Coward

[carpro]

http://wcbstv.com/topstories/local_story_194162807.html

Iraq-Bound Soldier Hires Hitman To Shoot Him

Sean Hennessey
Reporting

EXCERPT

(CBS) NEW YORK The death and destruction of U.S. troops fighting in Iraq seems to have become so rampant to one local soldier that he actually staged an attack on himself -- allegedly hiring a hitman to non-fatally shoot him -- so he wouldn't be sent back for another tour of duty.

 

[Analgesic]

I'm not sure that hiring someone to shoot you makes you a coward.

 

[hillclimber1]

With Viet Nam going full tilt, a friend had someone beat on his leg with a bat, on the night before going for an induction physical. I don't think that act stopped his induction, but he never did serve. He's a Baptist minister now.

 

[carpro]

I'm not sure that hiring someone to shoot you makes you a coward.

In this case, it is.

 

[Analgesic]

In this case, it is.

Do explain why.

 

[carpro]

No explanation is really needed if you read the article and understand his motivation was purely fear.

"Aponte says the pain and potential of prison are a better option than another dose of duty. "There are risks in prison, but as far as getting shot at everyday, I think it's better," he said."

Most men feel fear in combat. The brave ones do their duty. The cowards yield to their fear and expect someone else to carry their load for them.

Like Aponte.

 

[Hope of Glory]

The death rate for US soldiers in Iraq is lower than the death rate in the general population in the USA. The death rate of US soldiers in Iraq is the lowest death rate in any war in history.

This man was (and is) a coward, and there's something wrong with a prison that doesn't inspire fear for those who enter her walls.

Edited to add: I had an afterthough. I did a thesis in college on perception, and how much that perception is influenced by the media. For example, although flying is safer than walking (mile for mile), and much safer than driving, when a plane goes down, it's spectacular! Hundreds dead all at once, and it's on the front page of every newspaper, and leads ever TV newscast for days. Therefore, because of perception, people fear flying.

It's the same with nuclear power. 10,000 people in the US per year contracted emphysema from coal-fired power plants (this was in the early 90's, so I assume this has changed), yet because of the perceived potential danger, many people fear nuclear power, but hardly anyone fears fossil fuel plants.

On and on.

Now, think about the way the media portrays what is going on over there. Think about how the positives are buried, but the tragedies are front-page news. Think about the adjectives used, not only by the media, but by the media hungry politicians. The perceived potential danger is very high, so it doesn't matter that the reality is that there's a lower mortality rate there than here, there is a fear of going there.

 

[faithgirl46]

from wat I was able to ascertain he has post traumtic stress syndrome
Faithgirl

 

[KenH]

Most men feel fear in combat.

Didn't you mean to say "all men". Even if someone claims to not have fear going into battle, by the time the first bullet whizzes by his ear that will change.

 

[carpro]

Didn't you mean to say "all men". Even if someone claims to not have fear going into battle, by the time the first bullet whizzes by his ear that will change.

You are probably right, but I generally try to avoid the absolute words like all, every, always, etc. Just a habit.

 

[just-want-peace]

The cowards yield to their fear and expect someone else to carry their load for them.

The old bard agreed with you:
"The coward dies a thousand deaths; the valiant die but once."

 

[billwald]

When the draft is restarted I hope my kids and grandkids go to Canada or sign on as conscincious (sp?) objectors. I don't want them getting killed for the oil millionaires. I don't Bush's girls signing on.

 

[Analgesic]

No explanation is really needed if you read the article and understand his motivation was purely fear.

"Aponte says the pain and potential of prison are a better option than another dose of duty. "There are risks in prison, but as far as getting shot at everyday, I think it's better," he said."

Most men feel fear in combat. The brave ones do their duty. The cowards yield to their fear and expect someone else to carry their load for them.

Like Aponte.

If not doing one's duty out of fear is the criteria for a coward, then clearly he is a coward. Understand, I'm not disputing the facts of the case (clearly he failed to do his duty out of fear), but rather whether "not doing one's duty out of fear" is the correct description of a coward.

 

[KenH]

"Courage is doing what you’re afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you’re
scared." - Eddie Rickenbacker, WWI flying ace

 

[carpro]

"Courage is doing what you’re afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you’re
scared." - Eddie Rickenbacker, WWI flying ace

Yes, being "fearless" and "courageous" are not necessarily the same thing.

 

[Bro. Curtis]

Didn't you mean to say "all men". Even if someone claims to not have fear going into battle, by the time the first bullet whizzes by his ear that will change.

Or perhaps they will get inspired to seek revenge.

 

[jarsfan76]

Seriously....as someone who is in the military (11 years). This guy and his actions really turn my stomach. He knew going in that this wasn't the boy scouts. To turn your back on your oath, disgraces not only yourself, but your squad mates and family. Hope he gets prosecuted to the full extent of the UCMJ.