Jeff Lucey on June 22, 2004

Found this story (incorporated herewith in part) in Rolling Stone magazine, May 31, 2007 issue in an article entitled, ‘The Departed,’ about this fella that killed himself after his return from Iraq.
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…’The bumps in the road,’ sister Debbie explained was how Jeff, who transported troops and supplies as a convoy driver for the Marines, described the bodies of the Iraqi children he said he was occasionally required to plow over in his Humvee. ‘Jeff said, “I asked one of the other guys how I was supposed to handle this, and he said, “Don’t look back.” Then he told me he had a rope and a tree picked out, down by the pipeline.'

…Weeks earlier, during a walk down to the pipeline, Jeff asked his mom to listen to the Shinedown song ‘.45’ on his portable CD player. ‘The line that stuck out to me was ‘Whatever happened to the young man’s heart/Swallowed by pain as he slowly fell apart/And I’m staring down the barrel of a .45.’ In the brief remainder of Jeff’s life, his parents say he spent most of his days lying in bed, listening to that song over and over again while he stared at the ceiling. At night he suffered hallucinations, convinced that camel spiders were crawling all around him. The Luceys disabled Jeff’s car and cleared the house of anything they thought he might use to harm himself: knives, medication, even dog leashes and their step stool. 'We never thought about a hose,’ says his mom...
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Note that this boy DID NOT kill himself because of the song ‘.45’--George W. Bush killed this boy. This song was the only thing that gave this tortured soul solace, comfort; he died with the lyrics on his lips and in his heart. So much pain in this place. I hate war, and I hate you, George W. Bush.

We didn’t know you, Lance Cpl. Jeff Lucey, but we love you just the same, and we wish for you peace. Ohm Tat Saut Hum

)O(-D.
I pushed the button and elected him to office
He pushed the button and he dropped the bomb
You pushed the button and could watch in on the television
Those motherfuckers didn't last too long

Well I use to stand for something
Now I'm on my hands and knees
Turning in the god of this war
And he signs his name with a capital G
-Vessel, by NIN on CD, Year Zero

As long as they're not blaming the boys, it's okay. I don't get RS anymore, so I didn't see this. I'd hate to have to write them nasty letters for blaming the wrong people/person. I know that you said the music wasn't the cause but I felt the need to point that out before people get upset and send nasty letters.

No, I don't think they're blaming Shinedown for this boy's demise. But I'm blaming George W. Bush, the mutherfucking asshole of the universe, for his death and the countless others. I curse you, George W. Bush, may you be reborn as a coackroach for your next 50,000 lives.

War killed this boy, not a song. Can you imagine what it must have been like to be ordered to run over little children and not be allowed to stop to help, or even to look back to see what horrors you created? Can you imagine the nightmares? The guilt? The remorse? The Karma? Could you deal with it? I don't think I could, no I know I couldn't, I wouldn't. They'd have to fucking shoot me before I'd follow orders like that, and that's exactly what would have happened to Jeff had he resisted, which is of course, why he didn't.

The reason I posted it was because I was really touched by the fact that '.45' was the only thing this boy could relate to. He played it nonstop the last days of his life. This song was all he felt he had to hold on to. I think the song kept him alive longer. Fist to heart, bow 3X, love to this boy.

)O(-D.

I agree it wasn't the music... pretty sure the song isn't telling people that can't handle their problems to kill themselves with a .45. That's just dumb. I know their will be idiots that blame Shinedown, though. Pretty sad.

quote:

Originally posted by I4C:
'.45' was the only thing this boy could relate to. He played it nonstop the last days of his life. This song was all he felt he had to hold on to. I think the song kept him alive longer.

