New Beginnings or Status Quo?
I’m going to go out on a limb here but I need to say as a disclaimer that these thoughts are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of other admins or writers.
There are some changes coming and I’d like to solicit input on how the community feels. If opinions become heated and non-consentual things may default to status quo.
I look at TAH and it’s mission. To define it allows us to best support it moving forward. To me, it seems like it is a collection of a predominately veteran community that leans right. There are alternate voices and some say you need two wings to fly.
The views are very hard right. This is an observation and not criticism. Maybe we all get so much spin on our news that it is refreshing to be able to express ourselves in one place that we feel safe. Our “safe space” as one would say. I’m only saying that the current make-up and discussion trends may be valuable to support.
You just have to know what you are giving up.
TAH discussion will never be mainstream in its current form. Sure, you will tie into Google but if there are national implications with Stolen Valor discussions, I think the discussion forum will immediately be attacked and discredited based on strong language, what some would perceive as homophobic, inside humor, etc. I think someone addressed this at one time and was immediately discounted.
OK, fine. But the views expressed in the discussion group will be never be mainstream and that may be what you are giving up.
TAH can always be supported as a “niche” discussion group, but Stolen Valor may have to go a different direction and have cases offered up as discussion as with any other news topic. The vast wealth of military and other experiences is invaluable for piecing together a puzzle of someone’s military service when presented as a stolen valor case.
The liability can become a huge issue. It needs to be reader comments and opinion and have a clear delineation from the site. Nobody wants to pay for somebody else’s right to call someone names. You can prove that someone is a ‘liar’ but you can’t prove they are a ‘cocksucker’ or ‘MF’er unless you have photos.
I’m not chastising anyone or anything. I’m merely citing this because this drives the main question as to how best to support the TAH community:
1) Make it a “niche” right-leaning [edit] discussion group, perhaps even walled off from the public or have a private section walled off?
2) Have it more mainstream and promoted to the mainstream media with strigent policies on what can and can’t be posted in order to cut down on criticism?
This is what I am soliciting opinion on.
This wil come into play how things are structured in the near future.
Also, I’d like to say that I feel it is important to welcome new readers / commentors and not chase them away with tar and feathering. This will be imporant for growth and credibility, but of course not give people a ticket to be fruity and disrespectful. Let’s hear their points, try and bend over backwards to tolerate, but really be proactive in welcoming them.
Having said that – ALL opinions are welcome. Look forward to hearing them if you have any.
~ Extra Admin
Category: Politics
First rule of social media: nothing will prevent others from using anything posted against you.
Second rule of social media: if you cater to juvenile thinking, you get drama.
Third rule of social media: nothing is actually private.
So give those over generalized rules some thought as you mull over any changes. I must be stressed that nothing TAH does or does not do can mitigate all risks associated with being on social media.
Since I do not see TAH as a primary “source” for dealing with SV, perhaps it is best serving the community as a place where SV dipsticks can be beaten like a pinata.
Thank you.
Jonn at one time likened TAH to throwing tomatoes at someone – a dunk tank at a carnival.
Others have likened it to a celebrity roast. Characterized as such, it may afford some protections as a disclaimer. I’m not a lawyer, but I played one in a movie.
I think TAH is in an interesting position as a place where veterans can vent about SV activities and be very sarcastic and snarky.
Think of TAH as real time performance art where the points don’t matter and no one wins.
25x has it right on.
here’s the thing that makes TAH so very different from other social media platforms and sites: it is a community of people who have a common bond based on extraordinary experience, who have a culture of self-policing. so when people violate that cultural tendency, they get both barrels. this community communicates in four primary languages: English, sarcasm, profanity, and real shit. we are able to communicate in these languages cross-service and internationally with our brothers and sisters of the same background.
I will agree that it tends to be heavy handed at times, although it seems to be more so when the violator is one who *knows better*, having been a part of that community in one form or another. SV is an affront not only to the living and the dead, but to the very ideas and values that make this community so unique.
as far as alt-right? im gonna go out on a limb and assume you meant that in the “right-of-center” and “generally very conservative” senses and not batshit-crazy delusional sense that is so pervasive in modern media. still, yes, this community will tend conservative more often than not. we do listen to alternating viewpoints but DO NOT suffer trolls and fools well.
empty threats tend to amp us up even more.
TLDR version: it is the way it is, and I have seen – and trust there to be more of – fellow members pulling one another back from going too far. that’s also part of this communities’ collective values. this ain’t twitter, tumblr, or any other snowflake site, by a long damn shot.
Thank you.
The alt-right reference was based on my own ignorance stemming back to the days of Usenet.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alt.*_hierarchy
Thought it meant, as you say, the right of center but I took it to mean discussion and specialization in right-leaning views – but hey, let’s not take you down the twists and turns of my incorrect thinking.
“a place where SV dipsticks can be beaten like a pinata”
I hate what is happening to Amendment the first on mainstream social media. Have not seen any of that here save the warning from Jonn that he cannot afford to pay other peoples attorney fees.
There is a line but defining it is like defining pron. You know it when you see it.
I can understand cozying up to mainstream media for credibility with the public but I would rather they see the real unvarnished
truth from the mouths of the real veterans.
As for a current events blog in line with other social media concerning veterans and the military……..there are plenty out there and the ones I’ve seen suck.
https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Alt-right
In no way shape or form do I consider myself alt-right. Nor anyone I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with here. WTF
Noted. Perhaps I over-generalized (edited above – my bad after I read the definition, just thought it meant right leaving vs. extreme), but if TAH was labeled as such by someone popping in quickly to find something to dismiss it, you can hopefully see why it would unfairly draw that label.
Oh, so we are to be understanding when someone calls us alt-righters or fascists or Nazis? We are responsible for their choice of words? I don’t think so, whoever you are.
We’ve met face to face. Heck, you even gave me a peek at the inside of your jacket.
Not trying to change anybody – just soliciting opinion and define a general consensus.
If you are a football fan – it feels like fingernails on a chalkboard to me when the announcer says about a team – they’re trying to figure out who they want to be as a team.
The tradeoff here is TAH may only be a core of about 40-60 posters and many more readers, and that may be fine.
Well, that narrows it down to a couple of dozen people. And who gave you liberty to mention that? Send me an email if you like. Or don’t.
You selling hot watches?
Genuine Rolecks.
I’d like to meet you in person someday. I’ll sign an NDA and pay for the notary!
Whaaaa? A couple of dozen?
I thought I was the only one that you showed it to – now I don’t feel so special.
Alt-Right Is All-right!!
Thanks Cav
Here, here, I hate everyone equally, an Equal opportunity offender if you will, I despise white supremacist, I despise Black supremacist, I pretty much despise everyone who has Superiority complex to think they are better than anyone else. The MSM is so far jacked to the left I would not even want to be associated with the bums. The truth is told here 99% of the time and hell even LARS is right (sometimes).
Kind of what I was thinking cowpill. I don’t see anyone here espousing the politics of the republican party. More tribal politics. If you’re not far the democratic party you must be republican. From what I’ve gathered most are sick of the bullshit from both parties.
For the democratic party. Not far. Texas drawl worked it’s way into my spelling. Again.
Congrats to the Longhorns for showing my dawgs how football is played. Maybe they’ll take the lessons to heart.
Had an ancestor that didn’t make it out of that broke down mission in Bexar back in March of ’36.
I personally will NOT bend over backwards for a communist spewing piece of human dung that thinks Venezuela is a paradise. They can go to a blog that likes them and their kind. It is like going to a recipe sharing blog and talking about rebuilding your small block Chevy. Go where your wanted. Why should we bend over backwards for someone who hates America and everything she stands/stood for.
I’m only surprised that you didn’t say that you want TAH to become a nurturing environment. Phuk that. Thank you.
We can break up into groups and talk about our feelings. 😉
Exactly where this is headed. How about a PP on the topic of “When Something Stinks, Don’t Say PU: You Might Hurt a Feeling.” Mandatory viewing for all prior to posting under the New Order of Business.
Exactly which views are “very hard right”?
I take exception to that claim. Is it the opinions of the half a dozen Atheists that post here that are too far right?
How about the few Jews that post here…their opinions too far right?
Are you pointing at the Christians specifically?
Is it the women who contribute here?
The Hispanics?
Should we cancel the site because it’s too “White”.
What evidence do you have that the views posted here are “very hard right”?
I will suggest anyone who thinks “we” are hard right in our views read the “TAH FNG” link.
“The media likes to portray veterans as a homogenous voting bloc – but we’re here to dispel that misconception. All of us never agree on everything. We also celebrate those heroes among us who are saving the world after their military service as well as condemn those who are screwing the world up. We’re proud of our service and we’re proud of the people that we’ve become as a result of that service.”
Jonn wanted this site to be a place where Veterans and Active Duty military could post freely.
It will remain as such … anyone who thinks “we” are hard right is probably so far left their opinion is skewed.
I suggest they put on their pussy hat and prance around somewhere else … if that comment is considered hard right then I suggest you check your gender fluid.
The suggestion that we are “hard right” is irresponsible to use as a descriptor of this community. It conjures up the veiled suggestion that we are Klan members or Nazi sympathizers. I would challenge anyone to find the slightest evidence that such an outrageous ideology is supported by anyone here.
Poorly written and ill-conceived post… but that’s just my opinion.
I’ll step into this minefield as one of the people more left of most on here. I generally don’t find the comments here to be ‘hard right’, but sometimes it does happen. To me, the dividing line is when you go past arguing policy, or principles, and advocate, say, shelling women and children at the border. Or how dead liberals would be a good idea. Stuff like that.
One story from recent memory that made me laugh was when Yef / Slow Joe called VOV a liberal all because VOV’s take on something wasn’t quite right enough. I don’t think a clear definition of ‘hard right’ exists, but when someone on the right claims someone who is definitely not ‘left’ is a liberal commie,… well, that’s probably ‘hard right’.
All that said, I certainly don’t take offense to any of it, and it often comes down to individual comments as opposed to individual people. It does sometimes leave me wondering about the state of our country, but then again, I get that response to my posts, too.
In short, I don’t think the site is ‘hard right’, though some comments occasionally strike me as such.
Using Yef was a poor example. He’s mentally deficient enough at times to not be liable for his behavior.
Oh come on.
I am extremely very intelligent.
in a population of those oxygen deprived at birth you’re probably a genius 🙂
That’s why I once made a private carry a potted plant all through basic training. I was to replace the oxygen he was wasting with every breath.
Maybe, but that whole thing was TOW was so out of line it damaged your credibility. If that was the only example it would be overlooked.
Stop blaming me for shit that Slow Joe does. I don’t know who that guy is.
Yef,
Yes you do.
I do not.
I am way too intelligent and good looking to be compared to that guy.
HEY YEF, don’t underestimate the TAH Moderators. If you do, it’s your stupid mistake.
People in a position to know seem to think otherwise.
You’re a fucking idiot.
At least I am an idiot that fucks. Unlike you.
Yourself?
His right hand has PTSD from a long history of sexual assaults.
Get back to buffing that DFAC floor Yef!
Look, if you want to call me an asshole, you won’t be the first or the last. Go for it. And if you want to engage in a discussion about this, that, or the other thing–and the topic issues me–go for it. Feelings can be checked at the door and if someone doesn’t want to do that, DU and a slew of other bobble-head sites are available.
“…topic issues me.” topic INTERESTS me. Damn I Robot.
asshole
Ohh, dat jis beautiful!
Like the first two lines of this song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXhjp85UNJI
Counting all the assholes in the room
Well I’m definitely not alone, well I’m not alone
I don’t know why that made me laugh so hard!
Thank you.
holy shit. I somehow, against all odds, find myself in agreement with, and actually thankful for, LC’s post. im gonna write today down on a calendar and check to make sure the sky isn’t some weird shade of color. it might just be the Biblical second coming.
wow. 2019 is starting off weird. my head is spinning.
Give me a few minutes and I’ll post something about the border wall you’ll disagree with and we’ll put things back into a happy equilibrium. No need to panic yet!
You are on the clock.
Dave Hardin wrote: “Exactly which views are “very hard right”?
OK, I’m thinking it weakened my position to try and define things. So, if I turned that around on you:
Would the posts about Nancy Pelosi or Elizabeth Warren (1/1024th) be considered hard right?
Conversely, would a post about Nancy Pelosi being misunderstood and her vision for America revolutionary be considered “hard left?”
Let’s take that a bit further – would you characterize this site as straight down the middle?
I’m just trying to define it since I find that exercise useful. I think it is safe to say it is NOT a political discussion group or you’d have left-leaning topics. Heck, I shudder the thought but maybe I could fill in until you get someone if that is the direction you want to go?
So, how would you define TAH in terms of right or left leanings?
It’s easier to be direct than to obfuscate your actual intention.
You are not “turning” anything around, it seems you are unwilling or unable to just state your position directly.
The Pelosi and Warren jabbing is not “Hard Right” and suggesting this it is would be rather biased.
I do not define “TAH” in terms of political diversity, nor should you.
All Jonn needed to know was that a contributor was a veteran.
Feeding the stereotype that Veterans are “Right Wing Jesus Freak Gun Nutz” is irresponsible.
Waitaholdit…”Right wing Jesus gun nuts”… irresponsible? I resemble that!
You should slow your roll.
“So, how would you define TAH in terms of right or left leanings?”
Right of center. Just like a crossection of America.
Spot on. I do too but if I were to be honest I’d have to say that the majority, or at least a huge percentage, of right of center people are not outspoken for fear of losing their job, getting sued or probably more a case of not being worth their time so they keep it on the down low.
Ding Ding Ding! Give that man a cigar.
Most folks tend to see themselves as either occupying the “rational political center” or if they express a preferred flank, they are flank-reasonable-middle.
It is quite rare to meet self-identified extremists. They do exist, but most seldom self-identify.
The views expressed here reflect the strong cultural bias towards military service, one-time or career, and -pride- in that rather rare service. And for reasons that may not be obvious to outsiders, that service tends to produce/encourage a rather strong “right” mindset. When major sections of the Left take on beliefs and policies that are essentially antithietical towards the military/patriot mindset, well, a certain friction is expected.
I have noticed that folks here, many of them absolutely “soaked” in structured courtesy and respect-culture, have very little tolerance for deliberate asshattery and disrespect. And they are by no means prone to turning the other cheek when someone gets mouthy.
In -no- way is this a function of “right” politics. It is a cultural bias against disfunctional deliberately-frictive jerks. There are posters here that can advocate -passionately- for views not accepted by many here, and the discussions amoung them can be quite civil, allowing for the rather rough speech of servicefolks.
The authenticity of this site I believe speaks volumes. Attempting to geld it to make it “nicer” to a wider audience I think would fly in the face of its creator, Jonn. As stated elsewhere, this site is a smack in the face to frauds, as only veterans, and our very long- service ones, can properly deliver. Naturally they will have other opinions, and not suffer fools of any stripe.
My suggestion remains: curb the deliberate repeat and sustained shit-stirring by folks who demonstrate that their objective is disruption, not persuasion, and whose method relies heavily on discourtesy and not on discussion. Other than that, leave things be as they are.
Tune out the trolls. Quite frankly, put the dedicated dorkheads in timeout. They will either comport themselves more productively, or self-limit their trolling by annoying their moderators into ignoring their dross.
spoken more eloquently than I did above. hat tip, sir.
I suspect most of us care less than nothing about most of the cultural issues that define modern liberals but are liberals in the classical meaning of the term (like Madison, Adams, Washington).
For myself, defense of what is the greatest experiment in human freedom and prosperity is worth defending, and those who pretend to defend it or propose to destroy it are not going to hear me tell them I think they are wonderful people.
Stupid truly is as stupid does. That is not a political ideology, it just is.
” would you characterize this site as straight down the middle?”
More like the straight line I try to walk after a few beers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hP_fB3VEKAw
As long as y’all keep the humour quotient elevated I don’t care if it’s left, right, or up. Life’s too short to take it that seriously.
Can you clarify why the colorful language on SV cases poses a challenge? My understanding is that even if TAH identifies people, they’re not legally behind the charges – that’s done by local LE. Even if we have some in the TAH community who help with that, if those people are not making comments that could influence criminal charges, why does it still have an effect?
Or is this more about safeguarding TAH from potential (personal) legal challenges from disgruntled space shuttle door-gunners who had their records sealed by the Illuminati?
Apologies if I misread or misunderstood any of the above. Coffee hasn’t hit the brain yet.
Lawsuits, even those w/o merit are costly in many ways. I get that. But there is more here, in this solicitation, than that. It’s about inclusiveness. It’s about warmth. It’s about being kind in responding to another’s viewpoint, however odd or mistaken that viewpoint is. Grab the guitar. Light the fire. It’s time to sing Kumbaya.
That’s why I asked for clarification. I can see some merit in trying to be more inclusive if, say, the less-than-welcoming old guard is making new people, with slightly less right politics, feel unwelcome and those behind the blog feel it’d be better served by reaching a wider variety of veterans / conservatives. But I also don’t have any real problems with the current atmosphere – mostly because anyone who comes here and reads for a few days knows what they’re getting into if they stick around.
There are other veteran spaces that are less right-wing, and maybe those people who are turned off by the TAH community’s politics find a home there. But, as the Extra Admin says, perhaps that’s less than ideal for both those communities.
“It’s time to sing Kumbaya.” It’s CoAs. * Kumbaya is one CoA. * Status quo is another CoA. * Folding up tents and closing the shop is another CoA. * Closing down future comments and keeping the site up as a historical legacy is another CoA. * Slight modification and change of direction represent another CoA. What may be a source of conflict with some is needing to understand my motives. Someone needs to sign on the dotted line and take responsibility for this discussion group. The only thing that is clear is that it should not be Jonn’s family. We all like to remain anonymous and post whatever we want. It feels good. It’s funny. It is even cathartic. So, unless comments can be distanced from the article, who wants to defend someone else’s right to string someone up by the balls and hang them upside down? Bottom line is I don’t care what people say as long as they are attributable to it and it is not the official position of TAH. Maybe that can be handled by an iron-clad disclaimer? I don’t think we are disagreeing. Hopefully, we aren’t. What you characterize as ‘Kumbaya’ gives me a chuckle as I know exactly what you mean. However, there is a flip side to Kumbaya. A well-researched and complete case has value. LEO, local and MS Media can be contacted as an efficient means to communicate that someone in the community is bilking people out of money. Local media, who often try to keep their finger on the pulse of the community, take one look at TAH and see comments that are… well, not family friendly… and say to themselves “I don’t think we should carry or advocate for this link or site.” Maybe the majority of people here would say the local media can go pound sand and don’t care. OK, but my point is you are giving up something for the luxury of catharsis. See what I’m driving at? Again, not advocating for one CoA over another, but just want everybody to consider all sides to help… Read more »
Yes you are advocating for a position and doing so from a veiled narrative.
“New Beginnings or Status Quo?” The very nature of the title you chose says it all.
It suggests there needs to be a change from the “Status Quo”. As if what goes on here is flawed.
We will be attacked for what we do regardless of what is posted here.
As you well know there are other sites that publish strictly SV material. Jonn knew from the beginning that SV alone would not create a lasting community.
Altering what is done here to pander to the media will never happen.
OK, perhaps I could not hide my bias.
Sincerely, I just want a feel of what everyone wants.
I’m an advocate of giving consideration for achieving more, it may involve giving up something.
If someone is hosting a line dance party at their house every Saturday night, and people like to chew tobacco and spit on the floor and people like to do that because no mainstream establishment allows that – and the host eventually says “Hey, the cleanup time and cost is quite heavy. Takes me into Sunday if I don’t hire a cleaning crew. Can we maybe give some thought to using spitoons or having a no-chewing-tobacco policy? We can all still line dance. That’s the important thing to know… we can all still line dance. Maybe a few people can kick in on a regular basis for the cost of a cleaning crew? Many of you do, but asking others to consider. If not, how about sticking around after the dance and help mopping up the tobacco juice?”
Does that mean the host has sand in his/her vagina for asking?
Not to put too fine a point on it, but — if you all want to keep the site as it is, we need money and we need legal support. May even need money for the legal support.
There, I said it. My vagina hurts now.
Fundraising?
Start a fundraise thread. Either ask “what you can do” or set a dollar goal. Make a regular cup-rattle post.
Don’t tapdance. Come out and say “ante up, folks”.
I’ll put something in the boot this evening.
Folks? Step on up.
If it’s money that is needed, then just say it. I usually make an annual donation to help Jonn keep up the blog and am willing to do it again… someone needs to speak up.
sentt a few bucks…damn, never be hesitant to ask if ya need it
I recall Jonn saying it takes $6000 annually to keep the doors open. Or perhaps he needed an additional $6000 at that time to meet the needs of the site. I can’t recall exactly … CRS. I have routinely donated every quarter b/c I want this site to continue. I value the input of pretty much all those who post. Yes, even Yef and Lars. BTW, Lars occasionally makes a valid point but, given his past idiotic statements, almost always he is trashed even when he has a valid point. I appreciate diverse opinions. If this is a call for $, I think it is necessary to let us know what is needed on an annual basis. Give us a running tally of what has been collected and how much more is required. This site is my first visit each time I wake. Tell us what you need. I love this site and I want it sustained. I look at this site as a community of those with whom I have a common bond, having done things and gone places civilians can not understand. Let’s keep it going. Jonn told me once he was the gatekeeper who let in all who cared to enter. From what I observed, only occasionally did he lower the boom on someone and discourage their participation. Maybe I missed some, IDK. I feel the same way. I want diverse opinions. The more the merrier. HMC Ret
Not tapdancing. That was reserved for a followup article.
If the majority of TAH wants it to stay EXACTLY the same, we need money. People have been very generous so far, but we need serious hard commitments.
I’m not talking about leave money in the tip jar, I’m talking about serious “F#@k You” money, where you don’t have to worry about not having enough.
An amount has not been determined but we need hard commitments.
EXAMPLE: (only an example)
$2000/month to lure someone away from having to take a part-time job and spend significant time on the site, pay article writers, etc. Advertisers may shy away from flavor of comments.
So, we can have 20 people commit to $100/month, 40 people commit to $50 month, or 80 people commit to $25 month. The last sounds reasonable and obtainable but if several people say they will let others step up to the plate, then each share goes up if we can’t meet the total goal.
Sounds like the need is for a patronage system or subscription system.
“Patron” the service has apparently jumped the political shark, according to another conservative I read. There are others. They do, however, get a cut.
Consider selling memberships. Supporting Members get a “supporting member” tag for their alias. There could be levels based on contribution.
Like the writing of contributors? Ask for articles via email. You might be surprised.
Note: the site info still states “combat vets” CIB/CAB. Maybe “guest poster” for those not so awarded.
I have some decent pro experience in the IT infrastructure field. Contact me privately for consultation.
Nuke obvious trolls and repeated Failures to Follow Simple Instructions.
I am sure folks can come up with more ideas, or refinements of these.
The media doesn’t seem ro care if a congress critter says it’s time to impeach the motherfucker.
EA: The comments are driven by the discussion topics. If the focus of the blog posts stays within a narrow lane, the discussion rarely veers too far outside the lines. But when the discussion topics spread out to include the wider world of politics, you can expect the discussion to get more polemic and more heated. Let’s just look at the “front page” as it sits right now: Besides this article, we have the following: * President Trump to address the nation during prime time (nothing to do with SV, nothing to do with the military except in an extremely tangential sense. A topic guaranteed to draw strong emotional responses.) * Tuesday feel-good stories: Yes, I know Jonn started these and I know Jonn was a “gun guy” and posted these up to refute the MSM assumption that “guns are bad.” This, to me, is an example of going outside of TAH’s “Lane” and wading into the greater world of mainstream politics. * Illegals a law unto themselves: Again, no connection to SV, no connection to the military, and perhaps a tenuous connection to an overall idea of “national security.” Again, a topic that is guaranteed to generate a heated discussion * Ginsberg misses SC arguments: Nothing to do with SV, nothing to do with the military * SECNAV names future destroyer in honor of Navy Veteran: Military news * CSM Assaults Soldier during road rage confrontation: Military news * Monday feel good stories – as above, not directly related to either SV or the military * Democrat proposes amendment to eliminate electoral college: Not related to SV, not related to the military * 10 worst air forces in the world: Military news (although it’s one of those silly clickbait articles.) Note that in the above list there is not one SV article and only 3 that are in any way related to the military. IMO, if TAH becomes just another right-wing blog, it will be a loss for two reasons: First of all because there are, as I said, thousands or tens of thousands of similar such blogs and… Read more »
This has been a subject of discussion in the background. The common trend is that the stolen valor faucet has been getting weaker in volume. There are still stolen valor to be had, but they’re trending towards becoming less frequent.
Even when Jonn was still posting, he was hitting other stolen valor sites up requesting to use some of their articles for use here, or for some of the results of their bust to be used here.
When the Stolen Valor leads reduce in volume, what do we do in the interim? If we wait for another one to come by, we could wait for days. This could result in little to no new material on this site.
We tried to mitigate this with the BFTP. But, doing the numbers, we’re looking at another good two years and some change before we recycle through all the phonies that we can recycle through.
This would reduce the number of visits to the site by the regulars.
We’ve used the open threads to gauge where the interest levels are at, and we’ve used that as a guide as to which articles to post.
The number of commentary participation provides an additional hint as to where interests are.
If we rarely get commentary on a specific type of article, we may take that as in indication of a lack of interest.
What you said above, with regards to this site posting political threads with a conservative leaning is also applicable for military veteran related topics.
We face competition in what’s a smaller interest area when compared to the population. Most the young folk that we’d want coming to this site, to keep our numbers up, are going to sites like Reddit. They have a sub-reddit dedicated to the Army, Navy, and other branches of the military.
We still face the same issue with regards to military related topics as we would with political related commentary.
I am down in the trenches with the Stolen Valor cases. I don’t know if a trend can be predicted, but I can tell you what I’ve seen.
There is no shortage of case submissions. Way over 90% come in with little to no evidence. “But, he said [this or that] to me.” We can’t do anything with it if we don’t have clear evidence that the individual in question made the claim.
Some get the evidence, but that is rare.
Many we don’t pursue at all — i.e. “he wore an Army hat” or “I don’t know his name but this guy that works at McDonald’s on the corner of [this street and that street] in Possumwallow Montana is claiming SEAL. Go on over and see for yourself.” (assuming I am local to Possumwallow Montana).
Others want to control the process. “My divorced mother is dating this creep that claims he was a sniper… but I don’t want him publically exposed or my mother will get mad at me.”
Sometimes when it rains it pours. Sometimes there is a drought. Maybe folks are getting the message and are being more careful. I dunno.
If the SV “faucet” is drying up then I would take that as strong evidence that this blog (and similar ones run by others) are having a positive effect.
Beyond that, I would think that with our country at war in multiple places, there are still lots of opportunities to explore military and veterans issues without jumping into the wide-open field of general political and social commentary.
As I mentioned above, we feed off what you guys do in response to these posts.
I posted articles related to what the military was doing, or related to what was going on that affected the military, in the past.
When those posts get few commentary, I take that as a lack of interest, then watch for what garners interest and shift focus.
Others and I provide open threads partly in order to receive leads, and hints, as to what interest folk. When folk post links, I look at running post articles based on those links.
I have one such open thread scheduled for tomorrow.
The “feast and famine” deal was thrown around. If it’s a result of what sites like Military Phonies, TAH, and others is doing, that’s a good thing.
I’m going to send you an email if that’s alright with you.
I like the “Feel Good Stories.” I realize they’re not directly related to military/veteran news, but it is one of the only places in the media (the only one I see regularly) illustrating the other side of the gun control/rights debate. It’s not “veteran-focused,” but it’s an issue important to many vets.
I’m willing to bet the percentage of those familiar with firearms in the vet community is significantly larger than in society as-a-whole; tangential or not, I feel those entries have a place on the site. It was clearly something Jonn felt strongly about.
As far as the direction the site takes, I will defer to those who personally knew Jonn and to those with an active hand in keeping it going. I like the site the way it is but accept that change is inevitable – just don’t change too drastically; lasting, successful changes are gradual ones.
“We say “grace” and we say “ma’am”
And if you ain’t into that, we don’t give a damn”
A Country Boy Can Survive, Hank Williams Jr.
I lubbs all you assholes.
And I lubb u IDC SARC…but not in a ghey way, ok.
What the hell is this about?
Team Room squabbles
Locker room squabbles among team players.
Tough one, EA. TAH as it is now is essentially self-moderating, which can be a two edged sword. It certainly allows for free expression of opinions, which is (IMO) an asset and something to be protected, no cherished, but the down side is the danger of group-think and becoming a herd mentality.
I’m one of the ‘softer’ conservatives here, and I recognized your “two wings” comment as my own. Hey, cut me an I bleed Navy Blue, but I’m willing to listen to the other side, as long as its rational and well stated. I will in all likelihood disagree, and say so, but I try not to get belligerent about it.
Bottom line, if the direction is to go more mainstream and open the place up, more moderation will be required. And that will be a sea change many here will not tolerate.
Just my opinion.
R/
AW1
I’m with AW1Ed on this.
The one this that has always appealed to me about TAH is the openness of the blog how Jonn handled the moderation part of it. It was free-wheeling for the most part, but there was a limit to it (I remember more than once when Jonn stepped in and told people to stand down, but it seemed to be some of the SV posts when the individual or a sock came in and posted).
I think that this is one of the few milblogs that allows for people to “let their hair down” when they post. If the placed does go more mainstream, not only will you need a few more full-time mods to police the place, but you may be alienating those of us that like TAH for what it is.
Thanks. Your last paragraph defines it best.
It may be a bridge too far to have a discussion about this since some issues are best explored behind the curtain.
Appreciate your input.
So, TAHs leadership wants to go mainstream.
I knew TAH was too good to last.
Well, it was great.
When Jonn passed I was in shock like everyone else here, I couldn’t even post for a full 3 days, but after a while I started processing what had happened and the changes coming in the future, and I realized that TAH would have to change and start making a profit, or quietly disappear.
Not suggesting there will be a change at all.
The decision has to be made if there will be legacy, ongoing support for the discussion group as is, or incorporate into another model that is more “sanitized” for the general public.
I was soliciting opinions on what the TAH community prefers.
Well, yeah, you were suggesting a change at all. The simple fact of asking suggests that you feel a need for a change or changes.
Since I have no idea what you want to hear, or why, I can’t contribute anything substantive to the conversation. Most of what I read in the post sounded like it should have been discussed with the admin team, not thrown out here for general discussion among a bunch of folks who may or may not have anything invested here.
Just one opinion.
That’s the way I read it OWB.
“legacy”
I notice the stolen valor tab is gone along with the chronological photos of legacy posers. Is that what you mean by sanitized?
I posted on this… when Green Thumb called attention to it. It is in yesterday’s topic. Here it is… part of the RBG’s post from yesterday. —————————————— Green Thumb – I can speak a little to the Stolen Valor link since I was in on the issues and discussion. I can say its removal is not a reflection of getting away from our roots although I will concede that it gives that appearance. The best I can do is cover the history and the decision-making process. When Jonn died, many of us stepped in to fill in the gaps with article writing and administration of the site. I liked the Stolen Valor link, but quickly realized that it was something that was mantained by Jonn with hand-jamming entries. I mistakenly thought it was automatic based on “ticking” a box in the writeup, but apparently he edited each and every new entry. The question arose: “How many people used it and was it worth maintaining?” Months rolled by and we got about 4-5 people that wrote to us and asked if the site had closed. Apparently, they linked to the site directly from that link and did not read the other articles. Was a bit surprised at this but it still did not tip the scales to maintain it – so merely directed people to the main site. I think the link is valuable, but in the transition to the new site, which Dave alluded to in his request for Beta testing, it needs to be factored into – to sound like a marketer – the overall design, navigation and offer everyone a quality user experience that they’ve come to know and expect. This is where my knowledge of it all ends. We hadn’t maintained it due to the eventuality of shifting everything over. Suspect it was removed to cut down on questions as to why it was not maintained, but that is just speculation on my part. As far as the way forward, we have communicated a little with people that are key in maintaining the site, but there are… Read more »
Thanks, I did not see that comment. At least the missing tab did not go un noticed.
It was useful for research when a familiar face needed a name.
Oh dear lord, the tab is gone because I am cleaning up some of the code in the background.
That page is also where stolenvalor.us goes directly to.
Doing some housekeeping in transition is not a statement about anything or what will or will not be.
Its just housekeeping and nothing more.
Tanks Dave.
I feel so much better now.
I was wondering who ate the strawberries.
Safe for work meme:
http://www.quickmeme.com/img/d3/d3996ad87f2a50c99e9115150b23aa87c6e25ec567d4c5fb4f6c07c0b4da6434.jpg
I can’t say I’d ever be in favor of modifying my thoughts and behavior to be more palatable to the MSM. That’s part of why I occasionally post and spend more time reading. I even enjoy LC’s comments because they’re well thought out and challenge my beliefs. I don’t always agree with them, but that’s why I read them. I’m done playing nice for the progressive socialist movement.
Thank you. I believe that you hit the nail on the head as for what I was after.
Amen, Animal…
I wish folks would dial back the ghey sodomy obsession that often shows up in some posts. I sometimes want to link a thread to friends that could become regulars but some of this shit gets gross.
TAH has always had a conservative bent politically. It’s a site run by (and most frequently visited by) veterans, so given that veterans as a whole tend to be more conservative than the “mainstream” that should surprise nobody. But if the concern is that since Jonn’s death the site is devolving into just another right-wing political rant-fest, which would detract from its mission to expose and denounce stolen valor and other forms of military fakery, I think that’s a legitimate worry. The thing is, there are a bajillion political blogs out there all over the political map, left, right and center. Most of them have a small following and very few of them have any ‘credibility’ in the larger world because they are so obviously biased in favor of one side or the other. If TAH becomes “just another right wing blog” then the military fakers who are exposed by TAH can dismiss the site as “just another right wing blog” and ignore the very real evidence of their embellishment, fakery and outright lies. In the language of the day, it becomes easy to “marginalize” TAH if it is identified as “just another right wing blog.” Jonn was a conservative guy, and he never pretended to be otherwise. But one of the most admirable things about Jonn was that when it came to stolen valor, he never pulled his punches based on the political orientation of the faker. A right wing, gun toting, bible thumping faker got just as much grief and just as much exposure as a left-leaning faker. It is exactly that kind of fair-mindedness and objectivity that gives TAH the credibility that it deserves. In my opinion – and it’s just that, my opinion – TAH is best when it does what it was founded to do: (1) Expose stolen valor and military fakery wherever it is found and with no regard to the politics of the faker, and (2) discussing issues involving the military with input from the large community of veterans and other concerned individuals. As I said above, there are many, many places on… Read more »
I agree completely. I come to TAH primarily for the stolen valor and the discussion of military topics. (OK, and the feel-good stories too.) It seems to me that the political posts have increased since Jonn’s death, and those I’ll either skim or skip altogether because I already get more than my fill of politics elsewhere.
Couldn’t agree more. I consider myself at-skeptic. I’m not prejudiced, I hate ’em all.
Well said.
Just because I disagree with
someone does not make me,
Racist
Homophobic
Far right
Supremicist
Etc
But, this seems to be what the “inclusive ” far left you seem to want to pander to believe.
That’s exactly what a racist, homophobic, far right, white supremacist would say.
Case closed
I prefer to think of TAH as an association of veterans, first, who share a mutual contempt for stolen valor, in all myriad facets of such theft.
Secondly, were I not a veteran, I would still enjoy the comradery of conservative/moderate participants.
When you guys start dissecting fictitious DD214s and elements of incongruous medals, commendations, and comportment of uniforms it is fascinating to see the depth and breadth of knowledge that comes together.
FWIW, I do not know what alt-right means but am flattered to be considered a right-winger:-) Having once been a liberal and seeing John Fonda-Kerry pull his stunts during VVAW demonstrations, I thank him for showing me just how fatuous and disgusting liars as he can be.
