ARTICLE BY FATHER OF AUSTRALIAN SOLDIER

[cannonball83204 78]

I just received this email and want to share. I don't know how true it is or it's origin, but I did like what it has to say. I know there are a few on these boards with anti American sentiments, but this, as far as I am concerned overshadows anything they will say. Even if it is made up, it says it like it is. Whether you agree with it or not, flame away, it won't change the message.

 

Reggie

 

 

 

"Gentlemen,

 

I am an Australian and my son is an Australian - as far as we are concerned there is no place on God's earth better than Australia, and there are no people better than Australians.

 

That was until the past week or so.

 

My son is in the Australian Army and he is currently on deployment in Iraq. I cannot go into his duties in great depth, but shall we say that he and his fellow army buddies are on a glorified guard duty looking after the Australian Embassy. They don't go out looking for "action", though it is a different story in Afghanistan. There the Aussie troops chase the baddies over the hills and into the valleys.

 

My son and I just ended a long 'phone conversation and here are some of his comments, believe me this is what he said. We have all seen the bullshit emails written by some clown in his lounge room pretending to be at the coal face, but this is what was said:

 

"Before I came over here I thought we (the Australian Army) were pretty shit hot ... was I ever wrong! The Yanks (I hope you don't mind me using that word) are so professional from the top to the bottom that it is almost embarrassing to be in their company, and to call yourself a soldier ... don't get me wrong, we are good at what we do but the Yanks are so much better ... they are complete at what they do, how they do it and their attitude is awesome ... they don't complain they just get on with the job and they do it right ... I carry a Minimi (SAW) so I am not real worried about a confrontation but I tell you I feel safer just knowing that the US Army is close by. If we got into trouble I know that our boys would come running and we could deal with it but they would probably be passed by a load of Hummers.

 

No questions asked, no glory sought, the Americans would just fight with us and for us because that is their nature, to protect those in need of protection. We use the American Mess so you could say that we are fed by the Americans ... they have every right to be pissed at that but they don't bitch about that they just make us feel as welcome as possible ... what gets to me is that the Yanks don't walk around with a "we are better than you attitude" and they could because they are. They treat us as equals and as brothers in arms. If nothing else, coming here has taught me that the Americans are a truly great Nation and a truly great bunch of people.

 

Let's face it they don't HAVE to be here, they could stay in America and beat the shit out of anyone who threatened them, BUT THEY ARE HERE because they believe they should be here, and the Iraqis would be screwed if they weren't here. When I come home, you and I, we are going to the US. We will buy some bikes and we are going riding."

 

The reason why I am sharing this with you is because I realize that you (as a nation) must get pretty pissed with all the criticism you receive by the so-called "know it alls" who are sitting at home - safe. The reality is that they are safe, just as I am, because of America. If the world went arse up tomorrow there is little all we (Australia) could do about it, but I know that the Americans would be there putting themselves on the line for others. That to me is the sign of greatness.

 

The most precious thing in my life is my son. I look at him and I thank God that I am fortunate enough to be able to spend time in his company. We laugh, we discuss, we argue, we dummy spit, we have the same blood. I am not happy that he is where he is but that is his duty. He joined the Army to protect and to defend, not to play games. I mightn't like it but I accept it. My reasons for not liking it are selfish and self centered. I felt assured that he would be safe because he is in a well trained army with an excellent record, BUT NOW, I feel a whole lot better knowing that he is with your sons, daughters, brothers and sisters.

 

Whilst he was growing up, I was always there to look after him. I would not let harm befall him and I would always put myself before him to protect him. I can't do that now. When it comes to looking after him now he and his mates will do the job, but also THANK GOD FOR AMERICA.

 

Gentlemen, I have rambled on for too long, but as I finish I say to you, as a foreigner and outsider, a nation is only a collection of its people and its attitude is the attitude of its people, collectively and as individuals. I am really glad you are here on this Earth and I respect you as a nation and as people.

 

Stand up and feel proud because you deserve it. There is no one else who will do what America does without question. The next time someone howls you down, take some comfort in the fact that America is defending their right to act like an idiot.

 

Finally, thank you for looking after my son.

 

Peter Turner (Forwarded by David H.)"

[mykl 72]

For what it's worth, from an ex US military member, you're welcome.

[sinbinjack 252]

I am sorry to say that I for one do not believe this Email is real.I have known some Aussies in my life and To be perfectly honest I don't believe any Aussie would ever talk themselves down in this fashion ,they are a very proud Nation with a great Marshall history ,Albeit short, and are inordinately proud of their Country.

PS this is not trying to put down the USA, just my opinion of the reality of the Email

[pompoiman 0]

what a load of fucking bollocks, i wish i haden't wasted 2 mins of my life reading that crap,

[Eneukman 1]

I am sorry to say that I for one do not believe this Email is real.I have known some Aussies in my life and To be perfectly honest I don't believe any Aussie would ever talk themselves down in this fashion ,they are a very proud Nation with a great Marshall history ,Albeit short, and are inordinately proud of their Country.

PS this is not trying to put down the USA, just my opinion of the reality of the Email

 

Have got to agree here for the same reasons.

 

Alan

[xen 0]

I get e-mails with this type of message all the time from , shall we say my more extreme right wing mates and friends. A lot of it is regurgitated stuff that gets amended from other similar messages with appropiate words inserted to make it fit the country or situation. To me it is nothing more than propaganda pushing (or justifing ) a viewpoint . It is always interesting to read a viewpoint and it is within their rights to voice it but often this stuff is just pure political propaganda and often so racist it is offensive ( this one isn't racist though but you have probably seen the type i refer to). There are probably also al-qaeda versions circulating in their world too .

 

Both extremes of the political sides have learnt that the medium to push their views are now though email rather than 15 or so years ago it was the photocopied joke sheet passed around. It is cheap and effective and reaches a far larger target than before. Both the left and the right use it effectively for their propaganda .

 

Wether you should believe it - well that is up to the individual but i believe nobody is going to do a 180 degree turnabout because of one e-mail.It will only re-inforce your current beliefs anyway.

 

Also comments about being anti-american if you disagree with America's foreign policy is offensive. It may be anti Washington /anti Bush administration if you have differing view -points but not anti american unless you are some type of idiot who thinks a whole group of people can be categorized by their respective govt's foreign policy. I would certainly would not like to be judged solely on my government's policies or performance so why should anybody else .

Edited April 26, 2008 by xen

[windynoi 0]

I am sorry to say that I for one do not believe this Email is real.I have known some Aussies in my life and To be perfectly honest I don't believe any Aussie would ever talk themselves down in this fashion ,they are a very proud Nation with a great Marshall history ,Albeit short, and are inordinately proud of their Country.

PS this is not trying to put down the USA, just my opinion of the reality of the Email

 

I agree, this is not an email by an Australian

[Sailfast 503]

I agree, this is not an email by an Australian

 

 

 

Well the good news is that the people at Snopes.com are researching it and they are good at exposing the bullshit. Anyway, I agree that this sounds made up.

 

 

 

Here is a link to another supposed "Australian" writer that was exposed as a fake: http://www.snopes.com/rumors/america2.asp

 

 

 

 

NOW here is a Canadian classic Be sure to click the audio link to listen to the original audio:

 

http://www.broadcasting-history.ca/news/unique/am_text.html

Edited April 27, 2008 by Sailfast