)O(-D.

not only do i agree that i couldn't have taken the orders and they would have had to shoot me but, i was paticularly touched by this statement, b/c this song had a similar effect on me and is the reason i'm where i am today, i send all my love to the family and peace to the boy it's a hrd life in the service and decisions that should never be asked of anyone are asked daily serenity is what our boys need

as i sit here and slowly close my eyes, i take another deep breath and feel the wind pass through my body, i'm the one in your soul reflecting inner light, protect the ones who hold you cradeling your inner child, >i need serenity, in a place where i can hide, i need serenity, nothing changes days go by< *where do we go when we just don't know and how do we relight the flame when it's cold, why do we dream when our thoughts mean nothign and when will we learn to control*

quote:

Originally posted by I4C:
War killed this boy
)O(-D.

I am trying very hard to keep my political statements to my self. George Bush has little responsibility in this. War is hell. People die. People come back fucked up. But unfortunately the world is run by the agressive use of force. Whether or not we agree with the war or even with each other, you have to admit atleast the world is a little safer without Sadam. One more thing, how many people would have done it differently after 9/11? Emotions and anger were high and we all pretty much wanted to nuke the sorry bastards. Iraq was just brought in on false pretences. That isn't just the president's fault. Many people to blame on that.
Sad story though. I am glad too they are smart enough not to blame a song. The boy had bigger issues than his music choice.

I totally agree with you Donna on everything, you said it perfectly, there's not much to add.

And think about how many people experience this...sad

quote:

you have to admit atleast the world is a little safer without Sadam.

No, I don't because it isn't. Ask the Iraqi's if their lives are safer, better. They have arrogant assholes from a county they hate taking over their world, pulling em outta their homes, smashing and bombing their shit, running over their kids, and bringing heathen ways into their space, and not for the sake democracy, for fucking oil. No, not safer. Iraq just replaced one tryant with another. Is the way of men.

Yes, it is the president's fault. He went against the advice of everybody around him; Congress and the rest of the world. The French tried as hard as they could to reason with him, with us. They don't seem like such losers now, do they?

)O(-D.
'All we are saying
Is give peace a chance.' John Lennon

i'm iffy on writing what i think, so please don't attack me b/c remember i'm the special child

it's a lose lose situation
you have side a where our troops are over there and it's really only creating more chaos in an already chaotic world, taking mroe lives and just stirring shit up

then you have side b where our troops are over there fighting a war on terror and we have sadam under wraps and little things for both iraq and america have improved


but on both cases the shit outweighs each other it's like being stuck in a cycle of hell, the only thing i can say for certain is this, i support our troops, and i wish them peace and serenity through the sleepless night they are sure to face, but outside of that it's a jumbled mess of wrong and right and the only thing we now for certain is there is no way to please everyone, if the war continues people complain, if the troops complain people complain there was a war left unfinished, all we can do is support the men who risk there lives for us and let your opinion be heard

*DISCLAIMER*this is a joke

ANARCHY

i started reading that article the other day.i couldn't finish it.i lost another nephew of mine last september and that article brought it all back.the pain those families are going through i know all too well.

quote:

No, I don't because it isn't. Ask the Iraqi's if their lives are safer, better. They have arrogant assholes from a county they hate taking over their world, pulling em outta their homes, smashing and bombing their shit, running over their kids, and bringing heathen ways into their space, and not for the sake democracy, for fucking oil. No, not safer. Iraq just replaced one tryant with another. Is the way of men.

Yes, it is the president's fault. He went against the advice of everybody around him; Congress and the rest of the world. The French tried as hard as they could to reason with him, with us. They don't seem like such losers now, do they?

