Need help talking to my brother "Mortos" about new job

[rob-ok-vin]

Well this one is difficult. My brother, Steven, (A.K.A. Mortos) is one of the greatest guys I know. I am a contractor in Oklahoma and about a year and a half ago Steven came to work for me. I had always been a disillusioned Republican. As we worked together day after day he would lovingly ask me questions about my beliefs and over time allowed me to see that not only was I not a republican, but probably more liberal in my beliefs than most. He would talk to me about the POTUS and his admin. and point out many ways that the man I voted for in 2000 was misleading our country. He helped me see. He would talk about BIG corps and how corrupt they were and how they are only out to screw the little guy. We would talk about the war and how screwed up it was from the beginning. He would call radio talking heads daily and rake them over the coals about the truth of this war and this pResident. If you are reading this and KNOW Mortos from any of his post on this site you know what I'm talking about.

Now we come to where I need help today. My brother, The Conservative Fighter, Mortos, "My name is Steven Vincent", is taking a job with KBR in Iraq to build military facilities. I have talked with him and the money is GOOD. better than he can make here working for me. Especially since my work has been slow for the past month (and for this I feel somewhat responsible for his decision).

Now the question. How do I talk to him? What can I say that is loving and supporting but still allows him to see what he is doing for what it is?

Please help me. I am open to any suggestions that allow him to make his own decision and support him in that but also see what he is doing.

[NMDemDist2]

1. OMFG I'm so sorry

I'd be worried sick

I don't know what to tell you, what you can say.. He must have given it a lot of thought to take such a dangerous step to support an illegal war with his labor

good luck

:hug:

[Vincardog]

2. Mercenaries get well paid when they can cash their checks.

[stevedeshazer]

3. Fer cryin' out loud

They just had a baby, no?

Make sure yoou point out this thread to him.

[rob-ok-vin]

4. Yes they did

All the things I've said here I have already told him. And he is still going. Leaving for orientation (DE-Briefing) Jan 3

[babylonsister]

5. Yes, I remember Mortos and that

famous, courageous thread on here that he started. I'm so sorry for you and your family, and your brother. He must need the $ really bad to put himself in such an untenable situation. I don't know what to say, other than most of us would rather be poor and alive, with our integrity in tact, than working in a war zone and benefitting from the brutality that is a consequence of war, especially an illegal and immoral one.

[oneold1-4u]

6. Like the north slope

He might wait around a bit for the exploitation that will once again go on in Alaska. There were a few last time who lost fingers, toes, and ears because of freezing, but not blown to pieces or beheaded.
Could have gone there as a cook for $150 a day. Sorry now, because my SS check would be double. Many who went then, made more money than all the rest of their lives before and after. I don't care for the idea of oil from Alaska but if it would stem the tide of deaths in MI, for high priced oil, until we are not dependent on it for energy, then we should all sing "North to Alaska"!!

[amazona]

7. a 6 year of supply of oil to Japan

...would not do anything to stop our adventures in the Middle East.

[amazona]

8. don't know what to say

I hope he stays safe. To be honest when they are talking about paying people $100K-plus annual income to drive a truck, well, it makes me wish I could drive a truck! There are just so few opportunities and with a new family to take care of...I think we just have to be understanding and hope for the best.

[babylonsister]

9. Kick!

[elehhhhna]

10. Talk about LOVE.

Cry if possible.

Google up the articles (should be lots in the Houston Chronicle) about KBR not telling families ANYTHING about their kidnapped employees (of which there are many...)

It is NOT your fault that business is slow. We know who's fault that is.

[stevedeshazer]

11. Mortos, please read this thread

Money isn't worth as much as your safety right now.

Decide for yourself, but remember your family and friends. Peace.

Transmission over.

[rob-ok-vin]

12. He is all hung up on the$ right now.

And is spouting sh*t like if you can't beat them at least get some of the money

[stevedeshazer]

14. He needs sleep

Having a baby makes you wired.

You can't make rational decisions when you're exhausted.

It's blood money anyway.... :shrug:

[ldf]

13. good luck, and be safe, mortos....

we frequently make decisions for reasons that no others know. i hope you are making the right decision for the right reason.

we will be here when you get back.

:hug: