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Bobbi Bryant There is hardly any concrete determining factors on who would adapt well to combat. Yes I do know what I speak of. Personally, my father was in Vietnam. He has only spoken about it a handful of times- which are usually just one sentence dreadful remarks. While I have not experienced it, I understand the demands and horrors. But strength comes in a variety of forms and different places. Who are you to dismiss EVERY woman- including me? The notion is insulting. My grandfather was in Korea and in WWII. Both of my parents are retired police officers. My family is full of fighters. I am no different. So please, do not tell me what I can and cannot do.
Bobbi Bryant I did not mean to mic that. That is one situation. Your lack of faith saddens me. I do not look it, nor would anyone ever expect me to be as strong or physically capable as a man. But I am. To you and an outside observer, I am physically weaker than a man. Not true. And I have equally been physically athletic and fit all of my life as well. And I would never allow you to tell me what I can or cannot do. You are not me. You do not know what I am capable of and I do not expect you to, but I would like the opportunity, if I so chose, to demonstrate how I could meet the requirements for combat training. If I cannot meet the grade, then I can't do it. Simple. Easy. It still is offensive. Do not make choices for me or anyone else.
Bobbi Bryant First of all- war-combat-blood guts and gore- while it normally occurs in the world- is not normal. People killing people is NOT normal. No one- men or women- should be in combat. It is an ugly cruel thing that I do not wish on my worst enemy. There is no specific gene strand that says men are better suited for war than women. Most are not capable of murder, but in wartime people change drastically. In life or death situations people are forged into something else. Situations like these changes us all.
Bobbi Bryant I loved your article. I have the degree focused on this area and everything you have written I have studied to an exhausting level. However, I believe war will ultimately end the current government of Iran if it continues to instigate. But of course, a war with Iran will devastatingly weaken the U.S.
Bobbi Bryant Let me clarify- I don't want to go to a combat zone. However- I do demand the right to choose and have the opportunity, just like you have had. Do not withhold my right because you have misconceptions and generalizations of all women. I assure you that you do not know what every single woman is capable of- so do not generalize us in that way. All I want is for everyone to be judged equally on their merits. If they cannot make the grade, then they are not fit. I'm sorry you have not met a woman of those capabilities.
Bobbi Bryant At the moment- no- our culture will not accept it. But culture is a fluid thing, what is unacceptable now could be acceptable in the future. Or that is at least, what I hope as a feminist.
Bobbi Bryant So you are going to make that choice for me? And yes- that is sexist. Where are the women in this discussion thread??
Bobbi Bryant An excellent analysis! Your piece is very grounded and astute. If an individual, regardless of their gender, can full the requirements that a combat position demands, then he or she should be allowed to do so. Individuals should be solely judged on their capabilities.
Bobbi Bryant I think your grasp of the OWS movement is sadly narrow and inaccurate, since one of the more distinguishable criticisms of the movement is its lack of clarity in goals. Charity is a mechanism for social justice. However, we digress. You have failed to see my point. An individual can have an obscene wealth and still still support the cause. For example, I understand absolute poverty- the kind that Somalians have to experience. I may not experience it, but I can understand and sympathize, and thus support a movement to stop it. Even if it means I have to give up some of my wealth in order to secure another's livelihood. A person can understand a cause or movement despite being on the outside and not benefiting from it.
Bobbi Bryant I used to have that very same view point a few years ago. Now I disagree. How do you know that "celebrities", as you qualified, don't understand the causes they support? In your Kanye West example, you did not give a thorough examination of the man-his background-and the amount of money he gives back through charity which is his credibility. How does Kanye West not understand the cause? He does not have to benefit from it in order to necessarily understand it. A credible supporter of a cause can come from the outside, including one who would see their benefits limited. You have made a gross generalization of a group of people. It is unfair to the individuals and a logical fallacy.
Bobbi Bryant Your reference to being statistically dead is irrelevant to the topic. My reference was used because I addressed your statement, "I don't see the fun... maybe I'm the weird one..." You're in high school, meaning that you are more likely to change your mind. However, that does not mean you WILL change your mind. You discuss you having to deal with people. This is irrelevant and sounds like a personal problem. "You are not exempt... alcohol poisoning, poor judgement, other harm..." The only assured consequence is a hangover the following day. These severe consequences do not usually occur as you are alluding to. Otherwise binge-drinking would not occur as frequently as it is today.