This is all very humorous to me. Unlike everyone else on this board, I'm going to go ahead and stand up against this bullshit. First off, Congress didn't agree with the war? Really? Let me ask you...who voted for the war in Iraq? Lets start a list, shall we? First off, John Kerry. Secondly, Hillary Clinton. And third, Barrack Hussein Obama. Along with the majority of Congress as a whole. As a matter of fact, very few DISAGREED with the invasion at first, so get your facts straight. Secondly, since when did France become the model of life? We saved their ass in WWII, and funny how quickly they forget, so who needs their judgement?? And finally, disagree with the war all you'd like, but if you have so much sympathy for this soldier (which, I do as well) and so many others just like him, please DO NOT refer to them as arrogant assholes. And its hilarious that you call the soldier baby killers, but your liberal leaders support partial birth abortion? And this is a war for oil? That is straight out of the ignorant liberal Bible written by The Almighty Gore, isn't it? If this was a war for oil, then why are gas prices so high? If we wanted the oil that bad, we would go over there AND GET IT!! There is nothing that could stop us from sucking their land dry, but we have NOT! Get your facts straight. Shinedown boards are no place for ignorant remarks like this. Let the soldier rest in peace, war IS hell, sadly, and he is not the first, and will not be the last, to die like this. It is not shinedowns fault, nor George W Bush's. He enlisted knowing what his service was to be, period. Brent Smith didn't make him join, Bush didn't, America didn't, I didn't. It is not anyone's fault. So move on from the Rolling Stone bias, go watch Inconvenient Truth again (cause lord knows you are too illiterate to read the book) and let's talk about music again.

Jesus, who is this, Rosie O' Donnell?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: BTrain1029,

quote:

with the majority of Congress as a whole. As a matter of fact, very few DISAGREED with the invasion at first, so get your facts straight. Secondly, since when did France become the model of life? We saved their ass in WWII,

Thank you for your input, got a little wild with it, but still was fun to read, I like to debate.
Yes, u r right, Congress did agree, but do remember that Congress if full up with Republicans, nuff said.
I don't see it written where I said France was the model of life. I jus said they were right and they were.
Yes, we helped them in WWI and II, but go back farther, who saved our ass from the English? Yeah, buddy, the French. And wtf does any of that have to do with the subject?

quote:

but if you have so much sympathy for this soldier (which, I do as well) and so many others just like him, please DO NOT refer to them as arrogant assholes

I didn't call the soliders arrogant assholes, I called the United States arrogant assholes, and we are, and the rest of the world thinks so too. We think we are so fucking superior to everyone else. Guess what? The bigger they are the harder they fall.

Think about it, pal, what would you do if Iraq took over the US by force and sent their soliders over here to police us? Welcome them? No. You'd gather up whatever weapsons you had and attack and defend. And what if they ran over YOUR kid? You would do whatever it took to get revenge, I know you would, and I don't have to know you to know that. Think about how much the Middle East hates us. Think about how powerful that is.

quote:

And its hilarious that you call the soldier baby killers, but your liberal leaders support partial birth abortion?

Typical. I didn't call them baby killers, but I figure that was the only way you could think of to bring in abortion, cause you know you had to, is the Republican creed. I follow the law of Nature. Killing is killing, period. All who kill pay the Karmatic debt, not one thing that lives is excluded from this law.

quote:

Shinedown boards are no place for ignorant remarks like this.

You are not a moderator of this board, do not pretend to know what is, or is not out of place, it makes you look stupid, and obviously you are not. And the last time I looked, even though the man is watching, I can speak my mind freely, this ain't a police state, yet.

quote:

It is not shinedowns fault, nor George W Bush's.

Again, I didn't say it was Shinedown's fault. On the contrary. Did you even fucking read what I wrote? Maybe you read it, but did you understand it? It is most def George W. Bush's fault--where the fuck have you been?

quote:

(cause lord knows you are too illiterate to read the book)

Again, typical. You think you affect me by such remarks? ROTFLMFAO. I'm a freak, babe, I've been called much worser things than that!

quote:

Jesus, who is this, Rosie O' Donnell?

Oh, sure call on yer imaginary pal to help you when you run outta intelligent things to say. Guess what? 'There's a howling at the window, I feel him closing in. That green-eye jackals got the scent, knows I'll let him in. And the howling in the moonlight, babe, they're here to call your bluff.'
Hmm, a bit homophobic are we? Again, again, typical. You just feel a tremendous need to attack others, don't you? Does it make you feel big? Well, don't puff up on my account; I see through you quite clearly. There, there, now try to relax, the universe doesn't revolve around you.

