Pantagraph.com | News | Message of teen’s rally: Win in Iraq

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Great rally, Josh! wrote on Sep 6, 2007 1:31 PM:

" Glad we went! OUR TROOPS ARE WORTH IT! Thanks for putting it together. "

To Gosh No wrote on Aug 29, 2007 7:04 AM:

" That's because Dems wouldn't want any part in this. Duh. "

Gosh no wrote on Aug 28, 2007 8:03 PM:

" this isn't a Republican event. Every dignitary to be featured is a GOPer. g.w. got us into a mess and the next prez will have to get us out. The clock is ticking on this crowd but oh so slowly ! "

Can anyone wrote on Aug 28, 2007 6:11 PM:

" tell me why it is so bad to hold a rally to support the troops that are fighting wars to keep this nation free? These people signed up for this and it is their job. I'm glad they did. I pray for their safty all the time. What does it matter where the war is. We should support our troops no matter what the cause is, good or bad. This isn't the first war that went sour and probably won't be the last no matter who is president. This is a good time to publicly say "thanks for all you do for us troops." I think everyone should ease up on this kid. If 911 never hapened would we be at war now? So in one sence you could say the terrorist did start this whole thing. Good luck with the ralley Josh. "

That's OK Josh wrote on Aug 28, 2007 5:06 PM:

" If I could get somebody else to fight my battles, I would too. "

I was in the Navy wrote on Aug 28, 2007 4:27 PM:

" And I'll be the first to admit how ignorant I was and most of my fellow sailors. First, we did what we were told and assumed it to be right. Now I am far older and wiser and realize that I did no useful service to humanity, only to our politicians that used some of my peers as cannon fodder. This current war, like our political leaders is bogus. And it is a crime against humanity. "

Republicans wrote on Aug 28, 2007 4:15 PM:

" Republicans amuse me because they really don't have a logical leg to stand on anymore when discussing Bush or the war. All they can do is call people names. Logic and reasoning isn't important. Most of the time their logic involves using manipulated facts like the terrorists started the war, or Saddam Hussein was in bed with Al Qaeda. I know it's bad, but none of them can really be taken seriously anymore when you hear the illogical and irrational filth they spew. "

2 Questions wrote on Aug 28, 2007 4:13 PM:

" Just two questions for Josh: 1. How will we know that we have won the war in Iraq? 2. Why aren't you planning to enlist in the fight? I won't expect the answers because Josh doesn't know the answer to #1 and is afraid to answer #2 honestly. "

To excuse me wrote on Aug 28, 2007 4:12 PM:

" Anyone, man, women, child or future GOP robot, who thinks "the terrorists" started the war in Iraq has been brainwashed by the GOP or doesn't know how to follow facts to their logical conclusion. To me ignorance is like racism, it all starts with the family. I'm guessing that's where these views came from when after 4 years of war, young Josh still believes the terrorists stated the war. "

to Why we're there wrote on Aug 28, 2007 3:56 PM:

" Your statement "Liberals have a vested stake in the U.S. losing this war. Losing would achieve their objective of painting Bush and what he stands for as a failure. " is problematic. The painting of GWB as a failure has already been done. It's a self portrait. "

from people people wrote on Aug 28, 2007 3:19 PM:

" i take my own advice,...and i'm not a liberal or anything else. Guess what, i have also served my country and know that the reasons we went to war were wrong. I don't sit back and just listen to what others say, THE WAR IS POINTLESS!!!! That has nothing to do with my political affiliations. you are truley hopeless, and i feel sorry for your children, i am sure you are raising them to judge others and not to learn from and understand others! "

bn wrote on Aug 28, 2007 3:17 PM:

" "why we are there"...no wmd's had been used by Hussien for fifteen years...Iraq was thoroughly isolated, unable to fart without us knowing how it smelled. If you want to base the invasion on lack of compliance with UN resolutions I invite you to look at Israel's record for compliance with the UN...makes Hussien look downright compliant. lastly, liberals do not want to "lose the war". Liberals want Iraqi's to stand up and show some intestinal fortitude instead of going on a two month vaction while our troops are over there dying for them. There is no military solution to the mess GWB has gotten us into...nothing will be accomplished unless these three seperate tribes of Muslims come together and make peace with one another...breaking breaking a thousand year cycle of history. Liberals do not need more military failure in Iraq to prove Bush is a failure...he does that quite nicely all by himself. "

to Excuse me wrote on Aug 28, 2007 3:15 PM:

