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View Full Version : I had a Vietnam vet cry in my arms today.




jdmyprez_deo_vindice
01-22-2012, 05:39 PM
So it was day #2 of amazing experiences. I decided to set up at an indoor/ourdoor flea market today in Delaware. Needed to make a little extra cash and also wanted to pass out a lot of literature to the vendors and the customers. It was a miserable day (even worse than it was yesterday in MD) - never got above 28 degrees, winds at 20mph steady throughout the day and I never did see a glimpse of the sun. I was there for a little over 8 hours and the reception was pretty decent (believe it or not there was a pretty big crowd). Before I left I handed some campaign literature to an older man who looked at it and a few minutes later walked up to me and tapped me on the shoulder. He started with "I am a vet and served two tours in Nam". I was expecting him to start lecturing me on foreign policy or something but he continued: "I had buddies die in my arms and I still, to this day, don't know why they had to die". He looked back at the lit and was trying his best not to cry but he failed and began to weep.

I guess being the son of a Vietnam vet, I immediately understood so I just hugged the man and told him my Father was a wounded vet and the war messed him up really bad and how sorry I was that he had to experience that. He gathered himself and asked a few questions about Ron which I gladly answered. He suddenly changed the subject and asked about me. "How long have you been at this?" "Since 2007" was my answer and he began to cry again. "God bless you" he muttered.. I asked if he supported Ron back then and he said "No, I thought he was crazy and laughed right along with everyone else and I want to tell you I am sorry for doing it and you guys have my vote this time". We talked a bit longer and I excused myself and went on my way passing out more lit.

That moment made being out there in that mess worth every second. I know a lot of you guys are feeling down after SC and with Florida coming up but please remember how far we have come. The media is having a lot of trouble ignoring us and while they still smear us at every turn, years of never shutting up is starting to pay off and we are finding out the spirit of tru elibery still thrives in the hearts of many of our fellow citizens. We knew SC and FL would likely be among the darkest days of the campign for us so hold your heads up high for working to restore the Republic and save the greatest nation in the history of the world. Let us never forget the tears that people cry because of the actions of a government gone wild and NEVER quit, never give up and most of all.. NEVER shut up.

Since I did make a little money today as well, I will giving another $5 so we can keep fighting the battle. If this story moved you I ask that you join me in donating today. If you are maxed out than please contribute to RevPac, a grassroots chip-in or set aside that money for the next RPF fundraiser so we can keep the liberty message available to the masses.

JasonC
01-22-2012, 05:42 PM
This story makes me want to cry. Thanks for sharing. Keep at it, everyone!

Edit: forgot something.. I'll give more tomorrow when I get paid, but I can only do this for now:

Thank you!

Thank you for your generous donation!
Amount: $5.00
Transaction ID: 333774147
Transaction date/time: 2012-01-22 17:46:07

Edit #2:

Everyone, please donate if you can--even $5. The campaign needs cash bad.. steady cash coming in and lots of it.

We are playing with the big boys now.

Please consider giving a weekly donation of whatever amount you can afford. $2, 5, or 10.. whatever it is. It's best, due to Paypal and credit card fees, to give a larger amount bi-weekly or monthly; the point is to remember to give continuous donations, so the campaign can plan better. I'm a finance major, and I know how much it would help the campaign if they could have a steady stream of cash (from a lot of people--we don't get lobbyist money--we count on people like the ones reading this thread) coming in.

Financial uncertainty causes hesitation in spending decisions (unless it's a government ;) ). The campaign won't last forever... It would only be temporary donations on all your parts. Think of it as buying a new computer that you're paying off each week/month/etc. a bit at a time, but rather, you're paying for the chance of more liberty--a very realistic chance.. Personally, I plan on using at least $20 a week from my earnings for donations (and trust me, I cannot afford that but think it is worth the struggle) until the campaign is over or I am maxed out.