OTOH, for the simple joy of rhetoric, I am receptive to alternative points of view. One recent topic about some former service members hoping to obtain a class action status for modifying the character of their less than honorable discharges brought forth some interesting dialogue.
Didn’t take long to stir up that hornet’s nest, did it? Honey hush, good way to prove that people are reading the posts. Opinions are like assholes, everybody has one and they perform a useful, if unpleasant function. In the very short time frame from when this post first appeared and I had time to read it, the comments came a pouring in. I took a quick minute or two to go back thru the calendar to April of last year, just to compare the assortment of post titles to what we have now. Yes, as we all know, there was some differences. Not that as if that is a bad thing. What is, was, or will be TAH? Most of us first came here on the stolen valor link. As honorably serving/served Veterans we abhorred the POS SOBs that besmirched the honor of our Brethren/Sisters. We also enjoyed the articles related to past or current military subjects. We became similar to the EM/NCO/Officer Club stuck out on a firebase forward of the rear areas, a Military Cheers if you will, where everyone was welcome and everyone knew your name. You left your rank at the door and if you started a fight with someone, it brought the whole clan down on your ass. We could and did discuss any and all subjects and if there was a difference of opinion, we still shared a drink and a toast. As the country seemed to be being destroyed by enemies, foreign and domestic, the patriot in all of us reared its head and lashed out. When we lost our leader we were blessed with enough people to pick up the Colors, close the ranks, and step into the breach to continue the fight. What will be the future mission of TAH? None of us know for sure. Have we outed every POS Valor Thief? No! Will we out every POS Valor Thief? Given enough time, maybe. On a personal, local level, several embellishers that I have been following have become aware of what happens to valor thieves and started a scrubbing… Read more »
Good post.
What draws people to see movies? (Same for discussion sites)
Conflict. They like to see conflict, even in a fictitious scenario because it allows them to decide what they would potentially do in the same scenario.
Conflict doesn’t mean yelling at each other. It means putting oneself in a difficult situation where choices have to be made and seeing how they react.
“Conflict”
It triggers a flood of dopamine into the brain…through an area called the nucleus accumbens. That is the same pathway that causes addiction. Our reward system.
Can you get addicted to the conflict, the stress? Yes, though the lesser term is habituation. Adrenalin junkies are not adrenalin junkies, they’re actually dopamine junkies.
Lubbs me some dopamine
I watch NASCAR for the dopamine.
I dunno.
People yell and curse at each other in the movies.
Are you trying to make TAH a kid’s friendly site?
Like Disney Junior or Netflix Kidz instead of regular Netflix?
To be fair, even Deadpool buckled.
https://www.foxmovies.com/movies/once-upon-a-deadpool#featured-videos
“This is the closest thing to “social media” I have.” Me too. I prefer to think of it as anti-social media.
Internet winner of the day!
I have to say that most if you who’ve seen me around here know that I really try to keep it in the middle. Yes I’m not a Trump fan. Then again I’m not a left winger either. I try and take an objective view of all things political. I do think that the blog is leaning farther to the right and I’m ok with that. Because except on a rare occasion have I been attacked here for a viewpoint. I think most here may disagree with a view. As long as you present your view in a decent respectful manner you generally get intelligent , informed debate. Act like a pompous ass and try and be superior. And it’s game on. There’s room for all here just try and keep it civil with each other. I try not to comment on anything someone says that’s controversial. Unless I feel I can add something to it. But if the blog goes to the far right I prob won’t be commenting much just lurking. In no way does that diminish my respect I have for you guys. But I would be the same as if I were at a dinner party at Sean Hannitys lol. Anyway my two cents
I just come here to see how stupid people are that try and steal valor in the age of the internet. In general i say we lean to the right for the most part, conservative in values but lose in morals (in a good way).
My only problem with the site now is that it is becoming like a msg board for the 6 guys that own a smith & wesson special super .43 pistol. they tend to talk just to each other and either condescend or ignore you if you try to join the conversation.
The mission of this site as i think John saw it was to expose the Idiots who pretend to have been “all they could be” and new, unusual or compelling stories about the Uniformed services with a smattering of 2nd amendment and LEO stories thrown in for good measure or if it was a slow news day.
maybe we should focus on John’s vision and try to get things back to where they were. i think most people that have been visiting for a while would be willing to help with the site, give us a mission and let us run with it if that is what you need.
I enjoy reading TAH, and have enjoyed it for many years, although I have only rarely commented myself. I completed my first SV investigation through the insights I gained on this site (with 2 more now in the works) and I would personally like the site to remain its own place.
With respect, I would also like to point to the words of Jonn Lilyea and how he saw the site. From the February 2nd, 2012 TAH post:
“I told him that I have the best readers in the world, that no one comes here to read my drivel, they come here to read your comments and the tips you send me. I remind myself of that every morning when I open my laptop and wonder WTF I’m going to write about today and some of you always come through for me.” – Jonn Lilyea
The words of the readers helped this site become what it is today. I would tread carefully with any changes that upset the delicate ecosystem that has developed here. Yes, you can likely make more money or gain a broader audience. However, money is fleeting and such a broader audience may also drift away when the next new thing comes along.
Blog link for anyone that wants to view the entire page… https://valorguardians.com/blog/?p=28583
The business landscape is littered with the smoking ruins of far too many entities that sought to broaden their customer base by diluting their product to give it wider appeal. I have long been an advocate of that business model that seeks to find a niche then do it better than anyone else, ensuring that while your customer base may remain small it will always remain, and can be grown in small increments rather than large leaps. As one of the contributing writers here I have to disagree that TAH constitutes some veterans’ choir all singing in unison on every topic–I’ve had commenters eat my lunch on plenty of occasions, usually when my topic was political. And I assure you, Admin, while I am a conservative, I am not an extremist. Frankly, the comments to my writings evoke far more conservative commentary at American Thinker than on this site and AT is read and quoted by leading mainstream conservatives such as Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity as well as many conservative national columnists. However, I also learned long ago that when writing for Thinker I had to be careful not to make my pieces too military or they would either be spiked by the editors or misunderstood by readers if they were posted. Here at TAH my readers not only understand the military terms, acronyms and arcane references but the shared experiences from which they spring. If you think you can make the American public more reactive to Stolen Valor, I believe you are kidding yourselves. The average American simply doesn’t care that much if some clown wears a uniform with medals he didn’t earn because they don’t understand what those medals and ribbons and badges represent and what it took to earn them. They don’t have the same visceral response we do to such behavior and frankly, they don’t understand why we do. In my opinion, if you’re headed there, you’ve set yourself a fool’s mission. And for starters, you’ll have to rename this site because the civilians won’t get it and therefore won’t be attracted to it. I… Read more »
^^^THIS^^^ Give ’em hell Poe!
“We can handle it.”
In every clime and place!
Nice, pointed post.
We are at a juncture that decisions need to be made. I would like input in order to inject my input into the process.
I think of it as a private company that is considering going public. You need to do a prospectus. Define what it is, what it hopes to achieve, where do we go from here, etc.
I got my answer with some slamming the wind-chiming nature of the post, but that’s fine.
We need pigs and not chickens. When one speaks about the bacon and egg breakfast, the chicken is involved but the pig is committed.
As I posted, if it is all to stay the same, people need to pay for that luxury, just like a web hosting service is paid for unless you want advertising.
So, unencumpered and we answer to no one. We don’t dance to anyone’s music. That’s refreshing. I get it, but we have to pay for that independence.
We need to find out what everyone is prepared to commit to. Writing articles on donated time, military research, current events research, computer-techincal expertise, legal expertise, etc.
If people can’t give a firm commitment of time, then commitment of money would be extremely helpful.
EXAMPLE: (only an example)
Need $3000 / month
30 people to say they will commit to $100/month
60 people to say they will commit to $50/month
So forth and so on…
I wholeheartedly agree with Poe. Not being the sharpest knife in the drawer I tend to read and not comment. But I’m trying to understand what exactly you’re trying to say. By all accounts, this is a milblog with an emphasis on stolen valor. Those who read and comment here care about the subject of SV and come from a unique culture with shared experiences that the general public finds confusing, confounding, and has a general distaste for – especially those of a leftist bent. By trying to make this site more palatable to the general public you risk alienating the very people who made this blog what it is. Gone will be the shared experiences that span time and continents. Gone will be the camaraderie and humor that only those who served can understand and appreciate. Gone will be the plain-spoken, unvarnished truth. Along with that will go the main goal of outing stolen valor scum. As others have noted, the general public has little to no contact with the military. They don’t understand us, our culture, our sense of humor, how stolen valor affects us, nor do they care. I believe this site would go the way of so many others that tried to be all things to all people. I don’t see how this site can be a milblog and cater to the general public. In this case, they are two mutually exclusive concepts.
Well, now we get down to the brass tacks. I can certainly contribute a monthly allotment, or part time services. Technical Editing (currently), programming, software engineering, network architecting. DM me, I’ll send a resume or synopsis of what I’m qualified for, and time I can allot. Read through my past posts prior tho, some might be a bit more racy in the beginning. (When I first found this site, ol’ Bradley was in the now closed Quantico brig, and Code Stink was planning a mass onslaught on Quantico. Didn’t go as well as they (not so much) plannd.) Oh, way back then before I retired, I went by RedNeckerson here, so check those too. Gauntlet thrown…
Edit: I smell a ‘Lawer’. Who is this man behind the curtain?
Well said. You can’t please everybody, and by trying to do so you usually displease the folks you already please.
I am what you refer to as a “civilian”. I found TAH a couple of years ago reading about Stolen Valor and have been back daily ever since! I cried right along with you when Jonn passed away and was so relieved you kept TAH going! Your website appeals because you are a bunch of great characters that have this special bond AND because the commentators say it like they see it!
OK
1. Fuck all of you.
2. Not fuck all of you.
3. We all miss Jonn
4. Some other fuckers and I think I’ve been here maybe 5 10 years (I don’t want to google it, maybe more, 13?) whatever.
5 Great information and discussion.
6. Very Much related to most of our own experiences just to talk shit.
7. Really? Not sure that Jonn started TAH to just fight Stolen Valor, or just put his views out there about being a vet and a (? excuse my memory without looking shit up, Sergeant First Class?) just bullshit
8. Fuck you guys that are fakes and shitbags. That comes later.
9. General news and views on topical information.
10. What else could be 10? Gee I dunno.
(I know I have to now break this into 3 portions. (I’m so proud!)
