Shorts-Sporting WWII Vets Turned Away from Dallas Restaurant

[stroker-c10]

I have not read the entire thread, however my views stem from the fact that my grandfather served in world war II as well as the Korean police action. I understand where the business is coming from in turning them away. The hostess was following the rules and the blame should not necessarily rest on her shoulders. If the manager / owner turned them away I understand that he has the right to do so. HOWEVER, I believe that these people should realize that the reason they have the right to do such things is because of people such as these veterans. Personally, I dont give a d@mn if they walked in in casual clothing into a 5 star restaurant, if I was the manager I would give them first class treatment simply considering the fact that these people were willing to sacrifice their lives for my rights.

 

[cjjtulsa]

Just an obersvation I've had, and this topic brings it back up:

Are we a country saddled with a national guilty conscience? Compare the extreme 180° swing in attitudes between post-Vietnam and now, where our returning soldiers were spit upon, and now anyone who puts on the uniform is a hero? Do we go overboard as a nation trying to right past wrongs because of the guilt we feel?

And it's not just with the military.

Not trying to stir up feces, just an honest question to an observation of mine.

 

[donner]

Just an obersvation I've had, and this topic brings it back up:

Are we a country saddled with a national guilty conscience? Compare the extreme 180° swing in attitudes between post-Vietnam and now, where our returning soldiers were spit upon, and now anyone who puts on the uniform is a hero? Do we go overboard as a nation trying to right past wrongs because of the guilt we feel?

And it's not just with the military.

Not trying to stir up feces, just an honest question to an observation of mine.

I agree. I think it's funny that all someone has to do is mention that they served and suddenly they would be in a seemingly different class. Don't get me wrong, i respect those that have served. But there certainly were those who served who never saw combat. Had they just been two older gentlemen then few here would question the business' actions.

Service to our country has always taken different forms, with some being more or less impressive than others. Heck, there were thousands of Contentious Objectors (Quakers) who served their country through alternative service during WWII and even COs who served in non combat roles.

I agree that we should take care of our vets. Get them the treatment and attention they need and deserve. But realize their vote does and should count the same as anyone else. If they want to let their experiences influence policy then i urge them to get involved, talk to the public, run for office, do anything like that.

 

[Werewolf]

Why? Them If I go to the restaurant in my shorts and t shirt, shouldn't they make the same exception for me?

Why?

Are you a hero by the real definition of the word? Have you risked your life in the service of your country on a daily basis, seen your friends maimed and/or killed, had your entire life impacted by that service?

If yes then absolutely the restaurant should make an exception for you too.

Like I said we don't live in a digital universe where everything is an absolute, yes or no, black or white and never the twain shall meet.

Personally I like choice and being able to make exceptions based on circumstance.

With out that we might as well all just surrender to the Borg and get those computer chips implanted in our heads for that is what we'd be if we lived in a world of rules are rules with no exceptions ever made.

Question: How many of y'all here taking the no exceptions stance excoriate Zero Tolerance in our schools when a child is suspended because he drew a picture of a police officer with a gun or pointed his finger at a playmate during recess and said bang?

Really? Who among you?

 

[Dave70968]

Question: How many of y'all here taking the no exceptions stance excoriate Zero Tolerance in our schools when a child is suspended because he drew a picture of a police officer with a gun or pointed his finger at a playmate during recess and said bang?

Yes, being asked to leave a restaurant is exactly like being suspended/expelled from (legally-mandated attendance at) school and possibly subjected to legal consequences as well.

 

[ExSniper]

Asking adults to abide by a dress code is hardly a "zero tolerance" policy. It is merely stating a fact that this business is catering to a certain clientele and requires everyone who chooses to use their establishment comply with their dress code. Wolfgang Puck's restaurant is not a fast food joint, it is fine dining.
I served my country in the military for most of my adult life, should I be exempt from the rules? I put on a uniform every day and keep the community safe, should that make me above a business owners rights to set rules in their establishment?
You want to wear shorts and a t-shirt, go to McDonald's. These same gentlemen probably play golf at a club or course that requires collared shirts and I'll bet they don't argue about that!

 

[donner]

Are you a hero by the real definition of the word? Have you risked your life in the service of your country on a daily basis, seen your friends maimed and/or killed, had your entire life impacted by that service?

Is every service member a hero by the real definition of the word? Has every service member risked their life in the service of our country on a daily basis, seen their friends maimed and/or killed?

(I omitted the last part because that realistically applies to anyone who does any job anywhere, it could also apply to anyone who ever lost a friend or family member in service to the country.)

 

[Werewolf]

Is every service member a hero by the real definition of the word?

NOPE...

The term hero is attached to people these days with zero regard for what a real hero is.

 

[Werewolf]

Yes, being asked to leave a restaurant is exactly like being suspended/expelled from (legally-mandated attendance at) school and possibly subjected to legal consequences as well.

The principal is exactly the same in both cases.

In one case a child is suspended or expelled for violating a zero tolerance policy towards weapons by simply drawing one or pretending to use one.

In the other men of exception are refused service at a restaurant because of a zero tolerance policy regarding the way they are dressed.

In both cases the use of a little judgement is all that is necessary to assure that exceptional circumstances are handled exceptionally.

 

[donner]

NOPE...

The term hero is attached to people these days with zero regard for what a real hero is.

i agree. Your earlier post (in response to whitey) seemed to indicate that exceptions should be made for 'real heros', so i am curious how we decide who is and isn't a real hero if we are going to start cutting out special treatment for those who are? Not every service man and woman have laid their life on the line, so do we only excuse those who have?

I agree that the world isn't black and white on such issues, which is why i think it's absurd that people want to say that all vets should get different treatment just because they were employed by the US military. If you want to make exceptions for 'heros' then we have to be clear who is and who isn't a hero, now don't we.