RPit
01-22-2012, 05:43 PM
Thanks for sharing +rep

gb13
01-22-2012, 05:50 PM
Moving story. +rep. Thank you.

nano1895
01-22-2012, 05:52 PM
+rep

Luieburger
01-22-2012, 05:53 PM
Thank you for sharing with us. This is a great motivator. Keep your heads high, and don't let anyone tell you that its over. It's just beginning, and we're in a great position.

Drex
01-22-2012, 05:53 PM
Amazing story! That's something that the MSM would NEVER air on TV. It inspires me to sign wave and pass out literature every day! +rep!

affa
01-22-2012, 05:56 PM
bump

neverseen
01-22-2012, 05:57 PM
What part of DE? My mom is trying to get signatures there.

Tina
01-22-2012, 06:02 PM
+ rep

toast
01-22-2012, 06:04 PM
Thanks so much for that story. It's very meaningful to hear something like that from somebody.

Thank you!

Thank you for your generous donation!
Amount: $5.00
Transaction ID: 333775366
Transaction date/time: 2012-01-22 18:01:41

jdmyprez_deo_vindice
01-22-2012, 06:04 PM
What part of DE? My mom is trying to get signatures there.

Laurel, right on Route 13 and I have also been gathering signatures. Tell her it would be a good place to try. She could rent a spot for $15.

klamath
01-22-2012, 06:09 PM
moving story. For you and him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsI88nl567Y

eleganz
01-22-2012, 06:10 PM
this is why we need to table, it is proven to work.......great story!


this is what happens when you get out there and TRY.....you get converts!

alucard13mmfmj
01-22-2012, 06:11 PM
i hope theres going to be a large turn out at adam korkesh's veteran march in DC. we need that!

JasonC
01-22-2012, 06:17 PM
Everyone, please donate if you can--even $5. The campaign needs cash bad.. steady cash coming in and lots of it.

We are playing with the big boys now.

jdmyprez_deo_vindice
01-22-2012, 06:19 PM
Everyone, please donate if you can--even $5. The campaign needs cash bad.. steady cash coming in and lots of it.

We are playing with the big boys now.

Absolutely... Everyone please donate what you can - even if just $5 or even $2 or $3... Whatever you can.

jdmyprez_deo_vindice
01-22-2012, 06:20 PM
Thanks so much for that story. It's very meaningful to hear something like that from somebody.

Thank you!

Thank you for your generous donation!
Amount: $5.00
Transaction ID: 333775366
Transaction date/time: 2012-01-22 18:01:41

Ty so much... +rep

InTradePro
01-22-2012, 06:30 PM
+Rep

jamezelle
01-22-2012, 06:34 PM
Great story, thanks!

Here are your transaction details:
Donation amount: $10.00
Transaction date/time: 2012-01-22 18:33:23
Transaction ID: 2WN4390963684552L

JasonC
01-22-2012, 06:35 PM
Great story thanks

Here are your transaction details:
Donation amount: $10.00
Transaction date/time: 2012-01-22 18:33:23
Transaction ID: 2WN4390963684552L

+rep

Edit: Everyone, please consider giving a weekly donation of whatever amount you can afford. $2, 5, or 10.. whatever it is. I'm a finance major, and I know how much it would help the campaign if they could have a steady stream of cash (from a lot of people--we don't get lobbyist money--we count on people like the ones reading this thread) coming in. Financial uncertainty causes hesitation in spending decisions (unless it's a government ;) ). The campaign won't last forever... It would only be temporary donations on all your parts. Think of it as buying a new computer that you're paying off each week a bit at a time, but rather, you're paying for the chance of more liberty--a very realistic chance..

jdmyprez_deo_vindice
01-22-2012, 06:39 PM
Great story, thanks!

