Having a number of friends who are current and ex Military, I am aware of how bad PTSD can be, even if only from an outside perspective. I personally have seen friends have some bad episodes from simple fireworks going off, or other relatively benign seeming triggers.
So imagine my shock when I saw the following posted from a friend of mine who has served.
In regards to this photo
He posted this:
Some of my friends and I were discussing it. And would like a broader range of opinions. How do you feel about this? Personally it never even occurred to me that some peoples reaction would be to tell them to “Man Up” But then again what do I know…
Those signs were featured on the news here last week. Not sure how they are going as i dont use FB. You shouldn’t either, you’ll be happier and live longer… I personally think they are good. Here it’s illegal to pop fireworks inside city limits anyway, but people still do it. The sign is there for folks to see and sadly many folks have never seen the face of PTSD.
I cannot imagine putting that sign in my yard let alone advertising that to the whole neighborhood or limiting some kids right to blow his hand off in the name of fun and the fourth of July.
Lived one door down to a guy who was a combat Corpsman in Viet Nam. His entire property literally resembled heavy jungle - which he landscaped himself. He was a successful salesman in the medical industry. He was, however, not immediately friendly - took several years to build a relationship.
He had warned us not to set off fireworks on the 4th. Wouldn’t you know, a visiting goofball buddy decided the “hell with it” and set off some fireworks. Dude flipped and went nuts. Almost pounded the door down. Started screaming “you’re not the only one with guns - you want me to get mine?”. Took a good 1/2 hour to apologize and convince him it was not gunfire and unintentional.
So, yeah, in my experience, it can set some guys off.
I’m sympathetic, but what if a car backfires? What if a tire blows?
If somebody really gets a bad case of the shakes, maybe take the wife to a nice hotel for the 4th.
Growing up in the early 80s I knew a lot of Vietnam vets, including some who had some unpleasant experiences. The 4th was never their favorite night, but they never put up signed asking people to not celebrate the 4th.
I just wish the locals would hang it up and midnight and not continue to pound us until 4am. Effin rednecks.
Friend is a very relative term when it comes to Facebook. I am friends with a lot of people I would prefer not to be because of my Political and Real Estate work. That is also why I can’t just get rid of it.
I might have a reaction to the first few, especially if caught off guard, but this reeks of special snowflake syndrome.
It’s the 4th. People set off fireworks. It’s not like its a new phenomenon. I may not always enjoy my reaction but I don’t expect people to cater to me either.
Oh, ok, got it… I’m not sure what purpose the sign serves in reality but that initial reply and the one about PTSD service dogs… what the hell problem could anyone have if a returning soldier gets a PTSD service dog? I wonder if all those that replied would consider going to the families of soldiers that returned and killed themselves. Would they be the great warrior that looks the parents in the eye and say your sons and daughters were weak and should never have served?
I agree with your second sentence, as it could have eroded to a shoot out. This is even true with the normally “nice guy” but who is drunk and belligerent - under the right circumstances. There is a difference between enabling and diffusing a situation should it arise.
However, it is relevant as both my own (and I’m sure other’s) experience show that there are some with PTSD (and this is not limited to combat Veterans BTW) who do respond to this sort of stimulus.
To make things CLEAR - IMO putting a sign out front is taking it too far. As with my neighbor, after a period of relationship building, he was open enough to reveal his issues person-to-person with explosions, etc.
Yeah, that sign is basically a meaningless solution. The people on his street “might” see it, the people on the next street for 5 blocks setting off aerial mortars aren’t even going to see it. And 5 blocks away or next door, the effect is about the same.
Of the people who even see the sign, 40% will probably completely disregard the sign and do whatever they were going to do anyway and figure 25% will engage in fireworks Armageddon because “who does he think he is to tell me I can’t do whatever I want” types. I think that sign is going to backfire on him.
God knows I sympathize, nothing fascinates stupid rednecks more than loud noise. Fireworks, cars / motorcycles with no muffler and blasting shitty music. But these types are the last ones who will respect or show consideration for others and asking them to understand concepts like “basic courtesy” usually only makes things worse.
Get help. Give your guns to a family member for a short time and get help. (To the guy in the picture that is more than likely seeking attention for being a vet).
I think the signs are absolutely ridiculous. In my opinion they’re people looking for attention. I wouldn’t necessarily say man up. I think it. If you need help get it. Don’t whine to the whole damn world about it. Do you job. Take care of your business.
I teach forensics in a Criminal Justice program.
Most will be going into a LEO career, and many are ex-mil.
LOTS of PTSD issues. Had one guy respond to a thunderclap by jumping out of his seat and running for cover during my lecture!
john
PS & FWIW - THE most common issue we have - and a minor one in the big picture - with the ex-mils is their “language”. It’s one thing to cuss like a longshoreman while in the heat of a confrontation - not so when talking to civvies in classrooms and elsewhere in the general public.
His house, his rules. He can put a sign up if he wants and it doesn’t matter two licks what I, or anyone else thinks. Fireworks are gonna happen no matter what he, or anyone else thinks. World works much smoother when everyone practices a little tolerance