" What "liberal" media? You mean G.E. owned NBC? Or the Corporate News Network? This kid sounds like one of my former coworkers who grew up listening to old farmers bellyache about Democrats all day. "

to: people people wrote on Aug 28, 2007 3:07 PM:

" Try to take your own advice and do not listen to what liberal idiots are saying. Otherwise start crying now. Nobody cares. "

I can't believe it! wrote on Aug 28, 2007 2:56 PM:

" I can't believe how you guys can just sit there and bash everything that myself along with my fellow airmen, soldiers, marines and sailors are fighting for. I understand that most of you don't support the war, that's your choice. If you want to sit there and bash the war, don't do it on a newspaper website...actually take it up higher and try to get results. We have fellow servicemembers giving their lives for this country everyday so you can sit at home and bash things like this on a newspaper website. At least you can go to bed at night knowing that you can wake up the next morning and be able to do little things like this while most of us go to bed and wake up to the unknown. I commend this young man for what he is doing regardless of whether you think it's right or wrong. At least he is trying to show his support for those of us deployed which is more than what I can say for most of these comments. "

just so you know wrote on Aug 28, 2007 2:52 PM:

" Not all Republicans support this war. Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul voted against going into Iraq, against the Patriot Act, and many other moves that are unconstitutional and counter to what this country is supposed to represent. In many ways he does give hope to America. "

To:To people people wrote on Aug 28, 2007 2:48 PM:

" ummm, ok so you did not understand at all the point of what i was trying to say. you would do great in gov't...? noone should like to be called any one thing, thats what makes us humans. The ability to have cognitive processes and a varity of likes and dislikes. I guess you do not have that ability. Please think people, all of us dont agree with everything on one side and hate everything on the other. Were doomed if we do. "

Old man who has seen this movie too many times now wrote on Aug 28, 2007 2:39 PM:

" TO Indian Joe, who wrote, "If you had a brain you would be dangous [sic]." And to think, I don't have a brain, yet know how to spell. Hmmm? What does that say about the cranial contents of one who doesn't know how to spell? (Perhaps you might want to turn off FauxNews and open a book, like "War Is A Racket" by Major General Smedley Butler, one of these days.) "

Excuse me wrote on Aug 28, 2007 2:21 PM:

" What exactly is wrong with a young man thinking for himself and supporting whatever political party he wants to support. Just because he is not brainwashed by the liberal media and what he sees on television does not mean he is being "a young impressionable teen becoming a tool of the GOP". I am impressed that he is following his beliefs and standing up for what he believes in. "

To "people, people" wrote on Aug 28, 2007 2:17 PM:

" Thanks for confirming that liberals don't like the term "liberal" "

people, people wrote on Aug 28, 2007 1:55 PM:

" yes this young man is wrong about some of his belifs about the start and cause of the war. However i do respect him for his own views that he stands behind. He does not resort to name calling. if i have to hear liberal this or conservative that one more time i will cry. Really, a grown man and i'll start crying. Argue with facts and not name calling or talking points. If you want a grown man to cry keep it up, my daughter and girlfriend will leave me for being so weak, but i will still do it! Please read into your own decisions and dont repeat what you have heard other idiots say and we might be able to solve some of the problems with this world! "

funny wrote on Aug 28, 2007 1:44 PM:

" everyone supports the troops, there is no doubt about that. josh should enlist if he believes in this war as much as he proclaims. id go to this 700 rally just to see the how it's NOT a non-partisian rally yet only republican representatives and supporters are attending...where are the democrats? who wants to bet this rally causes a protest?? any takers?? "

War... wrote on Aug 28, 2007 1:35 PM:

" ...may be a bad thing, but even worse is the post-modern mindset that believes that nothing is worth fighting for. Don't be so narrow-minded. Wars and international relations are far more complex than a couple of issues like "terrorism" and "oil". These are simply all we can grasp, who don't do politics full time. Reasons for wars can go decades (even centuries) into the past or the future, and the issues at hand are exponentially interrelated, to the point that it would take many volumes to begin to describe the world's political climate and why things happen the way they do. The point is not the current war, but how its historical significance and how it fits into the long-term strategy for this nation and its people. We must constantly fight to keep the privileges we enjoy. "

Libs wrote on Aug 28, 2007 1:30 PM:

" Will attack anyone even young kids. I'm sick of hearing left wing lies day in and day out. Libs need to get the point, we don't want you running our country. You had your chance in the 90's and as you could see we didn't want another lib in the White House. Like always libs are on the wrong side of history and not on the side of the U.S. It's nice to see that even young people see the libs lies. "

the Only wrote on Aug 28, 2007 1:16 PM:

" Intelligent and humane way to support our troops is to bring them home now. Our corrupt Republican and Democrat officials only want to support the spending for the war as they get millions from the defense industries whom we spend billions too from our tax dollars. This kid's heart is in the right direction, but he is terribly brainwashed by his society and doesn't have a clue about reality. I have to question why the Pantiagraph writes this story to bolster our corrupt administration. "

Lincolnite wrote on Aug 28, 2007 12:39 PM:

" "We convinced the Murdoch controlled Tony Blair to go along with a new chance at colonialism." So Tony Blair is a lackey of Fox News?! Wow, liberal hysterical diatribes have stooped to a new low. If colonialism is what we wanted, we would implement John Warner's and Carl Levin's preference that Malaki be removed from power. What we are trying to do in Iraq is help the Iraqis create a stable continuing democracy. The Iraqis elected their government. It wasn't a Hussein-era election where he received 99% of the vote, either. "

Cynic wrote on Aug 28, 2007 12:37 PM:

" Why wasn't this on the front page? They put the handfull of "war protesters" on the front page. This young man deserves no less. "

Cynic wrote on Aug 28, 2007 12:35 PM:

" Lets all get together now and bash this young man for standing up for his beliefs! We can not have anyone giving non liberal views here. So altogether now lets bash away and show everyone how we realy feel about our troops. "

TO: Lincolnite wrote on Aug 28, 2007 12:13 PM:

" The French said "we do not agree with "Anglo" intelligence. The Germans and Russians both thought the invasion of Iraq was insane. The U.S., who spends more than the rest of the world combined is really the only one who "feared" Iraq. We convinced the Murdoch controlled Tony Blair to go along with a new chance at colonialism. The Iraqi invasion was carefully crafted in the 1990's as the dream of the neoconservatives, and now is our nightmare. "

What a Joke wrote on Aug 28, 2007 12:10 PM:

" Apparently "supporting our troops" is code for supporting an arrogant, thoroughly incompetent President and his right to start pointless, un-winnable wars and needlessly sacrifice thousands of American lives at his discretion. Me, I think I'll pass on endorsing that vision of democracy. But to all of you who are still yammering on about WMD's and terrorists in Iraq - thanks for a good laugh. Apparently the truth still hasn't penetrated the thick skulls of the card-carrying Republican sycophants in this charming town. Somehow I doubt you'd be nearly as enthusiastic in your support if it was your 18 year-old son or daughter who got blown up by an IED. But then again I guess it's much easier to support the needless deaths of other people's children. "

Indian Joe wrote on Aug 28, 2007 12:07 PM:

" Old man who has seen this movie too many times now wrote on Aug. If you had a brain you would be dangous. "

Lincolnite wrote on Aug 28, 2007 11:55 AM:

" I'm not giving Bush a pass on the failed intelligence. I believe he honestly thought Hussein had WMD. The Germans, French, and Russians also said Hussein had WMD. Part of the problem is that the Clinton administration told our intelligence operatives that they could not use criminals as sources. Dumb. We had bad intel because we tried to run intel operations from a moral high horse position. If we wanted to know if Hussein was pursuing WMD, who better to ask than the possible arms dealers who likely sold him components for manufacturing them. We've also made mistakes in Iraq. Disbanding the military was dumb. Taking jobs away from the guys with the guns caused some of them to join the insurgency. Once again, we are there like it or not. If we pull out, it will leave a vacuum. Iraq will descend into even more chaos. Energy prices will skyrocket. Our national longterm, emphasis on longterm, interests are best served by an aggressive effort to put down the insurgency and give the Iraqi govt. all the time it needs to stabilize itself. "

Terrance wrote on Aug 28, 2007 11:36 AM:

" How about winning on the west side first, then we can move on. "

Old man who has seen this movie too many times now wrote on Aug 28, 2007 11:31 AM:

" Why is it that when one expresses the view that we shouldn't destroy the Republic with foreign wars he's labeled a "liberal" and a "Bush-hater"? (As if Bush IS our nation.) I am neither of those. You people who toss about such epithets must be "Un-American Geo. Washington haters." After all, President Washington warned us against foreign wars and entanglements. Or is it that you see even George Washington as a pantywaisted liberal? "

Guy wrote on Aug 28, 2007 11:05 AM:

" Josh is just representation of the neo-cons thinking these days. Support the war......or else...... "

So sad wrote on Aug 28, 2007 10:51 AM:

" I hate seeing young impressionable teens becoming tools of the GOP. Already he's been brainwashed into thinking the terrorists started the war in Iraq. He was like 13 when we invaded and was probably surrounded by others with his same ignorant political views. Young Carrigan, history will say Bush started the war, that it quickly became unpopular, and will forever be compared to Vietnam. Going into politics, holding rallies and having the bumper sticker doesn't mean you support the troops. You and the rest of the GOPers will support them until they've all been put into coffins. Good luck in your college pursuit of becoming Bush Jr. "

WTF! wrote on Aug 28, 2007 10:50 AM:

" anyone ever notice the pro-war supporters absolutely require the completely ignorant and incorrect belief that 9/11 or any other terrorist activity has anything to do with our occupation in Iraq? makes you wonder what tune they'd all sing if, well, they could figure out what is obvious to anyone paying a bit of attention. for the last time, Iraq did nothing to us. remember, it was all about supposed WMD's? and these WMDs never turned up, in fact, there was little to no evidence of them. c'mon, this ain't rocket science, people. "

To Mike wrote on Aug 28, 2007 10:48 AM:

" Nice try. Actually, Bush said MISSION accomplished. He said the war on terror would last for years. You guys have a problem with the truth. "

Why We're There wrote on Aug 28, 2007 10:46 AM:

" Funny how you Bush haters refuse to acknowledge why we're there: Saddam was known to have possessed and used WMD's. The U.N. issued resolutions calling for, among other things, Saddam to document what he did with WMD's that were already documented to have been in his possession. When the U.N. appeared to be unwilling to enforce the compliance deadline, Bush said the U.S. would enforce the resolutions iif the U.N. didn't. The U.N. didn't. Bush kept his promise. What would you Bush haters be complaining about if Bush joined the U.N. in ignoring Saddam's non-compliance, and WMD's continued to be used? You'd be on his case for his having his eyes closed. Liberals have a vested stake in the U.S. losing this war. Losing would achieve their objective of painting Bush and what he stands for as a failure. "

Mike wrote on Aug 28, 2007 10:25 AM:

" It's sad to see a boy of this age relying on life advice from and being sucked in by the Republican Party. This whole idea of The Republican Party using this "support the troops" idea to gain some sort of political edge is almost comical. Remember, George Bush did declare victory in this war, some 3 or 4 years ago. "

Too much Fox wrote on Aug 28, 2007 10:22 AM:

" You are wrong on one major point here, Josh. Your statement “We didn’t start the war — it was started by the terrorists” is flat wrong. Our illustrious president started the war. Matter-of-fact he started it based on a bunch of lies. The terrorists were in Afghanistan and GW dropped that as a priority to start the war in Iraq. The terrorists flowed in to Iraq when, after the capture of Sadam, there was no plan other than "Mission Accomplished" for the region. On another note, when I read this in the paper the whole article smacked of Republican cronyism and you must think the same thing since you sent a comment in here that says "despite the impression made by this article the Republican Party in McLean County and Illinois was not involved in any way with this event". I too support our troops but will do so by rallying against and urging my elected officials to end this idiotic war. "