Here are your transaction details:
Donation amount: $10.00
Transaction date/time: 2012-01-22 18:33:23
Transaction ID: 2WN4390963684552L

AWESOME... ty +rep

FreedomFox
01-22-2012, 06:43 PM
Such a beautiful story.

jamezelle
01-22-2012, 06:43 PM
AWESOME... ty +rep

+Rep to you for what you're doing for the cause!

walt
01-22-2012, 06:44 PM
Youtube or it didn't happen... ;)

Kidding...

Thanks for sharing and thanks for doing things offline. We need to multiply conversations like this as our focus.

AdamT
01-22-2012, 06:45 PM
+Rep

Yieu
01-22-2012, 06:54 PM
Thank you for the story, and for showing us that there is more sentiment against the wars than we might think there is.

I wasn't planning on donating.

Amount: $10.00
Transaction ID: 333778065
Transaction date/time: 2012-01-22 18:48:21

jdmyprez_deo_vindice
01-22-2012, 06:59 PM
Thank you for the story, and for showing us that there is more sentiment against the wars than we might think there is.

I wasn't planning on donating.

Amount: $10.00
Transaction ID: 333778065


Transaction date/time: 2012-01-22 18:48:21

Thank Yieu so much for the donation +rep

JasonC
01-22-2012, 06:59 PM
Thank you for the story, and for showing us that there is more sentiment against the wars than we might think there is.

I wasn't planning on donating.

Amount: $10.00
Transaction ID: 333778065
Transaction date/time: 2012-01-22 18:48:21

+rep. thank you

Phil
01-22-2012, 07:42 PM
Bumping. About to donate and buy from the store.

jdmyprez_deo_vindice
01-22-2012, 07:43 PM
Bumping. About to donate and buy from the store.

Fantastic news... +rep

Phil
01-22-2012, 07:55 PM
Amount: $24.00
Transaction ID: 333781163
Transaction date/time: 2012-01-22 19:54:26

JasonC
01-22-2012, 08:00 PM
Amount: $24.00
Transaction ID: 333781163
Transaction date/time: 2012-01-22 19:54:26

+rep

jamezelle
01-22-2012, 08:01 PM
Amount: $24.00
Transaction ID: 333781163
Transaction date/time: 2012-01-22 19:54:26
+rep

Kregisen
01-22-2012, 08:03 PM
+rep

Edit: Everyone, please consider giving a weekly donation of whatever amount you can afford. $2, 5, or 10.. whatever it is. I'm a finance major, and I know how much it would help the campaign if they could have a steady stream of cash (from a lot of people--we don't get lobbyist money--we count on people like the ones reading this thread) coming in. Financial uncertainty causes hesitation in spending decisions (unless it's a government ;) ). The campaign won't last forever... It would only be temporary donations on all your parts. Think of it as buying a new computer that you're paying off each week a bit at a time, but rather, you're paying for the chance of more liberty--a very realistic chance..

(coming from another finance major ;) ) keep in mind, paypal fees are 30 cents per transaction plus 2.9%...so instead of giving $5 a week, give $20 every 4 weeks.

JasonC
01-22-2012, 08:05 PM
(coming from another finance major ;) ) keep in mind, paypal fees are 30 cents per transaction plus 2.9%...so instead of giving $5 a week, give $20 every 4 weeks.

Yes, good point.. I wasn't even factoring that in.. Just trying to keep it simple for people to remember to donate... almost like an automatic payroll deduction.

royalecraig
01-22-2012, 08:31 PM
How about setting up a monthly donation ability where people, rather than being asked to donate can set up a standing order which will donate $1 every month, if one million people did that, Ron Paul would have a $1 M per month.
People can pay more if they wish, or donate weekly if they paid weekly.
Everyone could donate $1 per month / week. and if people have enough to donate more when the requests come in, they can, but $1 per month ssomething almost every one could do. Set up a downloadable, Printable form for their bank.

