat. The actual quote, taken from the transcript is below.
MORGAN: You made the point to me in the break there, more American servicemen have —
TURNER: — are dying now from suicide over there than are dying in combat.
MORGAN: That’s shocking, isn’t it?
TURNER: Well, what — no, I think it’s — I think it’s good, because it’s so clear that we’re programmed and we’re born to love and help each other, not to kill each other, to destroy each other. That’s an aberration. That’s left over from hundreds of years ago. It’s time for to us start acting enlightened.
Enlightened? Pray tell, does celebrating a person’s suicide seem like “enlightened” behavior to you? An aberration left over from hundreds of years ago? Oh, you mean when people were killing each other over religious beliefs? Because I don’t see much of a change since then, Teddy. Did you perhaps consider than a person who is set on killing themselves will ensure than they will not be found until they expire so there is no chance of saving them? As opposed to those on a combat patrol who will make damn sure than the MEDEVAC frequency is tuned on their radio? Oh, wait. That’s right. You wouldn’t know a damned thing about combat because your chickenshit ass is far more comfortable judging others from your ivory tower.
Let me tell ya, Ted. You sicken me. You truly do. No wonder you fucking married Hanoi Jane. It was a match made in left-wing heaven…oh, wait…that’s right. Heaven doesn’t exist to folks such as yourself. Hence why you insist on doing your damndest to create a utopia in your image. So, tell us, what led to the divorce? Was she not hardcore enough for you? Did she actually show an ounce of sympathy for other “lesser” people and you just couldn’t get it up for such an unenlightened person?
Wait….what’s that? He apologized? I’ll be damned, he did right here:
During my recent interview on CNN’s Piers Morgan Tonight, I inadvertently used the word “good” when asked for my thoughts on the increasing rate of suicide among U.S. military soldiers in the Middle East. It was certainly not my intent to imply that suicide is “good.” Rather, I was implying that it is good that the public is more aware of these tragedies and is more averse to war and war-related fatalities. My message has always been one of peace, I believe that we’re born programmed to love and help each other, not to kill or hurt each other. I strongly support our U.S. troops and would never intentionally say anything to harm the brave men and women serving our country. I deeply apologize for any misunderstanding caused by this comment.
Loosely translated: “I realize I pissed off a lot of people with my true beliefs and I might actually lose money as a result”. Tell ya what, Teddy….have the sack God gave a woodchuck and stand by your statement. Admit that you find the military to be a bunch of knuckle-draggers whose lives are worth less than those of “civilized, enlightened human beings”. At least I’d respect you for refusing to backpedal.
Since you’re such an enlightened and altruistic human being, why don’t you actually donate your time and money to programs helping returning veterans? Why don’t you help their families? You’re a victim of suicide yourself. Your father killed himself and you’ve been through the grief. Rather than celebrating suicides, do something about it. I realize it’s far too late to expect someone like yourself to understand that not everyone is receptive to discussing differences. To understand that when someone tries to kill you, you kill ’em right back. But for fuck’s sake, at least know what team you’re on.
I’m out of steam on this one. Time to go see what the Internet masses of asses have been saying about Benghazi. Funny how people have plenty of uniformed opinions on how shit should be handled yet never bother to get informed themselves. Pick up a weapon and stand a post. Strap yourself into that seat and realize your wrong decision can end someone’s life. Do something for little pay and even less gratitude. Then, MAYBE then, you’ll be qualified to judge. Until then, keep your trap shut.