FUCK YOU ALL. HAPPY 2019. This is aimed at everyone, of you dirty dickweeds, and bitches (not the ladies of TAH) and you lionesses. (Ladies, I’ve seen a few of you not be around lately and I am hopeful you are well and healthy. You know who you are and your “Queen” (un-elected because she’s here (almost) daily, Ex-PH2. ) I give you this as a template for 2019. FUCK YOU ALL!! And by that, I mean I love the shit out of almost every each and one of you. The Continent of Insults®™ (aka, “This Ain’t Hell” Thesaurus) FIRE IN THE HOLE!!!! TACTICAL NUCLEAR ROUND OUT!!!! THREE PASS AIRCRAFT BOMB RUN!!!!! DANGER CLOSE!!!! MOPP LEVEL 4!!! TAKE COVER!!!!! …. …HEY DICKLESS WONDER, We all hope you read this and come back here and try to defend your actions, but, you won’t because, YOU’RE A STRAIGHT UP COWARD, vile, flaming piece of skunk shit, ALLEGEDLY, but not confirmed or proven, but in some people’s opinion, works balls, tickles taint and tongue punches hobo’s crusty fart boxes all, I Guess, while being a syphilitic, turd-sucking feces factory, HOLY Baby Ape Shit Breath, Bitch-ass Fuckstick guzzler, pile infested, onion-eyed flapmouthed butt-bailiff, “Fowl” mouthed Chicken Fucking Chickenfucker, You flaccid piece of tofu, Simply a fart in life waiting to be fabreezed away, moral equivalent of pond scum, THIS MOTHERFUCKER IS A WALKING TURD, inflamed, “Towel boy” in a gay bath house, DILLY DILLY!!, Ambulatory verbal dissembling anus, Fucking one cell spermatozoon with a tiny flagella, gaping giant ass walking fungus shit nugget, Bag of seasoned dog shit, Cambodian cunt sauce, he deserves to have his private parts gnawed by angry badgers, Anyone who ever loved you was wrong, bucket of ass chum, Poopy Headed ball working asshole, JERK OFF !!, Soup Sandwich, if you Mom would have known you were going to turn out like this, she’d have prayed for a miscarriage, Diaper-Sniper, you’re such a pussy, when you get a haircut they charge you for a bikini wax, suck a big diseased gorilla dick and open those ass cheeks for the bull… Read more »
asshat, roach turd-munching shit-for-brains, a black hole would spit you out, the founding fathers said all men are created equal….except for you, you make scientists contemplate the possibility that there’s a negative IQ number, if you an 2 other guys ran a race together, you’d come in fourth, dick pickle, gòrach pìos de cac, It looks like he smeared super glue on his lip and chin and went down on Whoopi Goldberg’s cootchie, You make PTSD/TBI look like a state fair, a 3 ring circus and Disneyland all rolled into one, likes to gargle with a mouthful of unborn crib midgets, He can shit and fall in it as far as I am concerned(This one is for the Ladies and Medical Staff) this prancing fairy is about as popular as a failed Episiotomy with a 4th degree perineal tear, wanker, herpes-ridden dung beetle target, feejackapeesack, first volunteer for being part of a jailhouse human centipede, bunghole warrior, cockwomble, bread loaf end slice, should eat a nice steaming pile of monkey shit you ass clown, looks like hammered dog shit, Your mother may have told you that you could be anything you wanted, but a douchebag wasn’t what she meant, If Mr. Rogers were alive, he’d piss on your grave, helmet wearing short bus riding window licker, Head paddler in the douche canoe, Uncle Fucker, more ate up than a chocolate dildo in a crowded gay bar, shitbag, dipstickus giganticus, Humpty Dumpty cleanup man after the fleet visits Naples, Herp-Burger, poofter, intergalactic cunt muffin, knob gobbling, fimicolous galactic Jackoff, Deputy executive assistant jizz mopper in training, chronic hemorrhoid, stugatz, inbred, toe-jam from an infected Filipino hooker that specializes in foot jobs, tortured turnip turd, Sea Donkey, festering pool of anal leakage, your penis lives in eternal darkness, I’d hate to see your toilet, retardus maximus, Microcephalic Toad Licker, can go suck a fat baby’s dick, steaming rat-felching bucket of moldy monkey fuck, Bellicose ball gnashing raper of babies with rabies, Pecker-puffing pickle licker, catcher not pitcher, bawbag, about as useful as a white crayon, Arschloch, impotent koekeloeren, slaptard, couldn’t even be… Read more »
BOOM, SHACK, and AMEN. Now let’s all turn to the Brother John Moses Browning version, book of Revelations Chapter 19 verse 11.
AMEN! And after the reading of scripture, may I suggest a hymn, dedicated to one’s favorite posers and SV asshats.
Stream of consciousness much? HOLY SHIT Batman!!
AMEN!!😂
Recipe for a Bernath
still laugh often at the moniker “lawn dart danny.”
that was rgr769, right? fucking priceless.
I wish I could take credit for that one, but it was someone else. I did, however, coin Cunthulu for our fave cuttlefish.
Amen!
This site is in desperate need of a like button or at least emoticons so we can express how absolutely fucking awesome the continent of insults is. Instead, I’ll simply leave a hearty FUCK YEAH!!!!!
(BTW, I accidentally hit the report button, so fuck me.)
Make the report button the donate button and that won’t happen.
…..lower than Justin Turdeau’s tampon ripcord
Is it fit for the Wall?
and Methodists….
No way!
This is the mist outrageous example of why the question of the future about the comment thread was raised by the Administrator. However, there is a block and delete option. At one time Taki Magazine had a robust comment thread Then it was allegedly abused and it is no more. Taki went down the tubes with the decision.
Thanks for all the input. I also noticed that not one person commented on the potential gayness of the photo of people jumping for joy in the sunrise – not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Thus confirming my first impression that you have absolutely no clue who we are or what we stand for. None.
You actually posted a pic, and anticipated folks here would see gayness in it? And that perhaps insulting us by sharing that low opinion of us would endear you to us?
Yeah, whatever.
Trying to lighten it up, but OK.
Well, now that you mentioned it…. 🙂
I don’t look at such pictures.
I thought it was a Baptism.
m’neither. My brain filter is programmed to just ad-block stuff like that out.
(scrolls back to top)
Hmm. Only sees bewbs. Third from left.
What’s gay about that?
Well it’s so fucking gay there was really no need to point it out right?
It’s super obvious, thus no need to broach the topic.
Gay? I thought it was women’s beach bikini volleyball training…
Nah, you need to get your eyes checked. Only the middle two are female.
Of course these days, who can really tell?
I’d agree the one on the right is male but I figured he was the coach. My first thought was also how do you get a job like that…
“I also noticed that not one person commented on the potential gayness of the photo of people jumping for joy in the sunrise”
If you go back and look after somebody says something like that..I don’t care what’s in the pic…yer gaaaaayyyyy
I thought it was a bunch of squids trying to spell YMCA. Can’t dance, can’t spell. (ducks)
The second one from the left is freaking hot. The others, not so much.
Heck, I just post the weekly trivia column, and offer my pithy commentary on the odd topic or three that I find interesting. Otherwise, I read this site on a very regular basis (more than once a day, and thank the Gods that I have a job that lets me do that).
My main goal is to try not to deserve the Continent of Insults. (That thing is scary!)
Wherever this board goes, the old Commissioner follows. I’ve come to like and enjoy the time I spend here, and hope to do so for a long time to come.
Just let me say how much I love this place and all that it has done in exposing stolen valor assholes like my pos brother! When I was searching for help, any help in exposing my pos brother, this was the one and only place that really took up the cause. I can’t tell you how much it means to me when you all comment and encourage me to keep up the good fight! It has given me the strength to keep on fighting to get him put in prison. I love everyone of you here and I enjoy all of your comments on both sides of the fence. Hell, even Lars is funny to read! Please keep up the great work and don’t take away my Happy Place!
I agree, WW. And I’ve come to really love your posts. You never end one without a relentless assault on your brother. Maybe someday you’ll get to do the happy dance. If I knew ANY of my four siblings felt that way about me, I’d hide under a rock for the rest of my life. Apparently, I’m different from him. Keep up the good fight!
I’ve always liked the blog the way it was and the way it is. I’m not always in sync with everyone here, I’m also one of Hardin’s aforementioned non-believers. I’m more libertarian/anarchist than I am hard right, or at least that’s how I think of myself which is why I have an ability to upset people from time to time with my commentary. There are many good comments above, and many excellent observations about how the blog has evolved into something a bit different than when Jonn was full on in charge. Someone pointed out that there weren’t many military posts in the last couple of days and only a couple SV type posts. Things like Ginsberg, the wall, etc..so sure those aren’t strictly military but they affect those of who no longer serve in rather dramatic ways in our non-government private sector lives. The core group of posters who are here regularly I respect their words and their thoughts, I might not always agree and I might disagree with some rather un-flowery language but hard right? I’m not thinking that is what is happening here. Posts had devolved previously into something ugly and Jonn would simply state, enough we can’t continue on this post this way for this reason. I think we were all good with that. No one wants to put the admins at risk for litigation. Having been litigated for being dumb enough to act as a volunteer for thirty years dealing with kids I can appreciate the hassle of needless and baseless litigation. The mainstream identifies right and left far differently than reality IMHO these days, people like Pelosi are hardly leftists (think corporatist hack) and people like Trump are hardly right wing conservatives. Hype by opponents has become incrementally more extreme and that drives the MSM to label non hard right and non hard left as both of those things. The kerfluffle over Cortez’s tax plan is a great example of nonsense being overblown. Because no one reads the details anymore they just equate a person with a point of view or a left/right label… Read more »
VOV, I’ve always enjoyed your comments. There have been many times I’ve disagreed with your views, and learned from them at the same time. You might have even changed my position once or twice. That’s how discussion is supposed to work. Thanks for that, don’t go changin’.
I second that even if I don’t post as much as I used to.
Thank you for the kind words, I too learn a great deal here and appreciate the feedback negative or positive. I don’t get pissed off by disagreement I consider that either I’m wrong or I failed to articulate my viewpoint correctly or persuasively enough. I’m okay with either truth, being wrong is how we learn not to be wrong. Failing to express ourselves persuasively is how we fail to sell the things we believe in to those who could help us advance our concerns.
For the record, my wife is concerned that the positive feedback will only motivate me to write more, she is constantly reminding me about taking care on social media as many of my followers include former players and their families and my old school infantry instructed language might be inappropriate for that audience.
Thankfully this audience isn’t triggered by the use of some profanity laden observations…
My wife has been a long suffering audience for my odd world views, TAH takes away the brunt of the self expression that results from those world views and allows her to concentrate on her own hobbies without constant interruptions.
Well, things like Ruthie and the wall are very important to me, I like the different posts like that. They mean something to me. I even like cooking Thursdays, and I’ve used more than a few delicious recipes. We aren’t a mainstream community. It’s hard to define. I don’t know how TAH could be modified to attract ‘more’ people or advertisers without watering down the basic essence of the original, or even current TAH. Or a relentless onslaught of trolls. Sock puppets are fun. Tolls aren’t, and require dedication to eradicate. The passing of Jonn threw a wrench in the machine. I’ve noticed a bit of a disturbance, but the inner circle stepped up and continued the mission as best as possible. So this is probably a relevant post and conversation. I’ve hardly posted since Jonn passed. It shook me. But maybe now is the time for the rest of community to step up, lest we end up with something ‘different’. Admins: What can I do to assist?
I have been reading here for a long time. I don’t comment much, but when I got real sick several folks here helped greatly with their support. I found out no one cared about my politics or religion. I only served six years, but there seems to be a bond at this site I truly love. According to the metrics applied by the current climate in the country I am a right wing racist asshole. So be it. This half Hispanic racist has gay people in the family and more than enough lefties to last a lifetime. I still love them. I don’t generally agree with them but, who cares. I also don’t agree with every thing I read here. That’s what I like about this place. I feel if one has an opinion, let it fly if you want. Just don’t be a dick about it and be respectful of others. Just my two cents. Hope this made sense. I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer.
My guess is that you haven’t seen the other knives, pal. Who, but a sharp knife could make these legendary statements:
“They took away our staplers in Macho Grande. Not to mention our move to the basement. To this day I have a drinking problem.” charles w 24 Oct 2018
“Go long on popcorn futures.” charles w 20 Nov 2018
You’re too kind.
“Just don’t be a dick about it and be respectful of others”
Now that belongs under the FNG tab.
Late to the comments. What attracted me to TAH in the first place was the irreverent, open and freewheeling discussions. It is a place where almost everyone wrote that proverbial check to support and defend the Constitution. Yes, we lean right, but that comes with the territory. TAH is, IMHO, unique. I would love to have drinks and a meal with everyone here. (If in NM, let me know).
I’m not there, but I can get there!! 🙂
Just a polite comment from a non military person. Have read this blog for maybe 8 years, have learned things I did not know, and have spewed liquid on the keyboard many times (mostly due to ChipNasa and some others). Nobody in here is political in a bad way, the only time someone gets their ass handed to them is if they make shit up (Lars), and stolen valor matters and needs to be dealt with. At least TAH was finally lucky enough that some assholes could not fly his plane properly. So leave TAH as it is. Jonn would like it the way it is.
“comment from a non military person”
Best kind.
Your feedback is welcome.
Yeah and I could not even spell TAH properly, flipping facepalm, or being a dane and blondish, good grief, sorry
There, fixed that for you.