JasonC
01-22-2012, 08:37 PM
How about setting up a monthly donation ability where people, rather than being asked to donate can set up a standing order which will donate $1 every month, if one million people did that, Ron Paul would have a $1 M per month.
People can pay more if they wish, or donate weekly if they paid weekly.
Everyone could donate $1 per month / week. and if people have enough to donate more when the requests come in, they can, but $1 per month ssomething almost every one could do. Set up a downloadable, Printable form for their bank.

I get your point and think it is something the campaign should look into. However, keep in mind the points Kregisen made above and the fact that $1 million a month is not nearly enough money. $10 million dollars a month is probably close to enough to execute their strategy well (this is just my guess, so don't take it as fact--but it's got to be a close figure), but that's still not close to what these other campaigns are getting from lobbyists and huge donations to Super PACs through their political/business connections. Needless to say, we (the supporters) have to step up our fundraising efforts somehow.

A_G1RL
01-22-2012, 09:24 PM
Freedom isn't Free and campaigns are not cheap. Donate donate donate. If you think giving more hurts a little then I suggest we compare how much hurt there will be if the status quo remains.

Roxi
01-22-2012, 09:34 PM
LOVE LOVE this story. You are a blessing to the movement and to humanity. In addition to being a great friend. Thanks for all you do Joe.

moonshine5757
01-22-2012, 09:45 PM
thanks for sharing

Professor8000
01-22-2012, 10:57 PM
-------------------------------------------------SSSSUUUUUUUUPPPPPPPPEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRR------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------BBBBBBBBBBBBUUUUUUUUMMMMMMMMMMMMPPPPPPPPPPP------------------------------------------------------------

Professor8000
01-22-2012, 10:58 PM
great story

DonovanJames
01-22-2012, 11:25 PM
I'd be lying to say that didn't just choke me up reading.. Thanks for sharing man

War is such an unnatural pestilence that we've accepted our entire lives

jdmyprez_deo_vindice
01-23-2012, 10:59 AM
LOVE LOVE this story. You are a blessing to the movement and to humanity. In addition to being a great friend. Thanks for all you do Joe.

Roxi, that might be among the nicest things anyone has ever said to me.

Carole
01-23-2012, 11:23 AM
Thanks. That was a great story. Inspiring. :)

JasonC
01-23-2012, 03:04 PM
bump

bolil
01-23-2012, 03:17 PM
My old man is a nam vet too, his experiences and advice kept me out of the marines. It was always very dangerous to walk near him while he was sleeping, mortally so if one was "sneaking"... I guess certain wounds cannot be healed. Semper Fi to your dad. And to all the Nam vets out there.

Yieu
01-23-2012, 09:51 PM
Bump.

Christopholes11
01-23-2012, 09:56 PM
Thanks for that. Gives me an extra boost of energy :)

PursuePeace
01-23-2012, 09:58 PM
Thank you so much for sharing. Read through this thread yesterday and frankly, I was kind of at a loss for words.
Stuff like this is so emotional.
So just wanted to say thank you.

libertyguy
01-23-2012, 09:59 PM
When you have been banged around in useless wars, it is understandable how RP's message resonates. The elite use our military like expendable chess pieces and many of the service men and women are onto this!

unknown
01-23-2012, 10:07 PM
Edit: forgot something.. I'll give more tomorrow when I get paid, but I can only do this for now:

Thank you!

Thank you for your generous donation!
Amount: $5.00
Transaction ID: 333774147
Transaction date/time: 2012-01-22 17:46:07

No one should ever apologize for a donation amount. Its a sacrifice regardless of the amount and times are worse than they were 4 years ago.

Firehouse26
01-23-2012, 10:14 PM
THIS:
(coming from another finance major ;) ) keep in mind, paypal fees are 30 cents per transaction plus 2.9%...so instead of giving $5 a week, give $20 every 4 weeks.

Yieu
01-24-2012, 06:10 PM
This hasn't been bumped yet today. I'll fix that.