Bobbi Bryant Did you really just use "Boys will be boys" as support for your argument? That's offensively simple-minded. It's not harmless. Boys will be boys mentality allows boys to be hyper-aggressive and even violent. It has also allowed rape and sexual harassment of women because "boys" are taught that they cannot control themselves. Your argument: But boys will be boys. That's what they do and they are not at fault for being what they are. The reality is boys, or girls for that matter, will do what we EXPECT them to do. Kids pick up on the little things like the nuances, make their understanding about their place in the world, and then change their behavior accordingly. Society and parents have the power to change the nature of a child.
Bobbi Bryant Your a senior in high school. Statistically speaking, your going to try it at least once in the coming years. It seems to me that you are passing judgment on those who have binge drank. "Very. Severe. Consequences." Yeah... That's a blanket statement. Many people who have, including myself, binge drank, there have been no consequences. Binge-drinking does not equal alcoholism.
Bobbi Bryant I agree. Great Britain, France and other European countries have less of a problem with drinking because the laws are set at 18 or younger. They made having a drink or two a part of their culture. It's not a big deal and it creates kids that are less likely to drink excessively because its not usual to have more than a couple.
Bobbi Bryant Financial: Inconsequential. The recession began in 2007, was started by bad home loans, not 9/11 or even by the War on Terror, and it trickled to other sectors. Sure, the war and the attacks added heavily on US debt, but it is not a cause of the financial crisis. Years of bad spending and practices brought the financial situation where it is today. But- I digress. Not at all. Osama was not a logical or even a smart man. His actions and motivations indicate how this is true. While he caused a slew of international relation issues, he did not expect all that transgressed. He expected to be held as a hero and a leader for the Islamist Revolution. Please show me proof that he did expect our actions.
Bobbi Bryant You're depressed by the weather.
Bobbi Bryant That is an interesting theory on bin Laden's goals, but I think your giving him too much credit. There is no evidence that he anticipated the American response, and frankly, how could he? What is usually discussed about the goals of the attack specifically, bin Laden wanted to inspire a mass Islamist uprising in the Middle East, then overthrow the US and other such states. This inspiration would be birthed by the fantastic image that 9/11 caused. It didn't happen. Also, he assumed that he would cripple America and the American people. That some how we would roll over because of the scale of the attacks, such as: troop withdrawal from Saudi Arabia and withdraw support from Israel. Also, didn't happen.
Bobbi Bryant It will be good. As long as they have a warrant. Freedom should never be traded for security. Fear should not be used as a tool to take away Constitutional rights, as it is now being done. Otherwise, what is there to fight for- when what we are protecting-freedom, liberty, pursuit of happiness- is already lost? F.D.R. said,"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
Bobbi Bryant I agree, to a degree, with this: "The interpretation of the US Constitution is a socially constructed one based on the political climate and the inclination of the beholder." This statement has a lot of variables. Interpretation, social construct- basis on political climate and inclination of the beholder. You have successfully outlined the problems with the document itself, not with issue. The American public as a whole has so far not known about drone use, at least from what I've gathered. Do you disagree?
Bobbi Bryant As in Nazi Germany. The people were frightened, suffered a horrible loss in the first World War and then comes Hitler and the Nazi Party providing them security. (Bear with me in this simplistic telling of events). The German public could have that security in return for their silence on the incremental changes that took place which transformed the country into a police state. America post 9/11. The people were frightened and suffered a horrible loss in the 9/11 attacks. Take a vulnerable public and the government can transform into a police state, one right limited or removed at a time.
Bobbi Bryant I don't see it that way. One of their biggest demands was that America should leave the Middle-East alone. Instead, we invaded two different nations including one that they were based out of. Al Qaeda is merely a ghost of itself, if it still exists at all. They did transform our way of life, yet that discounts that most remains the same.
Bobbi Bryant "Immoral stuff"? What would you define as immoral? And whose morals are we going to abide by? Yours? Mine? Michele Bachmann's? US police forces do care about anti-government protests. Does the Occupy movement not ring any bells? The U.S. law enforcement needs to be held in check, which is the purpose of warrants. Otherwise exploitation will be allowed to take place.
Bobbi Bryant Are you saying that if everyone can perform surveillance legally, then the act of using surveillance is suddenly ok? Individuals, as well as law enforcement, are bound to the same privacy laws. Law enforcement is breaching due process, and it will not be made appropriate by allowing you to do the same.
Bobbi Bryant Germany comes to mind.