Snort, oh and bite me
This seems like the presentation of a false dilemma with the choices limited to either TAH becoming mainstream, at the cost of free expression, or turning into a semi-private and non-moderated discussion group. Apparently this is driven by the poster’s fear of litigation resulting from some commenter on TAH calling a target of TAH ire a, for example, “cocksucker” and having that target whine to a court. For what it’s worth, and as a suggestion from the journalism playbook, TAH commenters might be advised to use the term “alleged cocksucker” instead of merely “cocksucker.” The prospect of litigation has been an issue for a long time, going back to the precursors of social media such as The Well bulletin board system; the sensible policy for comments has often been that whoever made the comment owns it. To this day, you can browse the comments on Slashdot, among other sites, and find a clear disclaimer that the website itself is not responsible for the content of the commenters. It’s probably also worth considering the potential of real libel liability in the context of having a newly-elected congresswoman call the President a “motherfucker” without any apparent legal blowback. I’d also consider a fair question to be: Why would anybody who currently spends any time hanging out on TAH want it to be mainstream other than for the purpose of a business model driven by the need for more page views? It seems to me what you would get with a mainstream focus, which itself tends to hew demonstrably left, is a pale echo of what the Kardashians said on Twitter, promotion of an LGBTQ agenda on the Huffington Post, or the fawning by the Washington Post over the Clinton struggle to help the march toward one-world socialism. They pick the topic, the rest of us are normally supposed to express an opinion about it only within carefully moderated and supportive parameters. Or risk being accused of hate speech. I also find it curious that the general TAH consensus seems to be that matters on the border are not military related. There are… Read more »
” use the term “alleged cocksucker” instead of merely “cocksucker.””
That would certainly make ChipNASA’s posts a bit longer. Probably lead to terminal carpal tunnel syndrome.
Well I always add ” ALLEGEDLY” in the third sentence because the two before are usually a given to the facts as opposed to opinion.
Maybe sprinkle in a few “pursuant to…”s and “all the facts are not in but at this juncture it appears…”s.
I will just post what the attorneys have to say about who is responsible for what. Section 230 Protections The Bloggers’ FAQ on Section 230 Protections discusses a powerful federal law that gives you, as a web host, protection against legal claims arising from hosting information written by third parties. What is this “Section 230” thing anyway? Section 230 refers to Section 230 of Title 47 of the United States Code (47 USC § 230). It was passed as part of the much-maligned Communication Decency Act of 1996. Many aspects of the CDA were unconstitutional restrictions of freedom of speech (and, with EFF’s help, struck down by the Supreme Court), but this section survived and has been a valuable defense for Internet intermediaries ever since. What protection does Section 230 provide? Section 230 says that “No provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider.” This federal law preempts any state laws to the contrary: “[n]o cause of action may be brought and no liability may be imposed under any State or local law that is inconsistent with this section.” The courts have repeatedly rejected attempts to limit the reach of Section 230 to “traditional” Internet service providers, instead treating many diverse entities as “interactive computer service providers.” How does Section 230 apply to bloggers? Bloggers can be both a provider and a user of interactive computer services. Bloggers are users when they create and edit blogs through a service provider, and they are providers to the extent that they allow third parties to add comments or other material to their blogs. Your readers’ comments, entries written by guest bloggers, tips sent by email, and information provided to you through an RSS feed would all likely be considered information provided by another content provider. This would mean that you would not be held liable for defamatory statements contained in it. However, if you selected the third-party information yourself, no court has ruled whether this information would be considered “provided” to you. One court has… Read more »
Dave, something else which likely comes into play when Section 230 has a gray area are those precedent libel protections the news media has used for a long time. One is that the truth of something is a solid defense even if it might be embarrassing to somebody.
Another protection is that public figures are usually exempt from claiming libel; it’s a reason the Motown congressional witch will likely get away with calling the President a mofo. One could also argue that those who use stolen valor to promote themselves on social media either are, or have sought to become, public figures.
Still another protection is the factor of “absence of malice” which means that a simple error of fact does not by itself constitute libel. In this instance, TAH might make a mistake in the ID of somebody but it’s unlikely it would be considered defamation particularly if TAH acknowledged and corrected the error.
“calling the President a mofo”
Mofo…aren’t we all really? If ya don’t state it in the oedipal context….we’ve all done it.
…and given the choice between shagging Representative Rashida Tlaib and my mother, well….my mom’s kinda hot.
Have a seat on the bench, IDC SARC. The therapist will be with you momentarily…
So what you’re saying, is if I submitted a comment that Lars has never had sexual knowledge of farm animals, the aforementioned individual could not sue the blog for defaming his character.
Perry, I’m with you on the dismissive attitude of so many people that the border situation is not a military problem. If that’s the case then why do (and have done historically) most countries use their military or paramilitary organizations for that purpose?
When hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of unvetted foreigners are crossing our borders illegally, that is an invasion, pure and simple, and stopping invasions is most certainly among the legitimate duties of the military in any country, including this one.
Poe, the numbers are not something to ignore. Current estimates are around 800,000 per year, or more than 2,000 per day. It’s estimated that California, the state with the largest population in the country, is now 10 percent illegal alien.
From the time I was a small child, I was taught that the sovereignty of this country we call home is a valuable legacy many good people have died for. It’s not something you piss away because the New York Times or Washington Post is now too spineless or corrupt to offend a potential anti-American foreign readership.
I also find it highly offensive that those of us sent to Viet Nam to halt the communist goal of world domination are now labeled as racists if we’re not in favor of open borders. The shooting of Ronil Singh by Gustavo Arriaga isn’t an anomaly; it’s part of an emerging trend.
BAM!!!
^Ditto^
Went searching to see how long I’ve been lurking around the site. Dang, it’s been a long time. Site ain’t broke, so don’t fix it.
I’ll second that(for what it’s worth)
Late to the game on this…
I agree: “Site aint’t broke, so don’t fix it”…
Agreed. I’d hope there are no big changes. But site managers/admin are the only ones who can determine what they can/should put up with.
I love this place, like 5th/77th FA I lurked for a long time before posting and “came out” as it were after a medical, career ending setback gave me lots more free time.
Though there is less stolen valor cases coming up now, I think the only reason the character of the site seems to have changed (in the articles as well as the comments) is that there isn’t a single editor now. Jonn was the clearinghouse for all the articles. He wasn’t often vocal in the comments, but he’d step in a keep people in check when things were starting to stray too far.
This isn’t necessarily a bad change. I still enjoy visiting several times a day. Running a site like this, doing the articles, and monitoring the comments is at least a single full time job.
I love this place, like 5th/77th FA I lurked for a long time before posting and “came out” as it were after a medical, career ending setback gave me lots more free time.
Same here.
Since discovering TAH a few years ago, it quickly became the first site I visit – every day without fail. Additionally, my bride of 47 years insists we read the FGS daily. She’s perverse that way and I guess I am too.
One question being posed is, “What do you like about TAH?” My reply is simple: Generally, with only a few exceptions, those who post and comment here are people who are secure with themselves, have a solid moral code, stand up to their principles, and are unafraid to express their opinions. In short, I quickly came to respect this group as a whole. Being secure with one’s self and standing up for time honored principles is no small thing. This appears to be in short supply these days. The lack of backbone in our society has led to some awful changes to our society. Most who come here have backbone.
Yes, the posters/commenters here may be a voice in the wilderness, but it is a voice that gives those of us on the edges of TAH the courage to continue the fight against non-sense. So softening TAH to appeal to a bigger audience would be counterproductive. If I see TAH loosening its backbone to be more ‘inclusive’ to the f**kheads out there, you will lose someone who fights them (in my own way).
Because the TAH core principles have remained the same since Jonn’s passing (RIP), I am still very happy with TAH. The military preaches honor and courage, and these are well expressed by the TAH crowd. The military’s goal is to eradicate the enemy. Pacification only works after the enemy is defeated. I view any move away from TAH’s core values as pacification long before the war is won.
Well said.
Last comment, I can’t wait for Ex to make her comment. Popcorn
I want to know if she recommends putting ketchup on meat loaf before baking 🙂
FWIW, I like it that way and sometimes put oatmeal in the mix, other times torn up pieces of bread… wouldn’t want to lose a drop of the fat from that delicious meat! Bell pepper works, too. Lots of onion, maybe even some dry onion soup mix.
I use ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. I put it on about a half hour in the oven.
Good plan, avoid burning the sugar in the ketchup. I usually put the Worcestershire sauce in the mix but on top sounds good too.
Both of you pray Ex likes this, or else
Haha, we’re trying to bait her into the conversation!
Mustard, too, for tang
Barbecue sauce works well too. MRS D wrapped a meatloaf in bacon once, I was fairly certain I’d died and gone to heaven.
Credibility to whom? Since John died this blog turned into random musings for cooking and other retarded shit. How about we keep it as what it was intended instead of trying to peruse mainstream appeal to shitheads it was never for? Just a thought.
I miss the stolen valor posts that this domain was known for. Going PC for advertising and trying to fit in with people that will never accept you is foolish.
Well said Sir.
Word
Poetrooper said what I think very well, as usual. Health issues and time on my hands brought me to this site years ago and of late, health issues have kept me away. Yet on my worst days, just reading the comments of my TAH family lifts my spirits. I have and will continue to support our site monetarily. Which reminds me, I am long overdue in donating. I understand that SV articles are the ones that we love best since we take one more down. At the same time, they are potentially the most litigious of articles.
I do hope we can continue Jonn’s legacy. But then again, it was Jonn who moderated and he did that full time. That is a lot to ask of someone who may still be working even part-time.
I certainly don’t have the answer folks. I can though tell you that I love this site and the family I have found here. I have called as many cocksuckers, turds, queefs, and assholes as anyone I guess. Could I do without that language? Yes. Does that language often more succinctly summarize my views? Without a doubt.
Having written what I have I will leave these greater decisions to the greater minds here. Those who are more closely involved and have more skin in the game than I.
I’m going to break my “dead people” rule. “If Jonn were here…” won’t change what we do now because this IS now. That being said–Jonn of all people would not change a thing here. He was the hardest of the hard. And although I don’t comment nearly as much as I used to since my dead person left me in a not so great financial state, everyone who has stepped up here to carry the mantle at TAH to carry on have kicked ass. If it ain’t broke, don’t try fixin’ it, FFS! And I mean that with as much dickweed love as I can muster. #dickweed2006
It’s good to see a few commenters here who commented years ago and then…poof. I sometimes wonder whatever became of this one or that and I hope each is well–but that’s not the way life works. Still, it was very good to see some of the old names back.
Just for the record, when I stop commenting, I do so with notice…and then, after some months, drag my sorry ass back here. So, the point is that if I ever disappear for an extended length of time w/o giving prior notice, I’ve taken permanent residence in a VA Cemetery.
I always enjoy reading your comments 2/17 Air Cav and you are missed when you have given notice in the past. Thank you for your thought out, straight to the point and meaningful comments.
I consider 2/17 to be the TAH resident curmudgeon. I really mean that in a good way. The shit he comes up with routinely has be blowing coffee out my nose … aah, coffee.
Value all who contribute here, even Yef and Lars, who occasionally makes a valid comment. The issue with Lars is that he has so eroded his validity, whatever he says is often attacked and discounted. Yes, he does occasionally make a valid point. I value all input. If we are all the reiteration of each other, what is the point?
You da man 2/17 Air Cav! I’ve always liked you Brother.
Ditto bud.
We’ve chatted once or twice.
I don’t comment every day, in fact I’ll often go weeks without commenting.
You know, Cav, you’ve hit on something there that applies to all of us with that, “I wonder what happened to old so and so.” Maybe we ought to have a roll call post occasionally to see who’s still hanging around but not commenting.
I’m serious–one of the editors should put up a roll call post and we all just sound off with nothing more than a “Here, Sir!” or “Ma’am!” or maybe a brief update on what’s been going on with us if we so choose.
Leave the post up at the bottom of the page for a few days for a better chance of getting those who don’t check in daily. Like you, I’m usually here on a daily basis but I do miss occasionally, such as if I’m traveling, or perhaps when I’m dealing with a medical problem.
I think such a periodic roll call post might expand the TAH spirit of camaraderie, which is already strong here, to include those less vocal than you and I are but still active members of Jonn’s regiment.
Just a thought…
“Jonn’s regiment.”
That should be made into a morale patch.
Morale Patch
Coin
Fundraiser ideas, eh?
Great idea!
One of the things discussed is we have no idea how many people use the site regularly.
