Its not a good idea to tell Soldiers deployed you don't support them. We didn't start the war, we are just serving the country. While I don't agree with death treats to this company, I would be agreeable to a boycott. This "just chaps my hide."
SSGT S. Williams
I have been there twice. I know what the troops are doing, and I wish them and the coalition well.
MILWAUKEE - An American GI in Iraq who e-mailed a Wisconsin company to ask for a shipment of some floor mats got a brusque reply: "We would NEVER ship to Iraq. If you were sensible, you and your troops would pull out of Iraq."
ADVERTISEMENT
The two-line e-mail response quickly circulated on the Internet and has led to threats against the Muslim-owned business and demands for a boycott.
Bargain Suppliers, an online retailer based in the Milwaukee suburb of West Allis, shut down its Web site Monday and fired the unidentified employee who sent the e-mail, WTMJ-TV reported.
Co-owner Faisal Khetani, a Muslim from Pakistan, has received threatening calls, the TV station said. An answering machine at a number listed for the business said the mailbox was full and would not accept a message Tuesday.
In an e-mail dated Jan. 16, Sgt. Jason Hess asked about getting floor mats from the company.
"Do you ship to APO addresses? I'm in the 1st Cavalry Division stationed in Iraq and we are trying to order some mats but we are looking for who ships to APO first," the e-mail said.
A response e-mailed the same day said the company did not.
"And even if we did, we would NEVER ship to Iraq. If you were sensible, you and your troops would pull out of Iraq," said the e-mail, which was signed "Bargain Suppliers."
In an e-mail to the AP, Hess said Tuesday the employee's firing did not ease his anger over the original response.
"There should be standards set and upheld (by) the company on responding politely to e-mails from whoever goes to their site," wrote Hess, a 31-year-old Fayetteville, N.C., native who is stationed in Taji, Iraq.
Hess said he wanted some mats to cover the ruts in a concrete floor in a former parking garage or storage unit now used as a conference room.
Bloggers spread the original e-mail exchange far and wide, along with the company's address and phone number. At least one site included a link to a photograph of Khetani's home.
"It's really getting out of control," Bargain Suppliers vice president Sajid Nasir told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "Our main concern is for the safety of the family. That's more important than the business."
West Allis police said they were watching the situation but had received no immediate reports of any vandalism or threats from the Khetani family.
Othman Atta, president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, said the employee's response was inappropriate. He said feared a backlash against Muslims.
"This whole thing is taking on a life of its own. It's making me nervous," he said, adding that the center would increase security.
Sgt. Colby Howser, spokesman for the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas, said it is not unusual for soldiers to make purchases on their own.
"He wasn't ordering for the unit," Howser said. "If the unit needed to purchase something, it would be a lieutenant colonel placing the order, not a sergeant."
My only comment on this was I have never even remotely heard of a Ltc ordering something like this. An Ltc would be ordering a supply sgt. to get it, the backbone of the military would make it happen. Someone is farting in the wind on this. The rest of the story sounds credible.
Unless the Ltc was ordering it for himself. ------------------ Ron Land of the Free because of the Brave. Most gave some, some gave all. My imagination is the only limiting factor to my Fiero. Well, there is that money issue.
[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 01-23-2007).]
Glad the company took action against the employee. It's not the employee's place to express his personal beliefs over that of the company. Before I would boycott the company, I would want to see how they handle this situation. I wouldn't want to condemn the company for the actions of a now-former employee. Now if the owner of the company or the president /CEO had made those comments, then it would change the situation. Thank you Sgt. for going over there and allowing us to retain our freedom here at home. Thank you for doing what you do.
------------------ Whade' "The Duck Formerly Known As Wade" Duck '87 GT Auto '88 Ferrario '84 Indy (8/26/06)
Relax! You've managed to suck all of the fun out of the room.
[This message has been edited by whadeduck (edited 01-23-2007).]
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04:23 PM
htexans1 Member
Posts: 9115 From: Clear Lake City/Houston TX Registered: Sep 2001
its credible and the Sgt who geve his input from Ft. Hood is correct. Officers authorize [unit] purchases, and sign order forms. We also have soldiers who will call and email to "shop around."
S. Williams
------------------ 1988 Fiero Formula T-tops CJB 143 of 1252 "factory T-top cars"
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04:25 PM
Formula88 Member
Posts: 53788 From: Raleigh NC Registered: Jan 2001
Registrant: Faisal Khetani PO Box 270693 Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53227 United States Registered through: Teknon Domains Domain Name: DISCOUNT-MATS.COM Created on: 23-Mar-05 Expires on: 23-Mar-08 Last Updated on: 03-Mar-06 Administrative Contact: Khetani, Faisal sportsfitness@gmail.com 3259 S.106th Street West Allis, Wisconsin 53227 United States (414) 543-9634 Technical Contact: Khetani, Faisal sportsfitness@gmail.com 3259 S.106th Street West Allis, Wisconsin 53227 United States (414) 543-9634
this is a wisconson based company
[This message has been edited by Formula88 (edited 01-23-2007).]
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04:32 PM
Falcon4 Member
Posts: 1189 From: Fresno, CA, USA Registered: Oct 2006
You're perfectly fine not supporting the war - who the hell does - but not supporting the PEOPLE that were FORCED to go there??? That's a massive pile of crap!!
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04:37 PM
88 Formula Member
Posts: 608 From: Baden, PA USA Registered: Aug 2003
They aren't FORCED. They volunteer and swear an oath. They may not like everything they do, but keep their word, even when it may mean risking their life to make yours more secure. Claiming they're forced is really disrespectful to their service. A lot of people have no clue to what an oath means to an honorable person. It means you keep your word, no matter what the personal sacrifice. A lot of people break their word if they encounter a little inconvenience. They have no honor (and they don't even realize what an insult that statement is).
You're perfectly fine not supporting the war - who the hell does - but not supporting the PEOPLE that were FORCED to go there??? That's a massive pile of crap!!
When did you get drafted?
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05:17 PM
ryan.hess Member
Posts: 20784 From: Orlando, FL Registered: Dec 2002
They aren't FORCED. They volunteer and swear an oath. They may not like everything they do, but keep their word, even when it may mean risking their life to make yours more secure. Claiming they're forced is really disrespectful to their service. A lot of people have no clue to what an oath means to an honorable person. It means you keep your word, no matter what the personal sacrifice. A lot of people break their word if they encounter a little inconvenience. They have no honor (and they don't even realize what an insult that statement is).
Othman Atta, president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, said the employee's response was inappropriate. He said feared a backlash against Muslims.
"This whole thing is taking on a life of its own. It's making me nervous," he said, adding that the center would increase security.
Why I am not the least bit surprised that the muslim community is playing the victim card once again? Just like last summer when that extremist went on a rampage in his SUV outside of the Jewish center and all the news focused on is the fears from the muslim community of a backlash. Maybe if they did some housecleaning within their own community they wouldn't have to worry so much about the others.
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05:47 PM
topcat Member
Posts: 5486 From: Charleston SC Registered: Dec 2001
I actually got the original email that Hess sent to the company sent to me by a friend of a friend of a friend... In military circles, word like this spread like wild fire, and the incident really did happen.
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05:59 PM
topcat Member
Posts: 5486 From: Charleston SC Registered: Dec 2001
They aren't FORCED. They volunteer and swear an oath. They may not like everything they do, but keep their word, even when it may mean risking their life to make yours more secure. Claiming they're forced is really disrespectful to their service. A lot of people have no clue to what an oath means to an honorable person. It means you keep your word, no matter what the personal sacrifice. A lot of people break their word if they encounter a little inconvenience. They have no honor (and they don't even realize what an insult that statement is).
Well stated!
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06:06 PM
Jermz238 Member
Posts: 1637 From: Newark, California Registered: Jan 2006
You're perfectly fine not supporting the war - who the hell does - but not supporting the PEOPLE that were FORCED to go there??? That's a massive pile of crap!!
This is coming from one of the fine pieces of crap that recruiters are finding to sign the dotted line.