Bobbi Bryant Stakeout use cannot be justified by being used for "forever". Being watched, observed and recorded is left up to the discretion of law enforcement officials. I should prove their case in front of an impartial judge who decides whether constitutional rights should be infringed upon.
on PolicyMic
Bobbi Bryant There is hardly any concrete determining factors on who would adapt well to combat. Yes I do know what I speak of. Personally, my father was in Vietnam. He has only spoken about it a handful of times- which are usually just one sentence dreadful remarks. While I have not experienced it, I understand the demands and horrors. But strength comes in a variety of forms and different places. Who are you to dismiss EVERY woman- including me? The notion is insulting. My grandfather was in Korea and in WWII. Both of my parents are retired police officers. My family is full of fighters. I am no different. So please, do not tell me what I can and cannot do.
Bobbi Bryant I did not mean to mic that. That is one situation. Your lack of faith saddens me. I do not look it, nor would anyone ever expect me to be as strong or physically capable as a man. But I am. To you and an outside observer, I am physically weaker than a man. Not true. And I have equally been physically athletic and fit all of my life as well. And I would never allow you to tell me what I can or cannot do. You are not me. You do not know what I am capable of and I do not expect you to, but I would like the opportunity, if I so chose, to demonstrate how I could meet the requirements for combat training. If I cannot meet the grade, then I can't do it. Simple. Easy. It still is offensive. Do not make choices for me or anyone else.
Bobbi Bryant First of all- war-combat-blood guts and gore- while it normally occurs in the world- is not normal. People killing people is NOT normal. No one- men or women- should be in combat. It is an ugly cruel thing that I do not wish on my worst enemy. There is no specific gene strand that says men are better suited for war than women. Most are not capable of murder, but in wartime people change drastically. In life or death situations people are forged into something else. Situations like these changes us all.
Bobbi Bryant I loved your article. I have the degree focused on this area and everything you have written I have studied to an exhausting level. However, I believe war will ultimately end the current government of Iran if it continues to instigate. But of course, a war with Iran will devastatingly weaken the U.S.
Bobbi Bryant Let me clarify- I don't want to go to a combat zone. However- I do demand the right to choose and have the opportunity, just like you have had. Do not withhold my right because you have misconceptions and generalizations of all women. I assure you that you do not know what every single woman is capable of- so do not generalize us in that way. All I want is for everyone to be judged equally on their merits. If they cannot make the grade, then they are not fit. I'm sorry you have not met a woman of those capabilities.
Bobbi Bryant At the moment- no- our culture will not accept it. But culture is a fluid thing, what is unacceptable now could be acceptable in the future. Or that is at least, what I hope as a feminist.
Bobbi Bryant So you are going to make that choice for me? And yes- that is sexist. Where are the women in this discussion thread??
Bobbi Bryant An excellent analysis! Your piece is very grounded and astute. If an individual, regardless of their gender, can full the requirements that a combat position demands, then he or she should be allowed to do so. Individuals should be solely judged on their capabilities.
Bobbi Bryant I think your grasp of the OWS movement is sadly narrow and inaccurate, since one of the more distinguishable criticisms of the movement is its lack of clarity in goals. Charity is a mechanism for social justice. However, we digress. You have failed to see my point. An individual can have an obscene wealth and still still support the cause. For example, I understand absolute poverty- the kind that Somalians have to experience. I may not experience it, but I can understand and sympathize, and thus support a movement to stop it. Even if it means I have to give up some of my wealth in order to secure another's livelihood. A person can understand a cause or movement despite being on the outside and not benefiting from it.
Bobbi Bryant I used to have that very same view point a few years ago. Now I disagree. How do you know that "celebrities", as you qualified, don't understand the causes they support? In your Kanye West example, you did not give a thorough examination of the man-his background-and the amount of money he gives back through charity which is his credibility. How does Kanye West not understand the cause? He does not have to benefit from it in order to necessarily understand it. A credible supporter of a cause can come from the outside, including one who would see their benefits limited. You have made a gross generalization of a group of people. It is unfair to the individuals and a logical fallacy.
Bobbi Bryant Your reference to being statistically dead is irrelevant to the topic. My reference was used because I addressed your statement, "I don't see the fun... maybe I'm the weird one..." You're in high school, meaning that you are more likely to change your mind. However, that does not mean you WILL change your mind. You discuss you having to deal with people. This is irrelevant and sounds like a personal problem. "You are not exempt... alcohol poisoning, poor judgement, other harm..." The only assured consequence is a hangover the following day. These severe consequences do not usually occur as you are alluding to. Otherwise binge-drinking would not occur as frequently as it is today.
