Americans tune out as Afghan war rages on

[goaliedad]

Originally Posted by tpg

Scout has covered my thoughts on this topic very well. So I will avoid repeating them here.

It does sadden by how our nation views the current situation in Afghanistan. Over the course of my career as a civilian Army employee I put a lot of time, thought and energy into Afghanistan. I really do hate seeing it be a waste because of our lack of political will.

As for making people aware that we are still a nation at war, well I do my part. Today was new student orientation and I went to work in my wheel chair. I kept telling myself that I did this simply because I was too lazy to put my legs on today but subconsciously I think I wanted people to notice my legs (or the lack thereof) and talk about it.

Originally Posted by goaliedad

TPG,

I ask you to put your legs back on. While being in a wheel chair certainly will get people to notice your situation, I'm not sure that it is the type of notice you really want.

If you come across half as well in person as you do in writing, once people get to know you, your loss will only serve to amplify your stature with those who take the time to talk.

I'd rather see fewer people with a positive impression than many with a superficial view of people like you. Unfortunately, I am afraid many people have already developed a stereotype of the wounded warrior and may not be paying much attention once they pigeonhole you based upon your appearance.

Yeah there is the school of thought that bad publicity is better than none, but I think you bring plenty of the things that people want to experience without your missing physical attributes.

Originally Posted by mellowgator

I commend TPG for keeping his legs off to show the severity of the situation in Afghanistan. As a w-c user myself I find your comment insulting to all disabled people.

Originally Posted by scoutpilot

Can we please not re-start a peeing contest? His point was not at all about the broader spectrum of wheelchair users or intended to be insulting to the disabled.

First, thank you Scout for understanding my intent. It was not to insult, but more a personal plea to TPG not to give into the frustration with the public's disinterest in our troops and the war effort.

I multi-quoted the discussion and highlighted in red the part of the quote that led me to my comments. From his words, I would think that when he can, TPG wears his legs and on this particular day, he was feeling a bit discouraged and possibly giving in to the idea that perhaps people had stopped caring.

I was trying to give encouragement to do what he normally does (which is quite beneficial to the image of the whole veteran community including those who have disabilities) in his job.

I apologize if anyone didn't understand the intent of my post.

[bruno]

Oped piece in Washington Post on this subject: http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinio...3a7_story.html

[LineInTheSand]

People HAVE stopped caring. The only reason it's not more "in your face" is their (people's) perceived need to save face.