)O(-D.
'All we are saying is give peace a chance.' John Lennon

did the UN agree?

quote:

Originally posted by BTrain1029:

quote:

No, I don't because it isn't. Ask the Iraqi's if their lives are safer, better. They have arrogant assholes from a county they hate taking over their world, pulling em outta their homes, smashing and bombing their shit, running over their kids, and bringing heathen ways into their space, and not for the sake democracy, for fucking oil. No, not safer. Iraq just replaced one tryant with another. Is the way of men.

Yes, it is the president's fault. He went against the advice of everybody around him; Congress and the rest of the world. The French tried as hard as they could to reason with him, with us. They don't seem like such losers now, do they?

This is all very humorous to me. Unlike everyone else on this board, I'm going to go ahead and stand up against this bullshit. First off, Congress didn't agree with the war? Really? Let me ask you...who voted for the war in Iraq? Lets start a list, shall we? First off, John Kerry. Secondly, Hillary Clinton. And third, Barrack Hussein Obama. Along with the majority of Congress as a whole. As a matter of fact, very few DISAGREED with the invasion at first, so get your facts straight. Secondly, since when did France become the model of life? We saved their ass in WWII, and funny how quickly they forget, so who needs their judgement?? And finally, disagree with the war all you'd like, but if you have so much sympathy for this soldier (which, I do as well) and so many others just like him, please DO NOT refer to them as arrogant assholes. And its hilarious that you call the soldier baby killers, but your liberal leaders support partial birth abortion? And this is a war for oil? That is straight out of the ignorant liberal Bible written by The Almighty Gore, isn't it? If this was a war for oil, then why are gas prices so high? If we wanted the oil that bad, we would go over there AND GET IT!! There is nothing that could stop us from sucking their land dry, but we have NOT! Get your facts straight. Shinedown boards are no place for ignorant remarks like this. Let the soldier rest in peace, war IS hell, sadly, and he is not the first, and will not be the last, to die like this. It is not shinedowns fault, nor George W Bush's. He enlisted knowing what his service was to be, period. Brent Smith didn't make him join, Bush didn't, America didn't, I didn't. It is not anyone's fault. So move on from the Rolling Stone bias, go watch Inconvenient Truth again (cause lord knows you are too illiterate to read the book) and let's talk about music again.

Jesus, who is this, Rosie O' Donnell?

I agree. Even Hillary voted for the war. I don't know whether it's wrong or right and yes, I am sorry for the dead on both sides but it's war and people die. Does anyremember when the Cole was bombed. Bill Clinton did nothing. Bill Clinton also sold nuclear secrets to North Korea and Isreal look at their crazy asses now. People forget that there was alot of stuff that happened leading upto this. George Bush hadn't been in office a year when it happened, and now we are stuck there. We are fucked if we pull out because that shows weekness, plus we are leaving them right where they were in the first place. The problem is not us but the fact that these people have been in a civil war for almost 1000 years. They cannot get along with each other let alone anyone else. In their culture it is more than ok to kill a woman for walking with a man who belongs to an enemy tribe. They are so seperate from each other there really isn't a whole lot of hope for a functioning government. And yes, it's terrible when any children die, but think about this, those guys don't wear uniforms. As in Vietnam, children were used as bait and weapons. Normal people do not kill children just to kill something. Bombs suck and can kill anything they come in contact with, but remember those children today become the enemy tomarrow. Not saying it's right, but it is true. Especially in the government's eyes. Durring Veitnam we bombed schools on purpose for that very reason. Granted that was a contraversial and fucked up war too, but it doesn't change the facts. My hubby wanted to re enlist but he's too old. But he thought with his training and such he could help the effort to make the world a lil safer.
Just for the record, in my opinion France is the biggest bunch of pussies in Europe.