Bobbi Bryant Did you really just use "Boys will be boys" as support for your argument? That's offensively simple-minded. It's not harmless. Boys will be boys mentality allows boys to be hyper-aggressive and even violent. It has also allowed rape and sexual harassment of women because "boys" are taught that they cannot control themselves. Your argument: But boys will be boys. That's what they do and they are not at fault for being what they are. The reality is boys, or girls for that matter, will do what we EXPECT them to do. Kids pick up on the little things like the nuances, make their understanding about their place in the world, and then change their behavior accordingly. Society and parents have the power to change the nature of a child.
Bobbi Bryant Your a senior in high school. Statistically speaking, your going to try it at least once in the coming years. It seems to me that you are passing judgment on those who have binge drank. "Very. Severe. Consequences." Yeah... That's a blanket statement. Many people who have, including myself, binge drank, there have been no consequences. Binge-drinking does not equal alcoholism.
Bobbi Bryant I agree. Great Britain, France and other European countries have less of a problem with drinking because the laws are set at 18 or younger. They made having a drink or two a part of their culture. It's not a big deal and it creates kids that are less likely to drink excessively because its not usual to have more than a couple.
Bobbi Bryant Financial: Inconsequential. The recession began in 2007, was started by bad home loans, not 9/11 or even by the War on Terror, and it trickled to other sectors. Sure, the war and the attacks added heavily on US debt, but it is not a cause of the financial crisis. Years of bad spending and practices brought the financial situation where it is today. But- I digress. Not at all. Osama was not a logical or even a smart man. His actions and motivations indicate how this is true. While he caused a slew of international relation issues, he did not expect all that transgressed. He expected to be held as a hero and a leader for the Islamist Revolution. Please show me proof that he did expect our actions.
Bobbi Bryant You're depressed by the weather.
Bobbi Bryant That is an interesting theory on bin Laden's goals, but I think your giving him too much credit. There is no evidence that he anticipated the American response, and frankly, how could he? What is usually discussed about the goals of the attack specifically, bin Laden wanted to inspire a mass Islamist uprising in the Middle East, then overthrow the US and other such states. This inspiration would be birthed by the fantastic image that 9/11 caused. It didn't happen. Also, he assumed that he would cripple America and the American people. That some how we would roll over because of the scale of the attacks, such as: troop withdrawal from Saudi Arabia and withdraw support from Israel. Also, didn't happen.
Bobbi Bryant It will be good. As long as they have a warrant. Freedom should never be traded for security. Fear should not be used as a tool to take away Constitutional rights, as it is now being done. Otherwise, what is there to fight for- when what we are protecting-freedom, liberty, pursuit of happiness- is already lost? F.D.R. said,"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
Bobbi Bryant I agree, to a degree, with this: "The interpretation of the US Constitution is a socially constructed one based on the political climate and the inclination of the beholder." This statement has a lot of variables. Interpretation, social construct- basis on political climate and inclination of the beholder. You have successfully outlined the problems with the document itself, not with issue. The American public as a whole has so far not known about drone use, at least from what I've gathered. Do you disagree?
Bobbi Bryant As in Nazi Germany. The people were frightened, suffered a horrible loss in the first World War and then comes Hitler and the Nazi Party providing them security. (Bear with me in this simplistic telling of events). The German public could have that security in return for their silence on the incremental changes that took place which transformed the country into a police state. America post 9/11. The people were frightened and suffered a horrible loss in the 9/11 attacks. Take a vulnerable public and the government can transform into a police state, one right limited or removed at a time.
Bobbi Bryant I don't see it that way. One of their biggest demands was that America should leave the Middle-East alone. Instead, we invaded two different nations including one that they were based out of. Al Qaeda is merely a ghost of itself, if it still exists at all. They did transform our way of life, yet that discounts that most remains the same.
Bobbi Bryant "Immoral stuff"? What would you define as immoral? And whose morals are we going to abide by? Yours? Mine? Michele Bachmann's? US police forces do care about anti-government protests. Does the Occupy movement not ring any bells? The U.S. law enforcement needs to be held in check, which is the purpose of warrants. Otherwise exploitation will be allowed to take place.
Bobbi Bryant Are you saying that if everyone can perform surveillance legally, then the act of using surveillance is suddenly ok? Individuals, as well as law enforcement, are bound to the same privacy laws. Law enforcement is breaching due process, and it will not be made appropriate by allowing you to do the same.
Bobbi Bryant Germany comes to mind.
Bobbi Bryant Stakeout use cannot be justified by being used for "forever". Being watched, observed and recorded is left up to the discretion of law enforcement officials. I should prove their case in front of an impartial judge who decides whether constitutional rights should be infringed upon.