By my estimation, there are about 40-50 regular posters. Not sure how many lurkers (mean that in a good way – read but don’t post). Then how many stop in from time to time.
Would be great to get a good feel for these numbers.
“we have no idea”
so basically, I’ve been masturbating in another room all this time for nothing.
Damn… where’s the brain bleach!?!?!?!
I naturally assumed you’d masturbated in ALL the rooms.
Check your Control Panel, you may find a detailed list of every contact made, replete with the ISP and routing of the visitors.
That is an excellent idea Poe. I will post a TAH Roll Call this week.
BZ!
Well I certainly didn’t expect action that quickly, OS2. Thank you.
A little advice, if I may: Be sure to state the purpose clearly–that everyone who views the post is welcome to respond but we especially want to hear from those who formerly posted but haven’t in a while.
Great idea, Poe.
If I can help to move things along okay. I believe in chemtrails. There I said it. I use the constant flow of vinegar added to my humidifier to dispell the effects. Whew! Man, that was hard to own and write! Not it’s out there and I feel lots better. The upside though is I only have to put oil on my salads.
I love this site.
NOW it’s out there…
Fat fingered bastard.
I blame everything on you, I was completely normal and socially respected until I followed your example.
Thats my story.
Some people will be surprised to learn that they are missed, that their absence is noted by others. I don’t whether it will work. In fact being the rosy optimist that I’m not, I doubt it will work. Still, it might and, in any event, I like Poe’s idea.
C. Long, or clong, can kiss my royal ass. On the other hand, I wonder what became of Carlton G. Long.
Is it just me or has anyone else noticed that both ExPH2 AND AnotherPat have both been AWOL for the last little while? Curious.
If AP shows up with gravy on his chin, or with beans and sausage breath, we’ll know something.
ExPH2 broke her computer. She is without the ability to speak to anyone online.
Enjoy the peace and quiet, she has been txting me to find out what is going on.
Another Pat will not sober up until Friday, detox is a bitch.
You are a good friend, indeed, to cover for them Dave Hardin.
Was the price of your silence a skillet of gravy and pan of biscuits, or some fuzzy slippers to match your robe?
Your secret is safe with me.
The thing is, the “MSM’ is not neutral; it is hard left progressive and merely serves as a propaganda arm of a political faction of neo-fascist culture warriors that attempts to stifle dissent through public shaming and mobbing, similar to the tactics of the Chinese Communist Red Guard.
The voices here are mainly old school God and Country pro-military conservative and we should not let ourselves be sucked into trying to please the leftwing cultural fascists in it’s fake guise of “neutral reporting”. They aren’t our friends.
It’s a suckers game always trying to please the ever shifting goal posts of the censorious, Social Justice neo-fascist left; they aren’t interested in being inclusive of us; they want us to shut up and self censorship is one of the games they play by calling us “racist/homophobe/sexist/bigots” because we disagree with their politics. Well, fuck them and fuck that.
As Andrew Breitbart said to the left and the press: “Fuck you. War.” They don’t deserve our consideration.
I know, I know. I shouldn’t sugar coat things.
Go to 1:45 of this video, or watch the whole thing.
https://youtu.be/reIxxGVxuwE
This is turning out to be what is probably the biggest most cantankerous post in the history of TAH, a history that I am proud to be a part of, in a small but pleasant manner. I’ve stopped posting politics on my FB page as I realize that I am not going to change anyone’s minds and with the strength of my convictions, there is nobody on planet Earth that will talk me out of mine. All the arguing there and here is really a waste of energy that could be put toward other great things, like beer, whisky, dancing girls etc… Where I come down on things is pretty simple, I am pro-life and I can prove it… Twice. I have been blessed with three of the most beautiful daughters, the first two were models, published no less, the third one is the Valedictorian of her High School Class and will be moving to Austin in the year and attending one of the fine schools here to become a Pediatrician, she’s so smart, she will make it too… There was a chance to end those two at one time, but I decided that I have always been pro life and no matter what else I did, I had to remain true to that belief. It took all of about 1/10 of a second to make that choice standing in the abortion mill… The answer was not just no, it was FUCK NO !!! That in itself demands that I take a conservative line on everything as if you are a liberal or a cafeteria Catholic you are occupying the place in the middle of the road where you’re gonna get hit by a bus….. And you’re gonna look pretty stupid trying to tell God that you love everyone more than any of us Conservatives could possibly love them… And then he’s going to ask you about the 65 million+ dead babies since Roe V. Wade…. You’re gonna look real dumb and embarrassed trying to put that one over on him… Yesterday I was at the VA in a group… Read more »
Extra Admin, did we meet in DC during the counter-protests, at WRAMC, swill beer and or drinks across the river in one of the Alexandria motel/hotel drinking establishments? How about Wintersoldier2 @ the Geo. Meany C.O.L., Silver Springs? I met many people at any of those events, if you were involved in any of them, you surely would had face time with me. I was the guy that wore the black and white leather jacket with USA on the sleeves and big US Flag on the back, couldn’t miss me. 🙂 Moving along now…. Been coming here since Jonn started it (2006ish – 2007) IIRC after more than a few episodes of being banned from the Chron and other sites we inhabited on a regular basis doing verbal battle with moonbats. Used to run a blog called “Streetsweeper Chronicles” on Google’s blogger thingie until they shut me down in 2010. A number of us “old timers” also hung out on Sampley’s old blog and most likely where many of us first became acquainted before coming home to hang out with what used to be considered as the “farm team” for BlackFive. Seen a lot of people come and go here over the years. A lot and a few changes happen too. Jonn was THE platoon leader, bestowing “dickweed status” upon all of us and was highly respected. Going to make this clear. I don’t recall being told by Jonn on the phone or in person (or reading until as of late) that one had to have been awarded a CIB or earned a ECIB to be a member of his platoon. Pretty f’ng sure Jonn’s philosophy was whether you were Enlisted, NCO or Officer or active duty, all are welcome here. Now, as far as changing up the game. Leave it like it is and everybody donate monthly or however. Now that my retirement is underway, my budget is set up and nothing going on, how may I assist TAH? Contribution will made every month from here on out. Okay, now that I’ve sounded off, you dickweeds get your footlockers,… Read more »
What you say is all true, street. But, I am still confused about a few things here.
Does EA own this place now? If not, then why would EA presume to speak for what is needed, how much it might cost, or what any of us might owe as a monthly allotment? If EA is the techno wizard behind the scene, why the inquisition? And the attempt to place us in a hard right box of misfits, or under any other label, for that matter?
After reading the comments, which were all quite helpful – including yours – there may be two separate subjects that got conflated. [1] One issue is the physical nature of where the site resides. It may or may not stay the same but there are important things that need to be nailed down before this can be finalized. This will hopefully be something that happens behind the scene and readers and article authors will see no difference. Remember when we all thought Twinkies were going away and there was a run on Twinkies and people were paying unbelievable prices for them? Then another company saw the popularity and took them on. Lawyers and business people signed papers and life returned to normal. The only downside was the people that paid high prices for a box of Twinkies. Maybe they didn’t like Twinkies so much as they thought they could sell them later for even higher. [2] The second issue is the look and feel of the blogs, and the personality of the community. This was what I was getting at because personally, I’ve done all I can behind the scenes but there are things I cannot control. My post was not designed to grab the steering wheel, but rather, to get input and answer important questions that in turn may stimulate things enough to allow for the forward movement of subject #1. So, it sounds like the consensus is to keep it the same with no changes. Can the assumption be made that people are happy with the content? Feel Good Stories, Recipes and Blast from the Past type posts? There have been changes in this regard since Jonn’s death and we are accounting for the silent, grumbling masses hiding in the shadows. Speaking for myself, this is your chance to say something. I’d rather you say something than privately decide TAH is not the same and you move on from your morning reading and commenting. The reality is – given time restraints and the nature of cases – that there may be less Stolen Valor cases. It is a… Read more »
Blast from the past is a waste of time unless the topic is about a poser restarting their misdeeds. Then it’s a valid post.
References to someone xxxx still in jail – pointless – we already know being a scumbag has consequences.
Recipes – harmless.
The Valor posts are good.
We can’t cross-pollinate with Guardians of Valor or Green Beret to share their content, much like we do with Military Phonies? Also the associated sites in Canada or the UK, even Reddit? Or do contributors just search for and find articles and send them in?
old98z wrote: “We can’t cross-pollinate with Guardians of Valor or Green Beret to share their content, much like we do with Military Phonies?”
The landscape is changing. Guardians of Valor closed their doors. Guardians of the Green Beret – we have and expect that to continue. GotGB and Don Shipley specialize in SF and SEALs, respectively.
MP does SEALs but the investigator(s) are holding off to a large degree until directional issues are clear – hence, this post.
Finally, why not just say comments/posts related to politics/politicians go into the open forum posts?
Between the mid week and Friday open forum post that should be enough opportunity to vent and call names.
Those that want to read the blog but have had enough politics can skip those posts.
Stories about gunz and the inconsistencies in gun controlon the other hand tend to be more fact related and often contain good info on laws and gun related studies.
I would like to see a daily open forum, or at least several times a week. It’s a place for us to just chew the fat, tell lies and ridicule each other. I also like to drag into TAH an occasional ‘On This Day In Army/Navy/USMC/USAF/USCG History’ so and so happened. If the consensus is that these are not well received, I will DC them. I enjoy the Valor Posts. I realize there is no way you can have daily or even weekly new posers. Bringing them in from other sites is OK. Tell us what it is we can do to ensure the continuance of this site.
HMC Ret – I’d like to answer your question about Valor posts.
I need to collect my thoughts to do so adequately so I’ll try it in the morning.
No, I don’t “Remember when we all thought Twinkies were going away and there was a run on Twinkies and people were paying unbelievable prices for them?” I don’t run in a crowd whose lives revolve around Twinkies.
Several have suggested that if you have a point to make, just make it. Most of us have btdt and simply don’t have enough time left to play games.
Most of us also understand that it takes a while for everything to settle after the dramatic loss we had last year. Most of us also understand that there are multiple levels of consideration, some of which will be dealt with concurrently with other considerations and others which must be taken in sequence.
For instance, the owners of this site are the ultimate and only arbiters of the future of this site and how we get there. The rest of us are only along for the ride, if and as long as they allow it.
Back when this crisis began, we were advised that it could take a couple of years for the dust to settle. The consensus then seemed to be that we all understand that dynamic and are willing to be patient as it unfolds.
A bunch of folks have stepped up to fill in as decisions are made by the principle parties. I am not one of those people, but I am one of the common folk who committed to riding this out because the cause we are involved in (the exposing of phonies) is worth it.
So, my continuing thanks to everyone who is working to get where we need to be. We are not there yet. Sometimes the process is very uncomfortable. But, we are still a family, of sorts, with all the warts that every family has.
The niche that Jonn carved out for us is worth the effort it takes to maintain it.
This blog was great when the focus was on Stolen Valor. Commentators offered details to explain discrepancies in documentation and often that lead to interesting stories about units, military history and unique individuals.
Jonn had a touch for bringing up anniversaries of significant dates and battles and reminiscences of comrades lost and wounded.
The blog was a wealth of knowledge from folks that had ‘been there’ and were dedicated to exposing fakes and posers and celebrating service.
This place had a mission and was a service to the public and I was happy to contribute donations and story ideas.
I agree with those in earlier comments that say the blog has gotten out of that lane.
When I look in now there are political rants, recipes and open topic posts to fill space.
As much as I respect the veterans here for their service and dedication, the noise, labels and redundant and duplicative insults outweigh the good.
If the blog continues the way its been going, it will probably need a subscription model to survive.
Extra Admin was right to attempt to address questions about the character of this blog. At times this places seems pretty partisan and strident and that is probably suppressing dialogue and chasing people off. Some people here can be vindictive and petty at times.
And for all of those going on about cockmeat sammiches and getting pounded in the ass in prison – rape is a crime, not punishment. Hopefully you or yours won’t get locked up on some charge so you find out.
Regarding the incoming insults, I’m an ASSHOLE,, not a snowflake.