IBleedNavyAndOrange
01-24-2012, 07:07 PM
I read the OP and every response and the lump is still in my throat.

parke
01-24-2012, 07:50 PM
made me tear up.. All my family have served our country. My uncle served three tours in Vietnam. My Aunt showed me a photo of him over there. He had a necklace of teeth. He has never spoken about the war but Im positive it still haunts him. He is a really good man. Fuck these fucking useless wars. Send the chickenhawks and keep the patriots home defending our country.

DeadheadForPaul
01-24-2012, 09:27 PM
Love this post :)

Bump

Dianne
01-24-2012, 09:52 PM
I'm up there with the story... I am probably one of the few, who lived the VietNam nightmare.. I saw many of my friends and school mates "DRAFTED" and called to serve this country, and if refused to go... criminal and off to prison.

No one ever came back from VN as they did, as innocent youth... Eighteen year olds, who at that time were not allowed to vote; but yet allowed and sent to die. Actually they couldn't even go to a bar and drink.. that was 21 years old...

A whole generation of kids f"ed, so that "spanky" aka chicken hawk Gringrich... and Chinken Hawk Romney and Santorum can rest their case... how to take under priviledge kids die for their wealth.. If there is nothing more to hate in this world... is the the slobbering, sickening, disgusting filth taking down America, in the form of those who want to kill you in the battles; but don't touch them or their children.

jdmyprez_deo_vindice
01-25-2012, 10:09 AM
made me tear up.. All my family have served our country. My uncle served three tours in Vietnam. My Aunt showed me a photo of him over there. He had a necklace of teeth. He has never spoken about the war but Im positive it still haunts him. He is a really good man. Fuck these fucking useless wars. Send the chickenhawks and keep the patriots home defending our country.

That war messed my father up really bad both physically and mentally. His mental scars to a serious toll on my family. We could not even enjoy simple things such as going out to dinner because he would flinch if diners dropped a plate or silverware and would often freak out if someone sat behind us and sometimes it got to the point that we had to leave early. He could not walk through an airport without setting off everything because of the shrapnel all up and down his body. He suffered numerous physical ailments from certain things he worked with and his exposure to agent orange and... there is just so much to tell about how a war that was fought before I was even born personally impacted my life that it would take hours to tell.

EBounding
01-25-2012, 10:23 AM
My father wasn't in combat, but worked in the medical facilities over there and he got cancer several years later from the agent orange exposure. I was only 5 when he was diagnosed. Thankfully, even though he was only given 6 months to live, God healed him.

It's not a part of his life he likes talking about. But its really surreal looking at old pictures of him in Vietnam, because I look just like him. I could have also been sent to fight in a war that had no purpose. It's really sobering.

osan
01-25-2012, 10:32 AM
My friend Jimmy is a vet. He had to shoot his best friend in the head with his M16 when said friend got his guts blown out when they were deep in the shit and no medevac would be coming. He lives on valium. Without it he gets into a terrible state. Imagine having to live with that.

One afternoon I lit off the M1A and Jimmy almost came out of his skin. We've done a lot of shooting together and I thought he was alert to my action. His response was way out of the ordinary. This is what he has to deal with on a daily basis at 65 years of age and 40 years after the facts. He is a hardcore Ron Paul supporter.

Yieu
01-25-2012, 06:48 PM
Evening bump.

MelissaWV
01-25-2012, 06:51 PM
I am still quite fuzzy on a lot of stuff dad did, because he doesn't talk much about it. He was one of those "join before they draft you" types, and he barely made it in time. As it was, they were not treated particularly well because their English was poor and they weren't from the fifty states. Dad did a lot of stuff that still shows as scarring, and sleeping with his knife from the time in his room. He did that for a country that said he could not vote in the general election, and if we hadn't moved off of the island he still would not be able to.

Vietnam sucked. It must be why we're doing it again and again.

Txrose4ever
01-25-2012, 11:22 PM
This is a wonderful inspiring story.

Andrew Ryan
01-26-2012, 10:09 PM
What a great story