The Height of Stupidity wrote on Aug 28, 2007 10:17 AM:

" The terrorists started this war, huh? Yep, they were standing there with signs that said "PLEASE INVADE IRAQ AND DROP BILLIONS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF ORDNANCE ON US". All we did was oblige their request. Wait, you mean that didn't actually happen? Oh yeah...we invaded Iraq to depose a dictator - meaning WE started the war. Then we declared "Mission Accomplished!", and THEN the terrorists showed up. That's how it happened, unless you're re-writing history or you're a complete moron who wasn't paying attention. Or maybe you were 12 at the time, like our man Josh here. All these people who are so proud of a young person's desire to get involved with the political process...that's great. Another good thing to teach kids is not to make a fool of yourself by saying stupid things that prove you don't even know what you're talking about. The terrorists started the war...good one. "

Funny Libs wrote on Aug 28, 2007 10:16 AM:

" Funny how the liberals here are now making personal attacks against this high school student for doing something meaningful. They'd probably be sticking up for him, on the other hand, if he got arrested for protesting, was having college fun TP'ing trees or having panty raids, etc. No wonder we're in such sad shape with the kind of mindset some adults have. "

Come on Lincolnite wrote on Aug 28, 2007 9:50 AM:

" "Regardless of the reasons given by the president for invading, we are there now and we must win. " You can't just give the President a slide when he blatantly lied and misconstrued intelligence that got us into an unwinnable war. The reason Al quaeda is in Iraq is because we are there. They absolutely not were there before we invaded and Iraq had absolutely nothing to do with 9/11. There are three separate groups in Iraq all wanting power, not to mention the Al Quaeda prescence that has now evolved. Winning Iraq militarily will mean nothing if we can't win politically and if you've been paying attention at all, neither of those are going to happen any time soon. Bottom line is we grossly underestimated Iraq and we're making our country less secure by being there because in the words of the first President Bush, we'd be getting ourselves into unwinnable guerrilla warfare. "

to Midwest GOP wrote on Aug 28, 2007 9:46 AM:

" Without using talking points, please describe how the troops are dying for freedom. Thanks. "

Lincolnite wrote on Aug 28, 2007 9:23 AM:

" Way to go Josh. It's nice to see young people stand up for something instead of being caught up in the anti-war hysteria. The bottom line is that Iraq is the central front in the war on terror. Regardless of the reasons given by the president for invading, we are there now and we must win. Osama bin Laden himself has said that Iraq is the central front. That's why Al Qaida in Iraq was started. People need to realize that the Al Qaida that attacked us on 9/11 is a very small organization. A large part of their gameplan is to inspire like-minded groups such as AQI, but those groups fight the fight in their own way. If we focussed exclusively on bin Laden's Al Qaida, we would be ignoring the hundreds of other groups who want to harm this nation. Invading Afghanistan was the right thing to do. Invading Iraq was the right thing to do. Josh Carrigan should be commended for his efforts to show that not everyone is spineless. "

way to go! wrote on Aug 28, 2007 9:01 AM:

" support. will be there! "

Old man who has seen this movie too many times now wrote on Aug 28, 2007 8:58 AM:

" We never know what goes through a mad bomber's head, but I'm guessing it probably has more than a little to do with striking back at an overwhelming occupying foreign force in the only way available. Probably the best way to support troops at home and "aboard" is to bring them home. As for the "terrorists" in Iraq, they weren't in Iraq until after we invaded that country (thus removing those structures of law which stifle unlawless conduct amongst the people), as Iraq was run by a strongman dictator who didn't cotton to muslim fundamentalists. Why does this young man feel the need to show support for the war? Isn't the support given by the whole of the media enough? Doesn't he watch Fox or MSNBC? "

to This young man should enlist. wrote on Aug 28, 2007 8:41 AM:

" Nah, he won't enlist, he'll just go to college and join the College Republicans. Like all good chickenhawks, he'll have nothing to do with his war. "

700? wrote on Aug 28, 2007 8:41 AM:

" More like 700 club... like another poster said, this is a Republican rally, not a support our troops rally. "

Midwest GOP wrote on Aug 28, 2007 8:36 AM:

" I heard about this event from it's inception and it is a non-partisan event. Nice job Josh and Guy; we love our troops and many of know we must win in Iraq and Afghanistan in order to protect America and other lands. It's tough to see our young men and women dying for freedom; no doubt about it. God Bless them all. "

Appreciative wrote on Aug 28, 2007 8:20 AM:

" I am currently deployed and reading a story like this really shows that we do have people back home supporting us. I truly appreciate all the support the community is giving towards all of us currently deployed. "

Gurn wrote on Aug 28, 2007 8:16 AM:

" It’s nice to see a teen that has passion for his country and is willing to show it by organizing a rally in support of the troops. We may not all be able to fight on the front lines in a war, but we can show support for our men and women that keep us a free nation. Keep up the good work Josh. "

Josh: wrote on Aug 28, 2007 8:15 AM:

" I'd like to know if you've been to your local recruiter to enlist yet? I've seen your blog and read your posts about your support of this war and this President. Now, put your money where your mouth is, go enlist. Go fight over in Iraq and contribute to winning this war you so whole-heartedly believe in. "

agree with support wrote on Aug 28, 2007 8:15 AM:

" nothing moves your political career like a stint in the armed forces. Really though, to say i think we're winning over there and other quotes such as this war keeps the terrorist out are not true moreover this can not be proven even by our own gov't(although i would like to think it is true). Nothing better though than to support the troops, just make sure you try to raise some money for their families, they are usually the ones who suffer the most. "

Support's Leg wrote on Aug 28, 2007 8:11 AM:

" You're welcome..... "

Tolan wrote on Aug 28, 2007 8:03 AM:

" I would be there if it wasn't for previous plans! But I will be there is spirit! I really wish I could be there though! I am so happy that somebody is still just as supportive of everything that the majority of the population thinks is wrong! I am proud of our Troops and I ask god, every day, to bless them, give them the strength and knowledge that they need to get through each operation of each day. HOOAH "

get real wrote on Aug 28, 2007 8:01 AM:

" I support the troops because they have to be in Iraq. I don't support a war for no reason and killing innocent Iraq citizens. "

Chelly wrote on Aug 28, 2007 7:58 AM:

" You can support the troops without supporting a war. BTW how did Iraq play into the whole "terrorist" issue? Last time I checked the information Iraq had no Al-Qaida until AFTER we deposed Saddam Hussein. I agree with some previous responders as well that you should join the military and help us "win" the war on terror. "

Frank wrote on Aug 28, 2007 7:54 AM:

" Best wishes to the young man from one who has been there and done that. "

to J Carrigan wrote on Aug 28, 2007 7:31 AM:

" Yeah right! "

TO:Support wrote on Aug 28, 2007 7:20 AM:

" I think your nerve damage is between your ears. "

It's about time! wrote on Aug 28, 2007 7:19 AM:

" I'm tired of old hippie hags who have no life getting front page and TV media time protesting the war. 5 protesters against the war was the big news topic on evening news a couple of days ago in Peoria. With the majority of the reporters and news media leaning with the left it's no surprise. Now lets sit back or join this kid and see if the local TV media outlets show up. "

Laughing Bones wrote on Aug 28, 2007 7:03 AM:

" Didn't we already win? Mission accomplished! It's good these kids understand whats going on. Too bad they don't get the political ramifications of the actions of invading Iraq. I applaud their ideals to be able to assemble and call to action. Iraq is a quagmire that will take years to gete stable. It was irresponsible of the current administration to go in without a plan, like cowboys. But, then again September 11 2001 changed it all right? "

to second that wrote on Aug 28, 2007 6:50 AM:

" hmm yeah perhaps we shouldn't invade other countries and leave their innocent teenagers no choice but to fight back in any way they know how. let's try that for a change. oh and the iraqi's DID NOT have anything to do with 9/11, i don't understand why you people insist otherwise. let's see how a typical american 17 year old would act if the situation was reversed. be careful of your superiority complex. "

War started by who? wrote on Aug 28, 2007 6:39 AM:

" Osama Bin Laden attacked us.....NOT IRAQ. Some people still don't understand. "

bn wrote on Aug 28, 2007 6:30 AM:

" Could someone explain to me how the "terrorists" started the Iraqi war? Hussien was an isolated and hated leader...even among Arab nations and right wing Muslim fanatics. The was no al-Queda in Iraq until we invaded and gave them the best recruiting tool they've ever had. This IS a political rally. If it was entirely about "supporting the troops" the right wing rhetoric about the war keeping terrorists out of the US and terrorists starting the war in Iraq would not be needed....along with the misguided implicaion that the only way to support our fine young men and women in uniform is by supporting the war in Iraq. Taking the position that the war in Iraq is "vital to our future", better yet using at as a keynote for the rally, could not be more political. "

end war now wrote on Aug 28, 2007 6:22 AM:

" i do support our troops but this is a bad war that will never turn around. History shows these people have been at war with each other since the beggining of time. how long are we going to get our troops killed for a meaningless war? what are they dying for? "

put your money wrote on Aug 28, 2007 6:09 AM:

" ...where your mouth is. Go enlist. These rallys are not helpful, the military needs bodies. Bush and his team of idiots have already pondered the draft but Bush doesn't want to be more unpopular than he already is, so it was nixed for the time being. Bush and the troops don't need talking heads, they needs bodies in Iraq. Go forth young man. "

AL wrote on Aug 28, 2007 5:39 AM:

" I applaud Josh's boldness for standing before this community and declaring his opinion in a positive, mature way. In the times we are living in, we need to encourage the youth MORE to become an active participant instead of by-standers! YOU GO JOSH! "

JT wrote on Aug 28, 2007 3:12 AM:

" Josh, you need to take a class in history and quit listening to Rush Limbaugh. The war in Iraq was not started by the terrorists. The best way for you to support the troops is to enlist in the army instead of going to Heartland. BTW the people that got you all excited were protesting the war NOT the TROOPS. Just about everyone supports the troops. "

please enlist... wrote on Aug 28, 2007 2:22 AM:

" i support the troops and want them to be safe, but there are many reasons this war should have ended long ago, support nationwide is waning, and the people in power are starting to realize that. please enlist if you really want to help "solve a problem" "

... wrote on Aug 28, 2007 2:19 AM:

" i mean there probably were pro war rallies during vietnam...this would be similar in that it is phantom support for a war that is becoming more unpopular by the day. "

J wrote on Aug 28, 2007 2:02 AM:

" I support what this kid is doing. "

Support wrote on Aug 28, 2007 12:46 AM:

" No better way to support these troops than to enlist Josh! I say go for it. I would be there with you if if wasn't for the nerve damage in my leg. "

second that wrote on Aug 28, 2007 12:19 AM:

" i will be there too...you negative posters are truly sad. It's a shame your hatred for republicans makes it impossible for you to realize that a 17 year old kid is doing something great....he is taking part in the political process...unlike the 17 year old kids in the middle east that are taught to protest by driving a car bomb into a market full of innocent civilians b/c they have a different understanding of God. But, of course, we are the bad guys, right? "

J Carrigan wrote on Aug 28, 2007 12:09 AM:

" Despite the impression made by this article the Republican Party in McLean County and Illinois was not involved in any way with this event. This is a non-political rally open to all people who support our troops and want victory in Iraq. "

I wrote on Aug 27, 2007 11:09 PM:

" will be there! "

This young man should enlist. wrote on Aug 27, 2007 11:06 PM:

" The Marines would be good for this young man. He could be the one to turn the tide overthere. They have a great G.I. bill that could really benefit him for his future aspiration in politics. Semper Fi! "

Pretty obvious wrote on Aug 27, 2007 10:49 PM:

" This is NOT about supporting the troops - this is about supporting the Republican Party. Shame! "

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