American Idol: I have to comment on Joshua Gracin. When I first heard he was a marine, I was a little bothered by the fact he was singing instead of doing his duty. Since he said he would go if called up, I decided that was a little better. Last night completely changed my mind. Before he sang, they showed the little video of him. It showed his wife and daughter. Then it showed Joshua crying, stating how it hurt him not to be there when his daughter asked for him. That pissed me off. My son asks for his father every day. It will be a very long time before my husband gets to call home and talk to him. If Joshua is so upset, maybe he should be home with his family instead of singing. I'm sorry, but I wouldn't want my child thinking of him as an American Idol. What message is he sending? To me, he is shirking his duty as a member of our military. His unit may not be deployed, but he isn't doing the duty he signed up for either. To sum it up, I think Joshua was very insensitive towards the men (and women) already over there fighting when he made that comment. They left behind children and the only contact they have is letters and the photos they carry in their pockets. And I have one word on the story he isn't receiving any special treament: bullshit! If anyone agrees or disagrees with my opinion, feel free to email me as I am turning off the comments on this entry so I can address each one separately.

Posted by Jen | www | E-Mail this entry

- Heather | 03.19.03 | 10:28 am

I don't watch American Idol but I DEFINATELY would be pissed! My husband has been gone for a long time and when he WAS home he was working super long hours...hardly returning home to eat and sleep...since 9-11!!!! Why did this guys unit let him leave to do a stupid TV show?!?!?! Plus, what kind of soldier would go?!??! That's rediculous! If you ask me he doesn't deserve to wear the uniform and say he's a US soldier because REAL soldiers are serving right now wether it's within the us at their home base or over seas!

- Jen | 03.19.03 | 3:52 pm

GRRR... That pissed me off also!~ I though it was nice when he went an said stuff with if he got asked togo ect he would.. that made things better.. But still Jen, I see where you are comming from there. I dont fully understand it yet sense dennis hasnt left, but im sure I will VERY soon. Even though I think i have the same feelings that you guys have with your Men already gone. -tear- Thanks again for the email, I will get back to you soon. But yeah over all that is wrong and I dont like American Idol anyways so i dont watch really, just by chance i was flipping through the channels at that time.. haha.. well im off ta class.. Bye dear.. -Jen-

- chris | 03.19.03 | 10:04 pm

i totally agree with you.

- Dave | 03.20.03 | 8:15 am

Being an SFC in the reserves (after 14 yrs active) it is my position that the little boy should be soundly flogged for deserting his unit and getting the TV show to do his whining for him. It is bad enough that the Marine command allowed this, but now his unit is short a trained man. Who knows, maybe he spent more time primping than he did training. Bottom line: He doesn't deserve to wear the uniform of a US Marine since he placed himself and his desires over the good of his unit. Those of us who proudly wear the uniform are disgusted.

Separate note: Ladies, you are doing as much a service of sacrifice as your men are. Thanks for supporting them. I can say from personal experience that having the support from home is more a morale booster than anything. Keep your heads up and stay proud. Military wives are the toughest and best on the planet. BZ

- Marissa | 03.20.03 | 12:19 pm

I feel that Joshua means well. I don't agree with his decision to be on the show when America can benefit him most somewhere where he is needed. Even if it is guarding a gate or what not. Right now the only American Idol I'm rooting for is our military men, women, and there loved ones. I pray every day and night for them to stay strong and to keep there faith in the Lord, because He's their only sheild of protection, He's their strength, and He will fight their battles for them. God bless everyone on this earth and I hope for yall to find peace in your hearts and minds. MM