If I could only go back on the trail for just 8 weeks...His Basic Training cycle.
This is coming from one of the fine pieces of crap that recruiters are finding to sign the dotted line.
If I could only go back on the trail for just 8 weeks...His Basic Training cycle.
I could be wrong here, but I don't think Falcon4 was knocking the forces at all. I think what he was saying is that those who volunteer to enter the forces aren't able to choose which theatres they are stationed in, they just go whereever it is decided they are best needed. He may be a lot of things, but I don't think Falcon is disrespectful of the armed forces. :P In fact, I gather quite the opposite from some of his posts.
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06:40 PM
aceman Member
Posts: 4899 From: Brooklyn Center, MN Registered: Feb 2003
Originally posted by loafer87gt: I could be wrong here, but I don't think Falcon4 was knocking the forces at all. I think what he was saying is that those who volunteer to enter the forces aren't able to choose which theatres they are stationed in, they just go whereever it is decided they are best needed. He may be a lot of things, but I don't think Falcon is disrespectful of the armed forces. :P In fact, I gather quite the opposite from some of his posts.
Gee, I'll look at the 4 enlistment contracts I've signed. Nope, it doesn't say that I get to chose where I am sent and what I am to do. It states that I am to be sent and will do for the needs of the army. Let's see how disrespectful his ass is when he gets deployed over to the sandbox. That should be in about 18 months from now. After 20+ years in the Army and training hundreds of Soldiers, I can spot a POS from a true Soldier.
[This message has been edited by aceman (edited 01-23-2007).]
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06:47 PM
Boondawg Member
Posts: 38235 From: Displaced Alaskan Registered: Jun 2003
After 20+ years in the Army and training hundreds of Soldiers, I can spot a POS from a true Soldier.
I wish there was someone like you there to spot the few rapests, murderers, & sadists that have slipped through the cracks and caused irrepitable damage to our reputation as the bringers of freedom & justice.
Is our screening process lacking? Or is the job itself creating these problems?
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06:55 PM
topcat Member
Posts: 5486 From: Charleston SC Registered: Dec 2001
Is our screening process lacking? Or is the job itself creating these problems?
Neither... The Armed Forces demographics is a mirror snapshot of society. There is not a single soul on the face of the earth without problems, so as a result we get a little bit of everything.
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07:19 PM
Falcon4 Member
Posts: 1189 From: Fresno, CA, USA Registered: Oct 2006
I could be wrong here, but I don't think Falcon4 was knocking the forces at all. I think what he was saying is that those who volunteer to enter the forces aren't able to choose which theatres they are stationed in, they just go whereever it is decided they are best needed. He may be a lot of things, but I don't think Falcon is disrespectful of the armed forces. :P In fact, I gather quite the opposite from some of his posts.
At least SOMEBODY here gets the picture...
In fact, I joined not for this trainwreck of a ****ed-up "conflict" in Iraq but to help actually protect the country... hence why I joined the Guard as opposed to the screw-em-all-and-send-em-overseas Army. Hell, I support the people that got screwed and sent overseas 110%. I COMPLETELY oppose this bastardized piece of crap "war" though. It's more of a "wow, that really sucks, what can I do to help you?" thing.
[This message has been edited by Falcon4 (edited 01-23-2007).]
Originally posted by Falcon4: At least SOMEBODY here gets the picture... In fact, I joined not for this trainwreck of a ****ed-up "conflict" in Iraq but to help actually protect the country... hence why I joined the Guard as opposed to the screw-em-all-and-send-em-overseas Army. Hell, I support the people that got screwed and sent overseas 110%. I COMPLETELY oppose this bastardized piece of crap "war" though. It's more of a "wow, that really sucks, what can I do to help you?" thing.
Falcon4, You have every right to an opinnion, we all do. But, when your NG unit gets activtated and you're sent to the Sand Box, you may see a whole new reality to that you currently perceive. No one in their right minds is in favor of a war. I have several good friends that have served in the Middle East in this conflict, they were not forced to go, most of them are NG. They were volunteer soldiers who signed a contract and stood up and did what they are trained to do. It can and may happen to you also. I'm not suggesting anything except be sure you want to join because once it's done, you to may end up in the Sand Box.
------------------ Ron Land of the Free because of the Brave. Most gave some, some gave all. My imagination is the only limiting factor to my Fiero. Well, there is that money issue.
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10:39 PM
84fierotrevor Member
Posts: 4998 From: puyallup washington Registered: Oct 2001
Gee, I'll look at the 4 enlistment contracts I've signed. Nope, it doesn't say that I get to chose where I am sent and what I am to do. It states that I am to be sent and will do for the needs of the army. Let's see how disrespectful his ass is when he gets deployed over to the sandbox. That should be in about 18 months from now. After 20+ years in the Army and training hundreds of Soldiers, I can spot a POS from a true Soldier.
coming from the same guy that yelled at some lady because she wasn't celebrating veterins day on the right day, so since you have been in the army for 20 years, u can, just by reading a few lines of text typed over the internet, you can absoulty posotivly not only know exactly what he was trying to say and be 100 percent sure you are not understanding it wrong, and then u can judge him to be a peice of **** human? give me a break.
in no way am i saying waht falcon4 is correct in his statement about being forced, because that is obveisly not the case, but I think reading a few sentences of tex, and judging someone to be a piece of **** , is retarded.
[This message has been edited by 84fierotrevor (edited 01-23-2007).]
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10:43 PM
Falcon4 Member
Posts: 1189 From: Fresno, CA, USA Registered: Oct 2006
coming from the same guy that yelled at some lady because she wasn't celebrating veterins day on the right day, so since you have been in the army for 20 years, u can, just by reading a few lines of text typed over the internet, you can absoulty posotivly not only know exactly what he was trying to say and be 100 percent sure you are not understanding it wrong, and then u can judge him to be a peice of **** human? give me a break.
Never before have I thought I'd be saying this, but... welcome to my positive side.
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10:44 PM
aceman Member
Posts: 4899 From: Brooklyn Center, MN Registered: Feb 2003
Originally posted by 84fierotrevor: coming from the same guy that yelled at some lady because she wasn't celebrating veterins day on the right day, so since you have been in the army for 20 years, u can, just by reading a few lines of text typed over the internet, you can absoulty posotivly not only know exactly what he was trying to say and be 100 percent sure you are not understanding it wrong, and then u can judge him to be a peice of **** human? give me a break.
in no way am i saying waht falcon4 is correct in his statement about being forced, because that is obveisly not the case, but I think reading a few sentences of tex, and judging someone to be a piece of **** , is retarded.
No, from numerous of his posts, I can judge that he's currently on the path of a POS Soldier. Never said he was a POS human. blackrams, was more diplomatic and less harsh in the way he said it, but Falcon4 joined for all the wrong reasons and hasn't a clue of what he signed up for. If you notice, I nor topcat or 1mohrfiero DO NOT let our true opinions out of Iraq, Bush or the politics of this conflict. It's not proper nor allowed as a servicemember. After training hundreds of Soldiers, yes, after a few posts, I can place a pretty sure bet. (Although, I have seen some Soldiers do a complete turn-around after Basic Training.)
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11:01 PM
Falcon4 Member
Posts: 1189 From: Fresno, CA, USA Registered: Oct 2006
After all, you do interpret my posts exactly as I intended, and you know about everything I value and honor in the military. You are right there in my head knowing every thought and can tell exactly what I'm going to do, even better than I know myself...
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11:07 PM
Jan 24th, 2007
Formula88 Member
Posts: 53788 From: Raleigh NC Registered: Jan 2001
Why boycott them? They had one dumbass employee, and as soon as they found out about it, they laid him off. Sounds like they did the right thing...?
"Bargain Suppliers, an online retailer based in the Milwaukee suburb of West Allis, shut down its Web site Monday and fired the unidentified employee who sent the e-mail"
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12:16 AM
cliffw Member
Posts: 37862 From: Bandera, Texas, USA Registered: Jun 2003
Originally posted by Falcon4: You're perfectly fine not supporting the war - who the hell does -...
htexans1, question for ya. Also for other service heros. What is morale like? My son-in-law, back from his second tour, supports the war. He volunteered for his second tour. His faith keeps me strong. I would like other opinions. htexans1, thanks for being there. In the sevice that is. Wherever that might be. My freedom is appreciated. Falcon4, why do you not support the war?
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01:03 AM
Falcon4 Member
Posts: 1189 From: Fresno, CA, USA Registered: Oct 2006
Hrm, I really don't want to end up reading any replies by people trying to argue an opposing view, because I am simply stating why I don't support this botched up "war" (actually not even a war... but anyway). In other words I don't want to see any 10-page topic discussing the so-called "reasons" for the conflict in Iraq. If you want to try changing my mind (which will never happen), take it to PMs and get this topic back on track.
It was started darn near 9/11. Bush spent about 10 dollars sending a small handful of people after the person that was responsible for such a horrific disaster on that fateful day, but then promptly forgot all about it and actually betrayed the American peoples' newly-rekindled spirit in order to "finish what Daddy started" in Iraq for oil and politics. He completely forgot about Afghanistan and Osama, and started sending the entire military off to Iraq to "free the people". Yes, the people there lived in a horrible state, with a disgusting ruler/dictator, but who are we to go in there and change it for them? Why do we need to go out of our way to "help" them in the first place? It's a nice thing to do, yes. But did they ask? No... hell, they hated us to begin with, and now they hate us even more. It's as though I went into every person's house and reformatted their computer just the way I like things, just because I want all computers to work the way I think they should. Actually... that's exactly how it is.
So Bush thinks they had WMDs. Or so he says, to make people support him and this "war"... right. We buy it. We go there, bomb the crap out of anything and everything, tire everyone out, find Saddam, but no WMDs. Gas prices shoot through the roof to all-time highs (remember? gas was $0.99/gallon before the war?). Everybody wishes we would just leave. Somehow, in the 2004 election, we manage to get stuck with the choice of "idiot, or moron". We choose the idiot, and promptly regret it as Bush continues to overstretch our military, piss off everyone in our path, get thousands of people killed, millions more pissed off, and let the economy rot.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan, the cause of the 9/11 tragedy, is left forgotten. Bush continues to fight the war in Iraq using our all-but-dead "american pride" to recruit new people to fight the war. Many people, including many Americans, think the USA is a disgusting wasteland of corruption now. While we could just leave Iraq and get back to improving our way of life at home, Bush in his infinite wisdom sets up plans to send even more people to get killed in Iraq. A conflict that many mistakenly call a "war" because for all intents and purposes, that is the way it's being fought. But there has been no declaration of war. Iraq has never attacked us. We attacked them, and continue to do so despite the fact that there is no gain, no winning, and no purpose.
That's why I completely object to this "conflict" in Iraq. Send me to Afghanistan and I'll kick ass all over this planet and back. Send me to Iraq? Well, all I can do is hope that I can get into the Air NG before then, so at least I'll have something to look up to...
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01:22 AM
PFF
System Bot
cliffw Member
Posts: 37862 From: Bandera, Texas, USA Registered: Jun 2003
Regardless of what anyone thinks of the war or policy on Iraq, it simply boils down to a person in the military requesting and being denied something to help make his stay more comfortable while doing what was asked of him by his government. He didn't do anything wrong (to my knowledge).
If you're going to offer a product, then sell the product. If you're going to deny someone your product for whatever reason, then expect to suffer the potential consequences of your actions. Just like the homophobic landscaper (in TX I believe). Just like all other decisions that we make in life, we should weigh the consequences and possible repercussions for our actions prior to making them. As far as the claim that this guy "fired" the employee that sent the email, based on what I saw on FOX reporting that he ran a few web sites out of his house- chances are very good that he was the sender of the email and did not have an "employee" to fire. But, that's just my opinion. I have a strong feeling that he doesn't have the backbone to defend his action. It was nice to see that he finally took down his site as a result of this "mistake."
