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Politics : Actual left/right wing discussion -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: J_F_Shepard who wrote (4112)	11/3/2006 1:41:05 PM
From: Jim S	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 10087

"he term "Grunts" is not insulting......it is often used as a badge of honor among the foot soldier and rifle platoons......" Correct. It is a term used among the troops. If you think it isn't an insult when used by outsiders, try using the term to a group of vets after you've identified yourself as one who didn't serve his country. I once saw a fairly senior fighter pilot get run out of a civilian bar for calling a vet a "grunt." Just because you hear people use the term doesn't mean you get to use it in the same friendly sense. I think you don't understand the brotherhood. "...Quit pretending that all troops are college degreed and high achievers......" I didn't say that, or even suggest that. What I tried to convey is that GIs are a better class of people than their civilian contemporaries. Smarter, more ambitious, and possessed of a higher sense of morality. "... And once again, I remind you, I am talking about the riflemen, the infantry platoon,the foot sloggers, ie the Grunts....." How can you remind me of something you never said? You used the nebulous term, "combat troops." If you want to specify "riflemen," which I think is a Marine term, it includes ALL Marines. "Marines are riflemen FIRST," and that is drilled into them from their first day of boot camp. With very few exceptions, they all have AT LEAST a high school education. A large percentage will have some college level courses under their belts. If you're talking "infantry," with very few exceptions, they all have AT LEAST a high school education. A large percentage will have some college level courses under their belts. You seem to want to persist in using a term ("grunt") that I told you was insulting to these fine people. So, I assume you won't mind me calling you and those like you "slugs." As a group, GIs are superior to you slugs. "... And btw, I didn't ask you anything." You asked the question without a question mark. You made a false comment regarding the education level of our troops, and indicated you weren't certain, to wit, "...what evidence do you have that he is wrong that the people we have as "combat" troops are not at the lower levels of the academic spectrum..." I was merely attempting to help you overcome your ignorance. Message 22967111 If you slugs need more information, you really should try to learn something instead of making broad statements that only reflect your ignorance. I'm sure the Public Affairs Office at the DOD can help you. Even better, find a few GIs, thank them for their service, and ask about their education levels. If you do that, even you slugs might find out how outstanding the troops who defend our country really are.

To: J_F_Shepard who wrote (4112)	11/3/2006 4:58:41 PM
From: one_less	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 10087

"The term "Grunts" is not insulting...... Gym Expels Members for Grunting By CANDICE CHOI AP ALBANY, N.Y. (Nov. 2) - Some gyms forbid hogging machines and or wearing flip flops. At one gym, grunting is grounds for expulsion. Albert Argibay of Beacon, N.Y. was escorted by police officers from a gym this week for grunting - which is against Planet Fitness' rules for maintaining a non-intimidating atmosphere. "Perhaps I grunted, perhaps I didn't. It's open to interpretation," said Argibay, a 40-year-old corrections officer. He said he had his headset on when he was lifting 500 pounds on a squat machine at the gym in Wappingers Falls, about 80 miles north of New York City. Planet Fitness, which has 120 locations across the country, markets itself as a place where anyone can feel comfortable in its "Judgment Free Zone." Its rules, posted around the gym, state members cannot wear bandanas, grunt or bang weights on the ground. When an offender is spotted, a "lunk alarm" sounds to warn the member. Across its locations nationwide, there is at least one expulsion every two weeks, said Mike Grondahl, CEO of Planet Fitness. He said grunting and dropping weights are the most common offenses. "When somebody's in there and they grunt and they grunt loud, it's trying to bring attention to themselves to show everyone how strong they are," Grondahl said. Argibay emitted the offending grunt Monday evening, a peak time for gyms, said Carol Palazzolo, the gym's general manager. She said she heard it from across the room, even though "the place was a zoo." "He was looking directly at me and he did it four times," she said. "I'm not a doctor, but as far as I know, a grunt is a noise that comes out of one's body that is loud and is intimidating." An argument ensued when she confronted him, and the police were called. Argibay was escorted out, but no charges were filed. "It's an embarrassing situation to be in, over a grunt," Argibay said. Most clubs have policies regarding proper gym manners, although expulsions are rare, said Brooke Correia, spokeswoman for the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association. Grunting might be more taboo in gyms like Planet Fitness, which cater to exercise novices, Correia said. The heaviest dumb bells at Planet Fitness are 80 pounds, meaning it's a place geared toward the general public, Palazzolo said. She didn't know if Argibay was a chronic offender - he'd only been a member since Sept. 27. But it was the first time she kicked a member out for grunting. "I don't know the reason behind grunting or not grunting. But if you need to grunt, you may go and join another gym," she said.