My view is simple. The rudder of the USS TAH is broken. Editorial and content controls are gone. The mission is no longer understood. As a commenter and contributor of many years (lurked from the beginning and came out online in DEC 2011) I feel as though there is little space for my input and ideas.
Recently I commented here at TAH on a subject I have direct knowledge of, in fact I am a recognized international expert on the topic. Apparently at least one person did not like what I wrote.
One of the TAH handlers with admin rights announced on the blog they would contact me. Contact me they did via my GOV email, and in an attempt to school me with vulgarity and conjecture I have realized sadly TAH is not what it used to be.
I don’t know who Extra Admin is, but I did know Jonn. Jonn was veteran centric and so was his blog. The above article would not have passed Jonn’s editorial or content review.
I found the comment above about the photos odd and pointless … sucked the oxygen and argument straight out of the topic.
I’ve always valued your ideas and input. You even shared them with me face to face.
We shared a table and ate hamburgers. I sat on the other side of your better half.
I was fascinated when the service dog really took a liking to someone in your family.
Looked forward to the results of a meeting that was supposed to occur the next day but was OBE.
Photos – OK, noted. Tried to inject some humor to lighten it up – didn’t work.
ROG ALL
Despite our disagreements on many topics, your inputs are something I tend to stop and read even if just skimming through posts. I think one of the troubles of blogs is that typically when people agree with something, they say nothing.. but when they disagree, they say a whole lot. I’d be inclined to think your input is almost universally seen as welcome, and the few times you get responses to the contrary are the exception, not the rule.
And to that end, an admin writing your personal mail to school you is obviously a big red flag. If I’m being generous, my hope would be they simply wanted to engage and debate in their new role – an error, but a well-intentioned one. I think these are things the new admin team will figure out in time, it just takes a little while and a few acts of stupidity first. All in all, I have no doubt they want what’s best for the blog.
To get to my main point: you didn’t become a MCPO by accident. It’s because you have experience and knowledge that made you a valuable contributor to the Navy. That applies equally here, so speak up. As part of the non-admin community, I think this is a wake-up that some of us need to acknowledge the input of people we enjoy reading, not just complain about those we don’t.
Hear hear! Well said, LC. I’d hate to see you leave, Master Chief.
MCPO NYC USN Ret. – I had wondered why you had not been around much lately… stunned that you would have been treated in that fashion by someone.
Absolutely stunned…
Unsat
I genuinely appreciate the expertise others bring to this site. I know certain things, but every one of you knows things about which I am clueless. When you relate your experiences during warfare, for instance, I take a back seat because I’ve never BTDT. Contacting a poster should be reserved for those who make egregious comments. This is especially true when the person contacted is a recognized subject expert. As others have said, I’ve noticed that some are quick to call to task the comments of others. There is a fine line between being witty and being mean spirited. I’m not suggesting we have a kinder, gentler site, but perhaps we should reserve our venom for the posers whose stories we highlight. I don’t see us going back to the good old days b/c ferreting posers is a job unto itself. It took Jonn a great deal of time and I don’t know if those currently at the helm are prepared to make that commitment. I would like for this issue to be addressed. Do the current skippers of this site have the necessary time to ferret posers, or will they be primarily brought in from other sites? Blessings, HMC Ret …
I know one thing – if this blog implodes, phildo wins, Psul wins, forgin’ Frank wins, sLuRp CoMeTh wins, every dirtbag that got called out and made internet famous for stolen valor wins (Birbath can’t win, he’s underground). What kind of a legacy to Jonn would that be?
I am not too fond of the fact this place has become a shill for the president. I am not too sure Jonn would have allowed the blog to go in that direction, but who knows, maybe he would. Being so partisan cuts down on people willing to visit / post. I get enough about the president, 24 / 7 / 365. It’s inescapable. If it’s not a vet issue, why does it need to be brought up here? Is this site going to be some kind of news source? Does it all have to be trotted out here, especially if the blog is to remain vet issue focused?
I like the active duty and retiree issues that get brought up here. It’s fun to read the perspective of vets from the Vietnam era all the way through the AFG era. I haven’t found that any place other than here.
And BTW, if you want to get the ghey stuff off the blog, put the USN corpsmen in a corner and don’t let them out. They are the ones fixated on homoerotica. Everything from prison ghey whey shakes to BTJT man meat deli sandwiches. I guess you can’t really blame them though, since they’ve spent their adult lives looking at the crew’s junk and dreaming about that next silver bullet session.
👍 Well put.
In the IDC community, we compete with each other to see who can be the first to give their respective CO a rectal exam after reporting onboard.
It’s not homoerotic, just really, really weird.
@W2
your comment about the posers winning struck a chord.
Thats a good reason to keep this place trucking and try to bring it back on point.
The plex server idea screams more you tube videos.
Already many people use them to make a point rather than putting out their own written arguments.
Videos of stuff being blown up – okay.
videos of pundits telling us “repubs are good and dimcrats suck” – enough already.
I’d rather see Hardins vacation pictures again or ?King Tut?
Word.
And do not forget the money we raised through this blog to pay the kid with the lemonade stand back.
Roger that!
W2 says,”I am not too fond of the fact this place has become a shill for the president.I am not too sure Jonn would have allowed the blog to go in that direction, but who knows, maybe he would.” Sorry, W2, but that is so far off base it needs a response. I would bet you serious money that if a poll were taken on TAH regarding the President’s popularity, the result would show that, yes, he is seen favorably for his political accomplishments since taking office: His judicial appointments and foreign policy/trade moves, his support of the military and his defiance towards the mainstream media. But you would also find that this approval is only grudgingly granted, primarily due to the often ill-considered manner in which Trump expresses himself and his policies. Most of you will probably agree that I was the most vocal supporter of Trump in the lead-up to the 2016 election, posting many supportive pieces once he became the candidate and Jonn most certainly did allow the blog to go that direction as he vetted each of those pieces before they were posted here. But my support was always tempered with the frequently expressed admission that Trump had not been my first choice for the Republican nomination but now that Hillary Clinton was the Democrat nominee, he was most assuredly my choice. The term, “lesser of two evils” and similar mitigating expressions frequently appeared both in my pieces and in comments on the topic. And that continues to be the situation here at TAH as I see it–the support for Trump and conservatives reflected here is framed in large part as opposition to the bat-shit crazy nature of the Democrats and their destructive policies, not blind shilling to Donald Trump as you seem to believe. Admittedly, there have been comments here from readers who confess that they are surprisingly pleased that, unlike most politicians, Trump has actually kept many of his campaign promises, but I believe it is your use of the disparaging term “shill” that reveals who is truly more politically motivated. You’re still a… Read more »
Agree, wholeheartedly. I would like to see his examples of those that post articles here “shilling” for Trump. The fact that many of us are not infected with TDS does not make us “shills.” I would not have picked Trump as my first choice to oppose Hillary, but few if any of the Republican contenders could have beaten her in the general election, most were too gentlemanly or timid.
Thanks for the compliment. Keep drinking that kool aid.
I can buy a lot of koolaid thanks to the work from this administration 🙂
You haven’t changed a bit since the last time we butted heads, W2, and my comment holds: You’re still a dick.
Or more accurately, a dickhead…
I came here for the SV (and vet humor), not politics. SV is now secondary — Thus why I dont drop by like in the past.
I agree.
Long time lurker, second time poster. Almost daily viewer since early 2009 after may last deployment, then subsequent military retirement (Marines and Army).
I agree that we’ve strayed outside our lane. I fear we’re becoming like many Legions/VFWs (minus the obvious blind eye towards SV), in order to stay busy and interesting we cater to too many and become less of a true Veteran Community. When I first came here I was fresh out of uniform, and my time visiting TAH made me feel more at home. TAH is feeling less and less like home.
Moving forward, I understand the need for $$. Many great ideas have surfaced already, and I’m willing to pony up. But I’m reluctant to pay the bar tab for more politics, non-vet related stories or recipes.
Thanks to all who have kept this ship afloat and have made this site interesting. I’ve never met any of you, but feel like I know most of you.
For EA – have you looked at other blogs for ideas on possible how to handle content? One blog that I do visit regularly is Ace of Spades – during the week they tend to handle the issues that is their mission. On weekends, when the news cycle tends to be slower, they fill it in with a weekly gardening, book, movie, pet and even a chess thread (those are the ones that I have seen – each one published by a different person).
Here’s my suggestion – keep TAH on point with SV and military related issues during the week (the heart and soul of TAH), and on the weekend maybe opening it up to a cooking thread or some other thread(s) that may be of interest to people here.
Just my $0.02…
Good input. Thank you.
Although I provide input, I’m not really the one making decisions on content but I know that the people that do will find this valuable.
In a strange way, the SV content is already decided for us – we can only publish what cases are complete and have merit. There is no predictable flow to that.
Much as we might like to pretend otherwise, this was always Jonn’s blog, and the rest of us were just guests.
I think the problem is that it doesn’t seem that anyone else has the time or the passion that Jonn put into it. SV posts require a lot of work because they can’t go up before they’re vetted and that takes time and energy. This blog would lose all credibility if it “called out” a poser only to find that he was the real deal and they had to retract it.
But as I’ve said above, if all people want to do is discuss the usual issues-of-the-day, then why even come here when there are 10 jillion other places on the Intertoobz to do that?
I can understand the dilemma that the moderators are in: IF they don’t post regular updates or new articles, people stop visiting because there’s nothing new. But if they post articles that go outside the “lane” of being military related, then, again, why come here when there are other places to discuss that stuff?
Much as I’d like to offer a “solution” I don’t know that there is one. It may be that without Jonn as the Platoon Daddy, TAH isn’t viable anymore, at least not in its current form.
I think that you captured it very well. Jonn had a lot of passion and time to be attentive to this blog. It is difficult to expect 7-8 people to hit the same chord, but all have done an excellent job to date. I don’t include myself in that category because I’m mostly a background person. I do what I can on nights, weekends and over lunch but my days are spoken for. As far as Stolen Valor – I’ve discussed my views at length with the appropriate people. The ongoing feuds tended to be with borderline cases. Also, borderline cases did not generate as much discussion. For Example: We had a guy that went to and graduated BUD/S, then went on to a SEAL Team and got kicked out after a few weeks. Did not do the necessary jump quals and that kind of thing. Referenced himself or implied he was a SEAL. To the Team Guys, this is egregious. To the outside public, some being vets, it seemed like splitting hairs. Another Example: Red Beret vs. Black Beret or Green Beret. Tabbed, quota, etc. You Army folks have a unique language of both uniform dress and quals. I can understand and appreciate, but most folks in the civilian world may be hard-pressed to tell you what is the difference between an Army Ranger and a Green Beret. What is the term “Special Forces” reserved for and who has the right to use it? So, in both of these examples – an outsider looking in only hears the back and forth as nit-picking. This is probably because their time and interest only go so deep. I’ve run into several cases that we’ve looked at and not published that have one Purple Heart vs. two that they’ve claimed. There were other contributing circumstances, but sure, the person should be called out but the question becomes – how will we look like as a community if others conclude that he fought in a war and should be given some measure of respect. These are difficult questions. I only had input and… Read more »
So, easy to solve. Let the Lilyea family shut it down, don’t bother with archiving and not have to worry about lawsuits or anything else. Hardin and his crew over at Military Phonies and the others can pickup the flag and continue the mission of SV on their sites.
Yes, we can get our stolen valor fix over at Military Phonies and post our ridicule over there.
I’ve wondered if there is an official connection with Phonies? If so maybe a division of labor is in order?
“…if all people want to do is discuss the usual issues-of-the-day, then why even come here when there are 10 jillion other places on the Intertoobz to do that?”
Well, martinjumper, how about because we want to view and discuss those issues which affect all of our daily lives, with and among those with whom we share common bonds and common histories? What in your estimation is so wrong with that? If you think politics is not a germane military topic here at TAH then I think you aren’t thinking.
I’ll have more to say on this tomorrow. You should read it because you were one of the regulars here who made me feel it was necessary to respond forcefully to your and other’s misguided ideas that politics is not a proper topic for this forum.
Jonn certainly thought it was or he would not have welcomed me here to write on his site. He knew my writing history and how political it was, yet he welcomed me with open arms. Go read his welcoming post–it’s out there on the Web.