"Discount-Mats.com is Experiencing Technical Difficulties... If you are inquiring about your order, please contact us via phone or email. Thank you for your understanding & patience."
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01:43 AM
htexans1 Member
Posts: 9115 From: Clear Lake City/Houston TX Registered: Sep 2001
htexans1, question for ya. Also for other service heros. What is morale like? My son-in-law, back from his second tour, supports the war. He volunteered for his second tour. His faith keeps me strong. I would like other opinions. htexans1, thanks for being there. In the sevice that is. Wherever that might be. My freedom is appreciated. Falcon4, why do you not support the war?
Hi! Morale is excellent, even after our unit has been there twice. Our soldiers are well disiplined and said they will go back if needed. As a matter of fact, some of us have even volunteered for another deployment, if needed. And yes, all of us here are in support of the war, and our government. We fight over there, so we DONT HAVE TO FIGHT HERE.
America you are so welcome for giving me the priviledge to serve!!
------------------ 1988 Fiero Formula T-tops CJB 143 of 1252 "factory T-top cars"
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03:54 AM
topcat Member
Posts: 5486 From: Charleston SC Registered: Dec 2001
No, from numerous of his posts, I can judge that he's currently on the path of a POS Soldier. Never said he was a POS human. blackrams, was more diplomatic and less harsh in the way he said it, but Falcon4 joined for all the wrong reasons and hasn't a clue of what he signed up for.
Agreed!
He might be a great person, but as a Soldier, Airman, Marine, Sailor or Coastie... I doubt it. And to make a long response short... if thinking that being in the (Air National Guard) ANG will keep you out of Iraq, you are in for a rude awakening. I spent about an equal amount of time in the sandbox with ANG and Air Reserve members.
They are being activated a whole lot more these days.
Bottom line is if you do not agree with or like what we are doing in Iraq to the point of bad-mouthing the War, do not join any branch of the military, because you will not be able to pick and chose which locations yo deploy to.
Cheers~
[This message has been edited by topcat (edited 01-24-2007).]
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08:20 AM
Formula88 Member
Posts: 53788 From: Raleigh NC Registered: Jan 2001
November 23, 1999 - "World oil prices surged to their highest level since the end of the Gulf War yesterday after Iraq unexpectedly began cutting off its oil exports. Iraq's move was just the latest shock to the world oil market, which has seen prices more than double over the past year. Crude oil prices closed yesterday at just over $27 a barrel, a nine-year high. Less than a year ago, a barrel of crude was selling at a 12-year low of about $11. " http://www.pbs.org/newshour...dec99/oil_11-23.html
Note the dates - before 9/11. While it is true that gas was under a dollar before the war, it's also true to say gas was under $0.40 a gallon before the war - if you go back in history far enough.
As for the rest of your reasons, like I said, that's your opinion. I'm sure the GAO would love to find out how Bush toppled the Taliban for only $10. Imagine how much money we could have saved in Iraq using those same methods! Also, you better hope you don't go to Afghanistan. Since "He completely forgot about Afghanistan and Osama, and started sending the entire military off to Iraq" you'd be the only person there. If you managed to find any American troops there, they might not like your dismissing them or their mission so casually.
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09:20 AM
lurker Member
Posts: 12355 From: salisbury nc usa Registered: Feb 2002
falcon, the simple fact of the matter is, that if you sign up for any service, the chances are very good that you'll go to iraq. the iraqis wont care if you approve of US foreign policy. if, despite your feelings, you can do your job, then fine. if not, then dont sign up.
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09:47 AM
Toddster Member
Posts: 20871 From: Roswell, Georgia Registered: May 2001
Bargain Suppliers vice president Sajid Nasir told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "Our main concern is for the safety of the family. That's more important than the business."
If they were sensible, he and his family would "pull out" of Milwaukee
Originally posted by FieroRumor: I wish people wouldn't overreact so much.
you mean like we're seeing here in the thread? it's a non-problem except that people seem to want to get excited over it. not enough agita in their lives already? or is it addictive and tolerance-generating? more, must have more agita.
